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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 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
Neveen Question by Neveen on May 29, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello Sir .. I am NRI , want minimum of 2L per month after 15 years from now. And can invest 1 L per month starting June 2024. Would you be kind enough to suggest which SIP should I go for ?

Ans: creating a financial plan that ensures you achieve your goal of Rs 2 lakh per month after 15 years requires careful planning and investment choices. Starting a SIP with Rs 1 lakh per month from June 2024 is a commendable step. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate your investment journey.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Your goal is clear: you want Rs 2 lakh per month after 15 years. This translates to a stable, inflation-adjusted income that ensures financial security in the long term. Considering inflation, your future needs may be higher, so planning should incorporate this factor.

Importance of SIPs in Wealth Creation
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined approach to investing in mutual funds. They help in rupee cost averaging and reduce the risk associated with market volatility. By investing Rs 1 lakh monthly, you can build a substantial corpus over time.

Assessing Your Risk Appetite
Before choosing the right SIP, assess your risk tolerance. Are you comfortable with high risk for potentially higher returns, or do you prefer a balanced approach? Your risk appetite will guide the selection of mutual fund categories.

Diversification: Key to Minimizing Risk
Diversifying your investments across different asset classes and fund types is crucial. This strategy minimizes risk and optimizes returns. Consider a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds based on your risk profile.

Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term growth. They invest in stocks and have the potential to deliver high returns. Opt for funds with a proven track record and consistent performance.

Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt mutual funds invest in fixed-income securities and provide stability to your portfolio. They are less volatile than equity funds and can be used to balance risk. Including debt funds in your SIP can safeguard against market downturns.

Hybrid Funds for Balanced Approach
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt instruments. They offer a balanced approach, combining growth potential with stability. These funds are suitable if you have a moderate risk appetite.

Role of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are handled by professional fund managers who make investment decisions to outperform the market. They offer potential for higher returns compared to index funds, which passively track a market index.

Benefits of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional management of your investments. CFPs provide personalized advice, aligning investments with your financial goals. They help navigate market complexities and optimize returns.

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Direct Funds
Direct funds may seem cost-effective due to lower expense ratios, but they require continuous monitoring and expertise. Regular funds, managed by CFPs, offer professional guidance and better portfolio management.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio is crucial. It ensures your investments remain aligned with your goals and risk profile. A CFP can assist in making necessary adjustments to optimize your portfolio.

The Power of Compounding
SIPs leverage the power of compounding, where returns generate further returns. Starting early with consistent investments enhances the compounding effect, leading to significant wealth accumulation over time.

Inflation Adjustment
Considering inflation is vital in planning. What seems sufficient today may not be adequate in the future. Ensure your investments grow at a rate that outpaces inflation to maintain purchasing power.

Long-Term Discipline
Staying invested for the long term is key to achieving your financial goals. Market fluctuations are normal, but maintaining discipline and avoiding panic selling ensures you benefit from market growth over time.

Choosing the Right Funds
Selecting the right mutual funds involves evaluating their performance, expense ratios, and fund manager expertise. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to balance risk and return.

Leveraging Tax Benefits
Mutual funds offer tax benefits, especially Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). They provide tax deductions under Section 80C, enhancing overall returns while meeting tax-saving goals.

Importance of Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. This ensures you don't have to dip into your SIP investments, keeping your long-term goals on track.

Financial Discipline
Financial discipline involves regular investing, controlling expenses, and sticking to your financial plan. It's essential for achieving long-term financial goals.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Professional guidance from a CFP ensures your investments are strategically planned and executed. They offer insights based on market trends and economic factors, optimizing your investment strategy.

Conclusion
Achieving Rs 2 lakh per month after 15 years is feasible with disciplined SIP investments and strategic planning. By understanding your financial goals, risk appetite, and the importance of diversification, you can build a robust investment portfolio.

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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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Feb 08, 2023

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Sir, best SIP to invest in monthly basis having bugest of INR 10 TO 15K.
Ans: I have no idea about your age, future financial goals, your risk profile and your existing investments. So, while giving one suggested solution to you, I’m assuming that you’re young (less than 40 years of age), are open to equity investing, have a long term horizon of at least 7 years or more and would have the nerves to not get unduly perturbed if markets go temporarily down.

Very first point to note is that when you write that you’re investing for 20 years, please do imbibe it into your thinking too that you’re in it for a very long term. Typically, investors change their investing horizon as per the market conditions – if markets remain good, they’re long term players, if markets turn down, they start exiting in panic and become short term players. Please remember that markets will always give great returns only if you ‘spend time in the markets, rather than try timing the market’.

Since you’re just 37 years old, you have a huge age advantage (those younger have even more advantage!) – use it to your benefit. I have no idea about your other investments, your future financial goals and your risk profile (implying how much volatility are you comfortable with in the markets).

So, I’m just giving you a high-equity portfolio which is a long term portfolio but needs to be reviewed and maybe rebalanced every year. I’m also assuming that you have no other funds or equity.
The portfolio that I would suggest is:-
1. Large Cap - 20% of SIP amount - HDFC Index Fund
2. Flexicap – 20% - Parag Parikh Flexicap Fund
3. Midcap – 20% - Kotak Emerging Equity Fund
4. Aggressive Hybrid – 20% - Canara Robeco Equity Hybrid Fund
5. Small Cap – 20% - SBI Small Cap Fund

In the above portfolio, the last, Small Cap category, will be very volatile and you will need to get used to it. If you’re not up to its gyrations, stick to first four with 25% allocation each.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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I want to start sip of rs 20000 per month, please advise which fund i choose
Ans: Selecting the Right SIP for Your Investment: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding SIPs:

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) offer a disciplined approach to investing in mutual funds. By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, investors can benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Assessing Your Investment Goals:

Before selecting a SIP, it's crucial to identify your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Are you investing for short-term goals like buying a car or a house, or is it for long-term wealth accumulation, such as retirement planning?

Matching Funds to Objectives:

Based on your goals, you can choose from a variety of mutual fund categories, including equity funds, debt funds, or hybrid funds. Each category offers different risk-return profiles, catering to diverse investor preferences.

Investment Horizon and Risk Profile:

For a SIP of Rs 20,000 per month, your investment horizon and risk profile play pivotal roles in fund selection. Equity funds are suitable for long-term wealth creation, but they come with higher volatility. Debt funds, on the other hand, provide stability but lower returns.

Recommendation:

Considering your investment horizon and the potential for wealth accumulation, investing in diversified equity funds through a SIP seems appropriate. These funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, spreading risk across different market segments.

Benefits of Active Management:

Opting for actively managed funds allows skilled fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate volatility effectively. Their expertise in stock selection and portfolio management can potentially enhance returns over the long term.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Index funds, while cost-effective, may not always outperform actively managed funds. They are restricted to tracking specific indices, potentially missing out on opportunities for alpha generation through active stock selection.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner:

Seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can further streamline your investment decision. A CFP evaluates your financial situation, risk appetite, and goals to recommend suitable funds aligned with your objectives.

Conclusion:

In summary, for a SIP of Rs 20,000 per month, investing in diversified equity funds through active management offers the potential for long-term wealth creation. However, it's essential to consult with a CFP to ensure alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello Sir.. I am 44 years old and don't have any investment but now wanted to invest in limited SIP and can invest 30K every month onwards for next 10 years Please suggest what amount and which SIP should I select?
Ans: At 44 years of age, investing Rs. 30,000 monthly for the next 10 years can help you build a substantial corpus. The plan will ensure wealth creation while maintaining a balance between risk and return. Let’s analyse the best approach for your financial journey.

Setting the Foundation: Your Investment Goals and Risk Appetite
Define Clear Goals

List your financial goals: retirement, children’s education, or wealth creation.
This helps in aligning investments with timelines and objectives.
Understand Your Risk Tolerance

At 44, you have a medium-term horizon of 10 years.
A mix of aggressive and moderate risk funds suits this duration.
Plan for Diversification

Diversification reduces risks and optimises returns.
Split investments into large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and hybrid funds.
Optimal Monthly Allocation of Rs. 30,000
Large-Cap Funds (Rs. 7,500)

Focus on stability with established companies.
Large-cap funds are resilient during market volatility.
Large and Mid-Cap Funds (Rs. 6,000)

Combine stability with moderate growth potential.
These funds are ideal for medium-term horizons.
Flexi-Cap Funds (Rs. 6,000)

Flexi-cap funds invest across market capitalisations.
They balance risk and growth, making them versatile.
Mid-Cap Funds (Rs. 5,000)

Mid-cap funds offer higher growth potential.
Invest for higher returns with a manageable level of risk.
ELSS Tax-Saving Funds (Rs. 5,500)

These funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C.
ELSS has a lock-in of 3 years and offers equity-like growth.
Benefits of SIP Investing
Rupee Cost Averaging

SIPs buy more units when markets fall and fewer when they rise.
This reduces the overall cost of investment over time.
Power of Compounding

Compounding grows wealth exponentially when you stay invested.
Reinvestment of returns boosts your corpus significantly.
Market Discipline

SIPs promote regular investments irrespective of market movements.
This ensures systematic wealth accumulation.
Active Fund Management Over Index Funds
Why Actively Managed Funds?

Actively managed funds outperform index funds over the long term.
Professional fund managers adapt to market trends effectively.
Drawbacks of Index Funds

Index funds lack flexibility during market downturns.
They mirror the index, limiting growth opportunities in bearish phases.
Benefits of Regular Plans with CFP Guidance

Regular plans come with advisory support and regular portfolio reviews.
A Certified Financial Planner ensures optimal fund selection and rebalancing.
Monitoring and Rebalancing Investments
Annual Portfolio Review

Review fund performance every year to ensure alignment with goals.
Replace underperforming funds promptly with better alternatives.
Asset Allocation Rebalancing

Adjust equity and debt exposure based on market conditions.
Move to safer options in the later years as you near your goal.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

Plan withdrawals systematically to minimise tax liabilities.
Use systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) for tax-efficient regular income.
Building a Medical Corpus for Contingencies
Separate Health Fund

Allocate a part of savings for medical emergencies.
Health-related costs should not disturb your investment goals.
Health Insurance Optimisation

Even if health coverage is minimal, top-up plans can reduce financial stress.
Use your investment surplus for medical contingencies if needed.
Taxation of Mutual Funds
Equity Funds

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt Funds

Gains are taxed based on your income tax slab.
Debt funds are best for risk-averse investors nearing retirement.
Tax-Saving ELSS Funds

ELSS investments help you save taxes under Section 80C.
They provide dual benefits of tax savings and long-term growth.
Preparing for Long-Term Financial Independence
Retirement Focus

Allocate part of your corpus to retirement.
Ensure a balance between immediate goals and post-retirement needs.
Emergency Fund Creation

Build a corpus for at least six months of expenses.
Keep it in a savings account or liquid fund for easy access.
Nomination and Will

Assign nominees for all investments.
Create a legally valid will to avoid complications in asset transfer.
Final Insights
Investing Rs. 30,000 monthly through SIPs is a disciplined approach to wealth creation. Diversify investments into equity-oriented funds for growth and tax-saving funds for benefits. Periodically review and adjust your portfolio for better results. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to ensure that your investments align with your long-term goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 57 From 2010-2013 I had invested heavily in LIC Jeevan Saral ( it was a bad investment) I am paying 3.25 Lac annually as premiums the results are not very encouraging. Till now I had paid 40 Lac as premium & the surrender value is mere 52.5 Lac a growth of 32-33%. I am continuing with policies hoping to get good returns on maturity. Now I want to start SIP of Rs 10000/- monthly which schemes should I start as I am new to the market.
Ans: You have already invested a significant amount in LIC Jeevan Saral. The return so far has not been encouraging. It is good that you are now considering SIPs. Mutual funds offer better flexibility and potentially higher returns. Below is a detailed 360-degree approach to your situation.

Assessing Your LIC Jeevan Saral Investment
You have paid Rs. 40 lakh in premiums over 13 years.

The current surrender value is Rs. 52.5 lakh, giving you a 32-33% growth.

The return is very low compared to other investment options.

LIC Jeevan Saral is primarily an insurance product, not an investment product.

The maturity amount may not provide substantial growth from here.

Should You Continue with LIC Jeevan Saral?
At 57, your priority should be capital protection and steady returns.

The policy does not offer inflation-beating returns.

Surrendering now gives you the flexibility to reinvest in better options.

Mutual funds can provide higher growth with liquidity.

If possible, surrender and reinvest in mutual funds for better returns.

Why Mutual Funds for Your New SIP?
SIPs offer disciplined investing with rupee cost averaging.

Equity funds provide better returns over the long term.

Debt funds offer stability and lower risk.

A mix of both can balance risk and returns.

Selecting the Right Type of Mutual Funds
Since you are new to mutual funds, a well-diversified portfolio is important.

Equity Mutual Funds – For long-term growth.

Large-cap funds for stability and moderate growth.

Flexi-cap funds for diversification across market segments.

Dividend yield funds for regular income.

Hybrid Mutual Funds – For balance between growth and stability.

Aggressive hybrid funds with a mix of equity and debt.

Balanced advantage funds to manage risk dynamically.

Debt Mutual Funds – For stability and liquidity.

Short-duration funds for capital protection.

Corporate bond funds for steady income.

Suggested SIP Allocation
Rs. 4,000 in large-cap or flexi-cap fund.

Rs. 3,000 in hybrid fund for stability.

Rs. 3,000 in short-duration debt fund.

Managing Market Risks
Stay invested for at least 5-7 years for equity SIPs.

Monitor performance every 6-12 months.

Rebalance if needed based on market conditions.

Final Insights
LIC Jeevan Saral is not an ideal investment. Surrendering can free funds for better growth.

SIPs in mutual funds provide better wealth creation and liquidity.

A mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds will balance growth and stability.

Continue investing systematically for the next 10-15 years.

Mutual funds will help you build a stronger financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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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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