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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 01, 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 - Apr 13, 2024Hindi
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Hey I am investing 5000 in each parag Parikh flexi ,quant large and mid , axis growth opportunities,mirae asset midcap and hdfc index s&p bse. Since last 1.5 years have plan 20% stepup for the same in subsequent years is this portfolio good ? Any suggestions

Ans: Your investment approach of diversifying across multiple mutual funds demonstrates a strategic mindset. Here are some insights and suggestions regarding your portfolio:

Diversification: Your portfolio includes funds across different market segments, such as flexi-cap, large and mid-cap, growth opportunities, mid-cap, and index funds. This diversification helps spread risk and capture growth opportunities across various sectors and market capitalizations.
Step-Up SIP: Implementing a 20% step-up SIP in subsequent years is a disciplined approach that allows you to increase your investments gradually over time. This strategy can help boost your savings rate and accelerate wealth accumulation, especially during periods of rising income.
Review and Rebalance: Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Consider rebalancing if any fund significantly deviates from its intended allocation or underperforms relative to its peers.
Monitor Performance: Keep track of the performance of each fund relative to its benchmark and peers. While past performance is not indicative of future results, it can provide insights into a fund's consistency and management capabilities.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner: Seeking professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner can offer personalized recommendations tailored to your specific financial situation and goals. They can help optimize your portfolio and ensure it remains on track to achieve your objectives.
Overall, your portfolio seems well-diversified, and implementing a step-up SIP can further enhance your savings rate. However, it's crucial to stay informed, review your investments regularly, and seek professional guidance when needed to make informed decisions and navigate market fluctuations effectively.
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  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Money
Please review my portfolio Parag Parikh flexicap, Sbi mid cap & Axis small cap fund each with 5k total 15k per month sip for 25 year's and 10 percent step up every year I want 10 crores for my retirement, is this portfolio Good or should I change it or add more funds..? My age is 33 years ????
Ans: Your investment portfolio and plan show a commendable commitment to long-term wealth creation. Your choice of funds and the systematic investment plan (SIP) strategy are well thought out. Let's review your portfolio, analyze its strengths, and see if any adjustments or additions might benefit your retirement goal of Rs. 10 crores.

Portfolio Overview
Flexicap Fund

A flexicap fund is a versatile choice that invests across market capitalizations. This flexibility allows the fund manager to optimize the portfolio based on market conditions, providing a balanced exposure to large, mid, and small cap stocks.

Mid Cap Fund

Mid cap funds invest in medium-sized companies, offering a good balance between growth and stability. These funds have higher growth potential than large caps and are less volatile than small caps.

Small Cap Fund

Small cap funds target companies with smaller market capitalizations, which can deliver significant returns over the long term. However, they come with higher risk and volatility compared to mid and large caps.

Strengths of Your Portfolio
Diversification

Your portfolio is well diversified across different market capitalizations. This spread helps in balancing risk and maximizing returns. Diversification is a key principle in investment management, reducing the impact of poor performance in any one segment.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

SIPs are a disciplined way to invest regularly, irrespective of market conditions. This strategy benefits from rupee cost averaging, where you buy more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high, averaging out the cost over time.

Step-Up SIP

A 10% annual step-up in your SIP amount is a smart move. It ensures your investment amount increases in line with your income, helping to achieve your financial goals faster by leveraging the power of compounding.

Evaluating Your Retirement Goal
You aim to accumulate Rs. 10 crores over 25 years, starting at age 33. Given your current investment plan and the annual step-up, this goal is ambitious but achievable with the right portfolio management and market conditions.

Potential Adjustments and Recommendations
Maintain Flexibility

Your portfolio already includes a flexicap fund, which provides flexibility to adjust based on market trends. Ensure the fund manager's strategy aligns with your long-term goals.

Consider Sectoral Exposure

While your portfolio is well diversified across market caps, you might want to check its sectoral exposure. Diversifying across different industries can further reduce risk and improve returns.

Periodic Review and Rebalancing

Regularly review your portfolio's performance and rebalance if necessary. This ensures your asset allocation remains aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Rebalancing involves adjusting the weightage of your investments to maintain the desired asset mix.

The Importance of Actively Managed Funds
Active Management

Actively managed funds can outperform indices by leveraging fund managers' expertise. They have the flexibility to adjust portfolios based on market conditions and opportunities, which can potentially lead to higher returns compared to index funds.

Market Responsiveness

Active fund managers can quickly respond to market changes, mitigate risks, and seize opportunities. This agility can be particularly beneficial in volatile markets, ensuring better risk management and potentially higher returns.

Regular vs. Direct Funds
Benefits of Regular Funds

Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials offers professional guidance. This can be invaluable, especially for long-term goals like retirement. MFDs can help with portfolio selection, rebalancing, and staying on track with your financial plan.

Comprehensive Support

Regular funds often come with additional services such as easier transaction processes and personalized financial advice. This support can save time and provide peace of mind, knowing your investments are being managed by professionals.

Monitoring and Adjustment
Stay Informed

Stay updated on market trends and economic indicators. Understanding market dynamics helps in making informed investment decisions and adjusting your strategy if needed.

Long-Term Perspective

Maintain a long-term perspective, focusing on your retirement goal. Market fluctuations are normal; patience and discipline are essential for successful long-term investing.

Professional Guidance

Engaging a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can add immense value. A CFP can provide personalized advice, ensuring your investments are aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
Your current portfolio and investment strategy are well-aligned with your retirement goal of Rs. 10 crores. The combination of flexicap, mid cap, and small cap funds provides a balanced approach, leveraging the growth potential of different market segments. The 10% annual step-up in your SIP is a smart strategy to enhance your investment over time.

Regular monitoring, rebalancing, and staying informed about market trends are crucial to maintaining a robust investment portfolio. Engaging a Certified Financial Planner can provide additional guidance and support, helping you stay on track to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10871 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
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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