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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on May 22, 2023

Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) is the founder of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning company dedicated to the armed forces personnel and their families.
He has over 12 years of experience in financial planning and is a SEBI certified registered investment advisor; he is also accredited with AMFI and IRDA.... more
Shakir Question by Shakir on May 19, 2023Hindi
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Hi sir hope alls well with you and your family. Sir i hav a simple question . Can we invest 10,000 sip per month in HDFC NFO which is based on defence theme

Ans: Thanks Shakir, everything great with us. Hope the very same with you and your family.

All NFOs will offer you only a bulk subscription facility. Typically, NFOs close in a few days and then open within a week or so and then you can set-up a SIP the way you would for any fund in a normal manner.

If you do wish to subscribe to this particular NFO (HDFC Defence Fund) only through a SIP, let’s say of Rs 5000, then you have two options:-
1. Minimum subscription amount is Rs 5000. Invest Rs 5000 in the NFO. When you get the allotment, you would also get your folio number along with it. Set up your SIP in it for Rs 5000.

2. Do not do anything during the NFO. When the NFO closes and the fund opens for regular subscription (which will be within 5 business days of NFO closing, as per the scheme documents), set up the SIP as you desire.

Above notwithstanding, I will request everybody to not confuse between an IPO of a stock (share) and NFO of a mutual fund scheme. The two are intrinsically entirely different. A NFO has just no track record and you could be investing in a new born baby hoping that he will be Amitabh Bacchan when he grows up!

We advise our clients never to invest in any NFO.
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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 2024

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I am planning to Invest in NFO (HDFC Manufacturing Fund). And plan to invest for 2 years the same amount. And after that every year increase by 10% to 15%. How good is this Investment plan. Please advise.
Ans: Your interest in investing in the HDFC Manufacturing Fund New Fund Offer (NFO) is commendable. It’s crucial to evaluate such investments carefully, especially when considering sectoral funds and NFOs. Let’s explore the potential downsides of NFOs and sectoral funds and understand why you might want to consider other options.

Firstly, your proactive approach to increasing your investment amount annually by 10% to 15% is excellent. This strategy reflects a commitment to growing your wealth systematically.

Understanding NFOs
Lack of Performance History
One of the primary disadvantages of investing in NFOs is the lack of a performance track record. Unlike established funds, NFOs do not have historical data to demonstrate how they perform across different market cycles. This makes it challenging to gauge their potential for future returns.

Marketing Hype
NFOs are often heavily marketed, creating a sense of urgency and excitement. However, this hype can overshadow the fund’s actual investment strategy and potential risks. Investors might get swayed by marketing campaigns without fully understanding the implications of their investment.

Initial Costs
NFOs sometimes come with initial costs, such as entry loads, which can eat into your returns. Established funds often have lower expense ratios and no entry loads, making them more cost-effective in the long run.

Disadvantages of Sectoral Funds
High Risk and Volatility
Sectoral funds, like the HDFC Manufacturing Fund, focus on a specific industry. This concentration can lead to high risk and volatility. If the manufacturing sector faces a downturn, your entire investment could be adversely affected. Diversification is limited, increasing the impact of sector-specific risks.

Lack of Diversification
Sectoral funds do not offer the broad diversification found in multi-cap or flexi-cap funds. Investing heavily in one sector means your portfolio is not protected against risks in that particular sector. Diversified funds spread investments across various sectors, reducing overall risk.

Economic Cycles Impact
Sectoral funds are highly sensitive to economic cycles. The manufacturing sector, for example, can be significantly affected by economic downturns, changes in government policies, and global market conditions. This sensitivity can lead to unpredictable returns.

Evaluating Your Investment Strategy
Investment Horizon
Given your plan to invest for two years and then increase your investment annually, it’s essential to align your strategy with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Sectoral funds are generally more suitable for experienced investors with a higher risk appetite and a longer investment horizon.

Consider Diversified Funds
Instead of sectoral funds, consider investing in diversified equity funds. These funds spread your investment across various sectors and companies, providing better risk management and potentially more stable returns. Diversified funds can include large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, offering a balanced approach.

Professional Guidance
Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your long-term financial goals. A CFP can provide personalized recommendations based on your risk profile and investment objectives.

Conclusion
Investing in NFOs and sectoral funds comes with significant risks due to the lack of performance history, high volatility, and limited diversification. Instead, consider diversified equity funds for a more balanced and stable investment approach. Your proactive strategy of increasing investment annually is commendable, and with the right guidance, you can achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2024

Money
Hello sir, I am working abroad, but here job security is not guaranteed. I can allocate Rs.50k monthly for MF or SIP investment. I feel ashamed to tell you this, that without consulting I had already invested in:- 1) Nippon India Growth Fund direct growth 50k 2) JM aggressive hybrid fund direct growth 50k 3) ICICI prudential balanced adv dire growth 50k 4) Quant mid cap fund direct growth 50k SIP's - 2500 per month 1) Nippon India multi cap Fund direct growth 2) SBI PSU direct plan growth 3) Quant small cap fund direct plan growth 4) ICICI prudential BHARAT 22 FOF direct growth Sir, Please advise whether this above plan is okay to continue or not also, please advise how to go ahead with 50k monthly allocation for investments. Benign regards Vinu George
Ans: Vinu, first of all, it’s commendable that you’ve taken the initiative to invest in mutual funds. This shows your foresight and understanding of the importance of financial planning. Let’s take a closer look at your current investments and how they align with your financial goals.

You have invested in:

Nippon India Growth Fund
JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund
ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund
Quant Mid Cap Fund
Additionally, your SIPs include:

Nippon India Multi Cap Fund
SBI PSU Fund
Quant Small Cap Fund
ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF
These are diverse funds, but let’s assess their suitability for your financial objectives.

Diversification and Fund Selection

Your portfolio includes a mix of equity funds, hybrid funds, and sectoral funds. While diversification is essential, it’s also crucial to ensure that each fund complements your overall investment strategy.

1. Equity Funds

Equity funds, such as mid-cap and multi-cap funds, offer growth potential but come with higher risk. Given your age and the long-term horizon, these can be suitable. However, it's essential to balance them with stable options.

2. Hybrid Funds

Hybrid funds combine equity and debt, offering a balance between growth and stability. These funds are suitable for moderate risk-takers and can provide a cushion during market volatility.

3. Sectoral and Thematic Funds

Sectoral funds like the SBI PSU Fund and thematic funds like ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF focus on specific sectors. While they can offer high returns, they are also riskier due to their concentration in one sector. It’s crucial to limit exposure to such funds to avoid undue risk.

Evaluating Current Investments

1. Nippon India Growth Fund

This fund focuses on growth opportunities in various sectors. It's suitable for aggressive investors looking for long-term capital appreciation.

2. JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund

This fund combines equity and debt, providing a balanced approach. It's a good choice for moderate risk-takers.

3. ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund

This is another balanced fund that adjusts equity and debt exposure based on market conditions. It’s suitable for investors seeking stability with growth.

4. Quant Mid Cap Fund

Mid-cap funds offer significant growth potential but come with higher risk. This fund is suitable for investors with a high-risk appetite.

5. SIPs in Various Funds

Your SIPs in multi-cap, small-cap, and sectoral funds provide a diversified approach. However, it's crucial to monitor their performance and adjust as needed.

Recommendations for Future Investments

Now, let’s discuss how you can allocate Rs. 50,000 monthly for investments effectively.

1. Continue with Core Equity Funds

Given your long-term horizon, continuing with core equity funds is advisable. However, ensure these funds have a consistent track record and align with your risk tolerance.

2. Focus on Diversified Equity Funds

Investing in diversified equity funds reduces the risk compared to sectoral or thematic funds. Consider funds that invest across various sectors and market capitalizations.

3. Increase Allocation to Hybrid Funds

Given the current economic uncertainty and your concern about job security, increasing your allocation to hybrid funds can provide stability. These funds balance equity and debt, offering growth with reduced volatility.

4. Limit Exposure to Sectoral and Thematic Funds

While these funds can offer high returns, they also come with higher risk. Limit your exposure to these funds and focus more on diversified options.

5. Consider International Funds

Given that you are working abroad, investing in international funds can provide exposure to global markets and hedge against domestic market volatility.

Detailed Investment Strategy

1. Allocate to Core Equity Funds

Invest Rs. 20,000 monthly in diversified equity funds. These funds should have a strong track record and align with your risk appetite. Focus on funds with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks for a balanced approach.

2. Hybrid Funds for Stability

Allocate Rs. 15,000 monthly to hybrid funds. These funds provide a balanced approach, combining the growth potential of equities with the stability of debt. This allocation will help cushion your portfolio against market volatility.

3. International Exposure

Invest Rs. 10,000 monthly in international funds. These funds offer diversification beyond the Indian market and can provide a hedge against domestic economic fluctuations.

4. Limit Sectoral Exposure

Allocate the remaining Rs. 5,000 to sectoral or thematic funds if you wish to keep them. However, this should be closely monitored and adjusted based on market conditions and performance.

Benefits of Regular Funds

You’ve invested in direct funds, which have lower expense ratios but require active monitoring. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with an MFD credential can offer several benefits:

Professional Management: They provide expertise and monitor your portfolio actively.
Customized Advice: They offer personalized investment strategies based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Peace of Mind: Professional management can save you time and provide peace of mind, especially in volatile markets.
Monitoring and Rebalancing

Regularly monitor your investments and rebalance your portfolio as needed. Market conditions and personal circumstances change, so it’s essential to adjust your investments accordingly. A CFP can assist with this process, ensuring your portfolio remains aligned with your goals.

Risk Management and Emergency Fund

Given your concern about job security, it’s vital to have an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least six months of living expenses. It provides a financial cushion in case of job loss or other emergencies.

Final Insights

Investing wisely requires a balance between growth and stability. Your current portfolio has a good mix, but adjustments can enhance its alignment with your goals. Focus on diversified equity funds, hybrid funds, and international exposure while limiting sectoral risks.

Consider consulting a CFP for professional guidance and portfolio management. Their expertise can help you navigate market volatility and achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
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Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

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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