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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 07, 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 03, 2024Hindi
Money

Hey, I am currently 23 my current month salary is 58,000 and I SIP almost 12,500. And few other RD's like almost 10,000. How much should I invest so that I can hit 1cr when my age is less than 32years. Please help.

Ans: You currently earn Rs 58,000 per month. Your Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) contributions amount to Rs 12,500, and you have recurring deposits (RDs) totaling Rs 10,000. This means you are saving Rs 22,500 monthly, which is a substantial portion of your income.

Firstly, let's appreciate your dedication to saving a significant portion of your income. This level of discipline is a strong foundation for achieving your financial goals. Now, let's break down how you can optimize these savings to reach Rs 1 crore by the time you are 32.

Calculating the Investment Required
To reach a corpus of Rs 1 crore in less than nine years, we need to consider the power of compound interest. Let's assume a conservative annual return of 12% on your investments, which is a reasonable expectation for a well-managed portfolio of mutual funds.

Using the future value of a series formula, we can estimate the required monthly investment:

Rs 52910

Assessment of Current Savings and Investments
Currently, you are investing Rs 12,500 in SIPs and Rs 10,000 in RDs, totaling Rs 22,500 per month. To reach Rs 1 crore in 9 years, you need to invest around Rs 52,910 per month. There is a shortfall of Rs 30,410 per month in your current investment.

Optimizing Your Investment Strategy
To bridge this gap, consider the following steps:

1. Increase SIP Contributions

Reallocate funds from your RDs to SIPs, as mutual funds generally offer higher returns compared to recurring deposits. Actively managed mutual funds can be a better choice due to the expertise of fund managers in selecting securities.

2. Evaluate Your Expenses

Review your monthly expenses to identify areas where you can reduce spending. This can free up additional funds for investment. Setting a budget and tracking your spending can help you identify savings opportunities.

3. Utilize Annual Bonuses and Increments

Use any annual bonuses or salary increments to boost your investment. These additional contributions can significantly impact your overall investment growth.

Benefits of Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Actively managed mutual funds can provide higher returns compared to index funds. Here are some advantages:

1. Professional Management

Fund managers have the expertise to select the best stocks and bonds. They actively manage the portfolio to maximize returns and minimize risks.

2. Flexibility

Actively managed funds can adapt to market conditions. Fund managers can make quick decisions to capitalize on opportunities or avoid losses.

3. Potential for Higher Returns

Due to active management, these funds have the potential to outperform the market, providing better returns than passively managed funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds aim to replicate the performance of a market index. While they have lower fees, they come with some disadvantages:

1. Limited Growth Potential

Index funds cannot outperform the market. They provide returns that mirror the index, which might limit your growth potential.

2. Lack of Flexibility

Index funds are rigid in their composition. They cannot adjust to changing market conditions, which might lead to missed opportunities.

3. Potential for Underperformance

In a bearish market, index funds can perform poorly as they mirror the overall market trend. Active funds might perform better by selectively investing in resilient stocks.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds are purchased directly from the fund house, bypassing intermediaries. Here are some disadvantages:

1. Lack of Guidance

Without the advice of a certified financial planner, you might miss out on expert insights and market trends. This can impact your investment decisions.

2. Complexity

Managing direct funds requires a good understanding of the market. It can be challenging to keep up with market movements and make informed decisions.

3. Time-Consuming

Monitoring and managing your investments can be time-consuming. Engaging a certified financial planner can save you time and provide peace of mind.

Benefits of Regular Funds with CFP
Investing through a certified financial planner offers several benefits:

1. Expert Advice

Certified financial planners provide expert advice based on market analysis and trends. They help you make informed investment decisions.

2. Personalized Strategy

A certified financial planner tailors investment strategies to your goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation, ensuring optimal growth.

3. Continuous Monitoring

They continuously monitor your investments and make adjustments as needed. This proactive approach helps in maximizing returns and managing risks.

Importance of Regular Reviews
Regularly reviewing your financial plan is crucial to stay on track. Life events, market conditions, and personal goals can change. Adjust your investment strategy accordingly to ensure you remain on course to achieve your goal of Rs 1 crore.

Steps to Implement
1. Reallocate RDs to SIPs

Shift your recurring deposit investments to SIPs in actively managed mutual funds. This can help achieve higher returns.

2. Increase Monthly Investment

Aim to increase your monthly investment towards Rs 52,910. Gradually increase your SIP contributions as your income grows.

3. Seek Professional Guidance

Consult with a certified financial planner to create a personalized investment plan. Their expertise can help you navigate market complexities.

4. Regularly Monitor Progress

Set periodic reviews to assess your investment performance. Make necessary adjustments to stay aligned with your financial goal.

Long-Term Perspective
Investing for the long term requires patience and discipline. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations. Focus on your long-term goal and maintain a diversified portfolio to manage risks.

Appreciating Your Efforts
Your commitment to saving and investing at a young age is truly commendable. By taking the right steps now, you are setting yourself up for financial success. Remember, consistency and informed decision-making are key to achieving your financial goals.

Conclusion
Reaching a corpus of Rs 1 crore by the age of 32 is a challenging but achievable goal. By increasing your SIP contributions, reallocating funds from RDs to mutual funds, and seeking professional guidance, you can optimize your investment strategy. Regularly review and adjust your plan to stay on track. Your dedication and disciplined approach are crucial factors in your journey to financial success.

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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Asked by Anonymous - Apr 13, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 plan to get 1cr in next 10 year how much invest? Please suggest which mutual funds are good
Ans: To accumulate 1 crore in the next 10 years, you'll need to calculate the required monthly investment based on your expected rate of return. Here's a general outline to help you get started:

Calculate Required Monthly Investment: Determine the monthly investment required to reach your goal of 1 crore in 10 years based on your expected rate of return. You can use online SIP calculators or consult with a financial advisor to perform this calculation.
Choose Suitable Mutual Funds: Look for mutual funds that have a track record of consistent performance, align with your risk tolerance, and have the potential to deliver competitive returns over the long term. Consider a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to diversify your portfolio and mitigate risk.
Review Fund Performance: Evaluate the historical performance of mutual funds you're considering investing in. Look for funds with a proven track record of outperforming their benchmarks and peers over various market cycles.
Consider Expense Ratios: Pay attention to the expense ratios of mutual funds, as lower expense ratios can lead to higher net returns over time. Choose funds with reasonable expense ratios that don't erode your investment returns significantly.
Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a certified financial planner or investment advisor who can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. They can help you create a customized investment plan tailored to your needs and objectives.
Remember to regularly review your investment portfolio and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards achieving your financial goals. With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can work towards building a substantial corpus of 1 crore over the next 10 years.

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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am 40 plan to get 1cr in next 10 year how much invest? Please suggest which mutual funds are good
Ans: To accumulate 1 crore in 10 years, you need to calculate the required monthly investment based on your expected rate of return. Here's a general approach:

Determine the expected rate of return: Based on historical data, a reasonable expectation for annual returns from equity mutual funds could be around 12-15%.
Use a financial calculator or online SIP calculator to find the monthly investment required to reach 1 crore in 10 years at your expected rate of return.
Once you have the required monthly investment amount, consider allocating it across a diversified portfolio of mutual funds. Look for funds with a track record of consistent performance, experienced fund managers, and aligned investment philosophy.
Since you have a 10-year investment horizon, you can afford to take some risk for potentially higher returns. Consider a mix of equity-oriented funds such as large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to diversify across market segments and manage risk effectively.
Regularly review your investments and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial goals, market conditions, and risk tolerance.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and goals.
By investing systematically in mutual funds and staying disciplined with your investment strategy, you can work towards achieving your goal of accumulating 1 crore in 10 years.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2024Hindi
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My current monthly income is 1.2l i have a ppf of 15k and RD of 15k per month. I have 2 SIPs worth 3k each a month. Kindly suggest how much should I invest and where to invest so that I get around 4 5 Cr by the age of 45. FYI my current age is 29 and i hold no liabities as of now and unmarried.
Ans: You aim to accumulate Rs. 4-5 crores by the age of 45. With a current monthly income of Rs. 1.2 lakhs, you have a strong base to achieve this goal.

Current Investments
Your current investments include:

PPF: Rs. 15,000 per month

RD: Rs. 15,000 per month

SIPs: Rs. 6,000 per month (2 SIPs of Rs. 3,000 each)

Assessing Your Current Investments
PPF:

Advantages:

Safe and secure investment.

Tax benefits under Section 80C.

Decent long-term returns.

Disadvantages:

Lock-in period of 15 years.

Limited growth compared to equities.

Recurring Deposit (RD):

Advantages:

Guaranteed returns.

Suitable for short-term goals.

Disadvantages:

Taxable interest income.

Lower returns compared to mutual funds and stocks.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):

Advantages:

Disciplined investment approach.

Potential for high returns over long term.

Rupee cost averaging benefits.

Disadvantages:

Market-linked risks.
Recommended Investment Strategy
Increase Equity Exposure
To achieve Rs. 4-5 crores by 45, you need higher equity exposure. Equity investments have historically provided higher returns compared to debt instruments.

Increase SIPs:

Increase SIP investments to Rs. 40,000 per month.

Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds.

Balanced Approach
Maintain a balanced approach by continuing some investments in safe instruments.

Continue PPF:

Keep contributing Rs. 15,000 per month.

Provides stability and tax benefits.

Review RD:

Evaluate RD returns.

Consider diverting some RD funds to equity or hybrid funds for better growth.

Consider Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds provide a mix of equity and debt, offering balanced risk and returns.

Monthly Investment:

Invest Rs. 10,000 per month in hybrid funds.

Suitable for moderate risk tolerance.

Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.

Safety Net:

Maintain liquidity for unforeseen expenses.

Keep it in a liquid fund or high-interest savings account.

Regular Reviews and Rebalancing
Monitor and rebalance your portfolio periodically to stay aligned with your goals.

Portfolio Review:

Quarterly or semi-annual reviews.

Adjust based on market conditions and personal goals.

Final Insights
To achieve Rs. 4-5 crores by 45, increase your equity exposure. Consider enhancing your SIP contributions significantly. Maintain a balanced approach with continued PPF contributions and emergency funds. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. This strategy aligns with your financial goals and risk profile, ensuring a secure and prosperous future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
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Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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