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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 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
Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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Iam investing monthly sip in below funds my age-34 1-Icici prudential bluechipfund-3000 2-Nippon India growth fund -3000 My monthly investment amount max-10000 pls suggest my portfolio any correction sir some good funds for long term

Ans: You're already on the right track with your disciplined approach to investing in SIPs. Let's review your portfolio and explore potential adjustments for long-term growth.

Investing in ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund and Nippon India Growth Fund reflects a balanced mix of large-cap and diversified equity exposure, which is suitable for long-term wealth accumulation.

However, to further diversify your portfolio and potentially enhance returns, consider adding funds from different categories like mid-cap or flexi-cap funds. These categories offer exposure to companies with different market capitalizations and investment styles, thus spreading your risk more effectively.

Mid-cap funds invest in companies with medium-sized market capitalizations, which often have higher growth potential than large-caps but come with increased volatility. Flexi-cap funds provide the flexibility to invest across market caps, allowing fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities across the spectrum.

Adding a mid-cap or flexi-cap fund to your portfolio can complement your existing investments and provide additional avenues for growth. Look for funds with a track record of consistent performance, experienced fund managers, and a robust investment process.

Remember to review your portfolio periodically and rebalance if necessary to ensure it remains aligned with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance.

Keep up the good work with your investments, and don't hesitate to reach out to a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and objectives.

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 29, 2024

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Hi Sir, I am 45 years now, I have these monthly SIP. Nippon India Large Cap Fund Rs.12000, Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund - G Rs.4000, ICICI Prudential Technology Fund - G- Rs.12000, Axis Small Cap Fund Rs.12000, Nippon India Small Cap Fund - G Rs.4000 . Please review my portfolio and advice according to my son's advance studies in 7 years and retirement plan in 15 years.
Ans: Portfolio Review and Recommendations for Future Goals

Assessment of Current Portfolio

Your current investment portfolio reflects a diversified approach, with allocations across various fund categories, including large-cap, flexi-cap, technology, and small-cap funds. This diversification aims to balance risk and potential returns.

Evaluation of Asset Allocation

Your portfolio has a significant exposure to equity funds, which indicates a growth-oriented strategy. While equity investments have the potential for higher returns over the long term, they also carry higher volatility and risk.

Analysis of Fund Selection

Your choice of funds reflects a blend of growth potential and risk management. However, it's essential to assess each fund's performance, consistency, and alignment with your financial goals.

Assessment of Investment Horizon

Considering your son's advanced studies in seven years and retirement planning in fifteen years, it's crucial to evaluate your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

Recommendations for Future Adjustments

Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. Rebalancing may be necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Goal-based Investing: Segment your investments based on specific goals, such as your son's education and retirement. This approach ensures a tailored investment strategy for each objective.

Risk Management: Given the relatively short time horizon for your son's education, consider gradually shifting a portion of your equity investments into more stable options as the goal approaches. For retirement planning, maintaining a diversified portfolio with exposure to equities for long-term growth potential is advisable.

Professional Guidance: Engage with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized advice and assist you in optimizing your investment strategy based on your financial objectives and risk profile.

Conclusion

In summary, while your current portfolio demonstrates a diversified approach, it's essential to periodically review and adjust your investments to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving financial goals. By implementing a goal-based investment strategy and seeking professional guidance, you can enhance the likelihood of achieving your objectives.

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 May 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 19, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sanjeev Sir, Hope you are in good health. I hve just started my investment through SIP in mutual fund . Would you plz advice me on my portfolio. Every month i invest 12k in the below funds . Canara Robeco small cap fund reg Edelweiss mid cap fund reg Hdfc focused 30 fund PGIM India mid cap opp fund SBI Contra fund Sundaram services fund . I have also recentky added Quant small cap fund growth regular plan SIP OF 3K . I want to invest another 10k in sip format plz suggest where should i invest.
Ans: It's fantastic to hear that you're diving into the world of investing through mutual funds. Let's discuss your portfolio and future investments.

Your current selection of funds shows a thoughtful approach to diversification across different segments of the market.

Adding a small-cap fund to your portfolio enhances diversification and potential for higher returns over the long term.

For your additional 10k investment, let's explore options that complement your existing holdings and align with your goals.

Large-cap funds offer stability and are ideal for investors seeking steady returns with lower risk.
Multi-cap funds provide flexibility across market segments, allowing you to capitalize on various opportunities.
It's important to consider your risk tolerance and investment horizon when selecting new funds for your portfolio.

Pls, consult a Certified Financial Planner to guide you every step of the way.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's normal to have questions and uncertainties along the path.

Stay focused on your goals, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance or advice.

With diligence and patience, you're on track to achieve your financial aspirations.

Keep up the excellent work, and remember that each investment you make brings you closer to your dreams.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello sir , I am 40 years old , I have below investment. FD - 60 lacs. Mediclaim - 10 lacs NPS - 50K Per year PPF - 150K Per Year I am investing in below mutual funds through SIP. ( 22K) ICICI balanced Advantage 2K HDFC Balanced Advantage 3K Tata Midcap and Largecap 3K Nippon India Small Cap 2K Motilal Midcap 2K ICICI Prudential Commodities 5K Quant Small Cap 5K Is it good funds for long terms ( Horizon of 8/10 years) ? I want to invest more 10K in SIP then which fund should I chose ? Thanks
Ans: It's great to see your disciplined approach towards investments. Let's assess your portfolio and potential additions:

Your current SIP portfolio seems well-diversified across different market segments, which is beneficial for long-term growth.
Given your investment horizon of 8 to 10 years, these funds offer a mix of growth potential and stability.
Considering adding another 10K to your SIP, you may want to focus on funds that complement your existing portfolio.
Look for funds with a track record of consistent performance and a strong investment thesis aligned with your financial goals.
Consider funds that provide exposure to sectors or themes with potential for future growth.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to evaluate your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment strategy before making any changes.
Remember, investing is a long-term journey, and staying disciplined and diversified is key to achieving your financial objectives.
By carefully selecting additional funds and staying focused on your long-term goals, you can continue to build a robust investment portfolio that serves your needs effectively.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir I am Praveen my monthly sip in 3 fund UTI nifty 50 index fund 2200 parag parekh flexi cap 4100 and Kotak small cap 2000 please suggest me these fund are good or any changes and our suggestion required
Ans: Praveen. Let's review your current SIP investments in UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund, and Kotak Small Cap Fund to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Current Portfolio Analysis
UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund: This fund provides exposure to the top 50 companies in India and aims to replicate the performance of the Nifty 50 Index. It offers diversification and stability.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Known for its flexible investment approach, this fund invests across market capitalizations and sectors. It emphasizes long-term growth potential and has a track record of consistent performance.

Kotak Small Cap Fund: Small-cap funds like Kotak Small Cap Fund invest in stocks of small-sized companies with high growth potential. They can offer higher returns but come with increased volatility.

Recommendations and Suggestions
Your current selection reflects a balanced approach with exposure to large-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap segments.
UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund provides stability, while Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and Kotak Small Cap Fund offer growth potential.
Consider reviewing your risk tolerance and investment horizon to ensure it aligns with the funds' objectives.
Potential Changes and Adjustments
Review Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance to determine if the allocation to small-cap funds is suitable for your comfort level. Small-cap funds can be volatile, so ensure you're prepared for fluctuations.

Diversification: Consider diversifying across different fund categories to spread risk. Adding a Mid-cap or Large & Mid-cap fund could enhance diversification.

Performance Evaluation: Monitor the performance of your funds regularly and compare them against their benchmarks and peers. If any fund consistently underperforms, consider switching to a better-performing alternative.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Seeking advice from a qualified CFP can provide personalized recommendations based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
A CFP can help optimize your portfolio and ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.
Conclusion
Your current SIP investments reflect a diversified approach with exposure to different segments of the market. Consider reviewing your risk tolerance and diversification strategy to ensure it meets your long-term financial goals. Consulting with a CFP can provide valuable insights and help fine-tune your investment strategy.

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 Nov 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 23, 2024Hindi
Money
My age is 40 and started SIPs in 2019 but major part of SIPs came in past 1 year. I am planning for a retirement corpus around 3.00crores in next 20 years. Please review my portfolio 1. Canara Robeco flexi cap fund - Rs. 4000.00 2. Canara Robeco Consumer Trends funds - Rs. 2000.00 3. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth - Rs.10000.00 4. Canara Robeco Small Cap fund Direct Growth - Rs. 5000.00 5. Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver - Rs. 5000.00 I want to invest further Rs. 10000.00 monthly for next 20 years in 2 more SIP with different portfolio and want to do some lumpsum Rs. 50000.00 for long run each year. Kindly Suggest funds for both SIPs and lumpsum. Thanks
Ans: Planning for Rs. 3 crores in 20 years is achievable with disciplined investments. Systematic planning and fund selection are crucial for long-term growth. Your current SIP portfolio reflects commitment, but there is room for improvement to align with your goal.

Observations on Your Current Portfolio
Canara Robeco Flexi Cap Fund (Rs. 4,000)
This is a good diversified option. Flexi-cap funds balance risks across market caps.

Canara Robeco Consumer Trends Fund (Rs. 2,000)
Thematic funds focus on specific sectors. These may carry higher risks due to limited diversification.

Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund Direct Growth (Rs. 10,000)
Midcap funds can generate higher returns but are volatile. A large allocation to this fund increases portfolio risk.

Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Direct Growth (Rs. 5,000)
Small-cap funds are high-risk, high-reward options. A balanced allocation here is essential to avoid overexposure to volatility.

Canara Robeco ELSS Tax Saver (Rs. 5,000)
ELSS is beneficial for tax-saving purposes. It also ensures equity exposure with a lock-in period of three years.

Recommendations for Current Portfolio
Rebalance the Allocation

Your portfolio leans heavily towards mid-cap and small-cap funds. Diversify further with large-cap or multi-cap funds.
This will stabilize returns during market downturns.
Reassess Thematic Fund Allocation

Consider limiting the Consumer Trends Fund allocation. Such funds may underperform if their sector faces a downturn.
Continue ELSS Investments

This is essential for tax savings. It also helps in building a disciplined approach.
Taxation Perspective
Equity Mutual Funds
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds
Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Optimize withdrawals to minimize tax impact. Align investments with tax-efficient instruments.

Suggestions for Additional SIP Investments
To allocate Rs. 10,000 in new SIPs:

First SIP (Rs. 5,000)

Consider an actively managed large-cap fund. These funds focus on established companies with stable returns.
They provide consistency and balance to your portfolio.
Second SIP (Rs. 5,000)

Invest in a multi-cap fund. These offer flexibility across market caps, ensuring better adaptability to market conditions.
Recommendations for Lumpsum Investments
For Rs. 50,000 annual lumpsum investments:

Balanced Advantage Fund

A mix of equity and debt ensures lower volatility.
These funds are ideal for lumpsum investments, especially during market uncertainty.
Equity Opportunities Fund

Invest in funds focusing on long-term growth across sectors.
This complements your SIP-based equity investments.
Debt Fund with Low Duration

To park short-term capital, allocate some portion here.
This maintains liquidity and offers moderate returns.
General Investment Guidelines
Review Portfolio Performance Regularly

Assess fund performance every six months. Exit consistently underperforming funds.
Diversify Across Fund Houses

Avoid concentrating investments in one AMC. This mitigates fund house-specific risks.
Utilize a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Work with a CFP for expert insights and a holistic financial plan.
Regular funds via an MFD ensure better handholding and guidance.
Emergency Fund

Keep six months’ expenses in liquid assets. This ensures stability during uncertainties.
Evaluating Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds adapt to market changes. They aim to outperform benchmarks.
Fund managers’ expertise ensures a strategic approach, unlike index funds that merely replicate indices.
Drawbacks of Index Funds

Lack flexibility during market shifts.
Can lead to suboptimal returns if indices underperform.
Final Insights
You have a commendable start with SIPs. Focus on aligning investments with your financial goals. Rebalancing and diversifying across funds will reduce risks. Invest systematically and review periodically to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

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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  |1841 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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