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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 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
Venkatesh Question by Venkatesh on Dec 14, 2023Hindi
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Hello Sir, myself Venkatesh aged 35 working in PSU current monthly takehome salary is Rs.1.20lac investing Rs.1,50,000/- in PPF per annum, havings corpus in fixed deposits around Rs.30lacs, investing in Mutual funds through monthly SIP of Rs.8000/- in three funds from past 3years 1.Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund-Reg(G)- 3K 2. Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund-Reg(G)- 3K 3. Axis Focused 25 Fund-Reg(G)- 2K. Now i want to invest another Rs.15,000/- per month for 18-20years and also advise by what amount i can stepup my existing portfolio for better returns.

Ans: Dear Venkatesh,

Thank you for sharing your financial details and investment strategy. Your disciplined approach towards saving and investing is commendable, and it's great to see your proactive efforts towards planning for the future.

Considering your current financial situation and goals, here's a suggested plan for investing an additional ?15,000 per month and optimizing your existing portfolio:

New Investment of ?15,000 per Month:

Given your investment horizon of 18-20 years, you have the opportunity to invest in equity-oriented mutual funds to potentially achieve long-term growth.
Since you already have exposure to flexi-cap, large-cap, and focused equity funds, you can consider diversifying further by investing in mid-cap or multi-cap funds to capture opportunities across different market segments.
Allocate the additional ?15,000 per month across 2-3 mutual funds to ensure proper diversification and mitigate risk.
Portfolio Step-Up:

Evaluate the performance of your existing SIPs in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund, and Axis Focused 25 Fund.
Consider increasing your SIP contributions gradually over time to capitalize on the power of compounding and accelerate wealth accumulation.
Utilize the step-up SIP feature offered by mutual fund platforms to automatically increase your SIP amounts by a predefined percentage or fixed amount annually.
Review your portfolio periodically and adjust your SIP contributions as needed to stay aligned with your investment goals and risk tolerance.
Regular Review and Rebalancing:

Periodically review your investment portfolio and asset allocation to ensure that it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Rebalance your portfolio as needed to maintain your desired asset allocation and optimize returns. This involves selling overperforming assets and reinvesting the proceeds into underperforming or undervalued assets.
Consultation:

Consider consulting with a qualified financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial objectives and risk profile.
An advisor can help you assess your current portfolio, identify any gaps or areas for improvement, and recommend suitable investment options to achieve your long-term financial goals.
By following these steps and staying disciplined with your investment strategy, you can work towards building a strong financial foundation and achieving your financial aspirations.

Best regards,

Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner
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 Kalirajan  |9924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2024

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Dear Sir. I am 43 years old. i am a salaried person and my investment plan is for 15 years(Retiring a the age of 58). From Jan 2022 I am doing MF SIP of Rs. 12,000 pm(Increasing at rate of 10% per year). My purpose of investment is for retirement. Presently my monthly SIP in MF is as follows: 1) Canara Robeco Blue Chip Fund(Regular Growth) -- Rs 3,000 p.m. with 10% increase every year. 2) Axis Midcap Fund(Regular growth) - Rs 3,000 p.m. - with 10% increase every year. 3) SBI Small cap Fund(Regular Growth - Rs. 3000 p.m.- Without increase. 4) White Oak Flexi Cap Fund - Rs 2800 p.m. - Without increase. Further i am investing 2 to 5 gram (Lumpsum) in Sovereign Gold Bonds(8 years lock-in) as and when bonds listed for IPO. I want to earn Rs 1,00,000 p.m. after retirement. Please review my portfolio and advise for any change/shift to be done before retirement.
Ans: Your investment strategy for retirement looks well-planned and diversified. Regularly reviewing your portfolio is prudent to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Consider increasing exposure to funds with a consistent track record of delivering returns over the long term. Rebalance periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Given your timeline, staying invested in equities is sensible for potential growth. However, keep an eye on market trends and adjust your portfolio accordingly.

Continue to capitalize on opportunities like Sovereign Gold Bonds, but ensure they complement your overall portfolio without overshadowing other investments.

As you approach retirement, gradually shift towards more conservative options to safeguard your capital while aiming to generate the desired monthly income.

Remember, consistency and discipline are key to achieving your retirement goals. Keep monitoring and adjusting your strategy as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

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Hello Sir, myself Venkatesh aged 35 working in PSU current monthly takehome salary is Rs.1.20lac investing Rs.1,50,000/- in PPF per annum, havings corpus in fixed deposits around Rs.30lacs, investing in Mutual funds through monthly SIP of Rs.8000/- in three funds from past 3years 1.Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund-Reg(G)- 3K 2. Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund-Reg(G)- 3K 3. Axis Focused 25 Fund-Reg(G)- 2K. Now i want to invest another Rs.15,000/- per month for 18-20years and also advise by what amount i can stepup my existing portfolio for better returns.
Ans: Venkatesh! It's great to see your disciplined approach towards saving and investing. With your stable income and existing investments, adding Rs. 15,000 per month for 18-20 years can significantly boost your long-term wealth accumulation.

Considering your current portfolio, you may diversify further by adding funds from different categories to spread risk. Consider allocating the additional investment across different types of mutual funds such as mid-cap funds, small-cap funds, or international funds to enhance diversification.

As for stepping up your existing portfolio, you can consider increasing your SIP amounts gradually over time. Analyze the performance of your current funds and the potential for growth. Based on your risk tolerance and financial goals, you may consider increasing the SIP amounts in funds that have shown consistent performance and align with your investment objectives.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and goals. Together, you can create a comprehensive investment plan to maximize returns and achieve your long-term financial objectives. Keep up the excellent work with your savings and investments!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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Sir/Madam I'm 35 Years Old Salaried person I'm currently Investing Rs.30,000/- in Mutual Fund from 2017 Portfolio Value Is Rs.21,00,000/- and My Investment is 12,80,000/- Want To Continue For 10 Years.. 10% step-up in every 2 Years 1.SBI SMALL CAP 2.PARAG PAREKH FLEXI CAP 3.NIPPON SMALL CAP 4. DSP MID CAP 5.SBI INTERNATIONAL FUND 6.MOTILAL OSWAL TAX SAVING 7.AXIS NEXT 50 INDEX FUND
Ans: It's commendable that you've been investing systematically in mutual funds since 2017 and have built a substantial portfolio. Your strategy of continuing for another 10 years with a 10% step-up every 2 years reflects a disciplined approach towards wealth creation.
Let's review your current portfolio and make some suggestions:
1. SBI Small Cap, Nippon Small Cap, DSP Mid Cap: Small and mid-cap funds have the potential for high growth but come with higher volatility. Since you're looking at a long-term horizon, these can be suitable for wealth accumulation. However, monitor their performance closely and be prepared for fluctuations.
2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, SBI International Fund, Motilal Oswal Tax Saving: These funds offer diversification across market caps and geographies, which is beneficial for risk management. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, in particular, follows a flexible approach and invests in a mix of equity, debt, and international stocks, providing stability.
3. Axis Next 50 Index Fund: Index funds offer low-cost exposure to a basket of stocks mirroring a particular index. While they provide diversification, they may lack the potential for outperformance compared to actively managed funds. However, they can be a valuable addition to your portfolio for passive investing.
Considering your investment horizon and the step-up strategy, you can continue investing in these funds with periodic reviews. It's essential to rebalance your portfolio periodically to ensure alignment with your goals and risk tolerance.
Given the significant portfolio value, it's advisable to seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial objectives, risk appetite, and tax considerations.
Keep up the good work of systematic investing, and with a well-diversified portfolio, you're on track to achieve your long-term financial goals.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9924 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

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Sir, I am earning Rs 40000/- (Rs Forty thousand only) per month And aged 51 years old I can still work till 55 years I have very good knowledge in mutual funds and specially small cap funds My portfolio is as under 1) Quatt small cap fund 2) HSBC SMALL CAP FUND 3) TATA SMALL CAP FUND sip 25000 4) NIPPON SMALL CAP FUND sip 35000 5) AXIS 50 SMALL CAP NIFTY INDEX FUND 6) HDFC 250 SMALL CAP NIFTY INDEX FUND 7) MAHINDRA MANULIFE SMALL CAP FUND All investments are direct schemes I had received money from PPF account which is in lakhs should I invest more in mutual funds ?? Mohan Satpal
Ans: Your portfolio reflects a strong inclination towards small-cap funds, indicating a higher risk appetite and a belief in the growth potential of smaller companies. Let's evaluate your current portfolio and explore whether additional investments in mutual funds are suitable given your financial circumstances.

Portfolio Analysis
Focus on Small-cap Funds: Your portfolio is heavily concentrated in small-cap funds, which are known for their high growth potential but also carry increased volatility and risk. This concentration amplifies the risk-reward dynamics of your portfolio.
Active vs. Passive Management:
While you've included both actively managed mutual funds and index funds (ETFs) in your portfolio, it's important to understand the differences between the two. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through active stock selection and portfolio management, while index funds passively track a specific index's performance.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:
Actively managed funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to index funds, especially during market inefficiencies or when skilled fund managers can identify lucrative investment opportunities. Additionally, active management allows for flexibility in portfolio construction and adjustments based on market conditions.
Potential Disadvantages of Index Funds:
While index funds offer low expense ratios and broad market exposure, they may lack the potential for outperformance compared to actively managed funds. Additionally, they're subject to tracking error, which occurs when the fund's performance deviates from the index it's designed to replicate.


Direct Scheme Investments: Opting for direct schemes indicates your confidence in making independent investment decisions. However, it also requires active monitoring and research to ensure optimal fund selection and performance.
There are some advantages to consider direct funds, and the cost savings can be significant in the long run. However, there are some potential benefits to using a regular MFD:
Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):
• Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
• Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
• Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.


Financial Situation
Monthly Income and Expenses: With a monthly income of Rs 40,000 and nearing retirement age at 55, it's essential to assess your financial stability and readiness for retirement. Consideration of future expenses and income sources is crucial in planning your investment strategy.

Lump Sum from PPF: The lump sum amount received from your PPF account presents an opportunity to bolster your investment portfolio. However, it's essential to evaluate your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals before allocating these funds.

Investment Decision
Given your age, income, and existing investment portfolio, further investments in mutual funds should be approached cautiously. Here are some considerations:

Risk Management: With retirement approaching, it's prudent to reassess your risk appetite and gradually transition to a more conservative investment approach. Consider reallocating a portion of your small-cap holdings to diversified equity or balanced funds to reduce portfolio volatility.

Diversification: While small-cap funds offer growth potential, diversifying across different market segments can help mitigate risk. Consider adding large-cap or multi-cap funds to your portfolio to achieve a balanced allocation.

Professional Advice: Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and retirement timeline. They can help you optimize your investment portfolio and make informed decisions.

Conclusion
As you near retirement age, it's essential to review your investment strategy to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. While small-cap funds offer growth potential, diversification and risk management are key considerations. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable insights and guidance in navigating your investment journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Is joining Jaypee guna for btech cse worth it or not
Ans: Vibhuti, Jaypee University of Engineering and Technology (JUET) Guna, accredited with NAAC ‘A+’ and recognized by UGC and AICTE, delivers a well-structured B.Tech CSE program on a 100-acre campus featuring modern hostels, high-speed connectivity, extensive labs, dedicated faculty (90% with PhDs from renowned institutes), and strong student-centric support systems. Placement rates for CSE consistently lie between 90% and 96% over the past three years, with leading recruiters like Amazon, Infosys, TCS, Capgemini, and Wipro offering diverse roles; top campus packages can be very high, though most offers are at the 5–7 LPA range, and the placement process is generally smooth. The infrastructure is frequently praised for its contemporary classrooms, green campus, and robust amenities—including a 24/7 library, gyms, and strong security. Students highlight an active, fun campus life and regular opportunities for internships, while also noting the academic environment as structured but not overly intense, making it suitable for average learners seeking guided growth. Among experiences, some mention that while the bulk of placements are from mass recruiters, competitive students with strong skills benefit most, and those less proactive may need to depend on off-campus job searches. Hostel and mess quality meet expectations, with limited complaints overall. Slight drawbacks cited include relative geographic isolation (which affects daily commuting for day scholars) and less global visibility compared to tier-1 engineering colleges, though industry exposure on campus is robust. All five institutional essentials—national accreditation, qualified faculty, modern infrastructure, active placement cell, and comprehensive student support—are well addressed, making CSE at Jaypee Guna an attractive, value-for-money option within the private engineering sector.

RECOMMENDATION: Jaypee Guna is a solid choice for B.Tech CSE, owing to its consistent 90–96% placement rates, A+ accreditation, experienced faculty, advanced facilities, and supportive campus environment. It is well suited for students seeking quality education and reliable placements, provided they remain engaged and proactive during their degree. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 29, 2025Hindi
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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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