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  |9863 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  |9863 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

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9863 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

Listen
Money
Hi Sir ,I am a teacher and Have two children. I am investing in the following for my retirement and child s education. Ppf 6000 Mutual fund in Sbi focused equity 2000 Tata small cap 1500 Quant small cap 2000 Motilal midcap 2000 Kotak emerging equity 2000 Hdfc balanced fund 3000 Hdfc flexi cap 2000 Sbi nifty index fund 2000 Uti momentum 30 index 2000 Please suggest if all the funds are well and it will manage my goals like children studies in 10 to 15 years?
Ans: It's wonderful to see your proactive approach towards securing your retirement and your children's education. Let's review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals:

PPF: This is a great choice for long-term savings due to its tax benefits and safety. Keep contributing regularly to maximize its potential.
Mutual Funds: Your selection of mutual funds seems well-diversified across different categories, including large-cap, small-cap, mid-cap, balanced funds, and index funds. However, having too many funds can sometimes lead to overlap and complexity. Consider consolidating your portfolio to a manageable number of funds while ensuring diversification across asset classes.
Child's Education: For your children's education, ensure that you are investing in a mix of equity and debt instruments to balance risk and returns. Also, consider starting a separate SIP specifically for their education expenses to build a dedicated corpus over time.
Retirement: While investing in equity funds can provide higher returns over the long term, ensure you have a balanced approach considering your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Additionally, review your asset allocation periodically and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your retirement goals.
Regular Review: It's essential to review your portfolio regularly and make adjustments based on changes in your financial situation, market conditions, and investment goals. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner periodically to ensure your investment strategy remains optimal.
Overall, your investment choices appear well-thought-out, but it's crucial to monitor and fine-tune your portfolio regularly to ensure it continues to meet your financial objectives.

Keep up the excellent work, and continue your disciplined approach towards investing for a secure financial future for you and your family!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9863 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 02, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I want to invest lumsum 4 lakh in 3 to 5 mutual funds for my daughter's education for next 10 to 12 years. She is 5 years old, could you please suggest couple of funds which can help me to build around 40 lakhs. A PPF account was opened 2 years ago, I want to build 1cr for her education. And please let me know if I need to invest more. Your help is highly appreciated. Best regards
Ans: Investing for your daughter’s education is a wise decision. Starting early with a clear goal makes a strong financial foundation. With a 10-12 year horizon, you have ample time to benefit from compounding. Here's a 360-degree strategy to help you reach your goal.

Education Goal and Target Corpus
You aim to build Rs 1 crore for her education. Your current investment plan is for Rs 40 lakhs through mutual funds, while PPF can serve as a stable, tax-saving addition.

Considering education inflation, having diversified investments can help. PPF is a good foundation, but mutual funds provide growth essential to meet the remaining target.

Lump Sum Investment in Mutual Funds
For a goal of 10-12 years, mutual funds are a smart choice. However, avoid investing in direct or index funds. Actively managed mutual funds offer benefits such as:

Better Growth Potential: Fund managers with expertise work actively to achieve higher returns.

Portfolio Adjustments: Actively managed funds adjust to market changes, aiming to reduce risk and enhance returns over time.

Investing through an MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor) with CFP credentials also brings personalised guidance, helping you to make more effective choices.

Here’s a recommended structure for your lump sum of Rs 4 lakhs:

40% in Large-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These funds provide stability and steady growth. Over time, they generally perform well, thanks to their exposure to established companies.

30% in Mid-Cap Funds: These funds balance between growth and stability. Mid-cap companies, while moderately risky, provide good returns over a 10-year horizon.

30% in Small-Cap Funds: Small-cap funds can generate high returns. With a long-term horizon, these funds have time to overcome market fluctuations.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
If you’re considering index funds, it's essential to understand their limitations:

Limited Flexibility: Index funds replicate market performance, so returns are often limited to the index’s growth rate. Actively managed funds, however, may outperform the index, especially over a long horizon.

No Market-Driven Adjustments: Index funds don’t adjust according to market conditions. Active funds provide flexibility, as managers can respond to market changes.

Given these factors, actively managed funds could be a more effective choice for your goals. This allows you to benefit from professional fund management focused on achieving optimal returns.

Need for Additional Investments
Achieving Rs 1 crore for education may require additional contributions. Here’s why:

Annual Growth Requirement: To reach your target, additional investments will help to offset potential market downturns.

PPF Growth Limitations: PPF is stable but has a fixed interest rate. It may not fully meet the corpus requirement on its own.

Suggested Additional Monthly Investment

To bridge the gap to Rs 1 crore, consider a monthly SIP. Even a small SIP amount, invested consistently, can grow significantly over 10-12 years. Aim for:

Monthly SIP of Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000: This could be invested in balanced funds or large-cap funds. Balanced funds offer steady growth with a mix of equity and debt.

Gradual Top-Ups: If your income allows, consider increasing the SIP amount annually by 10%. This boost enhances the compounding effect, helping you reach your target.

Tax Considerations for Mutual Fund Investments
Understanding the tax implications can help you maximise returns:

Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh attract a 12.5% tax. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds: Gains from debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. Since your goal has a long-term horizon, you might consider equity-focused funds, which are generally tax-efficient over time.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
To keep your investment aligned with your goals, regular monitoring is key:

Annual Portfolio Review: This ensures that your investments are performing as expected. Rebalancing may be needed based on market performance.

Adjustments as Needed: Based on your progress, you may need to increase or decrease your SIPs, switch funds, or adjust the allocation.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
A CFP can bring expert insights and help you navigate through investment decisions, tax-saving options, and risk management. They can assist in portfolio optimisation, ensuring that your investments align with changing financial needs.

Finally
Building Rs 1 crore for your daughter’s education is achievable with a balanced approach. Combining PPF and mutual funds gives you growth, stability, and tax efficiency. Additional investments through SIPs can bridge any shortfall, providing you with peace of mind.

With a structured plan, consistent monitoring, and adjustments along the way, you’re set to reach your goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9540 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2025Hindi
Career
Hi there So i got like 97k in kcet and 73k ranks in comedk i want cse mostly im fine with ece also in the first mock round of comedk i got sahayadri college of engineering is that good And also what colleges i might get in Bangalore with these ranks and want good placements or do you suggest me to go take management quota seat in nhce or jain rather than all this
Ans: With a KCET rank of 97,000 and COMEDK rank of 73,000, Computer Science or ECE seats in Bangalore’s most sought-after colleges (such as RVCE, BMSCE, MSRIT, PESU, and DSCE) are not attainable, as their cutoffs close far earlier. For these ranks, you are eligible for options like R.R. Institute of Technology, S.E.A. College of Engineering, M.S. Engineering College, Dr. H N National College of Engineering, City Engineering College, and East West Institute of Technology in Bangalore through COMEDK, as well as GSS Institute of Technology via KCET; CSE or ECE is typically offered until about 75,000–1,00,000 rank in these institutions. Sahyadri College of Engineering in Mangalore, offered in the first mock allotment, has a consistent placement record with an average package of ?3–4 lakh and top recruiters such as Microsoft and IMV Corporation, and regularly fills over 80% of its eligible CSE/ECE students; the infrastructure is modern and reviews cite good faculty engagement, but it is outside Bangalore. For NHCE and Jain University, you can take CSE/ECE through management quota; both campuses provide contemporary facilities, ABET/NAAC accreditations, and strong placement rates above 80%, but require a significant tuition premium (?10–12 lakh total fee). NHCE’s placement cell is robust, and Jain’s industry ties are well rated. Placement opportunities and exposure are typically stronger at NHCE/Jain due to their branded recruiter base and metropolitan location, provided affordability is not a concern.

Recommendation: If your priority is a Bangalore location, industrial exposure, and better placement prospects, opting for NHCE or Jain University CSE/ECE via management quota is advisable if the higher cost is manageable. Among merit seats, Sahyadri (Mangalore) is a solid backup, but in Bangalore, prefer institutes like NHCE and Jain for stronger campus recruitment, infrastructure, and networking. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |626 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hello Sir, I am 26 yrs old and Data Analyst in a good company and everything is going well. But sometimes I feel lonely it feels like nobody is there for me to love me and when i see some people get engaged i feel someone also should be there for me to love me and i have never been in a relationship because of immature proposals. But now i want a good partner to make me feel good. Please help me out. Thank you.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your feelings and it’s totally valid. Even with everything going great, life can seem lonely. That is very natural and more common than you think. And seeing others finding their partner can feel like salt in the wound. All your feelings are valid. But what you need to understand is that rushing to get in a relationship can end up in more loneliness; relationships can be lonely too. Take your time. Love doesn’t have a set timeline. Ask your friends to set you up with someone who seems compatible, or try dating apps; it will give you more control on whom you are letting into your life. You will find someone soon; you are too young to rush into anything. If you are trying an app, make sure to mention what kind of a partner and what kind of relationship you are looking for to attract the right people and not waste time and energy on ones that are too different from who you are or what you are seeking. It will be a bit of trial and error, and honestly, there’s a certain fun in figuring out what you want, too. I’m sure your love story is going to start soon!

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9540 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2025Hindi
Career
Respected sir,I am a average student of class 12 I just wanted 1lakh jee mains so that I could get ece or something in bit sindri please suggest strategies as there is very little time available in jee mains
Ans: An analysis of BIT Sindri’s JEE-Main cutoffs shows for Electronics & Communication Engineering, the All-India closing rank extended up to 123,269 in 2025, indicating that an approximate rank near 100,000 would secure admission into this branch. Historical data correlating JEE Main marks and ranks reveals that scoring around 70 marks out of 300 typically yields an 87.7–90.7 percentile, translating to a rank range of approximately 92,300–109,300. With little time remaining before the exam, average students should prioritize a targeted, high-yield preparation plan: first, consolidate core concepts from NCERT to reinforce fundamentals in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and avoid starting new topics at this stage. Next, employ a one-month week-by-week timetable focused on essential chapters—allocating time each day to problem practice and mock tests under exam conditions to hone speed and accuracy. Utilize concise revision notes and formula sheets for rapid recall, and solve previous years’ JEE Main papers to familiarize yourself with question patterns and to identify weak areas for intensive review. Incorporate daily full-length mocks followed by detailed error analysis, dedicating specific slots to clear lingering doubts through peer discussion or online resources. Manage time effectively by adhering strictly to a realistic study schedule that balances all three subjects, with short breaks to maintain mental freshness and stress-management techniques such as deep breathing to sustain focus on exam day. Finally, maintain a positive mindset and steady pace—confidence and consistency in revision will maximize scoring potential in limited time.

Recommendation: recommendation Concentrate on mastering high-weightage NCERT topics and simulate exam conditions with regular mock tests to target 70+ marks. Prioritize solving previous year papers and focused revision of weak areas, ensuring a disciplined timetable and stress-management to achieve a rank near 100,000 for BIT Sindri ECE admission. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9540 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 28, 2025

Career
Gen open category student, With Jee CRL 17420 got nit goa ECE, expect to get MSRIT or PESU CSE via KCET Rank 2860. What better NIT can be expected in CSAB for ECE or CSE. And is it preferred over MSRIT/ PESU. Any other guidance, open for options
Ans: With a JEE Main CRL of 17,420, securing CSE in any core NIT through CSAB is highly unlikely, as recent closing ranks for CSE at most NITs fall well below 11,000, even in the final rounds, and only remote NITs or peripheral campuses occasionally extend to 15,000–18,000 but rarely for CSE. For ECE, however, your chances are notably better. NIT Goa ECE (already allotted) aligns with your current rank, but a few other mid-tier or remote NITs, such as NIT Uttarakhand, NIT Meghalaya, NIT Agartala, and possibly NIT Sikkim or NIT Manipur, occasionally close ECE between 17,000 and 20,000 in CSAB special rounds for open category, though branches like CSE and allied tracks (AI, IT, Data Science) remain out of reach at these ranks. No higher-ranked NITs (Surathkal, Trichy, Warangal, Calicut, Rourkela, Jaipur, Kurukshetra, and similar) offer ECE or CSE to CRL 17,420 via CSAB, as confirmed by leading portals and official PDFs. At IIITs and GFTIs, even new or lesser-known campuses do not admit general category candidates into CSE or ECE above 15,000–16,000. Through KCET, MSRIT CSE and PES University CSE are realistically achievable with a rank of 2,860, as 2025 cutoff trends show closing ranks for MSRIT CSE at 2,300–2,500 and for PESU at 1,200–1,400. Both programs are well-established, report 90–95% or better CSE placements in the last three years, strong industry ties, and advanced infrastructure, with MSRIT edging ahead in placement consistency and affordability, while PESU leads in industry-oriented curriculum and campus resources. Self-financed top private options like these offer outcome parity with most NIT ECE courses below the top ten NITs, especially if you seek a competitive academic peer group, robust CSE exposure, and strong brand value for tech roles. Consider your program preference (ECE vs. CSE), long-term goals, campus fit, and location.

Recommendation: Prioritize MSRIT CSE for the best blend of placement record, peer competitiveness, and proven reputation if you seek top CSE outcomes, followed by PESU CSE for curriculum depth and global industry alignment, then NIT Goa ECE or similar-ranked NITs if you prefer a central government degree and core electronics exposure. For CSE, KCET options at MSRIT or PESU offer stronger immediate prospects than ECE in mid-tier NITs, but a remote NIT ECE may appeal if your focus lies in public-sector opportunities or research. Remain active in CSAB special rounds for all eligible NIT ECEs, but plan for high-quality CSE options in Bangalore for the best return on your effort and rank, and back these with clear decision timelines given rapid seat movement in private college rounds. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...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