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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7968 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 21, 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 - May 20, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello, I am a Muslim wanting to Invest according to Shariah principle. I have a net Income of about 2 lakhs INR/month. I am 37 and looking to create a corpus of 1.5 crore by the time I am 50.. As a practicing Muslim, I want to ensure the investment is Shariah compliant. I have a strength of investing upto 50k/month and this may grow in the future too! kindly suggest what would be my best options.

Ans: Crafting a Shariah-Compliant Investment Strategy for Your Financial Objectives
In your pursuit of building a corpus of 1.5 crore by the age of 50, aligned with Shariah principles, we'll outline a tailored investment strategy leveraging various Shariah-compliant avenues and prudent financial planning.

Understanding Shariah-Compliant Investing
Core Principles of Shariah Compliance
Shariah-compliant investing emphasizes ethical and responsible investment practices, steering clear of businesses engaged in activities incompatible with Islamic teachings, such as alcohol, gambling, and interest-based transactions. It prioritizes transparency, fairness, and social responsibility.

Importance of Ethical Investing
Adhering to Shariah principles not only ensures compliance with religious beliefs but also promotes socially responsible investment practices, fostering financial growth with integrity. By investing ethically, you contribute to sustainable development and positive social impact.

Shariah-Compliant Investment Options
Islamic Mutual Funds
Invest in Islamic mutual funds that adhere to Shariah guidelines, allocating funds to companies compliant with Islamic principles, thus offering a diversified portfolio of Shariah-compliant stocks. These funds undergo rigorous screening processes to ensure adherence to Shariah principles.

Shariah-Compliant Equities
Diversify your investment portfolio with Shariah-compliant equities, selecting stocks of companies operating in permissible sectors, screened based on Shariah criteria. These criteria typically exclude businesses involved in industries such as alcohol, tobacco, and gambling.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Consider investing in Shariah-compliant REITs, which provide exposure to real estate assets while adhering to Islamic finance principles, offering potential rental income and capital appreciation. Shariah-compliant REITs invest in properties and assets that comply with Shariah guidelines.

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
Explore Shariah-compliant ETFs that track indices comprised of Shariah-compliant stocks, providing diversification and liquidity within a Shariah-compliant framework. These ETFs offer investors exposure to a basket of Shariah-compliant stocks across various sectors.

Wealth Accumulation Strategy
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Implement a SIP approach, allocating a portion of your monthly income to Shariah-compliant investment avenues, fostering disciplined wealth accumulation over time. SIPs allow for regular and systematic investment, enabling you to benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Asset Allocation and Diversification
Employ prudent asset allocation strategies, diversifying your investment portfolio across various Shariah-compliant asset classes to mitigate risk and optimize returns. A well-diversified portfolio helps spread risk and enhances the potential for long-term wealth creation.

Goal-Based Financial Planning
Defining Financial Objectives
Define clear financial goals, including the target corpus of 1.5 crore by age 50, and tailor your investment strategy to align with these objectives. Consider factors such as risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity requirements when crafting your financial plan.

Regular Portfolio Review
Regularly review and rebalance your investment portfolio, ensuring alignment with Shariah principles and adjusting your asset allocation as per changing market dynamics. Periodic portfolio reviews help you stay on track towards your financial goals and make necessary adjustments when required.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Consultation with Certified Financial Planners (CFPs)
Engage with Certified Financial Planners specializing in Shariah-compliant investing, seeking personalized advice to optimize your investment strategy and achieve your financial goals. A CFP can help you navigate the complexities of Shariah-compliant investing and provide tailored recommendations based on your unique circumstances.

Continuous Learning and Education
Stay informed about developments in Shariah-compliant investment options and financial planning strategies, empowering yourself to make informed investment decisions aligned with your values. Continuous learning and education are essential for staying abreast of market trends and maximizing investment opportunities.

By embracing a diversified approach to Shariah-compliant investing and seeking guidance from Certified Financial Planners, you can navigate the investment landscape with confidence and work towards realizing your financial aspirations while upholding your religious beliefs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7968 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2024

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Kindly suggest me Shariah compliant mutual funds . I am aware of Tata Ethical & Tarot
Ans: Choosing Shariah-compliant investment options is a wise and principled approach to aligning your financial goals with your ethical and religious beliefs. Let's discuss some Shariah-compliant mutual funds, along with other investment options like gold funds, silver ETFs, and sectoral funds.

Understanding Shariah-Compliant Investments
Shariah-compliant investments adhere to Islamic law, which prohibits investing in businesses that deal with alcohol, gambling, pork, and interest-bearing instruments. These funds focus on companies that comply with Islamic ethical standards.

Shariah-Compliant Mutual Funds
Apart from Tata Ethical Fund and Taurus Ethical Fund, here are a few more options:

Reliance ETF Shariah BeES

An exchange-traded fund that tracks the Nifty50 Shariah Index.
Provides exposure to a basket of Shariah-compliant stocks.
Gold and Silver Funds
Gold and silver are considered good investments as they are tangible assets and often hedge against inflation. They are also Shariah-compliant.

Gold Funds

SBI Gold Fund: Invests in physical gold and is suitable for those looking to diversify their portfolio.
HDFC Gold Fund: Another good option that invests in gold ETFs and provides an easy way to invest in gold.
Silver ETFs

Aditya Birla Sun Life Silver ETF: Allows you to invest in silver without the need to hold physical silver.
Nippon India Silver ETF: Another option for investing in silver, offering liquidity and convenience.
Sectoral Funds
Sectoral funds invest in specific sectors like technology, healthcare, or energy. While not all sectoral funds may be Shariah-compliant, some sectors like technology and healthcare generally align with Shariah principles.

Benefits of Investing in Gold and Silver
Hedge Against Inflation: Gold and silver often retain value better during inflationary periods.
Diversification: They provide diversification to your investment portfolio, reducing overall risk.
Tangible Assets: Being physical commodities, they offer a sense of security.
Advantages of Sectoral Funds
High Growth Potential: Sectors like technology and healthcare have high growth potential.
Focused Investments: These funds allow you to capitalize on the growth of specific industries.
Diversification: Adding sectoral funds to your portfolio can diversify your investments and reduce risk.
Evaluating Your Investment Strategy
Assess Your Risk Tolerance: Sectoral funds can be volatile. Ensure they match your risk appetite.

Diversify Your Portfolio: A mix of Shariah-compliant equity funds, gold funds, silver ETFs, and sectoral funds can balance risk and returns.

Regularly Review Investments: Monitor the performance of your investments and make adjustments as needed.

Final Insights
Investing in Shariah-compliant mutual funds, gold and silver funds, and sectoral funds can provide a balanced and ethical investment portfolio. It’s crucial to assess your risk tolerance, diversify your investments, and regularly review your portfolio to achieve your financial goals.

By considering these options and maintaining a diversified portfolio, you can achieve your financial goals while adhering to your ethical and religious principles.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7968 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Money
Sir, I want to invest in shariah based funds or funds that will give returns without Interest which is prohibited in my faith. Can you please advise on ways to invest. I am 38 years old, wishing to work till 60 years. Currently employed in Middle east. I have a daughter of 7 years old. My dependants are my parents along with my wife and daughter. I dont have any debt. My next year goal is building a home for which I will save sufficient amount by next year . Please advise me where i can invest , for my retirement fund.
Ans: You wish to invest in Shariah-compliant funds and avoid interest-based returns. This aligns with your faith and values. Your financial goal includes building a home next year and planning for retirement.

Your focus is also on your dependents: wife, daughter, and parents.

Let us structure a detailed plan tailored to your needs.

Principles of Shariah-Compliant Investing
Shariah-based investing prohibits interest (riba) and promotes ethical investments.

Avoidance of Prohibited Activities:
Investments must not involve gambling, alcohol, pork, or other restricted sectors.

Equity-Based Investments:
Shariah-compliant funds invest in stocks of ethically governed companies.

No Fixed Returns:
Shariah investments rely on profit-sharing or equity appreciation, avoiding fixed interest income.

Professional Guidance is Key:
Work with a Certified Financial Planner experienced in Shariah-based investments.

Investment Options Aligned with Shariah
Shariah-compliant investment options cater to your values and financial goals.

Shariah-Based Mutual Funds:
Invest in funds screened for Shariah compliance. These avoid interest-generating or prohibited sectors.

Equity Markets:
Directly invest in stocks of companies that adhere to Islamic principles.

Gold Investments:
Gold, in physical or electronic form, is permissible and a stable investment.

Retirement Planning
Retirement planning requires a disciplined and structured approach for 22 years until you turn 60.

Shariah-Compliant Equity Funds:
Allocate a significant portion to equity funds for long-term growth.

Diversify Across Geographies:
Consider international Shariah-compliant funds to reduce country-specific risks.

Gold as a Hedge:
Allocate a small percentage to gold for portfolio stability during economic downturns.

Flexible Withdrawal Plans:
Shariah investments can be designed to provide regular income during retirement.

Investment Strategy for Different Goals
Building Your Home
You plan to save sufficiently by next year for this purpose.

Preserve Capital:
Use low-risk Shariah-compliant options like Sukuk or liquid Shariah funds.

Avoid Volatile Investments:
Equity investments are unsuitable for short-term goals like building a home.

Daughter’s Education
Your daughter’s education is a critical long-term goal.

Long-Term Shariah Investments:
Invest in equity-based Shariah funds for wealth growth.

Start a Dedicated Portfolio:
Separate this portfolio to ensure funds are available when needed.

Periodic Reviews:
Monitor the investment performance and adjust as her education timeline nears.

Retirement Corpus
Retirement planning requires consistent investments over the next 22 years.

High Allocation to Equity:
Invest 70%-80% in Shariah-compliant equity funds for higher returns.

Gradual Risk Reduction:
Shift to lower-risk gold investments as retirement approaches.

Automated Investments:
Use SIPs in Shariah-compliant funds to ensure disciplined investing.

Managing Family and Dependent Needs
Your parents, wife, and daughter depend on you financially.

Emergency Fund:
Maintain 12-18 months of expenses in a non-interest savings account.

Takaful Insurance:
Consider Takaful, an Islamic alternative to traditional insurance, for life and health cover.

Health Provisions for Parents:
Ensure adequate health coverage for your aging parents under Shariah principles.

Key Advantages of Shariah-Compliant Funds
Ethical Investments:
They align with Islamic principles and provide peace of mind.

Global Opportunities:
Shariah-compliant funds offer access to international markets for diversification.

Potential for Long-Term Growth:
Equity-based funds typically outperform fixed-income investments over the long term.

Avoiding Index and Direct Funds
Shariah-compliant funds are actively managed by experts. Avoid index funds and direct funds due to:

Limited Customisation:
Index funds follow benchmarks and cannot adapt to specific Shariah requirements.

Professional Expertise Needed:
Direct funds lack the oversight provided by MFDs and Certified Financial Planners.

Tax Implications for Shariah Investments
Although you reside in the Middle East, taxation may apply if you invest in India.

Equity Investments:
LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%. STCG is taxed at 20%.

Sukuk and Gold:
Gains are taxed as per your income slab.

Consult a tax professional to optimise your tax liabilities based on your investments.

Final Insights
Shariah-compliant investing offers ethical and growth-oriented options aligned with your faith. Focus on a diversified portfolio for retirement, education, and family needs. Regularly review your investments with a Certified Financial Planner for sustained growth and compliance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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