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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8916 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 28, 2025

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
Sunil Question by Sunil on Apr 12, 2025
Money

Hello sir I want to sip for 25k and lumsump of 5 lac Kindly suggest fund or portfolio This is for mf only , i have emergency fund and pf. Duration House build - 10yr Education for children 15y. Kindly help i can go for risk for small cap

Ans: You want to build a house in 10 years.

You are planning for children’s education over 15 years.

You have Rs 25000 monthly for SIP investment.

You also have Rs 5 lakh for lump sum investment.

Emergency fund and PF are already in place, which is excellent.

You are open to taking some risk with small cap exposure.

Your planning mindset and clarity about goals are very good.

Investment Time Horizon Understanding

10 years is a good time frame for house goal.

15 years is an ideal period for children’s education goal.

Equity mutual funds suit both goals because of long horizon.

Risk of equity reduces over long periods beyond 7 to 8 years.

You can build strong wealth with disciplined investing here.

Asset Allocation Strategy

Since goals are at least 10 years away, equity should dominate.

80% of your investments can be in equity mutual funds.

20% can be in hybrid or dynamic asset allocation funds.

This provides growth with some stability during market fluctuations.

Diversification Across Categories

Flexi cap funds should form the foundation of your portfolio.

Large and mid cap funds should add further balance.

Mid cap funds will provide good growth potential.

Small cap funds can be included but in limited portion only.

Hybrid funds will bring cushion in volatile periods.

Sectoral, thematic, gold, silver funds are not needed now.

Recommended Fund Categories

Two flexi cap funds from reputed fund houses.

One large and mid cap fund.

One mid cap fund.

One small cap fund for 10%-15% allocation.

One hybrid aggressive or balanced advantage fund.

Why Not Index Funds or ETFs

Index funds copy the index without trying to beat it.

Actively managed funds adjust portfolio according to market changes.

Active funds help protect downside and capture opportunities better.

Passive funds like ETFs face tracking errors and hidden expenses.

Certified Financial Planners recommend active funds for wealth creation.

Active funds have shown better long-term outperformance in India.

Why Avoid Direct Mutual Funds

Direct funds leave you alone for research, tracking, and reviews.

Regular plans through Certified Financial Planners offer expert guidance.

Regular plans ensure goal alignment and timely rebalancing.

Fees for regular plans are small compared to the professional support received.

Direct investing may save cost but can cause costly emotional mistakes.

Investing through an experienced CFP gives strong hand-holding in every market cycle.

Suggested Lump Sum Investment Allocation (Rs 5 lakh)

Rs 1.5 lakh in flexi cap fund 1.

Rs 1 lakh in flexi cap fund 2.

Rs 1 lakh in large and mid cap fund.

Rs 75,000 in mid cap fund.

Rs 50,000 in small cap fund.

Rs 25,000 in hybrid fund.

Suggested SIP Allocation (Rs 25000 monthly)

Rs 8000 in flexi cap fund 1.

Rs 6000 in flexi cap fund 2.

Rs 5000 in large and mid cap fund.

Rs 4000 in mid cap fund.

Rs 2000 in small cap fund.

Rs 1000 in hybrid fund.

Split Between Goals

House building goal (10 years): allocate 50% of the portfolio.

Children education goal (15 years): allocate 50% of the portfolio.

After 8 years, start shifting house goal money to hybrid funds.

For education goal, continue equity exposure till 13th year.

Then start gradual shifting to safer options in 14th and 15th year.

Risk Management Advice

Small cap funds are highly volatile but offer good long-term returns.

Limit small cap exposure to 10% to 15% of total corpus only.

Avoid investing more into small caps even if market looks attractive.

Stick to the allocation and review yearly with a Certified Financial Planner.

Importance of Goal Tracking

Set clear target amounts for house and education goals.

Check yearly whether you are on track or need step-up.

You may step up SIPs by 10% yearly to beat inflation.

Early detection of gaps helps you course-correct easily.

Review and Rebalancing Plan

Review your portfolio every 12 months.

Rebalance if any fund category goes out of set proportion.

Switch from equity to hybrid gradually when nearing goals.

Do not exit all equity at once to avoid sudden tax impact.

Plan systematic transfer strategy 2 years before goal maturity.

Mutual Fund Capital Gains Taxation Rules

Short-term gains (within 1 year) in equity are taxed at 20%.

Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.

Debt-oriented hybrid fund gains are taxed as per income slab.

Plan switches and withdrawals wisely to optimise tax liability.

Other Important Recommendations

Keep your emergency fund separate and untouched.

Keep health insurance and term insurance active for family security.

SIPs should be automated and consistent, ignoring short-term market noise.

Avoid panic or greed during market highs or lows.

Use surplus income or bonuses to increase SIPs towards your goals.

Work closely with a Certified Financial Planner to manage your journey.

Finally

You have taken a fantastic step by starting structured investing.

Clear goal setting with timelines shows your financial maturity.

Your risk readiness for small caps is understood and managed smartly.

A diversified portfolio across categories will protect and grow your wealth.

Avoid direct plans and passive funds for better performance and expert handholding.

Trust the power of SIPs, patience, and asset allocation.

Over 10 to 15 years, this discipline will bring strong financial freedom.

You are laying the right foundation for your house and children's education dreams.

Stay consistent, stay focused, and success will surely follow.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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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I am planning to invest 50k/ month as Sip, for 20+ year investing horizon, Can u please suggest me funds in mf.. Goal: wealth creation
Ans: For long-term wealth creation through SIPs, it's essential to select mutual funds with a proven track record of delivering consistent returns and managing risk effectively. Here are some categories of mutual funds that you may consider:

Large Cap Equity Funds: These funds invest in large, well-established companies with stable growth prospects. They offer relatively lower risk and can provide steady returns over the long term.
Multi Cap Equity Funds: These funds have the flexibility to invest across companies of various market capitalizations, providing diversification and potential for higher returns.
Mid Cap and Small Cap Equity Funds: These funds focus on mid-sized and small-sized companies with high growth potential. While they carry higher risk, they also offer the possibility of generating substantial returns over the long term.
Equity Index Funds: These funds aim to replicate the performance of a specific stock market index, such as the Nifty 50 or Sensex. They offer low expense ratios and can be suitable for investors seeking market returns with minimal active management.
When selecting specific mutual funds within these categories, consider factors such as the fund's historical performance, expense ratio, fund manager's track record, and investment philosophy.

It's essential to diversify your SIP investments across multiple funds to spread risk and maximize potential returns. Additionally, regularly review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Before making any investment decisions, I recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice tailored to your unique financial situation and goals.

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Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 23, 2024Hindi
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I have Rs 80000 as extra income every month which I want to invest in good MFs. Pease give me five such good SIPs where I can invest Rs 16,000 every month for the next five years.
Ans: Investing in Mutual Funds (MFs) through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) is a smart way to grow your wealth over time. Here are five recommended mutual funds that are considered good for SIP investments based on their past performance, fund management, and portfolio composition. Always remember to review your investment choices periodically and consider consulting with a financial advisor to tailor the recommendations to your specific financial goals and risk tolerance.

1. Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund

• Category: Large Cap
• Investment Objective: To generate long-term capital appreciation by primarily investing in a diversified portfolio of large-cap stocks.
• Why Recommended: Consistent performance with a strong track record of outperforming its benchmark.

2. Axis Bluechip Fund

• Category: Large Cap
• Investment Objective: To achieve long-term capital growth by investing predominantly in equity and equity-related securities of large-cap companies.
• Why Recommended: Strong focus on quality companies with sustainable business models, offering potential for steady returns.

3. SBI Small Cap Fund

• Category: Small Cap
• Investment Objective: To provide investors with opportunities for long-term growth in capital by investing predominantly in a well-diversified basket of small-cap companies.
• Why Recommended: Potential for high returns given the growth prospects of small-cap companies, though with higher risk.

4. HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund
• Category: Mid Cap
• Investment Objective: To generate long-term capital appreciation by investing predominantly in mid-cap companies.
• Why Recommended: Consistent track record of identifying mid-cap companies with high growth potential.

5. ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund

• Category: Hybrid (Aggressive Hybrid)
• Investment Objective: To generate long-term capital appreciation and current income by investing in a mix of equity and debt securities.
• Why Recommended: Balanced exposure to both equity and debt, reducing risk while aiming for steady growth.

Investment Strategy

• Monthly Investment: Rs 16,000 in each fund.
• Investment Period: 5 years.

Summary of Monthly SIP Allocation

• Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund: Rs 16,000
• Axis Bluechip Fund: Rs 16,000
• SBI Small Cap Fund: Rs 16,000
• HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund: Rs 16,000
• ICICI Prudential Equity & Debt Fund: Rs 16,000

Key Points to Consider

• Risk Appetite: Ensure these funds match your risk tolerance. Large-cap funds tend to be less volatile than mid-cap and small-cap funds.
• Review Performance: Periodically review the performance of your investments. Mutual fund performances can vary, and it’s wise to adjust your portfolio if needed.
• Diversification: The suggested funds offer a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and hybrid options, providing diversification across different market segments.
Disclaimer
• Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always consider your financial situation and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8916 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 25, 2024

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want to invest 5k in mutual fund SIP and also 1 lakh lumsum can you pls suggest
Ans: Investing in mutual funds through both SIPs and lump sum amounts can help you achieve your financial goals in a disciplined and structured manner. You are planning to invest Rs. 5,000 monthly through SIP and Rs. 1 lakh as a lump sum. Here’s a detailed guide to making the most out of your investments.

Benefits of Mutual Fund SIPs
A systematic investment plan (SIP) is an excellent tool for building wealth over time. By investing Rs. 5,000 per month, you can benefit from rupee cost averaging. This helps you buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high. Over time, this averages your purchase price and reduces the impact of market volatility.

Rupee Cost Averaging: SIPs smooth out the highs and lows of market fluctuations.

Discipline in Investing: SIPs inculcate a habit of regular investing.

Power of Compounding: The longer you stay invested, the more your money grows. SIPs help in leveraging compounding returns over the years.

Recommendations for SIP Investment
While choosing a mutual fund for your SIP investment, it’s crucial to align the fund's objective with your financial goals. You could consider funds that focus on equity for long-term growth, as these tend to offer higher returns, though they may come with some short-term volatility.

Equity Funds for Long-Term Growth: Equity-oriented funds have the potential to generate higher returns, making them suitable for SIPs with a longer investment horizon.

Diversified Portfolio: Choose funds that are diversified across sectors and market capitalizations. This reduces the risk associated with one sector underperforming.

Lump Sum Investment Strategy
When investing Rs. 1 lakh as a lump sum, timing and market conditions play an essential role. However, long-term investments can mitigate the risks of short-term market movements. Lump sum investments are ideal if you have idle cash that you can lock away for 5-7 years or more.

Benefits of Lump Sum Investment
Immediate Exposure: Lump sum investments give you immediate exposure to the market. This can work to your advantage in a rising market.

Potential for Higher Returns: Compared to SIPs, lump sum investments can provide higher returns if the market performs well.

Better for Long-Term Goals: Since you're planning to invest for a more extended period, the market’s temporary ups and downs shouldn't concern you much.

Asset Allocation Strategy
When deciding on how to split your Rs. 5,000 SIP and Rs. 1 lakh lump sum, consider asset allocation. This ensures your investments are well-diversified between equity, debt, and hybrid funds based on your risk tolerance.

Equity Funds: For aggressive growth. Suitable for long-term goals.

Debt Funds: Offer stability and regular income. These funds are less volatile and provide consistent returns.

Hybrid Funds: Provide a mix of equity and debt. Suitable for moderate-risk investors.

Final Insights
Combining SIPs and lump sum investments is a smart way to achieve both your short-term and long-term financial objectives. While your SIP gives you the benefit of regular, disciplined investing, your lump sum investment offers an opportunity for higher returns over time. By focusing on actively managed funds and maintaining a balanced asset allocation, you can maximize your portfolio’s growth.

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

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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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