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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 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
Shashank Question by Shashank on May 18, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I have started investing in sip from last month's and investing around 65k per month in 7 mutual funds which includes Nippon small cap,quant small cap, quant mid cap, Edelweiss balanced fund, canara robeco bluechip ,HDFC nifty 50 and Parag parikh flexi cap. As I want to make a Corpus of 1 crore in next 7-10 years is it good to continue with these funds or I need to do some changes. Please advise

Ans: Your initiative to start SIPs and invest ?65,000 monthly is commendable. At 7-10 years, achieving a corpus of ?1 crore is a realistic goal. Let's review your current funds and see if any adjustments are needed.

Current Fund Analysis

Nippon Small Cap and Quant Small Cap

Small cap funds offer high growth potential but are volatile. Holding two small cap funds increases risk. Diversifying to other categories can balance this risk.

Quant Mid Cap

Mid cap funds balance growth and stability. They are less volatile than small cap funds. This fund adds valuable diversity to your portfolio.

Edelweiss Balanced Fund

Balanced funds, also known as hybrid funds, invest in equity and debt. They provide stability and moderate growth. This is a good choice for risk management.

Canara Robeco Bluechip Fund

Large cap funds invest in well-established companies. They offer stability and steady returns. This fund adds a layer of safety to your portfolio.

HDFC Nifty 50

Nifty 50 index funds track the performance of the Nifty 50 index. However, actively managed funds often outperform index funds. Consider switching to an actively managed large cap fund.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund

Flexi cap funds invest across market capitalizations. They provide flexibility and diversification. This is a strong choice for a long-term portfolio.

Diversification and Risk Management

Diversification is crucial to managing risk. Your portfolio should balance growth and stability. Small cap funds should not dominate your portfolio. Consider reducing exposure to small caps.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds adjust to market conditions. Fund managers seek opportunities for higher returns. This can outperform passive index funds like HDFC Nifty 50.

Regular Review and Adjustment

Regular reviews ensure your investments align with goals. Adjustments may be necessary as market conditions change. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice.

Investment Strategy for Corpus Growth

Reduce Small Cap Exposure

Keep only one small cap fund.
Diversify remaining investment into other categories.
Increase Large Cap and Balanced Fund Allocation

Allocate more to large cap and balanced funds.
These funds provide stability and steady growth.
Consider Multi Cap Funds

Multi cap funds invest in large, mid, and small caps.
They offer balanced growth and risk management.
Switch from Index Fund to Actively Managed Fund

Consider an actively managed large cap fund.
These funds aim to outperform the market index.
Empathy and Understanding

Your dedication to securing your financial future is admirable. Balancing growth and stability in your portfolio shows wisdom. Your goal of ?1 crore is achievable with the right strategy.

Conclusion

Your current mutual fund investments are strong. However, reducing small cap exposure and adding more large cap and balanced funds can enhance stability and growth. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice. Your commitment to investing wisely will ensure you 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  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 10, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I started to invest in mutual funds through SIP recently with below given funds 1. Nippon India small cap direct 5K 2. SBI small cap direct 5K 3. Quant small cap direct 5K 4. Kotak Emerging Equity Direct Muti cap - 5K I want to continue for next 10-15years, please whether I am in right path and how much I get corpus value at the end of Investment for the given period Thanks!!!
Ans: Your choice of funds reflects a focused approach towards potential growth. Investing in small-cap and multi-cap funds can offer significant growth opportunities over the long term. It's commendable that you're thinking about the future and considering a decade or more of investment.

Small-cap funds typically invest in companies with a smaller market capitalization, which can be more volatile but also offer higher growth potential. Multi-cap funds, on the other hand, provide diversification across market caps, potentially reducing risk while still aiming for growth.

However, it's essential to recognize the risks associated with small-cap investments. These funds can be more volatile and may experience significant fluctuations in value. Additionally, smaller companies may face challenges in adverse market conditions.

Regarding your investment horizon of 10-15 years, it aligns well with equity investments, which tend to perform better over extended periods. The power of compounding works in your favor over such a timeframe.

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.


To maximize your investment's potential, consider diversifying across different asset classes to mitigate risk. Also, regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay patient and disciplined, especially during market fluctuations. Keep contributing regularly to your SIPs and stay informed about market developments.

Overall, with a long-term perspective and the right strategy, you're on track to potentially build a substantial corpus over the next decade or more.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello, This is Capt. Samir. I have invested in mutual funds and doing an SIP of 70k per month. Would like to know if the mutual funds that I have invested in are good to hold and the corpus that can be generated in the next 10 years. I am looking forward for a 2 cr corpus by 2034 from MF. Kindly advise if SIP needs to be increased to generate the said corpus. Mutual Funds DSP-Global innovation FOF-Reg fund -G -3000 Sip WHITEOAK flexi cap reg fund- 3000 SIP CANARA REBECCO Mid cap fund - 3000 SIP HDFC Business fund- 200000 LUMPSUM HDFC top 30 fund - 3000 SIP Aditya Birla frontline equity fund - 2 folios - 3000 SIP in one only DSP small cap fund- 5000 HDFC small cap fund- 5000 Merai asset large cap fund-5000 ICICI prudential Blue chip fund-5000 Canara Rebecco manufacturing fund Growth - 5000 Kotak focused equity fund -5000 JM midcap fund Growth - 5000 SBI ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES FUND - 400,000 LUMPSUM Kotak Multicap fund: 5000 ICICI PRU energy and fund: 5000 HDFC Nifty 200 momentum30 index fund- 10000 HSBC EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FUND - 3L lumpsum Thanks Samir
Ans: It’s great to see that you are already investing consistently and have a target in mind. Your aim of generating Rs 2 crore by 2034 from mutual fund investments is achievable with a systematic approach. Let's break down your current investment strategy and assess whether any adjustments are needed to meet your goal.

Review of Your Existing SIPs and Lump Sum Investments
You are currently investing Rs 70,000 per month through SIPs and have made some lump-sum investments as well. Let's evaluate the funds you have chosen based on their category, diversification, and potential for long-term growth.

Global Innovation Fund: This fund gives you exposure to international markets, which helps diversify your portfolio. Keep an eye on global market trends, but this fund can add value if the global tech and innovation sectors grow.

Flexi Cap and Mid Cap Funds: Flexi Cap and Mid Cap funds offer a balance of growth potential and risk. They tend to outperform in the long run, but they also come with volatility. These funds are good to hold for a long-term horizon.

Lump Sum Investments in Sector-Specific Funds (Energy and Manufacturing): Sector-specific funds can be high-risk but may offer high returns if the sector performs well. The energy sector has potential but may be volatile due to factors like government policies, oil prices, and global energy trends. Manufacturing is more stable but less likely to deliver aggressive returns. Keep these funds for diversification, but be cautious.

Small Cap Funds: You have exposure to two small cap funds. While small cap funds can offer high returns, they come with high volatility. Keep in mind that small cap funds should ideally not exceed 20% of your portfolio due to their risk profile.

Large Cap and Blue Chip Funds: Large Cap funds are a safer bet in the long term and provide stability. They might not offer the highest returns but will protect your capital. Continue your SIPs in these funds.

Focused Equity Funds: These funds invest in a limited number of stocks, which can give concentrated returns but also carry higher risk. As you are looking for a long-term goal, these funds can add value, but balance them with more diversified funds.

Index Funds: While index funds are low-cost, they track the index and may not offer outperformance. Actively managed funds can give you better returns over the long term. If you are invested in index funds, consider reviewing their performance and reallocating to actively managed funds with a Certified Financial Planner.

Is Your Portfolio Diversified Enough?
Your portfolio has a good mix of different fund categories—small cap, mid cap, flexi cap, and large cap. You also have exposure to international markets and sectoral funds. However, be cautious about over-investing in small caps and sectoral funds due to their high volatility. Consider reducing the allocation to sectoral funds if their performance dips.

Will You Achieve Rs 2 Crore by 2034?
You aim to accumulate Rs 2 crore by 2034. Based on your current SIP amount, it is important to assess if this is enough. Considering an average return of 12% per annum from your mutual funds, Rs 70,000 per month SIPs may get you close to your target. However, it is wise to periodically review your portfolio and step up your SIP amount by 10-15% every year to stay on track.

Recommendation:

Increase your SIP amount: If possible, increase your SIPs by 10% every year to boost your corpus and mitigate the impact of inflation.
Step-Up SIPs: Some mutual funds offer a "Step-Up SIP" option where you can increase your monthly SIP amount automatically by a fixed percentage every year. This will help you stay on track for your Rs 2 crore goal.
Lump Sum vs SIPs
Lump sum investments can boost your corpus, but they depend on market timing. Since you already have a few lump-sum investments, it’s good to continue with SIPs to average out market volatility. If you come into additional funds, like a bonus or windfall, consider allocating some towards lump sum investments in diversified funds.

Expense Ratios and Fund Performance
It’s important to regularly monitor the expense ratios of the funds you are invested in. High expense ratios can eat into your returns over the long term. Actively managed funds with high expense ratios should justify the cost with higher returns. If you find that the returns are not justifying the high costs, consult a Certified Financial Planner to switch to better-performing funds with reasonable expenses.

Managing Risk and Rebalancing
Your current portfolio leans towards high-risk, high-return funds like small caps and sectoral funds. As you approach your target year, start reducing exposure to high-risk funds and shift more towards stable funds like large caps and flexi caps. This will help preserve your capital and reduce volatility.

Every year or two, review your portfolio and rebalance it. For example, if small caps have outperformed, they may now constitute a larger portion of your portfolio than you originally planned. Rebalance by selling some small cap units and buying more large cap or flexi cap units.

Emergency Fund and Insurance
Apart from investing in mutual funds, ensure that you have an emergency fund that covers 6-12 months of your expenses. This will protect you from dipping into your investments in case of unforeseen financial needs.

You already have a term insurance plan, which is great. Ensure that the sum assured is adequate to cover your family's financial needs in case of an emergency.

Tax Planning
Remember to account for taxation when planning your investment strategy. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds are taxed at 10% for gains above Rs 1 lakh. Plan your withdrawals strategically to minimize tax liabilities.

You can also invest in ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) funds to save on taxes under Section 80C. ELSS funds have a 3-year lock-in period and provide both tax benefits and market-linked returns.

Final Insights
Your current portfolio is well-diversified but high on risk.
Keep track of expense ratios and switch funds if necessary.
Step up your SIPs annually by 10-15% to meet your Rs 2 crore target.
Rebalance your portfolio every year to manage risk.
Maintain an emergency fund and ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Consider tax-saving strategies like ELSS to optimize your investments.
With a disciplined approach and periodic reviews, your goal of Rs 2 crore by 2034 is achievable.

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

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |450 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 03, 2024Hindi
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Hello, my wife is Ugandan and I’m of English national, 30 years old and she’s 26, we met nearly a year ago and got married in uk with some of her friends and small family. We haven’t done kuchala (not sure if that’s correct spelling) yet and I’m feeling anxious for when the time comes. She said her family will kneel when they greet me and being white this is already stinging my moral (due to history). I also talked about moving in together before the meet the parents happen however she says she’s rather move in after? Currently this could take two years before going to Uganda, how should I proceed without overstepping her cultural beliefs as after all we are married and by my culture we should already be living together
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It is very nice of you to be so considerate and sensitive while handling these cultural nuances. Let's discuss the kneeling tradition. It's a sign of respect and it's deeply rooted in Ugandan culture. While I understand your point of view, you also have to remember that it can have significant meaning to her and her family. I suggest you politely express your feelings and let her know why it is uncomfortable for you to see her family kneel. When you explain, mention how much her culture means to you as well. I am sure both of you can communicate and come to a compromise that makes you both happy. Just in case, they persist in following the ritual, just look at it as a gesture of love and respect and not submission.

About the moving in together part, in certain parts of the world, couples living together before the traditional wedding is not considered respectful. But since you are already married, you can try explaining to your wife how the living situation does not go against her cultural expectations. But if it is a really big deal for her and her family, consider seeing it from her perspective.

Communication is everything here. Look at every problem as a team; it's not your problem vs her problem. It's both of you vs the problems.

I hope this helps

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1088 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 03, 2024

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Career
I have received a job offer from Siecorp ,a Singapore based company though my posting would be at my hometown . They have asked me to submit all credentials related to education & job experiences which is quite normal but they have asked the following documents also which they said would help me to arrange through some agent by payment & the same would be reimbursed during first month of employment . Earlier also another overseas company asked for the same & I denied to make payment before having the job in hand . 1. Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) – Compulsory 2. OSHA Safety Certificate – Compulsory 3. Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) – Non-Compulsory Kindly advise whether these certificates are really required to be submitted to join any foreign company or any sort of cheating business regards,
Ans: Hello Bipradas.
From your query, it is clear that you have offered by job by a Singapore-based company and they are giving you a posting in your home town. You did not mention anything about the work culture of the company. It simply indicates that you are supposed to work from home which is always related to computers. I think there is no harm in producing the required documents through an agent if they are offering you a handsome salary. The requirement for documents differs from company to company. There is no harm in submitting the mentioned documents. If have fear in your mind, then please go through the profile of the company in detail before submitting the documents. There are many ways to check the authenticity of the company. There are some chances of cheating, but everybody is not indulged in the same category. But take the steps with utmost precaution.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 29, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi , I am 46 year old and trying to see if i can take an early retirement in next 2 years. Below is my financial condition; - Mutual fund 40Lakh - FD 30 Lakhs - 2 rental yielding flat with total rent of 55000 per month - Own house with no loan. - PF 80 Lakhs - NPS 10 Lakhs - PPF 20 Lakhs - Term insurance 50Lakhs
Ans: Your financial position shows good planning and discipline.

Assets Summary:

Mutual Funds: Rs 40 lakh
Fixed Deposits: Rs 30 lakh
Rental Income: Rs 55,000 per month from two flats
Own House: Fully paid, no loan liabilities
Provident Fund (PF): Rs 80 lakh
National Pension System (NPS): Rs 10 lakh
Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 20 lakh
Term Insurance: Rs 50 lakh
You have built a diversified portfolio across multiple asset classes.

Assessing Early Retirement Feasibility
Early retirement in two years can be achieved with strategic planning.

Key Factors to Evaluate:

Monthly Expenses: Calculate post-retirement expenses, including inflation.
Income Sources: Ensure rental income, investments, and withdrawals meet your needs.
Wealth Growth: Balance corpus growth with income stability.
Monthly Expense Coverage
Assume your future monthly expense is Rs 1.25 lakh.

Existing Income Streams:

Rental Income: Rs 55,000 monthly provides 44% of estimated expenses.
Corpus Withdrawals: Use investments to cover remaining expenses.
Adjust for Inflation:

Plan for a 6% inflation rate to protect purchasing power.
Investment Strategy
Align your portfolio for growth, stability, and liquidity.

Mutual Funds:

Continue investing in equity-oriented funds for long-term growth.
Opt for actively managed funds through Certified Financial Planners.
Avoid index funds; they limit opportunities for alpha generation.
Fixed Deposits:

Reallocate a portion to debt mutual funds for better post-tax returns.
Retain some FDs for emergencies and short-term needs.
NPS and PPF:

Maximise NPS contributions for additional tax savings.
Allow PPF to mature for risk-free, tax-exempt growth.
Corpus Withdrawal Plan
A systematic withdrawal strategy ensures steady income.

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) in mutual funds for monthly cash flow.
Keep withdrawal rates below 4% annually to sustain the corpus.
Children’s Education Planning
Your son’s education may require significant funds.

Steps to Plan for Education Costs:

Use PPF maturity or mutual fund proceeds for higher education.
Avoid using retirement corpus for educational expenses.
Risk Management
Protecting your family is as critical as building wealth.

Term Insurance Coverage:

Rs 50 lakh is adequate for income replacement.
Ensure policies are active and nominees updated.
Health Insurance:

Opt for a comprehensive family floater policy with Rs 20–25 lakh coverage.
Keep health-related emergency funds for additional expenses.
Tax Planning
Efficient tax planning maximises post-retirement income.

Mutual Fund Taxation:

Equity fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. Plan withdrawals carefully.
Fixed Deposit Interest:

FD interest is taxable as per your slab. Consider this in income planning.
Real Estate Considerations
Your rental flats provide steady income.

Points to Consider:

Avoid further real estate investments for better liquidity.
Keep properties well-maintained to ensure uninterrupted rental income.
Healthcare and Emergency Funds
Unplanned medical costs can affect your finances.

Steps to Safeguard:

Maintain Rs 10–15 lakh in liquid assets for emergencies.
Regularly review health insurance coverage to meet rising costs.
Assessing Early Retirement Timing
Your early retirement is achievable by 48 years with careful execution.

Why This is Feasible:

Rental income and portfolio can meet monthly needs.
A diversified asset base ensures sustainable returns.
Finally
Early retirement is within your reach with disciplined planning.

Review your financial plan annually and adjust for changes in needs or markets.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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