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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9863 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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
Vikas Question by Vikas on May 15, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, I’m going to start SIP investment from next month and my age is 35 now, having less knowledge about the field and ready to invest 25k every month. Primary goal is to need 1crore in 15years. Please guide me to solve this.

Ans: Starting Your SIP Investment Journey
Congratulations on deciding to start a SIP investment at age 35. This step shows your commitment to securing your financial future. With a goal of ?1 crore in 15 years, you are on the right track by planning early.

Understanding SIP Investments
What is SIP?
A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) allows you to invest a fixed amount in mutual funds regularly. This method helps in averaging the purchase cost and mitigating market volatility over time.

Benefits of SIP
SIPs are beneficial for disciplined savings and taking advantage of compounding. Investing regularly ensures that you do not need to time the market, which can be risky.

Creating a Diversified Portfolio
Equity Mutual Funds
Investing in equity mutual funds is essential for long-term growth. They offer high returns but come with higher volatility. Given your 15-year horizon, equities should form a significant part of your portfolio.

Diversified Equity Funds
Actively managed diversified equity funds can provide balanced exposure across various sectors. These funds are managed by professionals who aim to outperform the market.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds
For a moderate risk appetite, consider balanced or hybrid funds. These funds invest in both equities and debt, offering a balance of growth and stability.

Debt Funds
Including some debt funds in your portfolio can provide stability and reduce overall risk. Debt funds offer lower but more stable returns compared to equity funds.

Recommended Allocation Strategy
High-Growth Investments
Allocate around 60-70% of your monthly investment to equity mutual funds. This includes diversified equity funds and sector-specific funds for high growth potential.

Balanced Investments
Allocate about 20-30% to balanced or hybrid funds. These funds provide a mix of equity and debt, balancing risk and reward.

Low-Risk Investments
Allocate 10-20% to debt funds. These funds offer stability and ensure your portfolio is not overly exposed to market volatility.

Regular Review and Adjustments
Periodic Review
Review your investment portfolio regularly, at least once a year. This ensures that your investments align with your goals and market conditions.

Rebalancing
Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. This involves adjusting your investments to bring your portfolio back in line with your target allocation.

Staying Informed
Keep yourself informed about market trends and investment options. Continuous learning helps in making informed decisions and optimizing returns.

Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A CFP can provide personalized advice, helping you choose the right funds and strategies to achieve your financial goals.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through regular funds with the help of a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) can be beneficial. MFDs provide valuable insights and regular updates on your investments, ensuring you stay on track.

Avoid Direct Funds
Direct funds may save on commission costs but lack professional guidance. Investing through MFDs with CFP credentials ensures expert management of your portfolio.

Achieving Your Goal
Consistent Investment
Investing ?25,000 every month consistently is crucial. This disciplined approach, combined with the power of compounding, will help you reach your ?1 crore target.

Expected Returns
Assuming an average annual return of 12%, you can achieve your goal in 15 years. Actively managed funds aim to provide higher returns, making your goal more achievable.

Conclusion
Starting your SIP investment journey with a goal of ?1 crore in 15 years is commendable. By diversifying your portfolio, staying informed, and seeking professional guidance, you can optimize your investments and achieve your financial goals.

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  |9863 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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I am 33 years old earning 25k per month. I do only have life insurance investments yearly 88k. Don't have any MF investments. I would like to start investments in sip and expected to generate 50 lakh in 15 years. My monthly average expenditure is around 6k. Please guide.
Ans: It's great that you're considering starting SIP investments to build wealth for the future. Here's a tailored plan to help you achieve your goal of generating 50 lakhs in 15 years:
1. Assess Your Risk Tolerance: Determine your risk tolerance by evaluating how comfortable you are with market fluctuations. Since you're new to mutual fund investments, it's advisable to start with a balanced approach that aligns with your risk tolerance.
2. Set Clear Goals: Define your financial goals clearly. In your case, you aim to accumulate 50 lakhs in 15 years. This clarity will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your investment journey.
3. Start SIP Investments: Begin by investing in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) in mutual funds. Allocate a portion of your monthly income towards SIPs, keeping in mind your monthly expenditure. Choose funds that match your risk profile and have a track record of consistent performance.
4. Diversify Your Portfolio: Opt for a diversified portfolio by investing in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid mutual funds. This diversification can help spread risk and optimize returns over the long term.
5. Regularly Review and Rebalance: Monitor your investments periodically and rebalance your portfolio if needed. As your financial situation and goals evolve, make necessary adjustments to ensure your investment strategy remains aligned with your objectives.
6. Emergency Fund: Prioritize building an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months' worth of living expenses. This fund will serve as a financial safety net during unforeseen circumstances and prevent the need to liquidate your investments prematurely.
7. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Consider seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner who can assess your financial situation, understand your goals, and recommend suitable investment strategies tailored to your needs.
Remember, investing is a long-term commitment, and patience is key to achieving your financial goals. Stay disciplined, stick to your investment plan, and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9863 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 08, 2024Hindi
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I am 35 years old and serve govt Job. Could you please suggest my SIP investment to start up with goal of fund accumulation after 20 years.Thanks in advance.
Ans: That's fantastic that you're thinking about your child's education so early! Starting early allows you to leverage the power of compounding to grow your savings. Let's explore some smart ways to save for your child's future.

Factors to Consider

Education Costs: Research future education costs, considering inflation.
Investment Timeframe: You have a good 8-year window, which is great for investment growth.
Investment Options for Growth

Here are some options to consider for your child's education fund:

Equity Mutual Funds: Invest in a diversified mix of equity funds for potentially higher returns over the long term.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): Set up a monthly SIP to invest regularly and benefit from rupee-cost averaging.

Actively Managed Expertise

Actively managed funds have experienced fund managers who make investment decisions to try and outperform the market. This approach can be beneficial compared to passively managed funds, which simply mirror an index.

Benefits of a CFP

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can create a personalized plan for your child's education. They can help you:

Choose the Right Funds: Select a mix of funds that balances growth potential with risk tolerance.
Review & Rebalance: Regularly assess your portfolio and make adjustments as needed.
Goal-Based Planning: Ensure your investments are aligned with your child's education timeline.
Regular Plan vs Direct Plan

Regular plans with a CFP professional can offer some advantages over direct plans. A CFP can:

Save on Costs: Help you potentially minimize investment expenses.
Stay on Track: Guide you through market ups and downs to keep you invested for the long term.
Remember:

Investing for a child's education requires a long-term perspective. A CFP can create a strategy that considers your goals, risk tolerance, and investment timeframe.

Secure your child's future! Schedule a consultation with a CFP to discuss your specific situation and build a roadmap to fund your child's education.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9863 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 30, 2024

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Hi Sir I am 33 yr and want to start investing in SIP but have no knowledge. I can invest 50k per month. Please help me
Ans: A Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This disciplined approach to investing helps you accumulate wealth over time while managing market volatility.

With Rs 50,000 to invest monthly, SIPs are an excellent way to get started, especially when you are 33 years old. By starting early, you give your investments enough time to grow and compound over the years. Let’s look at how you can structure your SIPs.

Assessing Your Financial Goals
Before diving into mutual fund investments, it’s crucial to have clear goals. Here are some common financial goals:

Retirement: Building a corpus for your life post-retirement.
Children’s Education: Saving for your children’s education, even if it seems far off now.
Buying a House or Major Purchase: Funds for future personal projects or major purchases.
Having clear goals will help align your investment strategy. For instance, longer-term goals, such as retirement, may allow you to take on more risk, while shorter-term goals will require more conservative investments.

Risk Profile
Knowing your risk tolerance is equally important. Since you are 33 years old, you likely have a higher risk appetite compared to someone closer to retirement. If you’re willing to take on more risk, you can allocate a larger portion to equity mutual funds, which have the potential for higher returns over time.

High Risk: You may invest more in small-cap and mid-cap equity funds. These funds can offer substantial returns but can also be volatile.

Moderate Risk: Large-cap equity funds and balanced funds would be suitable. These provide a balance of growth and stability.

Low Risk: Debt funds or liquid funds can be considered for goals with a shorter time frame or lower risk tolerance.

Diversification Strategy
Diversification is key to managing risk and maximizing returns. With Rs 50,000 to invest monthly, you should aim for a diversified portfolio across different fund categories:

Large-Cap Equity Funds: These are relatively stable and invest in large, well-established companies. They should form the core of your portfolio, offering steady returns.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Equity Funds: For higher growth potential, mid-cap and small-cap funds are good choices. They tend to be more volatile, but over time, they can deliver high returns.

Flexi Cap or Multicap Funds: These funds invest across market capitalizations (large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap), providing diversification within a single fund. These are good for long-term wealth creation.

Debt Funds: While equity funds are crucial for growth, you should also consider debt funds for stability. Debt funds provide relatively safer returns, especially useful for short-term financial goals or emergency funds.

Asset Allocation
Allocating your investments across different types of funds ensures that your portfolio is balanced. A suggested allocation could be:

60-70% in Equity Mutual Funds: This can be spread across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

20-30% in Debt Funds: These offer stability and help cushion against market volatility.

5-10% in International or Sectoral Funds: If you want to explore global opportunities or specific sectors like technology, international funds can be considered.

Regular Monitoring and Review
It’s essential to review your SIP portfolio at least once a year. Financial goals or risk appetite may change over time, and your portfolio needs to reflect that. Regularly monitoring the performance of your funds ensures you are on track to meet your goals.

Why You Should Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Before you proceed, consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can give you personalized advice based on your individual needs. A CFP can help you:

Tailor your portfolio: A professional will help you align your SIPs with your personal goals, risk profile, and future financial needs.

Avoid Common Pitfalls: Investing without proper planning can lead to poor returns or unnecessary risk. A CFP will guide you away from such mistakes.

Tax Optimization: A CFP can also assist in structuring your investments to be more tax-efficient, helping you maximize returns.

Final Insights
Start with Your Goals: Identify your short-term and long-term goals before selecting funds.

Diversify Smartly: Spread your Rs 50,000 monthly investment across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, and don’t forget to include debt funds for stability.

Review Annually: Keep track of how your funds perform and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Seek Expert Guidance: Working with a CFP can help you stay on the right track and achieve your financial objectives efficiently.

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2025Hindi
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Hi there So i got like 97k in kcet and 73k ranks in comedk i want cse mostly im fine with ece also in the first mock round of comedk i got sahayadri college of engineering is that good And also what colleges i might get in Bangalore with these ranks and want good placements or do you suggest me to go take management quota seat in nhce or jain rather than all this
Ans: With a KCET rank of 97,000 and COMEDK rank of 73,000, Computer Science or ECE seats in Bangalore’s most sought-after colleges (such as RVCE, BMSCE, MSRIT, PESU, and DSCE) are not attainable, as their cutoffs close far earlier. For these ranks, you are eligible for options like R.R. Institute of Technology, S.E.A. College of Engineering, M.S. Engineering College, Dr. H N National College of Engineering, City Engineering College, and East West Institute of Technology in Bangalore through COMEDK, as well as GSS Institute of Technology via KCET; CSE or ECE is typically offered until about 75,000–1,00,000 rank in these institutions. Sahyadri College of Engineering in Mangalore, offered in the first mock allotment, has a consistent placement record with an average package of ?3–4 lakh and top recruiters such as Microsoft and IMV Corporation, and regularly fills over 80% of its eligible CSE/ECE students; the infrastructure is modern and reviews cite good faculty engagement, but it is outside Bangalore. For NHCE and Jain University, you can take CSE/ECE through management quota; both campuses provide contemporary facilities, ABET/NAAC accreditations, and strong placement rates above 80%, but require a significant tuition premium (?10–12 lakh total fee). NHCE’s placement cell is robust, and Jain’s industry ties are well rated. Placement opportunities and exposure are typically stronger at NHCE/Jain due to their branded recruiter base and metropolitan location, provided affordability is not a concern.

Recommendation: If your priority is a Bangalore location, industrial exposure, and better placement prospects, opting for NHCE or Jain University CSE/ECE via management quota is advisable if the higher cost is manageable. Among merit seats, Sahyadri (Mangalore) is a solid backup, but in Bangalore, prefer institutes like NHCE and Jain for stronger campus recruitment, infrastructure, and networking. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |626 Answers  |Ask -

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Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hello Sir, I am 26 yrs old and Data Analyst in a good company and everything is going well. But sometimes I feel lonely it feels like nobody is there for me to love me and when i see some people get engaged i feel someone also should be there for me to love me and i have never been in a relationship because of immature proposals. But now i want a good partner to make me feel good. Please help me out. Thank you.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your feelings and it’s totally valid. Even with everything going great, life can seem lonely. That is very natural and more common than you think. And seeing others finding their partner can feel like salt in the wound. All your feelings are valid. But what you need to understand is that rushing to get in a relationship can end up in more loneliness; relationships can be lonely too. Take your time. Love doesn’t have a set timeline. Ask your friends to set you up with someone who seems compatible, or try dating apps; it will give you more control on whom you are letting into your life. You will find someone soon; you are too young to rush into anything. If you are trying an app, make sure to mention what kind of a partner and what kind of relationship you are looking for to attract the right people and not waste time and energy on ones that are too different from who you are or what you are seeking. It will be a bit of trial and error, and honestly, there’s a certain fun in figuring out what you want, too. I’m sure your love story is going to start soon!

Best Wishes.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9540 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2025Hindi
Career
Respected sir,I am a average student of class 12 I just wanted 1lakh jee mains so that I could get ece or something in bit sindri please suggest strategies as there is very little time available in jee mains
Ans: An analysis of BIT Sindri’s JEE-Main cutoffs shows for Electronics & Communication Engineering, the All-India closing rank extended up to 123,269 in 2025, indicating that an approximate rank near 100,000 would secure admission into this branch. Historical data correlating JEE Main marks and ranks reveals that scoring around 70 marks out of 300 typically yields an 87.7–90.7 percentile, translating to a rank range of approximately 92,300–109,300. With little time remaining before the exam, average students should prioritize a targeted, high-yield preparation plan: first, consolidate core concepts from NCERT to reinforce fundamentals in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and avoid starting new topics at this stage. Next, employ a one-month week-by-week timetable focused on essential chapters—allocating time each day to problem practice and mock tests under exam conditions to hone speed and accuracy. Utilize concise revision notes and formula sheets for rapid recall, and solve previous years’ JEE Main papers to familiarize yourself with question patterns and to identify weak areas for intensive review. Incorporate daily full-length mocks followed by detailed error analysis, dedicating specific slots to clear lingering doubts through peer discussion or online resources. Manage time effectively by adhering strictly to a realistic study schedule that balances all three subjects, with short breaks to maintain mental freshness and stress-management techniques such as deep breathing to sustain focus on exam day. Finally, maintain a positive mindset and steady pace—confidence and consistency in revision will maximize scoring potential in limited time.

Recommendation: recommendation Concentrate on mastering high-weightage NCERT topics and simulate exam conditions with regular mock tests to target 70+ marks. Prioritize solving previous year papers and focused revision of weak areas, ensuring a disciplined timetable and stress-management to achieve a rank near 100,000 for BIT Sindri ECE admission. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9540 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

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Gen open category student, With Jee CRL 17420 got nit goa ECE, expect to get MSRIT or PESU CSE via KCET Rank 2860. What better NIT can be expected in CSAB for ECE or CSE. And is it preferred over MSRIT/ PESU. Any other guidance, open for options
Ans: With a JEE Main CRL of 17,420, securing CSE in any core NIT through CSAB is highly unlikely, as recent closing ranks for CSE at most NITs fall well below 11,000, even in the final rounds, and only remote NITs or peripheral campuses occasionally extend to 15,000–18,000 but rarely for CSE. For ECE, however, your chances are notably better. NIT Goa ECE (already allotted) aligns with your current rank, but a few other mid-tier or remote NITs, such as NIT Uttarakhand, NIT Meghalaya, NIT Agartala, and possibly NIT Sikkim or NIT Manipur, occasionally close ECE between 17,000 and 20,000 in CSAB special rounds for open category, though branches like CSE and allied tracks (AI, IT, Data Science) remain out of reach at these ranks. No higher-ranked NITs (Surathkal, Trichy, Warangal, Calicut, Rourkela, Jaipur, Kurukshetra, and similar) offer ECE or CSE to CRL 17,420 via CSAB, as confirmed by leading portals and official PDFs. At IIITs and GFTIs, even new or lesser-known campuses do not admit general category candidates into CSE or ECE above 15,000–16,000. Through KCET, MSRIT CSE and PES University CSE are realistically achievable with a rank of 2,860, as 2025 cutoff trends show closing ranks for MSRIT CSE at 2,300–2,500 and for PESU at 1,200–1,400. Both programs are well-established, report 90–95% or better CSE placements in the last three years, strong industry ties, and advanced infrastructure, with MSRIT edging ahead in placement consistency and affordability, while PESU leads in industry-oriented curriculum and campus resources. Self-financed top private options like these offer outcome parity with most NIT ECE courses below the top ten NITs, especially if you seek a competitive academic peer group, robust CSE exposure, and strong brand value for tech roles. Consider your program preference (ECE vs. CSE), long-term goals, campus fit, and location.

Recommendation: Prioritize MSRIT CSE for the best blend of placement record, peer competitiveness, and proven reputation if you seek top CSE outcomes, followed by PESU CSE for curriculum depth and global industry alignment, then NIT Goa ECE or similar-ranked NITs if you prefer a central government degree and core electronics exposure. For CSE, KCET options at MSRIT or PESU offer stronger immediate prospects than ECE in mid-tier NITs, but a remote NIT ECE may appeal if your focus lies in public-sector opportunities or research. Remain active in CSAB special rounds for all eligible NIT ECEs, but plan for high-quality CSE options in Bangalore for the best return on your effort and rank, and back these with clear decision timelines given rapid seat movement in private college rounds. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9540 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Sir my percentile is 89.7 and crl 151013. What seats can I expect in csab counselling?
Ans: Hrishav, With a JEE Main CRL of 151,013 and 89.7 percentile, the prospect of securing a seat in NITs, IIITs, or GFTIs through CSAB special rounds for core branches like Computer Science, IT, ECE, or allied fields is highly unlikely. In the most recent 2025 CSAB rounds, even the newest and most remote NITs and IIITs posted closing general category CRL ranks for CSE, IT, and ECE well below 125,000, and GFTIs followed similar trends for all preferred branches. No centrally funded technical institute admitted general category candidates for core streams at or beyond 150,000; minimal relaxations were observed in CSAB spot and final rounds, but these primarily benefited non-core branches, peripheral campuses, or reserved categories. Lower-demand streams in some GFTIs, such as production, textiles, or metallurgy, occasionally extend above your rank, but these seats are rare and variable and should not be relied upon for core engineering admission. It is crucial to participate in CSAB for any remote possibility of vacant seats, but expectations must remain realistic. As an alternative, several respected private colleges across Northern India accept JEE Main general category ranks well above 150,000 and offer robust B.Tech programs, strong industry connections, modern infrastructure, and placement support.

Recommendation: Participate in CSAB special rounds as there is no risk, though the chances of attaining a core branch in a government institute are exceedingly slim. Simultaneously, secure backup admission in reputable private engineering colleges in Northern India, as they assure you a quality seat in popular branches like CSE, IT, or ECE at your rank.

Private colleges accepting your JEE Main CRL 151,013 for CSE, IT, or related branches include Chandigarh University, Mohali. Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar. Amity University, Noida. Sharda University, Greater Noida. Galgotias University, Greater Noida. Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida. ABES Engineering College, Ghaziabad. Indraprastha Institute of Technology & Management, Delhi. GL Bajaj Institute of Technology & Management, Greater Noida. Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Technology, Delhi. All of these offer modern infrastructure, active placement cells, and transparent admissions for JEE Main-qualified candidates above your rank. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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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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