Hello sir, I have total mutual funds of around 40 lacs. Active Sips are Nippon India Small Cap - 8K/M, Kotak Mid Cap Fund - 6k/M, Canara Robecco Bluechip fund - 5k/M and ICICI Prudential nifty 250 small cap index fund - 6k/M. Also I have ICICI Prudential Value Discovery fund - which has grown from 1.7 to 4.2 lacs and DSP ELSS Tax Saver fund grown from 3.4 to 7.2 lacs. I want to redeem the amounts from ICICI Prudential Value Discovery fund and DSP ELSS tax saver fund and invest somewhere else as they have given return more than 150%. I am looking for duration of next 5 years and corpus amount of 1 cr. However my banker from HDFC securities are pushing me to invest in HDFC Life click to invest ULIP's which comes with lock in period. And I don't want a product with lock in period as I already have PPF and LIC as well. Could you please suggest if I should hold these funds or any change is required?

Ans: Hello Garg pankaj kumar. My recommendation would be to switch to better schemes of the same AMC for ICICI & UTI.

ITI & MAHINDRA MANULIFE should be redeemed and reinvested in better schemes of different AMCs.

Ans: Hello Avinash. Thank you for writing to me. You can continue to invest these funds.

Ans: Assessing Your Current Investment Portfolio

It's commendable that you've initiated Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in a diverse range of funds for a potential 5-year corpus. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I'll evaluate your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial objectives and risk tolerance.

Evaluating Fund Selections

Your selection includes a mix of ELSS, large & mid-cap, small-cap, and multi-cap funds, showcasing a well-diversified approach. Each fund category serves a specific purpose in portfolio construction, offering exposure to different segments of the market.

Analyzing Fund Performance and Consistency

While past performance is not indicative of future returns, it's essential to assess the historical performance of your chosen funds. Consistency in performance across market cycles is crucial, indicating the fund manager's ability to navigate varying market conditions effectively.

Considering Fund Overlaps and Diversification

Reviewing your portfolio for potential overlaps is essential to ensure adequate diversification. Overlapping holdings across funds may lead to concentration risk, undermining the benefits of diversification. As a CFP, I emphasize the importance of spreading investments across diverse asset classes and fund categories.

Assessing Expense Ratios and Fund Management

Expense ratios play a significant role in long-term returns, impacting the overall profitability of your investments. While direct plans may offer lower expense ratios, opting for regular plans through Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) with a CFP credential ensures access to professional advice and ongoing portfolio management.

Examining Tax Efficiency and ELSS Selections

ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, making them a popular choice for tax planning. However, it's essential to evaluate the performance and consistency of ELSS funds alongside their tax-saving benefits to ensure optimal returns over the investment horizon.

Reviewing Fund Manager Expertise and Stability

Fund manager expertise and stability are critical factors influencing fund performance. Assessing the track record and tenure of fund managers can provide insights into their investment philosophy and approach. Consistent fund management is essential for delivering long-term returns aligned with your financial goals.

Considering Market Conditions and Economic Outlook

While past performance and fund selection are crucial, it's equally essential to consider prevailing market conditions and the broader economic outlook. As a CFP, I recommend staying informed about macroeconomic trends and adjusting your investment strategy accordingly to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks.

Making Informed Investment Decisions

In conclusion, while your current investment portfolio demonstrates diversification and a strategic approach, periodic review and adjustments may be necessary to optimize returns and mitigate risks. As a CFP, I encourage you to consult with your financial advisor to assess the suitability of your investments and make informed decisions aligned with your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

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

Ans: Your current selection of mutual funds includes diversified options, reflecting a balanced approach to growth. Given your high risk appetite and long investment horizon of 15-20 years, you may consider maintaining exposure to equity-oriented funds that offer growth potential. However, you might want to review your portfolio periodically to ensure alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Additionally, consider diversifying across different market segments or exploring thematic funds to capitalize on specific growth opportunities. Consulting with a financial advisor can provide personalized insights and recommendations tailored to your investment objectives.

Ans: At 40, your financial position is solid. You have Rs. 60 lakh in fixed deposits (FDs), a Rs. 15 lakh mediclaim policy, and regular contributions to NPS and PPF. Your SIP investments of Rs. 32,000 monthly across various funds, combined with no loans or EMIs, give you a robust foundation.

Let’s evaluate each aspect of your investments in detail, with suggestions for enhancing your portfolio for long-term wealth creation.

Fixed Deposit Concerns
FD Returns: Fixed deposits offer safety but low returns. The returns barely beat inflation, leading to a gradual erosion of purchasing power.

Action: You should not have Rs. 60 lakh tied up in FDs if you aim for long-term growth. Consider moving part of this into more growth-oriented avenues like mutual funds.

Mutual Fund Portfolio Review
You are investing Rs. 32,000 monthly in SIPs across various mutual funds. Let's evaluate if these funds are aligned with your 8-10 year goal.

Balanced Advantage Funds
ICICI Balanced Advantage (Rs. 2,000)
HDFC Balanced Advantage (Rs. 3,000)
Balanced advantage funds provide a blend of equity and debt. These funds adjust allocation based on market conditions. Over a long-term horizon of 8-10 years, they offer moderate growth with reduced risk compared to pure equity funds. Since you are investing for a medium to long-term horizon, continuing these SIPs is reasonable.

Midcap and Small Cap Funds
Tata Midcap and Largecap (Rs. 3,000)
Motilal Oswal Midcap (Rs. 2,000)
Quant Small Cap (Rs. 5,000)
Nippon India Small Cap (Rs. 2,000)
These funds can deliver higher growth but are volatile. For an 8-10 year horizon, midcap and small cap funds have great potential. Your investment mix here is well-diversified. Keep in mind that small-cap funds carry high risk in the short term, but since you are focused on the long-term, you can ride out the volatility for higher returns.

Large Cap Funds
HDFC Top 100 (Rs. 5,000)
Large-cap funds are stable and provide moderate growth. HDFC Top 100, being in this category, adds stability to your portfolio. It ensures that your portfolio is not overly exposed to market fluctuations. You should continue this SIP for balanced growth.

Sectoral and Commodities Funds
ICICI Prudential Commodities (Rs. 5,000)
Commodity funds are highly cyclical. While they can offer high returns during certain periods, they are also risky and volatile. Over the long term, they might not deliver as consistently as diversified equity funds. You should consider reducing your allocation here and channeling this money into more diversified equity funds, which provide a balanced risk-return profile.

Flexi-Cap Funds
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap (Rs. 5,000)
Flexi-cap funds are highly flexible, as they invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap is known for its consistent performance and global diversification. It's a good choice for a long-term horizon.

Recommendations for Portfolio Improvement
Reduce FD Exposure: Move a portion of your Rs. 60 lakh in FDs into a diversified equity mutual fund. Aim to keep only a small portion in FDs for emergencies.

Maintain Balanced Advantage Funds: Continue with your balanced advantage funds. They provide a safety cushion during volatile times.

Review Sectoral/Commodities Funds: Consider reducing your investment in commodities. Instead, focus on flexi-cap or mid-cap funds for balanced risk and return.

Increase SIPs for Long-Term Growth
Given your healthy monthly income of Rs. 1.80 lakh and no EMIs, you can consider increasing your SIPs to Rs. 40,000 or Rs. 50,000 monthly. This will help you accelerate wealth creation over your 8-10 year horizon.

Focus on Flexi-Cap Funds: Increase your investment in flexi-cap and midcap funds, as they offer higher growth potential.

Limit Sector-Specific Funds: Avoid putting more into sector-specific funds like commodities as they can underperform over the long term.

Balanced SIP Distribution: Aim for a portfolio with a good mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds for a balanced risk-return ratio.

Lump-Sum Investment Strategy
You have Rs. 3 lakh available for lump-sum investment. Given your long-term horizon of 5-10 years, consider investing in an equity mutual fund or a balanced advantage fund. Here are a few options to help grow your corpus:

Equity Funds: Opt for a flexi-cap or large and midcap fund. These funds are well-diversified and can offer superior growth over time.

Balanced Advantage Funds: If you prefer a bit of safety while still aiming for growth, you can invest this lump sum in a balanced advantage fund. These funds automatically adjust between equity and debt.

Systematic Transfer Plan (STP): To avoid market timing risk, consider investing this Rs. 3 lakh in a liquid fund and using an STP to gradually move the money into equity funds over the next 6-12 months.

NPS and PPF Contributions
You have been contributing Rs. 1.50 lakh annually to PPF and Rs. 50,000 to NPS. Both of these instruments are good for long-term wealth creation, particularly for retirement planning.

Continue NPS: NPS offers tax benefits and long-term growth. It’s advisable to continue contributing Rs. 50,000 annually. You can also increase the contribution if required.

PPF for Safety: PPF is a safe investment offering tax benefits and stable returns. Continue your Rs. 1.50 lakh annual contribution to PPF. It serves as a low-risk component of your portfolio.

Final Thoughts on Direct Mutual Funds
You mentioned investing through direct funds. While direct funds seem appealing due to lower expense ratios, they lack the benefit of personalized guidance. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP), along with a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD), can help you manage and rebalance your portfolio efficiently.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds: Without professional guidance, investors may miss critical rebalancing or sectoral changes. A regular plan with an MFD provides you with expert advice, ensuring that your investments align with your long-term goals.

Benefit of Regular Plans: The small additional cost in regular plans ensures that your portfolio is regularly monitored by professionals, making sure you get the best returns.

Final Insights
You are on a strong financial footing with no loans or EMIs, regular SIPs, and a decent FD reserve. However, your FD holdings are too high, and this could slow your wealth creation. Rebalance your portfolio to include more growth-oriented investments.

By increasing your SIPs and allocating your lump-sum investment wisely, you can achieve higher returns over the next 8-10 years. Keep a balance between equity and debt for safety, and consider professional guidance to navigate market changes.

Stay focused on your long-term goals and review your portfolio every 6-12 months to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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