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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7026 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 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 12, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir, im 41. Started my investment a couple of months ago. 3 lacs in motilal midcap, quant small cap together. And a monthly sip of 5000 each on Canara robeco infrastructure, franklin templeton focused , icici prudential bond fund, sbi magnum income fund, uti nifty 200 index, parag parikh flexicap,JM flexicap , 300 in quant flexicap, and 2000 in hdfc flexicap.. i have 2 daughters aged 12 and 10. I require funds for education and marriage.. are my choices ok? Anything to switch? And howlong to hold these funds.. pls suggest

Ans: It's commendable that you've started investing and are thinking ahead for your daughters' education and marriage. Let's review your current investment choices and see if any adjustments are needed.

Your portfolio seems diversified across various mutual funds, covering different segments of the market. However, it's essential to ensure that your investments align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Given your daughters' ages and the timeframe for their education and marriage, you have a reasonably long investment horizon. This allows you to consider a balanced approach between growth-oriented and stable investments.

Regarding specific funds, while I can't provide detailed recommendations on individual schemes, I can offer some general guidance. Evaluate each fund's performance, expense ratio, and consistency over time. Ensure that the funds you've chosen have a track record of delivering returns in line with your expectations and risk profile.

Regularly monitor your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed. As your daughters' milestones approach, you may consider gradually shifting your investments to more conservative options to safeguard the capital.

Remember, investing is a long-term commitment, and patience is key. Stick to your investment strategy, and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to get personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and family needs. They can help you fine-tune your investment strategy and ensure you're on track to meet your objectives.

Keep up the good work with your investments, and stay focused on your long-term 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  |7026 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 19, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir, I need some financial advice and modification if needed. I am 32 yo and I am investing below funds since 2 years - 1)Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 5K 2)Axis Midcap Fund - Growth 2K 3)SBI Contra Direct Plan Growth 10K 4)Nippon India Small Cap 5K 5)Canara Robaco Small Cap 5K 6)Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth 5K 7)Tata Digital India Direct Growth 10K Please suggest if i should continue this or change this. I am planning to invest for next 15-20 yrs.My goal is to create a corpus for my kids education and retariment.
Ans: Diversified Investment Strategy
You have a well-diversified portfolio, which is crucial for mitigating risks and achieving long-term growth.

Diversifying across various market capitalizations can balance risk and reward effectively.

Your portfolio covers flexi-cap, mid-cap, contra, small-cap, and sector-specific funds.

Evaluating Current Funds
Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility to invest across market capitalizations, adapting to market conditions.

Mid-cap funds can offer higher growth potential compared to large-cap funds but come with higher risks.

Contra funds invest in undervalued stocks, potentially offering high returns when the market corrects.

Small-cap funds have high growth potential but are also highly volatile.

Sector-specific funds, like digital funds, can benefit from sectoral growth but carry higher risk if the sector underperforms.

Suggested Modifications
Consider reducing exposure to small-cap funds to mitigate volatility.

Reallocate some investment to more stable, less volatile funds for better balance.

Evaluate the performance and expense ratios of your current funds regularly.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds offer professional management and can outperform the market.

These funds can adapt to market changes, making strategic decisions to maximize returns.

Considerations for Long-Term Goals
Aligning your investments with your long-term goals, like children's education and retirement, is crucial.

Evaluate the risk tolerance and time horizon for each goal.

Higher-risk investments are suitable for long-term goals but ensure you balance with lower-risk options.

Direct vs Regular Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios but require more effort in fund selection and monitoring.

Regular funds, through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), provide professional guidance.

Regular funds can help you make informed decisions, balancing risks and returns effectively.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio
Periodic rebalancing ensures your portfolio aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Review your investments at least annually or when significant market changes occur.

Rebalancing helps in capturing profits and reinvesting in underperforming assets, maintaining your desired asset allocation.


Your commitment to investing for your family's future is commendable.

You have made informed choices in diversifying your investments, which is excellent.

Long-term investing requires patience and discipline, and you are on the right track.

Conclusion
Your diversified portfolio is a good foundation for long-term goals.

Consider reducing small-cap exposure and reallocating to more stable funds.

Regular review and rebalancing are essential for continued success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7026 Answers  |Ask -

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

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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  |7026 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 19, 2024

Money
Hi Ramalingam, Thank you for the feedback. 1) I didn't do any investment in last 2 years and I would like to start investing again. My goals are: Investing for my 6 year old son future (for his studies and bank balance etc.,) and for my retirement planning (I am 37 years now). I can't invest 30k monthly. 2) Is there any MF agencies which could guide me in my investing journey to achieve my goals. 2)Below is the list of schemes and their types; the current value is 28 Lakhs. Could you please advise if I need to switch any of these funds. I have Aditya Birla Sun Life Quant Fund- Regular Gro - N/A Axis Mid Cap Fund - Regular Growth - Eq-MidCap Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund - Regular Growth - Eq-Index Axis Nifty 500 Index Fund - Regular Growth - N/A Canara Robeco Focused Equity Fund - Regular G - Eq-Focussed Canara Robeco Mid Cap Fund - Regular Growth - Eq-MidCap Franklin India Focused Equity Fund - Growth - Eq-Focussed Franklin India Focused Equity Fund - Growth - Eq-Focussed Pgim India Midcap Opportunities Fund - - Gro - Eq-MidCap Sbi Contra Fund - - Growth - Eq-Contra Sbi Contra Fund - - Growth - Eq-Contra Sundaram Small Cap Fund - Regular Growth - Eq-SmallCap Tata Digital India Fund Growth - Eq-Tech. Thank you. Regards, Chiru
Ans: Your current portfolio includes a mix of equity funds across different categories, such as focused equity, mid-cap, small-cap, contra, and sectoral funds. Here's a detailed analysis of your existing funds:

Aditya Birla Sun Life Quant Fund - Regular Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Quantitative Fund
Insight: Quantitative funds follow a systematic, data-driven approach to investing. These funds might perform well in certain market conditions but may not consistently outperform actively managed funds. Consider reviewing its performance over the long term and comparing it to actively managed funds in the same category.
Axis Mid Cap Fund - Regular Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Mid Cap
Insight: Mid-cap funds offer higher growth potential but come with higher risk. If this fund has consistently delivered good returns, it can be retained. Ensure that it aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Axis Nifty 100 Index Fund - Regular Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Index Fund
Insight: Index funds passively track an index and typically have lower costs. However, they lack the potential for outperformance compared to actively managed funds. Consider replacing it with an actively managed fund if you seek higher returns and are willing to take on additional risk.
Axis Nifty 500 Index Fund - Regular Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Index Fund
Insight: Similar to the Nifty 100 Index Fund, this fund offers broad market exposure. Index funds are more suited for those who prefer a hands-off approach. Consider if a more actively managed fund would better suit your needs.
Canara Robeco Focused Equity Fund - Regular Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Focused Equity
Insight: Focused equity funds invest in a concentrated portfolio of 25-30 stocks, offering potential for high returns but with higher risk. This can be a good choice if the fund has a strong track record and fits your investment strategy.
Canara Robeco Mid Cap Fund - Regular Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Mid Cap
Insight: Another mid-cap fund in your portfolio. Having multiple funds in the same category can lead to overlap. Consider whether you need this many mid-cap funds or if consolidating into one or two strong performers would be more efficient.
Franklin India Focused Equity Fund - Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Focused Equity
Insight: Similar to the Canara Robeco Focused Equity Fund, this fund focuses on a limited number of stocks. Evaluate its performance and see if it's worth holding both focused equity funds or if consolidating might be a better option.
PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund - Regular Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Mid Cap
Insight: Yet another mid-cap fund. Again, consider whether you need this many funds in the same category or if consolidating would simplify your portfolio and potentially enhance returns.
SBI Contra Fund - Regular Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Contra
Insight: Contra funds invest in undervalued stocks with potential for turnaround. They can be good for diversification, but it's important to assess their performance over time and whether this strategy aligns with your risk profile.
Sundaram Small Cap Fund - Regular Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Small Cap
Insight: Small-cap funds are high-risk, high-reward investments. If you have a long-term horizon and high-risk tolerance, this could be a good choice. However, small-cap funds can be volatile, so make sure this fits within your overall strategy.
Tata Digital India Fund Growth

Type: Equity
Category: Sectoral (Technology)
Insight: Sectoral funds are concentrated in a specific sector and can be highly volatile. While technology is a growth-oriented sector, it can also be cyclical. Consider whether this fund aligns with your long-term goals or if a more diversified approach might be better.
Suggestions for Improvement
Avoid Overlapping Funds

You have multiple funds in the mid-cap and focused equity categories. This overlap can lead to concentration risk. Consider consolidating into one or two high-performing funds in each category to streamline your portfolio.
Reassess Sectoral and Contra Funds

Sectoral funds like Tata Digital India Fund and contra funds like SBI Contra Fund can add risk to your portfolio due to their concentrated nature. Evaluate whether these funds still align with your risk tolerance and goals, or if diversifying into broader categories might be more prudent.
Switch from Direct and Index Funds to Actively Managed Funds

Direct funds like index funds lack the professional guidance and potential for outperformance that actively managed funds provide. Consider switching to actively managed funds that are overseen by experienced fund managers. This could enhance your returns while also aligning your investments with expert advice.
Focus on Diversified Equity Funds

Consider adding more diversified equity funds to your portfolio. These funds spread investments across different sectors and market capitalizations, reducing risk while still offering growth potential.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner

Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you tailor your portfolio to your specific goals and risk tolerance. A CFP can provide ongoing support, rebalancing your portfolio as needed and ensuring your investments align with your long-term objectives.
Regular Portfolio Review

It's important to review your portfolio periodically. This ensures that your investments are still aligned with your goals and market conditions. Regular reviews with a CFP can help you stay on track and make necessary adjustments.
Final Insights
Your current portfolio is diversified across different fund categories, but it also has some overlaps and concentrated risks. Consider consolidating your holdings, switching from direct and sectoral funds to actively managed and diversified equity funds, and consulting a CFP for personalized advice. By making these adjustments, you can optimize your portfolio for better long-term growth and align it more closely with your retirement and financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Dr Shyam Jamalabad  |78 Answers  |Ask -

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Dr. Shyam, I had my teeth cleaned 6 months ago and after that was done I saw discoloration on certain teeth that wasn't there before. Years ago I had my teeth cleaned and one particular tooth after the cleaning was sensitive to touch. I had a crown put in from two different dental offices. The first one did the crown right, but was trying to charge me $3,500 more than the agreement they made with Medicare. Medicare corrected that. I other dentist did a crown and it didn't go all the way up to my gums and is sensitive to especially cold things. I'm not having very good experiences with dentist by and large. Can't find an honest one or one that can actually do the job right. I feel being on Medicare your a target to bring in money. Not sure what to do next. Supposed to go back and have them redo the crown that didn't go to my gums, but it also was ttd place to didn't clean my teeth right and discolored some of them. Any suggestions on how to trust there is actually an capable and honest dentist out there who can perform properly?
Ans: Identifying a capable and honest dentist is crucial for your oral health and well-being. Here are some tips to help you find one:

1. Ask for referrals: Ask friends, family, or coworkers for recommendations. They can provide valuable insights into a dentist's work quality and bedside manner.

2. Check credentials: Ensure the dentist has the necessary qualifications, certifications, and licenses. You can verify this information with your state's dental board or professional organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA).

3. Check online reviews: Look up the dentist on review platforms. Pay attention to the overall rating and read the comments to understand the strengths and weaknesses. At the same time, do not rely on reviews alone as these can be manipulated, fake reviews can be easily generated.

4. Evaluate their communication style: A good dentist should listen to your concerns, explain procedures clearly, and answer questions patiently. Ensure you feel comfortable asking questions and discussing your treatment.

5. Assess their facility and equipment: A well-organized and modern dental office with up-to-date equipment is a good sign.

6. Check their approach to preventive care: A capable dentist emphasizes preventive care, including regular cleanings, exams, and education on oral hygiene.

7. Be wary of over-treatment: A honest dentist will not recommend unnecessary procedures. Be cautious if you feel pressured into extensive treatments.

8. Trust your instincts: If something feels off or you don't click with the dentist, it's okay to explore other options.

10. Schedule a consultation: Many dentists offer initial consultations or meet-and-greets. Use this opportunity to assess their approach, ask questions, and gauge your comfort level.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of finding a capable and honest dentist who prioritizes your oral health and well-being.

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Ravi Mittal  |416 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 03, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am 30 years old not married & now my parents are forcing me to get married. I think i am good looking guy. It's not like i have never been with girls. I have had brief flings with multiple girls. And there was one girl whom i was in a platonic relationship with with lot of emotional sharing & have spent a lot of time with her. The same goes with another girl. Both of them have told me that i have been pretty cool & girls would like me to be their bf or husband. But i am not able to accept anyone because of the guilt that of my past that i never had a relationship. Never been able to tell anyone that i had a gf. I know this is wrong to compare my life but i can't stop thinking that way. Can you tell me what to do? Like a contsant regret of not having a very steamy cool fancy relationship from outside. I know relationships have it's own ups & downs. But this guilt is killing me that i missed out lot of things in life & if get married in an arranged marriage i would feel myself to be a looser who couldn't even find a girl on his own. Though i know all of these comparisons are wrong & i should be rational. I am not able to help it. Please help me out
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Whatever you are feeling, it is very normal. More people than you could imagine go through this same phase. But as you mentioned, these are just thoughts; there is no truth to them. Not having a relationship does not make you uncool. It merely means that you did not meet your perfect match yet. I understand that you feel like you have missed out on something and that feeling is valid. It might not be reasonable, but it's very natural to think this way. I can suggest one thing- why don't you try a dating or matchmaking app to find your own partner? That way, you will be keeping your parents' wishes and won't let yourself down either. It will also give you more control over choosing your life partner.

Hope this helps.

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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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