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

Ramalingam Kalirajan |8285 Answers |Ask -Follow

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

Question by chethan on Nov 29, 2024Hindi

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.