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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 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
PRADEEP Question by PRADEEP on Jul 22, 2023Hindi
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Money

Hello Sir My Name Pradeep My All Mutual Fund Regular investment last 5 years I am asking for i am switch for regular to direct fund. Please Suggest me.

Ans: It's great to hear that you've been investing in mutual funds regularly for the past 5 years. When considering whether to switch from regular to direct funds, it's essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option.

While direct funds typically have lower expense ratios compared to regular funds, they may not provide the same level of guidance and support that you receive from investing through an intermediary. With regular funds, you have access to the expertise and assistance of a financial advisor who can offer personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Given your investment journey so far and the importance of having guidance, I would recommend sticking with regular funds for now. If you're looking to optimize costs, you can explore the possibility of negotiating lower fees with your intermediary or considering other intermediaries who offer competitive rates without compromising on the quality of service.

Ultimately, the decision depends on your preferences and investment objectives. If you value the support and guidance provided by your intermediary, it may be worthwhile to continue investing in regular funds through their platform.

I hope this helps clarify your options. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out.
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Money
I have invested in regular Mutual fund they are HDFC MID CAP OPPORTUNITY FUND Regular Growth Invested-2.91L Portfolio-11.36L XIRR-22%, Franklin India smaller companies Investment-2.15L,Portfolio-8.15L,XIRR-21%,Aditya Birla Sunlife frontline Equity Fund Investment-2.15, Portfolio-5.76L,XIRR-15%,Mira Asset Large & mid Cap Investment-1.31L Portfolio-3.73L,XIRR-21% & ICIC PRUDENTIAL ELSS Tax saver fund Investment-1.50L, Portfolio-4.24L,XIRR-15%. I have stoped all above investment. After understanding mutual fund I have started my own and getting XIRR-24% in Mirea Asset ELSS& 30%,Axis Small cap. Pls suggest may I switch to direct and what is better way to grow my regular Mutual funds.
Ans: You've made significant strides in your investment journey, achieving good returns. Your investments in regular mutual funds have delivered an XIRR between 15% to 22%, which is commendable. This indicates that your fund selection strategy has worked well.

The XIRR of 22% in HDFC Mid Cap and 21% in Franklin Smaller Companies shows a strong performance in mid and small-cap funds.

Aditya Birla Sunlife Frontline Equity and ICICI Prudential ELSS are more conservative, delivering around 15% returns, which are still decent, given the nature of large-cap and tax-saving funds.

The Mirae Asset Large & Mid Cap fund is balanced and performing well, with an XIRR of 21%.

Shifting from regular funds to direct funds is a natural thought, especially when you see higher returns in some of your self-selected investments. Let’s discuss this in detail.

Regular vs Direct Funds: Advantages of Staying in Regular Funds
It’s tempting to switch to direct mutual funds as they offer lower expense ratios, which can lead to slightly higher returns. However, you must weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional Guidance: Regular funds come with the support of an MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor) with CFP credentials. This ensures professional management of your portfolio, aligning your investments with long-term goals like retirement, education, or other life events.

Rebalancing Advice: A certified financial planner can provide valuable input on rebalancing your portfolio. They help ensure you don't get overexposed to high-risk sectors or underperforming funds.

Tax Efficiency: CFPs can offer advice on the tax implications of redeeming your funds, ensuring you don’t end up paying unnecessary taxes.

Behavioral Support: It is easy to get swayed by market volatility or make emotional decisions. With a CFP, you get disciplined investing and objective advice to prevent such pitfalls.

Drawbacks of Direct Funds
Self-Management: You must monitor and manage your investments yourself. This requires constant attention to market trends and portfolio performance.

Tax Complications: Managing tax efficiency and understanding the implications of every redemption becomes your responsibility.

Time-Consuming: If you are handling everything yourself, you may need to spend hours tracking the market and researching funds, which might be difficult considering your work or personal commitments.

Hidden Costs: While direct funds may have lower expense ratios, you could end up losing out due to lack of expert advice. Missed opportunities for rebalancing, avoiding taxes, or market corrections can cost you more than the 0.5%-1% saved on expenses.

Conclusion on Switching to Direct Funds
It’s clear that while direct funds may appear more cost-effective, the added value of professional advice and financial planning with regular funds can outweigh the small cost differences. The disciplined and guided approach will help you achieve higher returns over time and reduce risks from market volatility.

Enhancing Your Regular Mutual Fund Portfolio
Since you've already stopped investing in these funds, let's explore how you can grow your portfolio.

Review Existing Investments
Mid and Small-Cap Funds: These have done well for you with an XIRR of over 20%. Consider keeping your mid-cap and small-cap exposure intact, but periodically review fund performance.

Large-Cap and ELSS Funds: While large-cap funds like Aditya Birla Sunlife Frontline have delivered lower returns, they are stable. ELSS funds have given decent tax-saving benefits alongside reasonable returns. You might want to continue holding these, but avoid adding fresh investments into underperforming funds.

Asset Allocation Strategy
A well-diversified portfolio can balance risks and rewards. Here's how you can improve your asset allocation:

Increase Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Allocation: Given your experience, you may want to increase your exposure to mid-cap and small-cap funds. These funds provide high-growth potential, but with increased volatility. Allocating 30-40% of your equity investments to this sector can help capture growth opportunities over the long term.

Balance with Large-Cap and Multi-Cap Funds: Continue with a moderate allocation to large-cap and multi-cap funds to provide stability. These funds offer less volatility, especially in a turbulent market. A 20-30% allocation in these funds is recommended for steady long-term growth.

Add Hybrid Funds for Stability: Hybrid funds can balance risk and return by investing in both equity and debt. Consider adding balanced hybrid funds to smooth out market volatility, especially as markets fluctuate.

Tax Efficiency and Strategic Withdrawals
You must also consider the tax implications of your investments:

Capital Gains on Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%. Plan withdrawals strategically to optimize tax impact. Avoid selling large chunks that result in high taxes.

Tax-Saving ELSS: Keep using ELSS funds for tax-saving purposes. If you hold them for the mandatory lock-in period of three years, you will also avoid short-term capital gains tax.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio
You’ve done well with your regular mutual funds, but rebalancing is key. Consider the following:

Periodic Reviews: Regularly review the performance of your funds with the help of a CFP. If a fund is underperforming for a prolonged period, it might be time to switch.

Lock-in Strategy: Don’t be hasty in exiting funds that are temporarily underperforming. Many funds go through rough phases, but long-term trends are more important than short-term hiccups.

Partial Redemption: If a fund is overexposed or giving high returns, consider redeeming partially to lock in profits. Reinvest those profits in new opportunities.

Investing in Tax Saver ELSS Funds
You've seen great results from the Mirae Asset ELSS with 24% XIRR, and the Axis Small Cap with 30% XIRR. These numbers indicate that your choice of funds is excellent.

Continue Investing in ELSS: These tax-saving funds are effective in not only reducing your tax liability but also generating strong returns. They have a three-year lock-in, which encourages disciplined long-term investing.

Small-Cap Focus: You have already tasted success with small-cap funds like Axis Small Cap. Consider increasing your small-cap allocation. But remember that small-cap investments are high risk, high reward. Avoid putting more than 30% of your total portfolio into small caps.

Systematic Withdrawal and Fresh Investments
Switch Gradually: If you decide to move to direct funds (though I recommend staying in regular funds), switch gradually. A phased approach minimizes the impact of market fluctuations. Consider setting up a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) to redeem slowly and avoid large tax liabilities.

Fresh Investments: Any fresh investments should be directed towards funds that align with your long-term goals. Avoid adding more to underperforming funds.

Final Insights
You've shown an impressive understanding of the market and mutual funds. The transition from regular to direct funds might seem tempting but comes with added responsibilities and risks. I suggest you stay with regular funds under the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner.

Review and rebalance your portfolio regularly to keep it aligned with your financial goals. Keep a balance between high-growth small-cap funds and stable large-cap and multi-cap funds for long-term stability.

Use ELSS funds for tax-saving purposes and maintain tax efficiency in your investment strategy.

Keep a diversified portfolio that balances growth potential with risk management. Consider hybrid funds or balanced options for smoother returns.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

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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