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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6690 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 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
praveen Question by praveen on May 29, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello sir, My Name is Praveen, 46 years old, I started investing in MFs from last 10years with 9K per month (3K each Large, Mid and Small cap). From last 3 months I increased my SIP to 40k by adding 10K each in quant Mid, Small cap and 11k in parag parikshit flexi cap. I wanted to ask you, is it on with 20K in quant (mid and small cap) or should I diversify further? thank you.

Ans: Praveen, let's review your current investment strategy and explore the best approach to diversify and grow your portfolio.

Understanding Your Current Investment Strategy
You have been investing in mutual funds for the past ten years, which is commendable. Starting with Rs 9,000 per month across large, mid, and small-cap funds, you have recently increased your SIP to Rs 40,000 per month.

Analyzing Your Current Portfolio
Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies with strong market positions. These funds provide stability and moderate growth. They are suitable for conservative investors seeking steady returns.

Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds invest in companies with potential for higher growth compared to large-cap funds. They come with moderate risk and can enhance your portfolio's growth potential.

Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential but also higher volatility. They can offer significant returns but require a higher risk tolerance.

Recent Changes in Your SIP
You have increased your SIP to Rs 40,000 by adding Rs 10,000 each to mid and small-cap funds and Rs 11,000 to a flexi-cap fund. This shows a strategic approach to diversify and enhance growth potential.

Evaluating Your Investment Choices
Quant Mid and Small-Cap Funds
Quant mid and small-cap funds can offer high growth but come with higher volatility. Allocating Rs 20,000 to these funds shows a focus on growth, but it’s important to balance this with less volatile investments.

Flexi-Cap Funds
Flexi-cap funds invest across market capitalizations, providing flexibility and balance. They can adapt to market conditions, making them a good choice for diversification.

Benefits of Diversification
Risk Management
Diversifying your investments helps manage risk. By spreading investments across various asset classes, you reduce the impact of poor performance in any one area.

Enhanced Returns
Diversification can also enhance returns. By including a mix of large, mid, small, and flexi-cap funds, you balance stability and growth potential.

Should You Diversify Further?
Current Allocation
Your current allocation includes a significant focus on mid and small-cap funds. While these funds can offer high returns, they also come with higher risk. It’s crucial to assess whether this aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Potential for Additional Diversification
Consider adding more large-cap or balanced funds to your portfolio. These funds can provide stability and reduce overall risk. Diversifying further into different sectors or themes can also enhance growth potential.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Expertise
Actively managed funds benefit from professional expertise. Fund managers research and select stocks, aiming to outperform the market. This can lead to higher returns compared to index funds.

Flexibility
Actively managed funds can adapt to market conditions, making strategic adjustments to optimize performance. This flexibility can be advantageous in volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Lack of Flexibility
Index funds track a market index and cannot adjust to changing conditions. This lack of flexibility can result in missed opportunities for higher returns.

Market Performance Dependency
Index funds perform in line with the market. In a downturn, they reflect market losses without mechanisms to protect against them.

Benefits of Regular Funds Through a Certified Financial Planner
Personalized Investment Strategy
A Certified Financial Planner can create a personalized investment strategy based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. This tailored approach ensures your investments align with your objectives.

Ongoing Portfolio Management
Regular reviews and adjustments to your portfolio ensure it remains aligned with your goals. A planner can adjust your strategy based on market trends and personal circumstances.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Importance of Regular Reviews
Regularly reviewing your portfolio is essential. This ensures your investments are performing as expected and remain aligned with your financial goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances change, so adjustments may be necessary.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Rebalancing involves adjusting your investments to maintain your desired asset allocation. This helps manage risk and ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy shows a strong focus on growth through mid and small-cap funds. While this can enhance returns, it also increases risk. Consider diversifying further into large-cap and balanced funds to provide stability. Regular reviews and rebalancing with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner can optimize your portfolio for long-term growth and stability.

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 Kalirajan  |6690 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

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I do have SIP going on below MFs from 2000 rs to 10000 rs in each MF. My monthly investment is 1 lakh. Most of them are from 2015 and a few of them were added in 2022. My age is 40 and my goal is to create wealth of 10cr in the next 10 years. I believe in aggressive growth. Should I continue investing in below MFs or need to replace them with different MFs? Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund - Growth Aditya Birla Sun Life MNC Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Aditya Birla Sun Life Multi-Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Axis Focused 25 Fund - Regular Plan - Growth DSP Small Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Franklin India Smaller Companies Fund - Growth HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund - Growth ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund - Growth L&T India Value Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Samco Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund - Growth ICICI Prudential NASDAQ 100 Index Fund Direct Growth Edelweiss Balanced Advantage Fund - Growth Kotak Small Cap Fund - Growth DSP Quant Fund - Direct - Growth
Ans: Creating Wealth with Aggressive Mutual Fund Investments
your commitment to building a substantial corpus for the future is commendable. Let’s assess your current mutual fund portfolio and explore ways to achieve your goal of Rs. 10 crore in the next 10 years.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Current Mutual Fund Investments
Aditya Birla Sun Life Frontline Equity Fund - Growth
Aditya Birla Sun Life MNC Fund - Regular Plan - Growth
Aditya Birla Sun Life Multi-Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth
Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth
Axis Focused 25 Fund - Regular Plan - Growth
DSP Small Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth
Franklin India Smaller Companies Fund - Growth
HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund - Growth
ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund - Growth
L&T India Value Fund - Regular Plan - Growth
Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth
Samco Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth
ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund - Growth
ICICI Prudential NASDAQ 100 Index Fund Direct Growth
Edelweiss Balanced Advantage Fund - Growth
Kotak Small Cap Fund - Growth
DSP Quant Fund - Direct - Growth
Portfolio Analysis
Diversity and Overlap
Your portfolio consists of a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, multi-cap, and value funds. While this diversity can reduce risk, there may be significant overlap in holdings, especially in large-cap funds.

Performance Evaluation
Evaluate the performance of each fund over different time periods. Check if they consistently outperform their benchmarks and peers. This analysis helps identify underperforming funds.

Risk Assessment
Given your aggressive growth strategy, higher allocation to mid-cap and small-cap funds is suitable. However, it's crucial to balance this with some large-cap and multi-cap funds for stability.

Recommended Changes
Reducing Overlap
To reduce overlap, consider consolidating similar fund types. For example, choose one or two large-cap funds instead of multiple. This approach streamlines your portfolio.

Focus on Consistent Performers
Retain funds with a strong track record of consistent performance. Replace underperforming funds with those having better potential. This strategy enhances overall portfolio performance.

Suggested Mutual Funds
Large Cap Funds
Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies. They offer stability and moderate growth.

Mid Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds target companies with high growth potential. They balance risk and reward effectively.

Small Cap Funds
Small-cap funds invest in emerging companies. They offer high growth potential but come with higher risk.

Multi Cap Funds
Multi-cap funds diversify across market capitalizations. They offer balanced risk and reward.

Value Funds
Value funds invest in undervalued companies. They provide growth potential through capital appreciation.

Investment Strategy
Monthly Investment Plan
With a monthly investment of Rs. 1 lakh, allocate funds as follows:

Large Cap Funds: Rs. 30,000
Mid Cap Funds: Rs. 30,000
Small Cap Funds: Rs. 20,000
Multi Cap Funds: Rs. 10,000
Value Funds: Rs. 10,000
Annual Review and Rebalancing
Review your portfolio annually. Rebalance to maintain the desired allocation. This approach ensures alignment with your goals and market conditions.

Risks and Benefits of Direct Investing
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds may have lower expense ratios. However, they require active management. Without expert guidance, you may miss market opportunities or take on unnecessary risks.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner offers several benefits. They provide professional management, regular monitoring, and timely adjustments to your portfolio. This approach can lead to better long-term performance.

Conclusion
your dedication to achieving your financial goals is impressive. By optimizing your mutual fund portfolio and investing consistently, you can build significant wealth. Ensure you review and rebalance your investments regularly to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6690 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 05, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir, I'm 24 yrs old just started working in new domain which is not relevant to my core studies (i studied msc in zoology ) but now working in as network engineer (bcos its one of my passion), wo i followed my heart voice.. For mow i started earning 15k as fresher , and i started investing in MF for about 1 yrs and my sip amount per month is 4k and plus lumpsum addition amount result in around 1 lakh with profit of 9 percent of my portfolio .. it's growing slow and steadily but i want to increase my savings and invest . Kindly advice on this your thoughts .. My holdings all are direct funds Parag flexi Icici nifty 50 index Icici bluechip Nippon small I don't want to diversify more that this in MF so i stop only with 4 mfs .. Thanking you for your advice
Ans: Starting your career in a different domain from your academic background is a brave move, showcasing your willingness to follow your passion. It's impressive how you've taken charge of your finances despite starting with a modest income. Keep up the good work!

Increasing your savings and investments is a wise decision, especially at a young age. Gradually raising your SIP amount as your income grows is a prudent step towards building wealth over time. Consistency is key in investing, and your commitment to regular investments will pay off in the long run.

Direct funds offer several advantages over regular funds, including lower expense ratios, potentially boosting your returns over time. However, managing direct funds requires expertise and time commitment. Considering your busy schedule, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with expertise in mutual funds can be advantageous. They can provide personalized guidance, monitor your portfolio, and make timely adjustments as needed, ensuring optimal returns while you focus on your career.

While mutual funds are a solid starting point, exploring other investment avenues gradually can further diversify your portfolio and optimize returns. Consider learning about stocks, bonds, or alternative investments to broaden your investment horizon.

Continuous education about financial concepts and investment strategies will empower you to make informed decisions and navigate the complex world of finance effectively. Keep seeking knowledge and stay open to new opportunities.

With dedication, discipline, and a proactive approach, you're well on your way to achieving your financial goals. Keep believing in yourself and your abilities, and remember that every small step you take today contributes to a brighter financial future tomorrow.

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www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6690 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 18, 2024

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I am 23yo Male, I have started monthly SIP in Parag parikh flexi cap fund -Rs. 2000, HDFC Index fund BSE Sensex plan - Rs. 2000 and Tata small cap fund - Rs. 2000. How much corpus can I achieve with this investment after 15 years. And if I increase my investment in each of the funds upto Rs. 5000 then how much corpus can I achieve in next 15 years?
Ans: At 23, you're taking a positive step towards wealth creation with your SIPs. Long-term investing in mutual funds can provide you with compounding benefits and generate substantial returns over time. Let's evaluate how your current SIPs and future increases could shape your financial journey over the next 15 years.

Expected Corpus with Current Investment
Right now, you're investing Rs 6,000 per month across three funds. Over 15 years, this consistent approach can generate a substantial corpus, but it's important to manage expectations. Mutual funds, especially in equity, can be volatile, but historically they have offered returns ranging from 10% to 12% over the long term. Here’s what you can expect:

Assuming an annual return of around 10%, your investment of Rs 6,000 per month could grow significantly. While it's hard to predict exact numbers due to market fluctuations, you may end up with an impressive corpus after 15 years.

Your current SIP could help you reach anywhere between Rs 22-24 lakhs, depending on market conditions. This growth is mainly due to compounding and consistent investments. But do remember, this is an estimate, and actual results can vary.

Corpus with Increased Investment
If you increase your SIP to Rs 15,000 per month (Rs 5,000 in each fund), your potential corpus will rise significantly. Assuming the same annual return of around 10%, this approach would result in much higher wealth creation:

Your new SIP of Rs 15,000 per month could help you accumulate a corpus of approximately Rs 55-60 lakhs after 15 years, depending on the market. The increased investment will take advantage of compounding to a greater extent, amplifying your returns.

Analytical Insight on Different Funds
Actively Managed Flexi-cap Fund
A flexi-cap fund gives you the flexibility to invest across large, mid, and small-cap companies. Since these funds are actively managed, the fund manager can adjust the portfolio as market conditions change. This flexibility could help in generating higher returns over the long term compared to index funds, which are passive.

Actively managed funds provide room for better returns due to expert fund management. The fund manager's discretion allows for navigating volatile markets and taking advantage of emerging opportunities, which can potentially outperform index funds.

Flexi-cap funds, being diversified across market caps, reduce the risk of over-exposure to any one sector. This balanced approach can help you achieve consistent growth in the long term.

Small-cap Funds
Small-cap funds focus on smaller companies with high growth potential. These companies may be volatile in the short term, but they can offer substantial returns over the long term. Your choice to invest in small-cap funds reflects a more aggressive risk-taking approach, which can work in your favor given your young age.

While small-cap funds can deliver higher returns, they are also more prone to volatility. Therefore, it’s important to have a long-term horizon, as you do. Over 15 years, this investment may reward you with considerable gains, especially if the small-cap companies grow rapidly.

Index Funds: Some Drawbacks
Index funds, while offering diversification, have certain limitations. Since these funds are passively managed, they cannot beat the market but simply follow it. They may provide decent returns, but they often miss out on opportunities to outperform, especially during volatile market conditions.

Lack of Flexibility: Index funds strictly follow the market index. Even during a downturn, they continue holding the same stocks, which may not be ideal for an investor looking for growth in a changing market.

Missed Opportunities: Active funds, on the other hand, can adjust their portfolio to benefit from undervalued stocks, thus offering higher returns compared to index funds.

Lower Performance Potential: Index funds have a cap on potential returns, as they are not actively seeking out high-growth opportunities. While they are low-cost, this passive approach might not suit investors seeking substantial growth.

In contrast, regular funds through a certified financial planner can offer personalized advice and flexibility in selecting better opportunities. The expertise of a professional can result in better portfolio management and timely adjustments based on market dynamics.

Benefits of Regular Funds with Certified Financial Planner
While direct funds might seem cost-efficient, investing through regular funds and leveraging the expertise of a certified financial planner offers several advantages:

Professional Management: Certified financial planners provide a structured approach to investments. Their advice can help balance risk and ensure the selection of suitable funds for your financial goals.

Customized Financial Planning: Instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach, a financial planner tailors investment strategies to your personal goals, risk appetite, and time horizon. This ensures better-aligned returns with your life goals.

Active Monitoring: Regular funds through a certified financial planner offer better portfolio management. They consistently monitor your investments and rebalance your portfolio when necessary, optimizing your returns.

Long-term Strategy: Certified financial planners create a roadmap for your financial goals, ensuring you're on track to reach your desired corpus. They can adjust the strategy based on changes in your life or market conditions.

Tax Implications
It's important to keep in mind the tax implications on your investments:

Equity Mutual Funds: For long-term capital gains (LTCG) over Rs 1.25 lakh, the tax rate is 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Rebalancing and Taxes: When you work with a certified financial planner, they can ensure that any rebalancing is done in a tax-efficient manner, reducing your overall tax liability.

SIP as a Wealth-building Tool
SIPs are a powerful tool for wealth building because they instill financial discipline and take advantage of rupee cost averaging. Here’s why your SIP strategy works well:

Consistent Investments: Regular contributions to SIPs help you stay invested through market ups and downs, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Rupee Cost Averaging: This strategy lowers the average cost of your investments over time, which is particularly useful in volatile markets. You buy more units when the market is low and fewer when it's high, leading to better long-term returns.

Compounding Growth: The power of compounding ensures that even small amounts invested consistently can grow significantly over time. As your SIP grows, so does your investment, thanks to the reinvestment of returns.

Increase Your Contributions
You’re already on the right path, but increasing your SIP amounts will amplify your wealth creation potential. As your income grows, make it a point to increase your SIP contributions proportionally. This will help you reach your financial goals faster.

By consistently increasing your SIPs as your financial situation improves, you’ll be able to achieve greater compounding benefits, ensuring a stronger financial future.

Diversification Across Fund Types
Your portfolio has a healthy mix of fund types, which helps manage risk while taking advantage of growth opportunities. But remember:

Balanced Approach: While small-cap funds offer high growth potential, they can be risky. Balancing them with more stable, large-cap or flexi-cap funds helps ensure steady growth with a cushion during market downturns.

Risk Management: Diversifying your SIPs across different types of funds ensures you aren't overexposed to a particular sector or market cap. This can protect your investments from excessive volatility.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Portfolio
Your SIP investments should not be a “set it and forget it” approach. It’s important to review your portfolio regularly, at least once a year. Markets change, your financial situation might change, and it’s crucial that your portfolio evolves to keep pace with these changes.

Annual Review: With the help of a certified financial planner, you can assess your portfolio’s performance annually. This ensures that your investments are aligned with your financial goals and market conditions.

Rebalancing: As market conditions shift, it may be necessary to rebalance your portfolio. A certified financial planner can help you make these adjustments to optimize returns without incurring unnecessary tax liabilities.

Final Insights
Your commitment to SIPs at such a young age is commendable. This disciplined approach will help you build a strong financial future. Increasing your contributions will amplify your wealth creation and ensure that you achieve your financial goals sooner.

Remember, while mutual funds can offer substantial returns, it’s important to stay invested for the long term and not be swayed by short-term market volatility. Work with a certified financial planner to make the most of your investments and stay on track toward your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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