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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9777 Answers  |Ask -

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

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
bharath Question by bharath on Jun 04, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi Sir, Iam 40 and below are my funds from 1) icici multiasset fund from p/m 20000 from 3 years 2) icici value discovery fund p/m 20000 from 3 years 3) icici thematic advantage 20000 p/m from 4 months 4) hdfc focus 30 fund 20000 p/m from 3 years 4) aditya birla gennext fund 20000 p/m from 3 years my question is a) shall i continue with above for the next 3 years? b) I want to invest in hdfc midcap opportunity fund 2000 every week rather than 8000 every month as its a risky fund to invest one shot. kindly suggest. thanks

Ans: Reviewing Your Current Investment Setup
You invest a total of ?1.2?lakh per month across five equity funds.

All funds are actively managed, which helps in growth and flexibility.

The current mix leans heavily toward aggressive equity exposure.

There is limited diversification across asset types.

You’ve built good equity discipline over 3+ years.

That consistency forms a strong foundation.

Evaluating Each Fund Category
Multi-Asset & Hybrid Approach
Investing ?20k/month in a flexible hybrid fund balances stock risk.

Hybrid funds add buffer during market volatility.

Retaining this allocation makes sense for risk moderation.

Value Discovery Equity
Value-focused fund adds cycle-based opportunity.

It provides diversification via different investing themes.

Good to retain for broad equity exposure.

Thematic Fund (Recent)
Thematic funds carry sector-specific or theme-based risk.

You’ve only invested ?20k/month for 4 months.

Consider capping thematic exposure at 5–10% of equity.

Too much thematic investment can raise volatility.

Focused 30 Equity Fund
High-conviction, 30-stock fund adds focused diversity.

It’s a distinct equity style useful in long-term portfolio.

Continuing is fine if manager’s philosophy aligns with your goals.

Next-Gen / Gen-Next Fund
This fund invests in future leaders and companies.

Good for capturing innovation-driven growth.

But it’s a thematic/small-mid blend—risky when overweighted.

Keep at 5–10% equity to avoid concentration risk.

Assessing Your Portfolio Allocation
You currently have five equity-heavy funds, totalling ?1.2?lakh/month.

That’s a concentrated equity posture without debt cushioning.

You lack a systematic debt or hybrid corridor to smooth markets.

Without yearly rebalancing, this can amplify risk.

A goal-based breakdown is needed: equity (growth), debt/hybrid (balance), liquid buffer.

Considering HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunity via Weekly SIP
The fund is actively managed and mid-cap focused—fitting your growth bias.

Investing weekly (?2,000/week = ?8,000/month) reduces lump-sum risk.

Weekly SIP averages out entry price—beneficial in volatile assets.

Adds discipline for gradual entry, rather than one-shot allocation.

Mid-cap suits your age and time horizon if balanced well in portfolio.

Proposed Portfolio Rebalancing
To simplify and increase long-term resilience, consider this restructuring:

1. Continue Hybrid Fund: ?20k/month in multi-asset fund

Ensures steady performance and reduces equity-only swings

2. Equity Core Allocation: ?60k/month across:

Large/Flexi-cap equity: ?20k

Mid-cap fund (like HDFC opportunity): ?20k (via weekly SIP)

Value discovery: ?10k

Small/thematic/next-gen combined: ?10k

3. Use Weekly SIP in Mid-Cap: ?2k/week into HDFC

Stabilises entry and control volatility

4. Gold Allocation: ?5k/month into gold ETF/fund

Acts as hedge against inflation and equity dips

5. Liquid Fund: ?5k/month for buffer and redemption flexibility

Total monthly savings becomes ?1.2?lakh + an additional ?8k = ?1.28?lakh.
You can start by adjusting existing SIPs and adding small gold/liquid allocations—it’s tailored to your equity-forward style.

Why Active Funds and Regular Plans Are Beneficial
Active managers can mitigate losses during downturns.

Index funds lack discretion: they ride the entire market movement.

Your timeframe and style suit active equity and theme selection.

Regular plans via CFP-backed distributors give advice, planning, and tax discipline.

Direct plans save cost but lack structure, mental comfort, and monitoring.

Weekly vs Monthly SIP: Benefits Breakdown
Weekly SIP smoothens volatility more than monthly SIP.

Smaller periodic contributions avoid timing mistakes.

If your salary permits, start with ?2k weekly in mid-cap.

Monitor impact before ramping up weekly SIPs further.

Monitoring and Rebalancing Strategy
Review allocation every six months: equity vs hybrid/gold/liquid.

If equity grows beyond 65–70%, shift new SIPs into hybrid or liquid.

Rebalance through future contributions to reduce tax impact.

Annual pass-through checks ensure you stay on risk target.

Tax Implications and Efficiency
Equity LTCG beyond ?1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.

Hybrid and debt funds taxed per your income slab.

Gold ETF gains: LTCG, except if held under 3 years (STCG).

Under a regular plan, your advisor can schedule redemptions to manage tax liabilities and annual allowances.

Protecting Against Downside and Enhancing Stability
Hybrid fund ensures cushion during equity corrections.

Gold adds inflation protection and non-stock exposure.

Liquid fund avoids cash flow disruptions during emergencies.

Balanced equity structure across large, mid, small/theme segments adds stability.

Risk Management and Asset Allocation Ranges
You might aim for these approximate targets:

Equity: 60–65%

Hybrid: 20–25%

Gold: 5–7%

Liquid: 5–10%

These ranges protect from high equity swings and give growth potential for medium to long-term goals.

Protecting Your Health and Personal Safety Net
No mention of life or term-insurance—essential given dependents.

At age?40, buy term life insurance covering at least 10 times your income.

Health insurance of ?5–10 lakh protects against emergencies.

Insurance premiums are minor but crucial for a secure investment plan.

Execution Steps to Implement the Plan
Maintain existing hybrid SIP.

Retain your value discovery fund as core equity.

Shift a portion of thematic/next-gen into a monthly mid-cap SIP.

Begin ?8k weekly SIP into mid-cap fund.

Start ?5k/month gold fund.

Start ?5k liquid fund monthly.

Stop or reduce one overlapping equity SIP to fund liquid and gold.

Regularly check allocation drift and rebalance via contributions.

Review and Adjustment Timeline
Quarterly: Check NAV, returns, and emerging fund performance.

Half-yearly: Rebalance contributions among asset buckets.

Annually: Review goals, inflation, risk tolerance; adjust portfolio if necessary.

Final Insights
You have built solid equity discipline over years—already successful.

Rational portfolio trimming and reallocation adds resilience.

Weekly SIP into mid-cap aligns with your risk appetite and investment style.

Hybrid, gold, and liquid assets help smooth returns across cycles.

Active funds with CFP oversight combine growth, protection, and coaching.

This structured approach supports both capital growth and risk management over the next three years and beyond.

Feel free to connect if you’d like help choosing specific funds or setting periodic review reminders.

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  |9777 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Sir good morning. I am 27 years old. I have been investing Rs 10000/- each in SBI Mid cap fund, Small cap Fund and Rs 10000 in ABSL Flexi cap fund and Rs 5000/- in HDFC Midcap funds. I may please be guided whether to continue or to switch to other funds. Thank you sir.
Ans: At 27, you're making proactive investment decisions, which is commendable. Let's review your current investment strategy and explore potential adjustments:

Assessing Your Current Portfolio
SBI Mid Cap Fund and Small Cap Fund: Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer growth potential but come with higher volatility. Consider your risk tolerance and investment horizon when evaluating these funds.

ABSL Flexi Cap Fund: Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility to invest across market capitalizations based on market conditions. They offer diversification and potential for growth.

HDFC Midcap Fund: Similar to SBI Mid Cap and Small Cap funds, HDFC Midcap Fund focuses on mid-cap stocks. Assess whether the overlap in mid-cap exposure across funds aligns with your diversification goals.

Considerations for Continuation or Switch
Performance: Evaluate the performance of your current funds relative to their benchmarks and peers. Consistent underperformance may warrant a review.

Fund Manager Track Record: Assess the track record and expertise of the fund managers managing your investments. Consistency in performance and adherence to investment objectives are key considerations.

Fund Objectives and Strategy: Ensure that the investment objectives and strategies of your funds align with your financial goals and risk profile.

Potential Actions
Review Fund Performance: Conduct a detailed analysis of the performance of each fund in your portfolio over different time periods.

Consult with a Financial Advisor: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to review your investment strategy and explore alternative fund options based on your goals and risk tolerance.

Consider Diversification: Evaluate the need for diversification across asset classes and investment styles to mitigate risk and enhance long-term returns.

Conclusion
While your current investment strategy demonstrates a focus on growth-oriented funds, it's essential to periodically review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed. Assess the performance, objectives, and risk profile of your funds, and consider consulting with a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9777 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 04, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, Iam 44 and have the below funds from 3 years 1) icici pru multiasset fund 2) icici pru value discovery fund 3) icici pru thematic advantage fund 4) hdfc 30 focus fund my question is 1) should i continue sip 20000 P/M for the next 3 years in all the above fund. 2) should i invest in midcap fund? if yes can u suggest me any hdfc midcap? thanks thanks
Ans: At 44, you are at a very important stage of your financial life. You still have time to grow your wealth but need to focus more on protection, risk control, and clear goal planning.

Your discipline in investing Rs. 20,000 every month for 3 years is good. That is already Rs. 7.2 lakhs invested so far. You also seem to prefer a single AMC which makes review easier. Let's evaluate your investment choices and your future path.

Fund Choices Review – Strengths and Gaps
You are investing in these four funds:

ICICI Pru Multi Asset

ICICI Pru Value Discovery

ICICI Pru Thematic Advantage

HDFC Focused 30 Fund

Assessment:

You have a mix of multi-asset, value style, thematic, and focused equity

That is some diversification, but with overlaps and some concentration

All funds are from large AMCs, which is safe

These funds are active in style, which is good

They are managed by expert fund managers

You are not investing in index funds. That is correct

Index funds only copy the market. They don’t beat it

They offer no protection in volatile markets

You also avoided direct funds. That is wise

Direct funds give no guidance or regular review

Regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner help with tracking and changes

You need help in knowing when to switch or hold

Evaluation of SIP Continuation
You are investing Rs. 5,000 each in four funds. Total Rs. 20,000 per month.

Key Observations:

You have already stayed for 3 years

That means you crossed one full market cycle

All these funds are equity-heavy

Three more years of SIP is a good plan

But the future allocation needs to match your goals

Simply extending SIP without goal clarity is not safe

You should not just look at past return

Instead, match each fund to your need

Action Plan:

Yes, you can continue Rs. 20,000 SIP

But review which fund supports which goal

Multi-asset is good for medium-term goals

Value fund can support retirement with patience

Thematic fund is high-risk. Keep exposure limited

Focused fund is fine but may be volatile

Thematic Fund Caution
Thematic funds invest in specific sectors

If that sector is weak, fund may underperform

Returns will be very up-and-down

Don’t put more money here unless you understand the theme

Better reduce SIP in this fund

Shift that SIP to a balanced or midcap fund instead

This makes the portfolio more stable

Should You Invest in Midcap Fund?
This is your next question. Yes, midcap funds can be added.

But first check:

Are your basic goals funded already?

Do you have term and health insurance?

Is your emergency fund ready?

Are you clear about retirement target?

Only after all this, add new risk-oriented fund

If your base is strong, then midcap is good for growth. But keep in mind:

Midcap funds are more volatile than largecap

They give better return only over 7+ years

Not suitable for short-term goals

You must stay invested even during downturns

HDFC Midcap Fund is one option.

It is an actively managed fund

It suits investors with high risk tolerance

You can start with Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 monthly

Increase if you see good behaviour in the fund

Don’t expect returns every year

Midcaps move in cycles. Long patience is key

Suggested Fund Positioning
Here is one simple way to allocate your Rs. 20,000:

Rs. 5,000 – Multi Asset (medium-term goal)

Rs. 5,000 – Value Discovery (retirement corpus)

Rs. 5,000 – Focused Fund (long-term wealth creation)

Rs. 5,000 – HDFC Midcap Fund (new SIP for growth)

Stop new SIP in thematic fund and switch that amount here

This gives better balance. It also reduces portfolio risk.

Goal Mapping for Better Clarity
At 44, you need clear goal-linked planning.

Break your goals into three:

Short-Term (3–5 years): Travel, child’s college, house repair

Medium-Term (5–10 years): Child’s higher education

Long-Term (15+ years): Retirement, child’s wedding

Match funds to these goals:

Multi-asset fund for short to medium term

Value and focused funds for long-term needs

Midcap for wealth building and retirement booster

If you don’t link funds to goals, you may exit early during panic. That destroys wealth.

Asset Allocation Is Important
All your funds are equity-based. That is risky if not planned well.

Suggestion:

Keep 15–20% of portfolio in debt instruments

Use ultra-short mutual funds or FD for that

Equity should be 70–80%, not full 100%

Balanced investing keeps emotions under control

Talk to a Certified Financial Planner for proper allocation review

Insurance Protection
You didn’t mention about term or health insurance. That’s very important.

Take the following steps:

Buy term insurance of at least Rs. 1 crore

Cover should be for 60 years of age

Don’t mix insurance and investment

Avoid ULIPs, endowment or money-back plans

They reduce return and give low cover

Also take health insurance of Rs. 5–10 lakhs

Don’t rely only on employer health policy

Emergency Fund Readiness
If you don’t have an emergency fund, build it now.

Keep 6 to 9 months of expenses in a separate bank or liquid fund

Don’t keep it in the same place as investments

Don’t use mutual funds for emergency

FD or liquid fund is better for this

This gives peace during job loss or health issues

Tax Impact Awareness
When you sell equity mutual funds:

Long-term capital gain above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%

Short-term gain is taxed at 20%

For debt funds, gain is taxed at your slab rate

So, don’t churn funds often. Long holding is tax friendly.

Behaviour Management Is Key
At this stage, fund selection is only part of the story.

Don’t panic during market fall

Stay focused on goals

Don’t redeem during dips

Review your portfolio once in 6 months

Avoid frequent switching of funds

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to avoid emotional decisions

Don’t track NAV every day

Monitoring and Future Steps
Keep a separate paper or file for each goal

Write the SIP amount and purpose

Add expected amount needed and timeline

This keeps you accountable

Update fund performance every 6 months

If a fund lags for 2+ years, review with planner

Don’t stop SIP just because market falls

What You’re Doing Right
Regular SIP of Rs. 20,000 is a good habit

Investing in active funds is a smart move

Avoiding index and direct plans is wise

Staying invested for 3 years shows discipline

Thinking about adding midcap shows growth mindset

You are asking the right questions

Finally
You are on the right path.
You have built good habits already.
Now bring more structure and goal linking.
Add a midcap fund only if your foundation is ready.
Reduce thematic exposure unless you understand it deeply.
Don’t chase past returns. Stick to plans.
Focus on your goals, not the market.
Protect yourself with insurance and emergency fund.
Review SIPs every 6 months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Be patient. Your wealth will grow.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |1879 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Jul 18, 2025

Sunil

Sunil Lala  |218 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jul 18, 2025

Money
Dear Sir, I am 40 year old, my take home is 1.41 lacs per month. I have 11 year old daughter and 3.5 year old son. I am investing 12.5k per month in SSY (27 lacs in total) and 12.5k per month in PPF (6 lacs in total). Investing around 4k in SIP in index fund (1.2 lacs) and I have around 30 lacs in FD. I have taken 1cr term insurance and have 10lakhs health insurance for family. FD is not giving me satisfactory returns and not beating the inflation. I am planning to invest 25 lacs in buying a site. I don't have any loans and don't have major commitment other than children education. I request you to guide me on future investments, I would like to get a constant income of 1-1.5 lacs PM after 5-6 years.
Ans: Hi Ajay, understand the SSY and PPF are also not givin you enough returns, your SIP in index funds and FD all are ineffecient return making assets. Buying a site will not ensure liquidity when you will need it the most, and 10L health insurance for a family of 4 is low as well.
Having a constant income of 1-1.5L p.m. means annually 12-18L of income, and to have a passive income like that, your corpus should be 15-16x of the annual income --> which means we are looking at 1.8Cr to 2.7Cr of corpus in the next 5-6 years.
There are a lot of flaws in your investment strategies because at one place you are wanting to lock in money at a site, in SSY and PPF and on the other you are looking to earn 1-1.5L p.m. which is possible through liquid investments.
I would love to help you out, but to me it feels like there is a gap in the knowledge about investments and personal finance. If you are wanting to have a detailed conversation about your investments and where you can park your money to grow it to have the monthly income you want after a certain number of years, visit my website www.slwealthsolutions.com

...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