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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 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
vishnu Question by vishnu on Jun 28, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir iam 36 yrs right now.i am planning to start sip of around 10000rs per month.please suggest some funds to invest

Ans: starting a SIP is a great decision. It's good to start early and stay consistent.

At 36, you have ample time to build a strong portfolio.

Importance of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are powerful.

They help you invest small amounts regularly and build wealth over time.

SIPs also bring discipline and mitigate market volatility.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity funds invest in stocks.

They offer high growth potential but come with higher risk.

Ideal for long-term goals due to compounding.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt funds invest in bonds and fixed-income securities.

They provide stable returns with lower risk.

Suitable for short to medium-term goals.

Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt.

They balance risk and reward.

Good for medium-term goals.

Evaluating Your Risk Appetite
Before choosing funds, assess your risk tolerance.

Higher risk can bring higher rewards but also higher losses.

Choose a mix of funds that match your comfort level.

Recommended Fund Types
Large Cap Funds
Large cap funds invest in large, established companies.

They are less volatile and provide stable returns.

Mid Cap Funds
Mid cap funds invest in medium-sized companies.

They offer higher growth potential with moderate risk.

Small Cap Funds
Small cap funds invest in small, emerging companies.

They are high-risk but can give high returns over the long term.

Multi Cap Funds
Multi cap funds invest across large, mid, and small cap stocks.

They offer diversification and balance risk and reward.

Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds adjust between equity and debt.

They provide stability and growth.

Suitable for moderate risk investors.

Steps to Start Your SIP
Define Your Goals

Identify your financial goals.

Is it retirement, children's education, or a big purchase?

Set Your Budget

You mentioned Rs. 10,000 per month.

Make sure it's affordable and sustainable.

Choose Fund Categories

Based on your risk appetite, select a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Start Small and Increase Gradually

Begin with Rs. 10,000 and increase as your income grows.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investments.

Rebalance your portfolio based on performance and market conditions.

This keeps your investments aligned with your goals.

Tax Implications
Understand the tax implications of your investments.

Equity funds held for over a year have lower tax rates.

Debt funds held for over three years benefit from indexation.

Final Insights
Starting a SIP is a smart move.

Your plan to invest Rs. 10,000 monthly is a great start.

Diversify across large cap, mid cap, small cap, and balanced funds.

Monitor and rebalance regularly to stay on track.

With consistency and smart choices, you’ll achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

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Sir i want to start a sip for 5k please suggest an sip for a long term investment. Current sip amount is 1k in hdfc mid cap opp. My age is 20
Ans: It's great to see your interest in starting a SIP at such a young age! Since you're already investing in HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, let's explore some other SIP options for long-term investment:

Large Cap Funds: Consider investing in large-cap funds, which typically invest in well-established companies with a proven track record. These funds offer stability and steady growth potential over the long term. Look for funds with a consistent performance history and a focus on quality stocks.
Multi-Cap Funds: Multi-cap funds invest across companies of different sizes, offering diversification and flexibility. These funds have the freedom to shift between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions. Choose a fund with a seasoned fund manager and a disciplined investment approach.
Index Funds: Index funds replicate the performance of a specific market index, such as the Nifty 50 or Sensex. These funds have lower expense ratios and provide broad market exposure. Investing in index funds can be a cost-effective way to participate in the equity markets over the long term.
Balanced Advantage Funds: Balanced advantage funds dynamically allocate between equity and debt based on market valuations. These funds aim to provide stable returns with lower volatility. Consider investing in a balanced advantage fund for a balanced risk-return profile.
Global Funds: Global funds invest in international equities, providing exposure to global markets and diversification beyond domestic stocks. These funds offer the opportunity to benefit from global economic growth and innovation. Choose a global fund with a focus on quality companies and strong fundamentals.
Before selecting a SIP, assess your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner or investment advisor to choose a SIP that aligns with your financial objectives and risk profile. By starting early and investing consistently, you're laying the foundation for long-term wealth creation and financial security. Keep up the good work, and best of luck with your investment journey!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

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Hi , im 31 years old im earning 2.5 lakhs per month, i have 65000 home loan emi, 8000 term insurance per month , 15000 per month medical insurance for my family. I want to invest 100000 to sip . Kindly advise which fund to select
Ans: Given your income and financial commitments, it's great that you're considering investing in SIPs. Here are some considerations for selecting funds:

Risk Tolerance: Determine your risk tolerance based on your investment goals, time horizon, and comfort level. Generally, equity funds offer higher returns but come with higher volatility compared to debt funds.
Investment Goals: Define your investment goals clearly. Are you investing for long-term wealth accumulation, retirement, or any specific financial goal? Your investment horizon will influence the choice of funds.
Diversification: Consider diversifying your investments across different types of funds to spread risk. This could include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap equity funds, along with debt funds for stability.
Performance Track Record: Evaluate the historical performance of funds over different market cycles. Look for consistency in returns and fund management quality.
Expense Ratio: Pay attention to the expense ratio, as lower expenses can boost your overall returns over time. Choose funds with a reasonable expense ratio relative to their category.
Fund House Reputation: Invest in funds managed by reputable fund houses with a proven track record of managing investors' money responsibly.
Tax Efficiency: Consider the tax implications of your investments. Equity-oriented funds offer tax benefits on long-term capital gains compared to debt funds.
Given your monthly SIP investment amount of ?1,00,000, you can consider allocating it across different categories based on your risk appetite:

Large-cap Equity Funds: These funds invest in well-established, large companies with stable performance and lower volatility, making them suitable for conservative investors.
Mid-cap and Small-cap Equity Funds: These funds invest in mid-sized and small companies with higher growth potential but also higher risk. They are suitable for investors with a higher risk appetite and a longer investment horizon.
Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments, offering a balanced approach to risk and return. They can be suitable for investors seeking moderate growth with lower volatility.
It's essential to review your investment portfolio periodically and make adjustments based on changes in your financial situation and market conditions. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized investment advice tailored to your specific goals and risk tolerance.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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I want to start sip of rs 20000 per month, please advise which fund i choose
Ans: Selecting the Right SIP for Your Investment: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding SIPs:

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) offer a disciplined approach to investing in mutual funds. By investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, investors can benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Assessing Your Investment Goals:

Before selecting a SIP, it's crucial to identify your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Are you investing for short-term goals like buying a car or a house, or is it for long-term wealth accumulation, such as retirement planning?

Matching Funds to Objectives:

Based on your goals, you can choose from a variety of mutual fund categories, including equity funds, debt funds, or hybrid funds. Each category offers different risk-return profiles, catering to diverse investor preferences.

Investment Horizon and Risk Profile:

For a SIP of Rs 20,000 per month, your investment horizon and risk profile play pivotal roles in fund selection. Equity funds are suitable for long-term wealth creation, but they come with higher volatility. Debt funds, on the other hand, provide stability but lower returns.

Recommendation:

Considering your investment horizon and the potential for wealth accumulation, investing in diversified equity funds through a SIP seems appropriate. These funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, spreading risk across different market segments.

Benefits of Active Management:

Opting for actively managed funds allows skilled fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities and navigate volatility effectively. Their expertise in stock selection and portfolio management can potentially enhance returns over the long term.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Index funds, while cost-effective, may not always outperform actively managed funds. They are restricted to tracking specific indices, potentially missing out on opportunities for alpha generation through active stock selection.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner:

Seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can further streamline your investment decision. A CFP evaluates your financial situation, risk appetite, and goals to recommend suitable funds aligned with your objectives.

Conclusion:

In summary, for a SIP of Rs 20,000 per month, investing in diversified equity funds through active management offers the potential for long-term wealth creation. However, it's essential to consult with a CFP to ensure alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 14, 2025Hindi
Money
Iam 48 year man , no investment yet. I need to start invest 30000 monthly in sip. Please advise.
Ans: You are taking a vital step toward financial stability. Starting SIPs of Rs 30,000 monthly is a great choice. Here's how you can maximise this opportunity:

1. Understand Your Financial Goals
Define your goals clearly.
Split goals into short-term, medium-term, and long-term categories.
For instance, goals may include retirement, children's education, or a contingency fund.
2. Emergency Fund Comes First
Build an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months' expenses.
Keep it in a liquid fund or savings account.
This ensures financial security during unexpected events.
3. Risk Assessment
Assess your risk tolerance based on age, goals, and responsibilities.
As you are 48, balance risk and returns carefully.
Avoid taking excessive risks at this stage of life.
4. Asset Allocation is Key
Allocate funds wisely between equity, debt, and hybrid mutual funds.
Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term goals like retirement.
Debt funds suit medium-term goals like a child’s education.
Hybrid funds offer balanced growth and safety for moderate goals.
5. Select Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds in the Indian market.
Fund managers adapt strategies to market conditions.
This flexibility can lead to better returns compared to index funds.
6. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Invest Rs 30,000 monthly in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.
SIPs bring financial discipline and reduce market volatility impact.
Long-term SIPs benefit from the power of compounding.
7. Tax Efficiency in Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds offer lower long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax.
LTCG over Rs 1.25 lakh annually is taxed at 12.5%.
Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Choose funds based on your tax bracket and investment horizon.
8. Regular Funds Through a CFP
Invest in regular funds with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.
CFPs help you choose the right funds based on your goals.
Regular funds come with professional support for better management.
9. Review and Rebalance Portfolio
Review your investments every six months or annually.
Rebalance based on market changes and goal progress.
Adjust allocations to maintain an optimal risk-return balance.
10. Insure Yourself Adequately
Ensure sufficient health and life insurance coverage.
Avoid mixing investment and insurance in one product.
A term insurance policy is ideal for life cover.
11. Retirement Planning is Crucial
Invest in equity funds for long-term retirement goals.
Aim for a corpus that sustains your post-retirement lifestyle.
Consider inflation and rising healthcare costs while planning.
12. Monitor Lifestyle Inflation
Keep lifestyle inflation in check to save more.
Prioritise needs over wants to increase your savings potential.
Focus on financial discipline for a secure future.
13. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Avoid stopping SIPs during market downturns.
Do not withdraw funds prematurely without valid reasons.
Avoid emotional decisions; stick to your plan.
14. Consult a Certified Financial Planner
A CFP ensures you stay aligned with your financial objectives.
They help optimise your portfolio for better returns.
Professional guidance helps you navigate market complexities.
15. Educate Yourself About Investments
Understand the basics of mutual funds and market dynamics.
This knowledge helps you make informed decisions.
Stay updated on economic trends and fund performance.
Finally
Your initiative to invest Rs 30,000 monthly is commendable. Consistency and discipline will bring excellent results. Follow the above steps to build a robust financial future.

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  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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