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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 11, 2025Hindi
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Dear Guru, I am 32 year old IT professional, earning monthly 1,30,000-/. I have started doing SIP from April 2024 in Navi nifty 50 index fund Direct - Rs 3000, Motilal Oswal nifty next 50 index fund - Direct Rs 3000, Mahindra Manulife Mid cap 150 Direct - Rs 4000, Quant Small Cap 250 Direct - Rs 3000. Do I need to diversify my portfolio or all Selected MF are fine? I will do 10% setup every year and want to achieve 1 cr in next 10 year.
Ans: Your investment journey is on the right track. You have started early, and that's a big advantage. You are also increasing SIPs every year, which will help reach your target. But, your fund selection needs some improvements.

Issues with Your Current Portfolio
Too Much in Index Funds

You have two index funds, both in direct plans. These funds will only match the market returns.

Index funds do not outperform in volatile or falling markets.

Actively managed funds can generate better returns with expert fund management.

Direct Plans May Not Be the Best Choice

Direct funds may seem to save costs, but they lack professional guidance.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner provide expert fund selection.

A good financial expert helps in tracking and rebalancing investments.

Small-Cap Fund Has High Risk

Your small-cap fund can give high returns but also faces deep corrections.

Small caps can take years to recover from market crashes.

It is better to keep them at a lower allocation.

Mid-Cap Allocation Needs Review

Mid-cap funds perform well in growing markets but fall more during market crashes.

A balanced mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds works better.

Suggested Portfolio Adjustments
Shift from Index Funds to Actively Managed Funds

Replace both index funds with a flexi-cap or large-cap active fund.

Active funds can generate better risk-adjusted returns than passive funds.

Increase Large-Cap Exposure

Your portfolio lacks a strong large-cap presence.

Large-cap funds provide stability in tough market conditions.

Reduce Small-Cap Exposure

Keep your small-cap allocation to 10-15% of your total investments.

Shift some amount to a multi-cap or flexi-cap fund for better balance.

Will You Achieve Rs. 1 Crore in 10 Years?
A 10% annual increase in SIP is a smart approach.

With improved fund selection, your goal is achievable.

Market fluctuations will impact growth, but disciplined investing helps.

Other Important Steps for Wealth Growth
Emergency Fund: Keep at least 6 months' expenses in a liquid fund or FD.

Health Insurance: Ensure you have a good medical policy for financial security.

Term Insurance: If you have dependents, get a pure term life cover.

Tax Planning: Invest in ELSS funds if you want to save tax under Section 80C.

Final Insights
Your SIP habit is excellent, but fund selection needs improvement.

Avoid direct and index funds; choose actively managed regular plans.

Diversify with large, mid, and small-cap funds for stability and growth.

Stay invested for the long term and rebalance when needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 27, 2025
Money
Hi, I'm 32 years and I've started investing in MFs last year. I've been investing 25k per month via sip and I'm planning to invest additional 25k. I've been investing 5k monthly in the below funds. 1. HDFC flexi cap. 2. ICICI bluechip fund 3. Zerodha largemidcap 250 4. Motilal oswal midcap 5. ICICI prudential equity and debt fund. Planning to add parag parig flexi to the above mix. I have a risk appetite for another 15 years. I started getting a feel that my portfolio is over diversified. Hence, I would like to seek expert opinion before stepping up. Thanks in advance
Ans: I understand your situation is challenging. Let's work together to find a solution.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
You are 45 years old with 12 years of IT recruitment experience.

Currently unemployed, with a debt of Rs. 8 lakhs and a monthly EMI of Rs. 43,000.

Previous salary was Rs. 55,000 per month.

Facing difficulty in securing a new job due to experience and qualifications.

Immediate Financial Assessment
Monthly Obligations: Rs. 43,000 in EMIs.

Current Income: None.

Savings: Not specified; assuming limited or none.

Assets: Not specified; assuming limited or none.

Steps to Manage Debt and Financial Stability
1. Communicate with Lenders
Contact all lenders immediately: Explain your current unemployment situation.

Request for restructuring: Seek options like EMI reduction, moratorium, or extended tenure.

Negotiate terms: Aim for manageable repayment plans to avoid default.

2. Explore Alternative Income Sources
Freelancing: Utilize your recruitment experience for freelance hiring projects.

Part-time jobs: Consider roles in customer service, data entry, or virtual assistance.

Online platforms: Register on job portals and freelance websites to find opportunities.

3. Budgeting and Expense Management
Essential expenses only: Prioritize food, utilities, and necessary transportation.

Eliminate non-essential spending: Cut down on entertainment, dining out, and subscriptions.

Create a strict budget: Monitor every expense to ensure funds are allocated wisely.

4. Seek Financial Assistance
Government schemes: Explore any unemployment benefits or financial aid programs available.

NGOs and community support: Reach out to organizations that offer support to individuals in financial distress.

5. Skill Enhancement
Online courses: Enroll in affordable or free courses to upgrade your skills.

Certifications: Obtain certifications relevant to current job market demands.

Networking: Connect with former colleagues and industry professionals for job leads.

Long-Term Financial Planning
Emergency Fund: Once income stabilizes, aim to build an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of expenses.

Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage.

Investments: Consider low-risk investment options to grow your savings over time.

Emotional and Mental Well-being
Stay positive: Understand that this is a temporary phase and can be overcome.

Support system: Lean on friends and family for emotional support.

Professional help: Seek counseling if feelings of stress or anxiety become overwhelming.

Final Insights
Your current financial situation is challenging, but with proactive steps, it's manageable. Prioritize open communication with lenders, seek alternative income sources, and manage expenses diligently. Focus on skill enhancement to improve employability. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
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I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

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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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