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24-Year-Old Investor: Seeking Advice on SIP, SGB, and Mutual Fund Choices

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 28, 2024Hindi
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Hello. I have started investing. I have invested 80k through an agent lumpsum. But now I want to start an sip by myself as well as buy an sgb. I have decided Nippon small cap as a fund for 10k and I have decided another fund motilal oswal midcap fund for 10k. Every month if I have anything left extra maybe 2-3k i will invest in other funds like index funds. I chose only small and mid cap because I am just 24 years old and I don't really have many expenses, long term investment horizon and decided 20k after keeping aside 10k for myself. I am also going to buy an sgb on zerodha coin and leave it for 8 years. I am goin to get 2.4 lakhs from my chut fund. I am not sure how much to invest in sgb and what to do with remaining. I have 1.5 in my fd. I started sip in et money app. I set it up and it's goin to start from July 1st 2024. Please help me with if the funds I chose are good for me and how do I split the 2.5 l and also please suggest if zerodha for sgb and et money for sip are good. I also wanted one for swp but i don't know much about that and where to start that. Do you suggest and swp fund for me for nor or just stick to my plan? Please help me . Thank you so much.

Ans: Review of Current Investments

You have started with a lumpsum investment of Rs 80,000 through an agent. Additionally, you plan to invest Rs 20,000 per month in SIPs, focusing on small and mid-cap funds.

Your choice of small and mid-cap funds aligns well with your long-term horizon and risk appetite at 24 years old.

Investment Platforms: Evaluation

ET Money for SIP:

Pros:

Easy to use and set up SIPs.

Convenient for managing multiple investments.

Cons:

Lacks personalized advice from Certified Financial Planners.

Limited support for complex financial planning.

Zerodha for SGB:

Pros:

Simple and cost-effective for buying SGBs.

Good for long-term holding.

Cons:

May not provide personalized investment advice.

Limited customer support for investment queries.

Advantages of Investing through an MFD

Personalized Advice: Tailored to your financial goals and risk profile.

Regular Monitoring: Helps in adjusting investments based on market conditions.

Comprehensive Planning: MFDs offer a holistic approach, including tax planning and retirement planning.

Disadvantages of Digital Platforms

Lack of Personal Touch: Limited personalized advice and support.

Complex Needs: May not cater to complex financial planning needs.

Utilizing Your Chit Fund Proceeds

You will receive Rs 2.4 lakhs from your chit fund. Here’s how you can allocate it:

SGB Investment: Consider investing Rs 1 lakh in SGB for long-term stability and returns.

Diversified Mutual Funds: Invest Rs 1.4 lakhs in diversified mutual funds through an MFD to balance risk and growth.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

An SWP can provide regular income from your mutual fund investments. It is more suitable once you have built a substantial corpus. For now, focus on growing your investments.

Final Insights

Your investment choices reflect a good start. Consider engaging with an MFD for personalized advice and comprehensive planning.

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  |8309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

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Sir, my age is 35 years I have started SIP of Rs 2000 each in Quant mid cap fund growth option direct plan Quant small cap fund growth option direct plan Quant tax plan fund growth option direct plan SBI contra fund direct growth I want to remain invested for a period of 10+ years. Please give me your guidence.
Ans: Your investment approach seems focused on mid-cap and small-cap funds, which can offer higher growth potential but come with increased volatility. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Diversification: While mid-cap and small-cap funds can provide growth opportunities, it's essential to diversify your portfolio across different asset classes and fund categories to mitigate risk. Consider adding large-cap or multi-cap funds for stability.

Review and Monitor: Regularly review the performance of your funds and monitor their progress towards your financial goals. If any fund underperforms consistently or doesn't align with your investment strategy, consider replacing it with a better-performing alternative.

Risk Management: Understand the risk associated with mid-cap and small-cap funds and ensure that your overall portfolio risk is balanced according to your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Long-Term Perspective: Stay committed to your investment plan and maintain a long-term perspective. Over a 10+ year horizon, equity investments have the potential to deliver significant returns, but there may be periods of market volatility that require patience and discipline.

Regular Contributions: Continue with your SIP contributions regularly, and consider increasing your investment amount over time as your income grows or allocate additional funds towards your investment portfolio.

Seek Professional Advice: If you're uncertain about your investment strategy or need personalized guidance, consider consulting with a financial advisor who can provide tailored recommendations based on your financial situation and goals.

By following these principles and staying disciplined in your investment approach, you can work towards building wealth over the long term and achieving your financial objectives.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

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Sir/Madam, I am 27 years, 6 months ago I started doing sip of 10k total, five mutual funds 2k each, 1. Quant small cap 2. Parag parikh flexi cap 3. Kotak equity opportunities 4. Parag parikh elss tax saver 5. HDFC dividend yield I know I started a bit late, but now I am full stable and disciplined to be consistent and increase the sip amount by time to time. Am I going right, are my chosen funds are good, or I should change, please help and guide, give corrective suggestions
Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach to investing at such a young age. Let's delve into your portfolio and see how you're doing:

• Starting a SIP at 27 is a commendable step towards building wealth for your future. Remember, it's never too late to begin investing, and your consistency will be key to your success.

• Your choice of mutual funds reflects a diversified approach, covering different sectors and market capitalizations. This is a smart strategy as it spreads your risk across various segments of the market.

• Investing in small-cap, flexi-cap, equity opportunities, ELSS tax saver, and dividend yield funds provides you with exposure to different investment styles and strategies. However, it's essential to review these funds periodically to ensure they continue to align with your financial goals.

• Consider assessing the performance of each fund against its benchmark and peers to gauge whether they are meeting your expectations. Look for consistency in returns and fund management expertise.

• As you progress in your investment journey and your financial situation evolves, you may consider increasing your SIP amount gradually. This will accelerate the growth of your portfolio over time.

• Additionally, stay updated with market trends and changes in economic conditions to make informed decisions about your investments. Keeping yourself informed will help you navigate any market volatility effectively.

• If you're unsure about whether your chosen funds are the right fit for you, don't hesitate to seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

In conclusion, you're off to a great start with your SIP investments. Stay disciplined, continue to educate yourself about investing, and periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives. With patience and perseverance, you're on track to build a strong financial foundation for the future. Keep up the excellent work!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8309 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I m 31 year old and i m investing in sip of 10000 in groww app Nippon india large cap fund 3000, large cap Icici prudential bluechip fund 3000, large cap Sbi magnum mid cap direct fund 2000, mid cap Qunt small cap fund,,1000, small cap and Parag parikh flexi cap fund 1000 So my goal is 1 cr after 15 year. So my fund selection is correct or not pls suggest me. I m just start sip on 3 of june 2024.
Ans: Evaluating Your SIP Portfolio
Commendations on embarking on your SIP journey, a wise move towards securing your financial future. Let's delve deeper into your fund selection and assess its alignment with your goal of accumulating Rs 1 crore in 15 years.

Assessing Fund Selection
Your portfolio encompasses a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, each carrying distinct risk and return profiles.

Large-cap Funds
Investments in large-cap funds offer stability and lower volatility, typically in established companies with robust fundamentals.

Mid-cap and Small-cap Funds
Mid-cap and small-cap funds present higher growth potential but come with increased volatility, investing in smaller companies with prospects for rapid expansion.

Evaluating Growth Potential
Your inclination towards mid-cap and small-cap funds suggests a quest for higher growth potential. However, it's vital to weigh the associated risks.

Analyzing Fund Selection
Nippon India Large Cap Fund, ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund, and SBI Magnum Mid Cap Direct Fund are reputable choices with established track records. Regular monitoring of their performance is essential.

SIP Amount Allocation
Allocating Rs 3,000 each to large-cap funds and Rs 2,000 to a mid-cap fund exhibits a balanced approach. Yet, investing only Rs 1,000 in a small-cap fund may limit its impact on your portfolio's growth potential.

Rebalancing Strategy
Regularly review your portfolio and rebalance if needed to ensure alignment with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

Market Conditions
Stay abreast of market conditions, as they significantly influence fund performance. Knowledge of economic trends facilitates informed decision-making.

Importance of Patience
Investing is a long-term endeavor; exercising patience and avoiding impulsive decisions amidst short-term market fluctuations is prudent.

Professional Guidance
Consider seeking advice from a certified financial planner to optimize your investment strategy. They offer personalized recommendations tailored to your risk profile and financial goals.

Avoiding Direct Funds
Direct funds may seem appealing but demand active management and market expertise. Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credential ensure professional management and guidance, optimizing fund performance.

Conclusion
Your SIP portfolio displays promise, with a diversified allocation across market segments. Regular monitoring and professional guidance are imperative for achieving your goal of accumulating Rs 1 crore in 15 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Dr Nagarajan Jsk

Dr Nagarajan Jsk   |353 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Apr 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 28, 2025
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Sir I am feeling very uncertain about my career, i am very much interested in medical field, i gave my HS in 2024, this is my 1st drop for neet, i tried a lot but due to family issues and negativity i couldnot do well, neet is jst after 5days , but my syllabus not yet done, mock test are not good, but still i want to pursue medical field ans study in a government medical college, i know where my preparation was lagging{my class 11 12 were weak, those who taught me they all jst told m,e "u cant do anything " and leave and never used to teach properly but i did everything by my own , and then took drop but i how to prepare in a coaching class i didnt know all network isuues for almost 6months ,but i keep on doing and now i am standing in a uncertain phase where i still want to become a doctor, i dont have anproblem in studying those again but the problem is what others will say , its like a fear, as even though my parents enrolled in a coaching online previous year but they also sometimes used to say that i should have also enrolled i a college, its a fear, so my question is this path really for me? should i take a partial drop and go for neet 2026 too, {dob: 14/10/2005}.....i feel like hopeless , but still want to follow my dreams, is this possible?
Ans: Hi,

Before I address your query, please avoid mentioning your date of birth on social media; it's not necessary at this point. However, I noticed that some other details are missing.

In addition to the educational concerns, it seems like you may have a bit of a psychological issue in that you tend to worry excessively about others. This mentality is quite common in our country. Prior to the NEET exam, entry into the medical field, specifically for MBBS and BDS, was mainly reserved for aspirants with high marks. Additionally, those with significant wealth could gain admission through management quotas or at times via NRI quotas. However, the situation has changed completely after the introduction of NEET.

As you know, the major advantage of NEET is that the marks aspirants score in their HSC examinations are now less relevant. Candidates from any part of the country, of any category or state, and even those taking the exam for a second time can attempt NEET, regardless of their HSC performance. If aspirants have talent, they can succeed in NEET, which provides a standardized syllabus across the nation. So, even if you are currently struggling with your HSC studies, you can still perform well on the NEET.

Apart from percentile scores, various factors will influence admission, including community status, creamy or non-creamy layer, physical challenges, and more.

Therefore, NEET is the best solution for aspirants, and you can take the exam as many times as you need.

There are no barriers to preparing for the exam, so please go ahead.

You mentioned that you feel weak in the subject and have difficulty concentrating. I suggest starting yoga and meditation. By practicing these, you'll be able to relieve stress and work towards achieving your goals.

Regarding your desire to enter the medical field (I believe you want to become a doctor), is that correct?

If so, in addition to MBBS, there are other medical courses known as Indian Medicine, including BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, and BNYS. If you find MBBS challenging, consider focusing on these options as well. Many people have started to embrace Indian medicine after the COVID pandemic, so it’s not a problem at all.

Prepare for NEET 2025, analyze your situation, and send your details to the Rediffguru. We can discuss this further.

Wishing you all the best!
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1197 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Apr 28, 2025

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We are a Private Limited Company with an employee strength of 60, and we strictly follow all PF rules. As per the applicable salary criteria, we contribute to the Provident Fund wherever required. Recently, we discovered that an employee who joined our company two years ago has an existing UAN linked to their Aadhaar. However, at the time of joining, the employee declared in Form 11 that they did not have a PF account. Based on this declaration, we did not contribute to their PF account. Now, the employee states that they were unaware of their PF account, and the UAN linked to their Aadhaar is currently inactive. Furthermore, they do not wish to activate their PF account. Given this situation, should we present Form 11 as valid proof for non-contribution, or are there any corrective actions required to comply with PF regulations? Kindly guide us on the appropriate steps to take in this matter.
Ans: Hello;

If the organisation is such that EPFO laws are applicable and if employee 's salary is as per the threshold given by EPFO (15 K basic +DA) then you don't have an option to avoid EPF.

The EPFO commissioner may issue your organisation a show cause notice as to why the form-11 submitted by the employee was not scrutinized thoroughly when it was submitted.

You may furnish joint declaration in the prescribed format to correct the mistake in form 11 and deposit all employer employee contributions till date with penalty as decided by the EPF Commissioner.

Actually such willful suppression of facts by the employee, which bring the employer into legal issues, deserves termination.

Seek advice from a lawyer specializing in labour and EPF laws, if required.

Best wishes;

...Read more

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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