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Ramalingam Kalirajan |8069 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 29, 2024Hindi

Hello I'm working in private sector and my age is 34. Currently i'm investing in 7 mutual funds for longterm wealth creation. Rs1000 in Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth, Rs1000 in Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth, Rs1000 in Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund Direct Growth, Rs1000 in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth, Rs1000 in Nippon India Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund Direct Growth, Rs1000 in Motilal Oswal Nifty Midcap 150 Index Fund Direct Growth, Rs1000 in DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Direct Growth. Please let me know if you see any need for corrections or changes in my portfolio. Thank you.

Ans: Evaluating and Optimising Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Commendation on Your Investment Strategy
First, congratulations on your commitment to long-term wealth creation. At 34, you have ample time to grow your investments, and your diversified approach is commendable. Investing in mutual funds is a smart way to build wealth over time.

Analysis of Your Current Portfolio
Understanding Your Choices:

You are currently investing Rs. 1,000 each in seven mutual funds. Your portfolio includes small-cap, mid-cap, ELSS tax saver, flexi-cap, and index funds. This diversification helps spread risk across different market segments.

Pros:

Diversification: Your investments cover various market capitalisations and sectors, reducing risk.
Growth Potential: Small-cap and mid-cap funds can offer high growth potential over time.
Tax Savings: ELSS funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C.
Cons:

Overlapping Investments: Multiple funds in similar categories can lead to overlapping, reducing overall diversification.
Management Effort: Managing many funds can be time-consuming and may require frequent monitoring.
Assessing Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct Funds:

Lower Expense Ratios: Direct funds have lower expense ratios, meaning more of your money is invested.
Requires Expertise: Direct investing requires a good understanding of the market and funds.
Regular Funds:

Professional Guidance: Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides expert advice.
Active Management: Professional fund managers actively manage your investments, aiming to outperform the market.
Evaluating Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Actively Managed Funds:

Potential for Higher Returns: Fund managers actively select stocks to beat the market, potentially offering higher returns.
Personalised Management: These funds can be tailored to market conditions and investment goals.
Index Funds:

Market Performance: Index funds aim to replicate the market, which may limit returns.
Lower Fees: They generally have lower fees but lack the flexibility of active management.
Suggested Portfolio Adjustments
To optimise your portfolio, consider the following adjustments:

Reduce Overlap:

Consolidate Funds: Streamline your investments by consolidating funds with similar objectives. This reduces overlap and simplifies management.
Increase Active Management:

Professional Management: Shift some investments from index funds to actively managed funds. This leverages the expertise of professional managers.
Balance Risk and Return:

Diversify Wisely: Ensure a good mix of high-growth potential funds and stable investments. This balances risk and return effectively.
Empathy and Understanding Your Financial Goals
Your dedication to investing and building wealth is admirable. It’s essential to align your investments with your long-term goals. By reviewing and adjusting your portfolio, you can enhance its performance and achieve financial success.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is on the right track. With some adjustments and professional guidance, you can optimise your portfolio for better returns. Diversification, professional management, and balancing risk will help you achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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