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Nikunj

Nikunj Saraf  |308 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds Expert - Answered on Sep 02, 2023

Nikunj Saraf has more than five years of experience in financial markets and offers advice about mutual funds. He is vice president at Choice Wealth, a financial institution that offers broking, insurance, loans and government advisory services. Saraf, who is a member of the Institute Of Chartered Accountants of India, has a strong base in financial markets and wealth management.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Aug 21, 2023Hindi
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Hello Nikunj Sir, I am 42 years old IT Professional and I am looking to build a sizeable corpus around 4.5 crore for retirement. Here is breakdown of my SIPs:- HDFC Large and Midcap Fund - 5000 INR/month Axis Long Term Equity Fund - 10000 INR/month ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund - 2500 INR/month Axis Bluechip Fund - 2500 INR/month SBI Bluechip Fund - 2500 INR/month SBI Flexi Cap Fund - 2500 INR/month HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund - 5000 INR/month Is this portfolio distribution OK or I need to increase my SIP contribution ? Kindly guide.

Ans: Hello Value Investor. With vision of retirement planning goal for 4.5 cr, Its advisable to increase your sip amount to 40k . Furthermore, I would suggest to reduce your category allocation limit to 1-2 schemes in blue-chip category. You may also introduce smallcap and multi asset in your portfolio in future.
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  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

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Hello sir, my age is 48 years working professional and wants good corpus after 8 years for retirement . I am having SIP in direct plan as follows Parag Parikh flexi cap fund 15000 pm Quant Active Fund. 5000 Mirae asset Large and Mid cap. 5000 Kotak emerging equity fund 5000 Quant Mid cap Fund. 5000 Nippon India small cap fund. 5000 Addinationally, lumsum inventment as below DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth 200000 Quant Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth -300000 ICICI Prudential Short term Fund Direct- 200000 NPS 50000 per year from year 2017 Kindly please review my portfolio and advise and guide I can add 10000 per month in SIP in this thank you
Ans: Hello,

I appreciate your diligence in planning for your retirement at 48, and I must say your investment portfolio showcases a thoughtful mix of funds. Let's delve into a comprehensive review and see how we can optimize it further.

Your SIP allocations are diverse, covering various market segments. However, having multiple funds in similar categories might lead to over-diversification. It's essential to ensure that each fund serves a distinct purpose in your portfolio.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund offers a global perspective and flexibility, while Quant Active Fund focuses on quantitative strategies. Mirae Asset Large and Mid Cap Fund and Kotak Emerging Equity Fund provide exposure to large and mid-cap segments, respectively, balancing growth potential and stability.

Quant Mid Cap Fund and Nippon India Small Cap Fund target mid and small-cap stocks, aiming for higher growth potential. While small and mid-cap funds can be volatile, they offer the opportunity for significant long-term returns.

Regarding your lump sum investments, DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund and Quant Large Cap Fund provide exposure to large-cap equities. However, it's crucial to note that investing in index funds may limit potential returns compared to actively managed funds due to their passive nature.

ICICI Prudential Short Term Fund offers stability and income generation through debt instruments. It's a prudent choice for balancing the risk in your portfolio.

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.


As for your NPS investment, it's commendable that you've been contributing consistently since 2017. NPS offers tax benefits and retirement planning advantages, contributing to your long-term financial security.

Now, let's discuss potential adjustments to enhance your portfolio. Given your 8-year retirement horizon, you may consider gradually reducing exposure to small and mid-cap funds to mitigate volatility as you approach retirement age.

Adding Rs 10,000 per month to your SIPs is a wise move to bolster your corpus. However, consider allocating this additional amount to funds that complement your existing holdings and fill any gaps in your portfolio diversification.

I recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to fine-tune your investment strategy based on your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon. A CFP can provide personalized guidance and ensure that your portfolio aligns with your retirement objectives.

In conclusion, your portfolio demonstrates a proactive approach to retirement planning. By making strategic adjustments and leveraging professional advice, you can optimize your investments to achieve your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, my age is 48 years working professional and wants good corpus after 8 years for retirement . I am having SIP in direct plan as follows Parag Parikh flexi cap fund 15000 pm Quant Active Fund. 5000 Mirae asset Large and Mid cap. 5000 Kotak emerging equity fund 5000 Quant Mid cap Fund. 5000 Nippon India small cap fund. 5000 Addinationally, lumsum inventment as below DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth 200000 Quant Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth -300000 ICICI Prudential Short term Fund Direct- 200000 NPS 50000 per year from year 2017 Kindly please review my portfolio and advise and guide I can add 10000 per month in SIP in this thank you
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to retirement planning through SIPs and lump sum investments. Let's review your portfolio and discuss potential adjustments:

SIPs:
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, Mirae Asset Large and Mid Cap Fund, and Kotak Emerging Equity Fund offer diversification across different market segments.
Quant Active Fund, Quant Mid Cap Fund, and Nippon India Small Cap Fund provide exposure to growth-oriented stocks.
Consider reviewing the performance of each fund periodically and ensure they align with your risk tolerance and investment goals.
Lump Sum Investments:
DSP Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund provides exposure to a diversified portfolio of Nifty 50 stocks.
Quant Large Cap Fund offers potential growth opportunities in large-cap stocks.
ICICI Prudential Short Term Fund Direct is a suitable option for short-term liquidity needs.
NPS contributions provide tax benefits and retirement savings growth potential.
Additional SIP Contribution:
Increasing your SIP contribution by 10,000 per month can accelerate wealth accumulation and help achieve your retirement corpus goal.
Consider allocating the additional SIP amount across existing funds or exploring new funds to enhance diversification.
Review and Rebalance:
Regularly review your portfolio's performance and rebalance if needed to maintain optimal asset allocation.
Assess your risk tolerance and adjust your investment strategy accordingly to ensure it remains aligned with your financial objectives.
Seek Professional Advice:
As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend consulting with a financial advisor to conduct a comprehensive review of your portfolio.
A professional can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances and help optimize your investment strategy.
By staying disciplined in your savings and investment approach and periodically reviewing your portfolio, you can work towards building a substantial corpus for your retirement. Keep up the good work, and remember to stay focused on your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

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

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My investment portfolios through SIP is as under: Axix Mid Cap Fund: 2000 Axix ELSS Tax Saver: 3000 Edelweiss Nifty 100 Quality 30 Index: 5000 Miree Asset Large Cap: 3000 Motilal Oswal Focussed Fund: 3000 Nippon India Tax Saver ELSS: 1500 Nippon India Small Cap: 3000 Nippon India Large Cap: 3000 PGIM India Mid Cap Opportunities Fund: 3000 Quant Small Cap: 3000 UTI Aggressive Hybrid Fund: 2000 HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund: 3500 Kotak Flexi Cap Fund: 5000 ICICI Savings Fund: 3000 SBI Small Cap: 5000 SBI Magnum Constant Maturity Fund: 2000 ABSL Govt. Securities Fund: 3000 Parag Pareikh Flexi Cap Fund: 4000 I want to stay invested for another 10 years with 10% increase in SIP amount every year. I have been investing since 2019. I want to have a corpus of 3 Crore by the end of 2034. Are my portfolios ok or need some changes?
Ans: Your investment portfolio displays commendable diversification across various fund categories, which is essential for effective risk management. Let's dive deeper into the strengths and areas of improvement for your portfolio with a 10-year investment horizon.

Fund Categories
Equity Funds:

Equity funds are crucial for achieving high returns over the long term.
Your portfolio includes Mid Cap, Small Cap, and Large Cap funds, which is excellent for balancing risk and return.
These funds have the potential to outperform others in a growing market but can also exhibit higher volatility.
Hybrid Funds:

Hybrid funds are a mix of equity and debt investments, offering moderate risk and returns.
They are suitable for conservative investors who seek a balance between growth and stability.
Debt Funds:

Debt funds are generally safer than equity funds but provide lower returns.
These funds are good for ensuring stability and generating regular income.
Advantages of Your Portfolio
Diversification:

You have wisely diversified across mid-cap, small-cap, and large-cap funds, which helps spread risk and capture different market segments.
This strategy is beneficial for managing risk and achieving capital appreciation over time.
Tax Benefits:

ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) funds in your portfolio offer tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
These funds help you save taxes while simultaneously growing your wealth.
Growth Potential:

Small Cap and Mid Cap funds in your portfolio have high growth potential.
Over a 10-year period, these funds can significantly appreciate in value, contributing to your goal of Rs. 3 Crore.
Balanced Approach:

Including hybrid and debt funds adds a layer of stability to your portfolio.
This ensures you have a safety net during market downturns, protecting your investment from excessive volatility.
Areas for Improvement
Fund Overlap:

Having multiple funds in the same category can lead to overlapping, reducing the overall diversification benefit.
Overlap occurs when different funds hold similar stocks, which can limit the advantages of diversification.
Expense Ratios:

Actively managed funds tend to have higher expense ratios compared to passive funds.
It's crucial to ensure that the performance of these funds justifies the higher costs.
Rebalancing:

Regularly rebalancing your portfolio is essential to maintain your desired asset allocation.
Rebalancing helps lock in profits and manage risks, ensuring your portfolio remains aligned with your financial goals.
Staying Invested for 10 Years
Market Cycles:

Markets go through cycles of highs and lows. Staying invested for 10 years allows you to ride out market volatility.
Long-term investment horizons help smooth out the impact of short-term market fluctuations.
Power of Compounding:

Compounding works best over long periods. Reinforcing your strategy of increasing SIP by 10% yearly enhances the compounding effect.
The longer you stay invested, the more significant the impact of compounding on your returns.
Consistency:

Consistent investments through SIP ensure disciplined investing. SIPs also average out the cost of investment due to rupee cost averaging.
This approach helps mitigate the impact of market volatility by spreading your investments over time.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Passive Management:

Index funds are passively managed, aiming to replicate market performance rather than outperform it.
They do not benefit from active decision-making by fund managers, which can limit their potential for higher returns.
Lack of Flexibility:

Index funds cannot adjust to market changes quickly. They are bound to follow the index, regardless of market conditions.
This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage during periods of market turmoil or downturns.
Potential for Lower Returns:

Actively managed funds can outperform the market, whereas index funds are designed to match the market's performance.
The potential for higher returns with actively managed funds justifies their higher fees compared to index funds.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Active Decision-Making:

Fund managers actively select stocks and strategies to outperform the market. They use research, analysis, and market insights to make informed decisions.
This active approach can lead to better returns, especially in volatile or dynamic markets.
Flexibility:

Actively managed funds can adjust their portfolios based on market conditions. Fund managers can capitalize on opportunities and avoid potential pitfalls.
This flexibility is beneficial in responding to changing market environments and economic scenarios.
Higher Potential Returns:

Though they come with higher fees, actively managed funds can deliver higher returns. Fund managers' expertise and active management often justify the costs.
These funds are suitable for investors seeking growth and willing to take on higher risk for potential higher rewards.
Risks and Mitigation
Market Risk:

Equity funds are subject to market volatility. Diversification helps mitigate this risk by spreading investments across different sectors and assets.
A well-diversified portfolio can weather market fluctuations better than a concentrated one.
Credit Risk:

Debt funds carry credit risk if issuers default. Choosing high-quality debt funds minimizes this risk.
Opt for funds with high credit ratings and those investing in government securities or top-rated corporate bonds.
Liquidity Risk:

Some funds may have liquidity issues, especially during market downturns. Ensure a mix of liquid and less liquid assets for flexibility.
Having a portion of your portfolio in liquid assets ensures you can access funds when needed without incurring significant losses.
Recommendations for Portfolio Enhancement
Review Fund Performance:

Regularly review the performance of each fund in your portfolio. Ensure that each fund meets your expectations and aligns with your goals.
Replace underperforming funds with better-performing alternatives to optimize your returns.
Reduce Fund Overlap:

Assess the overlap in your portfolio and consolidate investments where necessary. This will enhance diversification and reduce redundancy.
Focus on selecting top-performing funds within each category rather than holding multiple similar funds.
Increase Allocation to High-Growth Funds:

Consider increasing your allocation to Small Cap and Mid Cap funds, which have higher growth potential over the long term.
Balance this with an adequate allocation to Large Cap and Hybrid funds to manage risk.
Monitor Expense Ratios:

Keep an eye on the expense ratios of your funds. Ensure that the higher costs of actively managed funds are justified by their performance.
Opt for funds with competitive expense ratios without compromising on quality.
Periodic Rebalancing:

Implement a periodic rebalancing strategy to maintain your desired asset allocation. This will help lock in profits and manage risks.
Rebalancing ensures that your portfolio stays aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Final Insights
Your investment strategy is robust, with a well-balanced mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds. Increasing SIP amounts yearly by 10% is a smart move to harness the power of compounding. To achieve your Rs. 3 Crore goal, continue monitoring and rebalancing your portfolio. Consider reducing fund overlap and focusing on top-performing funds in each category. Actively managed funds provide an edge over passive index funds due to active decision-making and flexibility. Stay invested, remain consistent, and review your investments periodically.

Mutual Funds: Categories, Advantages, and Risks
Equity Mutual Funds:

Equity mutual funds invest primarily in stocks. They offer the highest potential returns among mutual funds but come with higher risk.
Categories include Large Cap, Mid Cap, and Small Cap funds. Each category has different risk and return profiles.
Hybrid Mutual Funds:

Hybrid mutual funds invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments. They provide a balanced approach to risk and return.
These funds are suitable for investors looking for moderate growth with lower risk compared to pure equity funds.
Debt Mutual Funds:

Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and government securities. They are ideal for conservative investors seeking stable returns.
These funds carry lower risk compared to equity funds but offer lower returns.
Advantages of Mutual Funds:

Diversification: Mutual funds provide diversification by investing in a wide range of securities. This reduces risk compared to investing in individual stocks or bonds.
Professional Management: Funds are managed by professional fund managers who use their expertise to make investment decisions.
Liquidity: Mutual funds are highly liquid. Investors can easily buy and sell fund units at the prevailing NAV.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): SIPs allow investors to invest a fixed amount regularly. This promotes disciplined investing and helps in averaging the cost of investment.
Tax Benefits: Certain mutual funds, like ELSS, offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Risks of Mutual Funds:

Market Risk: The value of mutual fund investments can fluctuate based on market conditions. Equity funds are particularly susceptible to market volatility.
Credit Risk: Debt funds carry the risk of issuers defaulting on their obligations. Opting for funds with high credit ratings can mitigate this risk.
Interest Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates can affect the value of debt fund investments. When interest rates rise, the value of existing bonds typically falls.
Liquidity Risk: Some mutual funds may face liquidity issues, making it difficult to sell holdings without incurring losses.
Power of Compounding:

The power of compounding is a key advantage of mutual fund investments. It refers to earning returns on both the initial principal and the accumulated returns over time.
The longer you stay invested, the greater the compounding effect. This is why long-term investing is essential for maximizing returns.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct Funds:

Direct mutual funds are those purchased directly from the fund house without involving intermediaries like mutual fund distributors (MFDs).
They have lower expense ratios compared to regular funds because they do not include distributor commissions.
Disadvantages:

Lack of Guidance: Investing in direct funds means you do not get the guidance and expertise of a mutual fund distributor or certified financial planner. This can lead to suboptimal investment choices.
Time-Consuming: Managing and monitoring direct investments require significant time and effort. Not all investors have the knowledge or time to do this effectively.
Risk of Mismanagement: Without professional advice, investors may make mistakes like improper asset allocation, inadequate diversification, or emotional decision-making.
Benefits of Regular Funds through MFD with CFP Credential:

Expert Advice: Investing through a mutual fund distributor with CFP credentials provides access to expert advice and professional management.
Customized Portfolio: MFDs with CFP credentials can help create a customized investment portfolio tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Ongoing Support: They offer ongoing support and portfolio reviews to ensure your investments remain aligned with your objectives.
Peace of Mind: Having a professional manage your investments provides peace of mind, knowing your portfolio is in capable hands.
Final Insights
Your current investment strategy is solid and well-balanced. Continuing to invest through SIPs with a 10% annual increase is a smart approach to achieving your financial goals. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it stays aligned with your objectives. Consider reducing fund overlap and focusing on top-performing funds. Actively managed funds offer potential for higher returns through expert decision-making. Stay consistent with your investments and leverage the power of compounding for long-term wealth creation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2024Hindi
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We are working couple (40 and 36 years) with total SIP 120000 per month (60000 each). Current MF portfolio is 25 Lacs. Investment target is December 2030 with corpus target of 2 Cr or more post taxation. Below is our SIP distribution. Will this achieve our target? Suggest any improvements if required. There is no scope for increasing SIP for next 2 years. Quant Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth - 20000 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth - 15000 JM Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth - 15000 Motilal Oswal Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth - 20000 Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth - 20000 Tata Small Cup Fund Direct Growth - 10000 Nippon India Small cap Fund Direct Growth - 10000 Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Growth - 10000
Ans: You have a well-diversified SIP portfolio with an allocation across flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Your monthly SIP contribution is Rs 1,20,000, and your target is to achieve a corpus of Rs 2 crore or more by December 2030.

Fund Allocation Evaluation

Your current allocation focuses heavily on flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. While these funds can offer good returns, they come with higher risk. Diversifying into other categories might reduce risk.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can offer professional management and advice.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds require extensive research and monitoring. Regular funds provide the benefit of expert guidance, potentially better returns, and less hassle. Certified Financial Planners can help optimize your investments and ensure your portfolio aligns with your goals.

Flexi-Cap Funds Assessment

Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility to invest across market capitalizations. However, actively managed funds might outperform due to professional management.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds Evaluation

Mid-cap and small-cap funds have high growth potential but come with higher volatility. Balancing these with large-cap funds could provide stability to your portfolio.

Recommendations for Improvement

Consider adding large-cap funds to balance your portfolio. Regular funds managed by a CFP can provide expert guidance. This can help in achieving your target with a balanced risk approach.

Final Insights

Your current SIP allocation is strong but could benefit from expert management and diversification. Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner can offer better guidance and potentially higher returns. Achieving your goal by December 2030 is feasible with balanced diversification and professional management.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |161 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 17, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir, I have another question: I have been investing in the Bajaj Allianz Life Goal Assurance Plan for the past five years, which is a combination of insurance and investment. The total premium payment duration is 10 years, with a SIP of ?10,000 per month, followed by a lock-in period of an additional 5 years So far, my monthly contributions of ?10,000 have grown to ?9.40 lakhs, with an approximate CAGR of 16%, although the insurance coverage remains at ?12 lakhs. Initially, I did not have much knowledge but continued investing due to the plan’s market-linked structure. For the first five years, my funds were allocated to Pure Stock II and Equity Growth funds basically large-cap. Recently, mid-cap and small-cap index funds were also added to their portfolio. Now that I’ve completed 5 years of investing in large-cap components, I am considering allocating the remaining 5 years to mid-cap and small-cap funds, without increasing the SIP. This would be done through a fund switch from large-cap to mid-cap and small-cap or by dividing the allocation equally—25% each across pure-stock, equity growth, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Would you recommend this strategy while allowing the large-cap corpurs from the first 5 years to grow at their own pace and remaining 5 years switched into mid-cap/small-cap. Since the policy will mature in 2034, this gives me ample time for the investment to grow, allowing the corpus to build significantly over the remaining years
Ans: Since you are looking for 10 year time horizon, I recommend you divide the allocation equally(25%) across pure stock, equity growth, midcap index and small cap quality index funds.

Happy Investing!!

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |892 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

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I am bsc cbz(chemistry botany zoology) 2nd semester student in bikaner rajasthan and my age is 22 and general category and want to pursue research msc than phd but confused about the scope in india in research field i am from middle class family . I dont want to become a school/ coaching teacher but can look for assistant professor and i am not interested in doing msc in chemistry or physics want to do in biotechnology microbiology etc. please help me ????????
Ans: Hello APRK.
You can pursue an M.Sc. and aim to go for P.Hd. There is a lot of scope for research field in India. To become an assistant professor, you must have a minimum qualification of M.Sc. If you are not interested in M.Sc. Chemistry / Physics, then you can go with Biotechnology Microbiology. This is also a good option for you.
In my opinion, there is no point in diversifying yourself without any reason. The correct path is B.Sc. then M.Sc. and then P.Hd. Join as an assistant professor in any college and even though you don't want to join any school/college, you can join any big coaching center or start your coaching. Without any confusion at this stage, just focus on your B.Sc. and try to excel In it with a high %tile for a better future in PG and P.Hd. While pursuing a B.Sc., if possible join some computer courses related to AI, Website development, Mastering Excel, Business Automation, etc. to have an added advantage from a job placement point of view.

If you are dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
If satisfied, please like and follow me.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 19, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir. I am 46 looking for advice . I want to increase my 50 L to 1 crore mf portfolio in next one year and my end goal is to achieve 5 to 7 crore by 10 years . I will invest Sip 12 lakh per year for next 5 years . I am getting 32 lakhs cash in next 6 to 9 manths. I am thinking to invest 8 laksh every quarter additional lumpsum by distributing to different mf. I have mf portfolio as large cap 3 including 1 index fund 23% . Midcap 3 23% and small cap 3 23% and flexicap 2 8% and sectorial 2 10% hybrid 2 13%. Based on overlapping fund I see large cap as potential to balance as it's 54% overlapping stocks ,other funds are 0verlapping is 8 to 14%. For each areas . I would like to know is my strategy right to distributing lumpsum quarterly wise right ? . I will be mostly distributing same % ? . Please let me know any other method to achieve the goal. Also all mfs iam keeping are 5 or 4 rated funds with consistent return of 15 to 20% with alpha more than 1 . I am reducing investment on 3 rated funds below alpha 1 funds. Please confirm the approach and Your guidance will be really appreciated
Ans: At 46, you are in a strong financial position with Rs. 50 lakh in mutual funds. Your goal is to grow this to Rs. 1 crore within a year and Rs. 5 to 7 crore in the next 10 years. You plan to invest Rs. 12 lakh per year through SIPs for the next five years, and you will also receive Rs. 32 lakh in cash in the next 6 to 9 months, which you plan to invest in a staggered manner. Your current mutual fund portfolio includes a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, sectoral, and hybrid funds.

Now, let's evaluate and assess your strategy from all angles to ensure it is aligned with your financial goals.

Evaluating Your Portfolio Composition
Current Allocation: Your portfolio includes a diverse range of mutual funds. You have 23% in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, 8% in flexi-cap, 10% in sectoral, and 13% in hybrid funds.

Large-Cap Overlap: You mentioned that 54% of your large-cap funds overlap, which indicates some redundancy. Reducing overlap will streamline your portfolio and improve diversification.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Allocation: With 23% allocated to mid-cap and small-cap funds, you are well-positioned to benefit from higher growth potential. However, this also comes with higher volatility, which we will discuss in a later section.

Sectoral Funds: Sectoral funds make up 10% of your portfolio. These funds can be risky as they are dependent on the performance of specific sectors. Limiting exposure here is wise.

Hybrid Funds: Hybrid funds, at 13%, provide a mix of equity and debt, which adds a layer of stability. This is a balanced approach and complements your aggressive equity investments.

Lumpsum Strategy: Quarterly Distribution
Your Plan: You plan to distribute Rs. 8 lakh every quarter from your Rs. 32 lakh cash inflow, over the next year. Distributing lumpsum investments quarterly is a prudent way to mitigate market timing risks.

Staggered Approach: By staggering your lumpsum investment, you can take advantage of rupee cost averaging. This reduces the impact of market volatility, which is particularly important given the uncertain nature of markets.

Potential Risks: One concern with lump sum investments is the temptation to invest during market highs. Timing the market is difficult, and a disciplined staggered approach, as you’ve chosen, helps mitigate this risk.

SIPs for Consistent Growth
Annual SIP Commitment: You are investing Rs. 12 lakh annually in SIPs over the next five years. This is an excellent strategy, as SIPs benefit from market volatility. You are disciplined, which is crucial for long-term growth.

Rebalancing Strategy: You are reviewing funds based on their ratings and alpha. Reducing investments in 3-rated funds with lower alpha and focusing on 4- and 5-rated funds is smart. It is essential to continuously monitor fund performance, but avoid making impulsive changes based on short-term fluctuations.

Overlap in Large-Cap Funds
Issue of Overlap: You observed a 54% overlap in your large-cap funds, which is quite high. This can limit your exposure to new opportunities and reduce diversification. It is worth considering consolidation of your large-cap holdings to reduce this overlap.

Action Plan: You can replace some of the overlapping large-cap funds with high-quality actively managed funds. Actively managed funds can provide better opportunities for returns compared to index funds, as fund managers can take advantage of market inefficiencies.

Avoid Index Funds: While index funds can provide low-cost exposure, they often mirror market indices and cannot outperform them. Since you are aiming for a higher growth rate, actively managed funds are likely to be more beneficial. Index funds also lack flexibility in adjusting to changing market conditions, which is essential for achieving higher returns.

Flexi-Cap Funds: Adaptive and Flexible
Flexi-Cap Allocation: Your allocation of 8% to flexi-cap funds is solid. Flexi-cap funds offer the advantage of flexibility in investing across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments based on market opportunities.

Balancing Act: These funds can adapt to market conditions, providing a more balanced risk-return profile. Increasing your allocation to flexi-cap funds could further enhance the flexibility of your portfolio. These funds can help reduce the impact of volatility while still capitalizing on growth opportunities.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds: Growth with Volatility
Growth Potential: Mid-cap and small-cap funds provide significant growth potential. However, they are also more volatile compared to large-cap funds.

Current Allocation: Your allocation of 23% each to mid-cap and small-cap funds indicates a high-risk appetite. While these funds can deliver high returns, they can also experience sharp declines in the short term.

Risk Management: Since you are aiming for long-term growth, holding these funds makes sense. However, it’s essential to ensure that your portfolio is not overly concentrated in these high-risk categories. You may want to consider reducing your exposure slightly to mitigate risk, particularly as you approach retirement.

Sectoral Funds: Strategic but Risky
Sectoral Allocation: Sectoral funds can deliver outsized returns, but they are also highly risky as they depend on the performance of specific sectors.

Limiting Exposure: Keeping sectoral funds at 10% of your portfolio is reasonable. However, be cautious about increasing this allocation further, as these funds are more vulnerable to sector-specific downturns.

Hybrid Funds: Stability and Safety
Hybrid Allocation: Your 13% allocation to hybrid funds is a good way to balance your portfolio. Hybrid funds combine equity and debt, providing a safety net during market downturns.

Importance of Stability: These funds offer lower returns compared to pure equity funds, but they also provide stability, especially during market corrections. It’s a good idea to retain this allocation to hybrid funds as part of your overall strategy.

Monitoring Fund Ratings and Alpha
Fund Selection: You are making fund selections based on ratings and alpha. This approach is effective as it helps filter out underperforming funds.

Consistent Review: Continuously monitoring the performance of your funds is crucial. However, avoid making frequent changes based on short-term performance. Focus on long-term consistency and the overall trajectory of the funds.

Reducing 3-Rated Funds: You are reducing your investment in 3-rated funds with an alpha below 1. This is a sound decision as these funds are underperforming. Focus on high-quality funds that have consistently delivered strong returns.

Achieving Your 5 to 7 Crore Goal
Targeting 5 to 7 Crore: Your target of achieving Rs. 5 to 7 crore in 10 years is ambitious but achievable. With disciplined SIPs, a staggered lumpsum approach, and strategic fund selection, you are well on track.

Strategic Rebalancing: It’s important to regularly rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals. Focus on actively managed funds, reduce overlap, and avoid index funds to maximize your growth potential.

Consistency: The key to achieving your goal will be consistency. Stick to your SIP schedule, invest your lumpsum funds wisely, and avoid chasing short-term gains.

Final Insights
Your Strategy Is Strong: Overall, your strategy is solid. You have diversified your portfolio across different types of funds, and your disciplined approach to SIPs and lumpsum investments is commendable.

Focus on Large-Cap Overlap: Reducing the overlap in your large-cap funds will improve diversification and provide new growth opportunities.

Continue Monitoring Performance: Keep reviewing your fund performance, but avoid making hasty changes based on short-term trends. Focus on long-term growth.

Stay Disciplined: The key to success is discipline. Stick to your investment plan, and you will be well on your way to achieving your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Money
Mr Vivek Lala, Good Morning. Can you please tell me , 1) where all the places we can invest in SWPs. 2) Is there any age limit for SWP. 3) Is there SWP facility in NPS also?.4) Any upper ceiling limit to invest in SWP?. Thank you.
Ans: A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is a facility offered by many mutual funds. It allows investors to withdraw a fixed sum from their investments at regular intervals. Let’s dive into each part of your query to provide detailed insights.

1. Investment Options for SWPs

SWPs are primarily associated with mutual funds. Here are the various options where you can invest through SWPs:

Debt Mutual Funds: These are one of the most popular options for SWPs. They provide stability, with low-risk returns.

Equity Mutual Funds: SWPs can also be done in equity mutual funds. This option is riskier, but it can offer better returns in the long term.

Hybrid Mutual Funds: These funds combine equity and debt, offering balanced risk and returns. SWPs in hybrid funds can help diversify risk.

Balanced Advantage Funds: These are dynamic funds that shift between equity and debt based on market conditions. SWPs in these funds could provide more stability.

Notably, SWPs are not available in direct equity, bonds, or other such traditional investments. They are mainly associated with mutual funds. It’s a simple and flexible option for generating regular income.

2. Age Limit for SWPs

There is no age limit for investing in an SWP. Whether you are young and looking to generate additional income, or you are in retirement, anyone can opt for SWPs. You can start an SWP at any stage in your life, as long as you have a mutual fund investment.

For young investors, it can be used to fund specific needs like education, travel, or other personal expenses. For retirees, it acts as a regular source of income to meet living expenses.

3. SWP in National Pension System (NPS)

Unfortunately, there is no SWP facility available in the NPS. The NPS is structured differently from mutual funds. It is a pension scheme meant for long-term retirement savings. The withdrawals from NPS are governed by specific rules, and it doesn’t offer the flexibility that SWPs do.

NPS provides partial withdrawal options, but these are limited. Upon maturity, you can withdraw 60% of your corpus, but the remaining 40% must be used to purchase an annuity. So, NPS does not have the same withdrawal flexibility as SWPs in mutual funds.

4. Upper Ceiling Limit for SWPs

There is no upper ceiling limit for investing in SWPs. You can invest as much as you want in mutual funds and set up an SWP accordingly. Your SWP amount depends on the size of your corpus and the returns it generates.

However, it’s crucial to be cautious. Withdrawing more than the returns can eat into your capital. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully calculate how much you wish to withdraw through SWP to ensure that your capital lasts for the desired period.

Advantages of SWPs

Here are the key advantages of opting for SWPs:

Regular Income: SWPs provide a steady and regular stream of income.

Tax Efficiency: SWPs in equity and hybrid funds are more tax-efficient compared to traditional income sources like Fixed Deposits.

Customisation: SWPs allow you to customize the withdrawal amount and frequency.

Flexibility: You can start or stop an SWP anytime. You can also increase or decrease the amount as needed.

Capital Protection: SWPs allow you to withdraw just the returns, protecting your capital.

Disadvantages of SWPs

Despite the advantages, there are a few downsides to SWPs:

Capital Erosion: If your withdrawals exceed the returns, your capital could reduce over time.

Market Risks: In equity-based SWPs, market fluctuations can impact returns, especially if you’re withdrawing regularly.

Lower Returns in Debt Funds: Debt funds provide stability but generally have lower returns compared to equity funds.

Comparison: SWPs vs Direct Investments

Some investors prefer direct mutual fund investments. However, direct plans, while having lower expense ratios, lack professional advice. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) have extensive market experience and can tailor investments according to your goals and risk appetite.

Direct funds are usually opted by those who understand markets well. However, many investors lose potential returns by making emotional or uninformed decisions. That’s where regular funds managed by an MFD with CFP credentials can provide significant benefits. The guidance of a professional can ensure that your investments stay aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Why Actively Managed Funds are Better than Index Funds

If you’re considering mutual funds for SWPs, actively managed funds are a better option compared to index funds. Here’s why:

Market-Beating Potential: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, while index funds can only mirror the market returns.

Professional Management: Actively managed funds are run by experienced fund managers who actively adjust portfolios to seize opportunities and mitigate risks.

Customisation and Flexibility: Active funds allow fund managers to customize portfolios according to changing market conditions, unlike index funds which are rigid.

While index funds offer low-cost investments, they don’t offer the flexibility and potential growth that actively managed funds do.

No Ceiling on SWP Investments

As mentioned earlier, there is no ceiling on the amount you can invest in SWPs. However, you must consider how much you are withdrawing monthly. Over-withdrawing can erode your capital.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you plan an optimal withdrawal amount. They will ensure that your corpus is not depleted quickly while generating consistent returns.

Final Insights

SWPs are an excellent way to generate regular income, especially for retirees or those looking for a steady cash flow. The flexibility and tax benefits make it an attractive option for many investors.

You should remember, though, that SWPs in equity funds carry market risks, while debt funds offer stability with lower returns. A balance between the two, or opting for hybrid funds, may offer a safer bet for long-term withdrawal plans.

Lastly, avoid direct and index funds if you prefer peace of mind and professional management. By investing through a Certified Financial Planner, you can make sure your investments are aligned with your long-term financial goals, especially if you are considering SWPs.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |612 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 18, 2024Hindi
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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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