Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

3-Year-Old Son's Education: Seeking Investment Advice for Higher Education

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7609 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 03, 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
chethan Question by chethan on Nov 29, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Dear Sir/Madam, I hope you are doing well. I have a 3-year-old son, and currently, I haven’t started any specific investments for his future. I’m planning to invest ?15,000 per month for the next 13-15 years to build a corpus for his higher education. Given the long-term nature of this goal, I am considering options like small-cap mutual funds or thematic smallcase investments. Could you please guide me on the best investment options that align with this goal and have the potential to generate high returns over the next 13-15 years? I would appreciate your expert advice to ensure the investments are well-suited for securing his education needs in the future.

Ans: It is indeed a thoughtful and commendable initiative to plan early for such an important milestone. A disciplined investment approach with a well-diversified strategy can help you achieve this long-term objective.

Below, I will provide a detailed analysis and a structured approach to align your investment with your son's future education needs.

Define Your Financial Goal Clearly
Understand the future cost of higher education. Consider inflation in education expenses.
For instance, current education costs double every 8-10 years due to inflation. Plan accordingly.
Ensure your goal aligns with the time horizon of 13-15 years.
The Importance of Regular Savings
Investing Rs 15,000 monthly is an excellent start.
Regular savings, when combined with compounding returns, build a significant corpus over time.
Stick to this commitment to benefit from the power of consistency.
Investment Strategy for Long-Term Growth
Diversify Across Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds: Suitable for long-term goals due to higher return potential.

Small-cap funds can provide high growth but come with higher risk.
Mid-cap and diversified equity funds balance growth and risk.
Actively Managed Funds: These are managed by experts who aim to outperform the market.

They are preferable over index funds for generating alpha returns.
Regular fund reviews ensure better performance alignment with goals.
Thematic and Smallcase Investments
Thematic investments can offer growth, but they are concentrated and risky.
These options require deep market knowledge and regular tracking.
Instead, prefer well-diversified equity funds managed by experienced professionals.
Avoid Direct Mutual Funds
Direct funds may appear cost-effective but lack professional guidance.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures better portfolio management.
Regular funds allow access to advice, reviews, and tailored solutions.
Taxation Awareness
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity funds above Rs 1.25 lakh attract 12.5% tax.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Plan redemptions to minimise tax impact over the long term.
Build a Balanced Portfolio
Allocate across asset classes based on your risk tolerance and goal timeline.
Focus on equities for long-term growth but add debt for stability near the goal's end.
Review and rebalance your portfolio periodically with your Certified Financial Planner.
Plan for Contingencies
Establish a robust emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses.

This ensures your investments remain untouched during unforeseen situations.

Opt for adequate term insurance to safeguard your family’s financial future.

Ensure health insurance for the family to avoid dipping into investments.

Advantages of Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planners offer tailored strategies for achieving financial goals.
Regular fund reviews help align investments with market trends and goals.
They provide emotional discipline, helping you avoid impulsive decisions.
Additional Points to Consider
Avoid ULIPs or endowment plans as they mix insurance and investment inefficiently.
Focus solely on term insurance for risk coverage and mutual funds for investments.
Final Insights
Your goal is achievable with disciplined investing and prudent planning.
Focus on a diversified portfolio with a mix of actively managed equity funds.
Avoid thematic or high-risk direct investments without expertise and guidance.
Monitor your investments regularly to ensure they remain aligned with your goals.

By following these steps and working with a Certified Financial Planner, you can secure your son’s educational future with confidence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7609 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 17, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello, I want to invest for my girl child for her higher education, she is currently 1yr old. Please suggest some good investment plans or schemes other than SSY.
Ans: Investment Plans for Your Child’s Higher Education
Investing early for your child's higher education is a wise decision. Starting now allows you to take advantage of compound interest, ensuring a substantial corpus when she reaches college age. Let’s explore various investment options that can help you achieve this goal.

Equity Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds are an excellent option for long-term goals like your child's education. They offer higher returns compared to traditional savings schemes. Given the long investment horizon (17-18 years), you can benefit from the power of compounding and ride out market volatility.

Large Cap Funds: Invest in well-established companies with a track record of steady returns. They are less volatile than mid and small cap funds.

Mid Cap and Small Cap Funds: While riskier, these funds offer the potential for higher returns. Allocate a smaller portion of your portfolio to these funds for diversification and growth.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This method is ideal for long-term investing as it averages out the cost of investments over time and reduces market timing risk.

Advantages: Disciplined investing, rupee cost averaging, and compounding benefits.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Public Provident Fund (PPF) is a safe and tax-efficient investment option with a long-term horizon. It offers attractive interest rates and the interest earned is tax-free.

Tenure: 15 years, which can be extended in blocks of 5 years.

Benefits: Safe investment, tax-free returns, and compounding benefits.

Child Plans from Insurance Companies
Child Plans offered by insurance companies are specifically designed to meet future educational expenses. These plans provide insurance cover and an investment component.

Types: Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) and traditional endowment plans.

Features: Regular payouts during key educational milestones, life cover for the parent, and waiver of future premiums in case of the policyholder's untimely demise.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
While you mentioned excluding SSY, it's worth noting that SSY is a government-backed scheme offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits, specifically designed for the girl child’s future education and marriage expenses.

National Savings Certificate (NSC)
National Savings Certificate (NSC) is a fixed-income investment scheme that offers guaranteed returns and tax benefits.

Tenure: 5 years.

Benefits: Safe investment, guaranteed returns, and tax benefits under Section 80C.

Gold ETFs or Sovereign Gold Bonds
Gold ETFs and Sovereign Gold Bonds are effective ways to invest in gold without holding physical gold. They offer a hedge against inflation and portfolio diversification.

Gold ETFs: Trade on the stock exchange, offering liquidity and convenience.

Sovereign Gold Bonds: Issued by the government, providing interest payments and the benefit of capital appreciation.

Diversified Portfolio
Creating a diversified portfolio can mitigate risks and enhance returns. Here’s a suggested allocation:

Equity Mutual Funds: 50-60% for growth and compounding benefits.

PPF and NSC: 20-30% for stability and tax benefits.

Child Plans: 10-20% for targeted educational milestones and insurance cover.

Gold ETFs or Bonds: 5-10% for inflation protection and diversification.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio. Ensure that your investments align with your goals and risk tolerance. As your child approaches college age, gradually shift from equity to more stable, fixed-income investments to protect the corpus from market volatility.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation. They can help you create a comprehensive investment plan that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
By starting early and choosing a mix of investment options, you can build a substantial corpus for your child's higher education. Diversify your investments, monitor them regularly, and seek professional advice to stay on track. Your thoughtful planning will ensure a bright future for your daughter.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7609 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Hi, I have to create a corpus of 2 cr for my kids education in 5 years. What is your advise on investments, including MF, Equities, and other schemes pls ?
Ans: It's great that you're planning ahead for your kids' education. Achieving a corpus of 2 crores in 5 years requires a disciplined investment approach with a focus on growth potential and risk management. Here's some advice on suitable investment avenues:

Equities: Investing in equities can offer higher returns over the long term. Consider allocating a portion of your investment towards well-researched stocks or equity mutual funds. While equities come with volatility, they have the potential to outperform other asset classes.
Mutual Funds: Mutual funds provide diversification and professional management, making them a popular choice for goal-based investing. Opt for a mix of equity and debt mutual funds based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Equity funds can offer growth potential, while debt funds provide stability.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): SIPs allow you to invest regularly in mutual funds, helping you benefit from rupee-cost averaging and reduce the impact of market volatility. Start SIPs in suitable mutual funds to gradually build your corpus over the next 5 years.
Debt Instruments: Considering the short investment horizon, include debt instruments like fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, or short-term debt funds in your portfolio. These instruments offer stability and capital preservation, which is essential when your goal is nearing.
Regular Review and Rebalancing: Periodically review your investments to ensure they are aligned with your goal of creating a 2 crore corpus for your kids' education. Rebalance your portfolio as needed to maintain the desired asset allocation and risk level.
It's crucial to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalized investment plan tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. They can help you make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of the market.

By adopting a diversified and disciplined investment strategy, you can work towards achieving your goal of funding your kids' education with a 2 crore corpus in 5 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7609 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 22, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 28, my would be husband is 29. I earn around 1.5lakhs post tax and he around 1.78 lakhs post tax. And we both receive lumpsum variable yearly bonus (min 2 lakhs combined)We both pay individual rent of 24000 (mumbai). I have an sip of 30000( steping up to 45000 from feb). I have 10 lakhs in fd, 5 lakhsin liquid around 4.8 lakhs in mf, some nominal amount in pf and around 1.5 lakhs in shares. We both want to get married (partly funded by parents) and buy a house and car .we dont have to support our parents financially by gods grace. We have fixed monthly expense of around 20k combined (including eating out /entertaiment). No emi or loans. Sir, could you kindly guide us to help plan for an achieveable budget for home and car. Thank you
Ans: You and your fiancé are in a great position financially. Both have stable incomes and no liabilities. This gives you the flexibility to plan for your future goals effectively. Let’s break down your financial situation and develop a plan for the wedding, home, and car.

Current Income and Expenses
Your combined monthly income is Rs. 3.28 lakhs.

Fixed expenses, including rent, amount to Rs. 72,000 (24,000 each in rent + Rs. 20,000 combined expenses).

This leaves a surplus of Rs. 2.56 lakhs monthly, excluding annual bonuses.

Assets and Investments
Your assets include Rs. 10 lakhs in FDs, Rs. 5 lakhs in liquid funds, Rs. 4.8 lakhs in mutual funds, and Rs. 1.5 lakhs in shares.

Combined, these total Rs. 21.3 lakhs in liquid and semi-liquid investments.

Your SIP of Rs. 30,000 per month (stepping up to Rs. 45,000) is a disciplined approach.

Nominal PF balances will grow over time with compounding.

Financial Goals
Your key goals are:

Planning a wedding.

Buying a house in Mumbai.

Purchasing a car.

We’ll address these goals systematically.

Wedding Budget
If parents are partly funding the wedding, your share can be Rs. 10-12 lakhs.

Use Rs. 5 lakhs from your liquid funds and Rs. 5 lakhs from FDs.

Avoid breaking mutual funds as they are growth-oriented investments.

Ensure to save some emergency funds (at least 6 months’ expenses) after the wedding.

Buying a House
Assessing Your Budget
Mumbai real estate is expensive. For a modest 2 BHK, expect Rs. 1.5-2 crores.

You’ll need a 20% down payment of Rs. 30-40 lakhs.

Your combined bonuses and savings can contribute to this goal over the next 3-4 years.

Avoid using your entire savings for the down payment.

Home Loan Planning
With a combined income of Rs. 3.28 lakhs, you can afford a home loan EMI of Rs. 80,000-1 lakh.

For a 20-year loan, this can support a loan amount of Rs. 1.2-1.4 crores.

Opt for a joint loan to maximise the loan amount and tax benefits.

Building the Down Payment
Increase your SIPs from Rs. 45,000 to Rs. 60,000 after marriage.

Allocate Rs. 25,000-30,000 of your monthly surplus to a conservative hybrid fund or liquid funds.

This can accumulate Rs. 12-15 lakhs in 3-4 years.

Combine this with bonuses and existing FDs to reach the Rs. 30-40 lakhs needed.

Buying a Car
Budget and Timeline
Aim for a mid-range car costing Rs. 10-12 lakhs.

Avoid purchasing immediately after the wedding to manage cash flow.

Save Rs. 3-4 lakhs over 12-18 months for the down payment.

Finance the rest with an affordable EMI of Rs. 10,000-15,000.

Emergency Fund
Post-wedding, maintain at least Rs. 6-8 lakhs in liquid funds for emergencies.

This will cover 6-8 months of expenses and unforeseen costs.

Tax Efficiency
Your SIP investments in equity mutual funds will grow tax-efficiently.

Long-term gains above Rs. 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. Plan withdrawals accordingly to minimise taxes.

Use joint home loan benefits to reduce taxable income.

Investment Strategy
SIP Growth
Stepping up SIPs to Rs. 45,000 and eventually Rs. 60,000 will accelerate wealth creation.

Allocate SIPs to a mix of large-cap, flexicap, and mid-cap funds.

Avoid thematic or sectoral funds for long-term goals.

Avoid Index Funds
Index funds lack flexibility to outperform during volatile markets.

Actively managed funds offer better growth through expert stock selection.

Rebalancing Portfolio
After the wedding, rebalance your portfolio.

Retain 70-80% in equity and 20-30% in debt for long-term growth and stability.

Include a conservative hybrid fund to diversify investments.

Insurance Coverage
Post-marriage, ensure you and your fiancé have adequate life and health insurance.

Opt for term insurance covering 10-12 times your annual income.

Enhance health insurance to Rs. 10-15 lakhs for comprehensive coverage.

Final Insights
You are well-positioned to achieve your goals. With proper planning, you can balance your wedding, home, and car expenses. Stay disciplined in savings and avoid impulsive spending. Regularly review your financial plan with a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7609 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 23, 2025

Listen
Money
Sir, I am 37. I have been investing ?22000/month in various sip which includes 7000 in small cap funds, 4000 in mid cap funds, 1000 in index funds, 3000 in thematic funds(1000 each in infra, commodities and technology) and remaining in multicap and flexicap funds. Please tell me if the allocation is good and what can I expect on a 15 year time horizon.
Ans: Your disciplined SIP investment of Rs. 22,000 per month is commendable. Below is an analysis of your portfolio:

Small-Cap Funds
Allocating Rs. 7,000 (31.8% of your total SIP) to small-cap funds shows a focus on high growth potential.

Small-cap funds offer strong long-term returns but come with high volatility.

Consider limiting small-cap exposure to 25% for better risk management.

This adjustment can reduce stress during market downturns.

Mid-Cap Funds
Rs. 4,000 (18.2%) invested in mid-cap funds is a balanced choice.

Mid-cap funds provide a mix of stability and growth.

Retain this allocation as it complements the small-cap funds well.

Thematic Funds
Rs. 3,000 (13.6%) allocated to infra, commodities, and technology is sector-focused.

Thematic funds can be rewarding but depend heavily on market cycles.

Limit thematic exposure to 10% of your portfolio.

Use the extra allocation for diversified or multicap funds for better stability.

Index Funds
Rs. 1,000 (4.5%) in index funds may not maximise your potential returns.

Index funds passively track the market but lack flexibility to outperform it.

Actively managed funds can generate higher returns through expert stock selection.

Shift this allocation to actively managed flexicap or large-cap funds.

Multicap and Flexicap Funds
Rs. 7,000 (31.8%) in multicap and flexicap funds ensures broad diversification.

These funds spread investments across large, mid, and small-cap stocks.

Retain this allocation as it balances the portfolio risk effectively.

Tax Considerations
Long-term equity mutual fund gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term equity gains are taxed at 20%.

Consider rebalancing based on tax-efficiency and annual gains.

Expected Returns
Equity funds can offer 12-15% annual returns over a 15-year horizon.

With disciplined SIPs, your corpus could grow 4-6 times over this period.

Market fluctuations will occur, but patience and consistency are key.

Recommendations
Portfolio Rebalancing: Reduce small-cap and thematic exposure to optimise risk.

Avoid Index Funds: Actively managed funds provide higher growth potential.

Increase Diversification: Focus on multicap and flexicap funds for broad exposure.

Stay Disciplined: Continue SIPs during market corrections to benefit from rupee cost averaging.

Professional Advice: Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised guidance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds lack access to personalised advice and expert monitoring.

Investing via a Certified Financial Planner ensures professional management of your portfolio.

Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credentials offer better support for goal-based planning.

Final Insights
Your portfolio reflects good planning and commitment. A few adjustments will enhance returns and reduce risk. Focus on long-term goals and review performance periodically with professional guidance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7609 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 23, 2025

Listen
Money
Sir, I am 37. I have been investing ?22000/month in various sip which includes 7000 in small cap funds, 4000 in mid cap funds, 1000 in index funds, 3000 in thematic funds(1000 each in infra, commodities and technology) and remaining in multicap and flexicap funds. Please tell me if the allocation is good and what can I expect on a 15 year time horizon.
Ans: Your monthly SIP investment of Rs. 22,000 is well-structured across multiple categories. This diversification reflects thoughtfulness in building a balanced portfolio. Below is an analysis of each allocation with suggestions for improvement:

Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds are highly volatile but deliver superior long-term returns. Your Rs. 7,000 allocation is reasonable at 31.8% of your SIP.

However, overexposure can increase portfolio risk. Consider capping small-cap allocation to 25% of your total SIP.

Small-cap funds require patience and discipline, especially during market downturns.

Mid-Cap Funds
Allocating Rs. 4,000 to mid-cap funds (18.2% of SIP) balances risk and return.

Mid-caps offer growth potential, bridging the gap between large caps and small caps.

Retain this allocation as mid-caps perform well over long horizons like 15 years.

Thematic Funds
Thematic investments in infra, commodities, and technology at Rs. 3,000 (13.6%) are niche choices.

Thematic funds depend heavily on sector performance and market cycles.

Limit thematic exposure to 10% of your total SIP to avoid concentration risk.

Consider reallocating a part of this to diversified equity funds for stability.

Index Funds
Your allocation of Rs. 1,000 (4.5%) to index funds has limited value.

Index funds simply replicate indices and lack potential to outperform markets.

Actively managed funds, handled by professional fund managers, may deliver better returns.

Redirect this amount to actively managed flexicap or large-cap funds for superior growth potential.

Multicap and Flexicap Funds
The remaining Rs. 7,000 (31.8%) allocation to multicap and flexicap funds ensures diversification.

These funds provide exposure to all market caps, balancing risk and returns.

Continue with this allocation as it complements your other investments.

Tax Implications
Equity fund gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5% under the new rules.

Monitor your gains annually to manage taxes efficiently.

Debt funds are taxed based on your income tax slab. Consider this for future rebalancing.

Expected Returns over 15 Years
Equity funds can deliver 12-15% annual returns over a 15-year horizon.

Your portfolio could potentially grow 4-6 times, depending on market conditions.

Consistent SIPs and market discipline will help you reach this target.

Suggestions for Improvement
Portfolio Rebalancing: Reduce small-cap and thematic exposure to manage risk. Reallocate to multicap and flexicap funds.

Avoid Index Funds: Actively managed funds can generate higher returns with professional management.

Stay Disciplined: Continue investing during market corrections for long-term wealth creation.

Review Annually: Evaluate fund performance and make changes if needed.

Professional Guidance: Investing via a Certified Financial Planner ensures expert advice and portfolio monitoring.

Insights on Regular Funds
Direct funds lack the benefit of professional advice and continuous monitoring.

Investing in regular funds through a CFP offers goal-based planning and expert guidance.

This approach minimizes emotional decision-making and enhances long-term returns.

Final Insights
Your SIP strategy reflects commendable discipline and foresight. With minor adjustments, you can optimize returns and manage risks effectively. Long-term consistency and professional advice will ensure financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1151 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Jan 22, 2025

Listen
Career
What should I do after my bsc in medical
Ans: Hello Priyanka.
It is not clear whether either of you has completed your B.Sc. in Medical or not. But I am assuming that you are presently pursuing it. The scope of this branch is wide. Either you can pursue the job, or you can start your own business. However, I would like to suggest that if possible, you do a DMLT course to start an authentic lab. Working as a technician or technical assistant may not boost your career to a great extent, and the salary may also not increase proportionately. Hence, it is better to add a course with a B.Sc. that will help you start your business. With a small capital, you can even start a business selling surgical items, which could turn into a big business in just a few years. Best of luck for your upcoming future.
If satisfied, please like and follow me.
If dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x