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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 01, 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
guna Question by guna on Apr 19, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir im guna 26/m last 1year im investing in mutual funds started at 5k per month and now im at 20 k in these funds Parag parik flexi cap 1000 Nippon small cap 500 SBI small cap 500 PGIM mid cap 1000 SBI contra 500 Quant ELSS & Mirae asset ELSS each 1000 Nippon index fund mix of Large,Mid,and small cap 15,000 Lumsum investment 50,000 In HDFC nifty 50 index fund Im planning for long horizon of 15 to 20 years

Ans: Your commitment to long-term investing is commendable and reflects a forward-thinking approach to securing your financial future. By starting early and diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes and fund categories, you're laying a solid foundation for wealth creation over the next 15 to 20 years.

Remember, investing is a journey, not a sprint. Stay patient and disciplined, and resist the temptation to make impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations. Instead, focus on the underlying fundamentals of your investments and the power of compounding to grow your wealth over time.

As you navigate the ups and downs of the market, continue to educate yourself, stay informed about economic trends, and periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your long-term goals.

With perseverance, prudent decision-making, and a well-diversified portfolio, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial aspirations and build a brighter future for yourself. Keep up the good work!
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  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Madam I'm 35 Years Old Salaried person I'm currently Investing Rs.30,000/- in Mutual Fund from 2017 Portfolio Value Is Rs.21,00,000/- and My Investment is 12,80,000/- Want To Continue For 10 Years.. 10% step-up in every 2 Years 1.SBI SMALL CAP 2.PARAG PAREKH FLEXI CAP 3.NIPPON SMALL CAP 4. DSP MID CAP 5.SBI INTERNATIONAL FUND 6.MOTILAL OSWAL TAX SAVING 7.AXIS NEXT 50 INDEX FUND
Ans: It's fantastic to see your commitment to investing in mutual funds for the long term. Let's explore how you can continue to grow your portfolio over the next decade:

• Your portfolio's current value of Rs. 21,00,000 is impressive and reflects your disciplined approach to investing.
• With a goal to continue investing for another 10 years, you're setting yourself up for significant wealth accumulation.
• The 10% step-up in investment every 2 years is a smart strategy to increase your contributions gradually over time.
• Your selection of mutual funds covers a diverse range of asset classes and market segments, providing ample growth potential.
• It's essential to periodically review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay aligned with your financial goals.
• Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your investment strategy remains optimal and aligned with your objectives.
• Stay focused on your long-term goals and maintain discipline in your investment approach, even during market fluctuations.
• Remember, patience and consistency are key virtues in wealth creation through mutual fund investments.
• Keep monitoring your progress regularly and celebrate milestones along the way to stay motivated on your financial journey.
• With dedication and prudent financial planning, you're well-positioned to achieve your wealth accumulation goals in the years ahead.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 48 yrs old l am investing 7k per month in MF from last 2 years. Rs 1000 each in DSP Multi Asset allocation fund. Canara robeco bluechip equity fund. Mirae asset large and midcap fund. Motilal oswal nifty next 50 index fund. Kotak Emerging equity fund. Quant smallcap fund. Parag parikh flexi cap fund. My horizon is 10 yrs.
Ans: That's a great start! Investing Rs. 7,000 monthly for the past 2 years shows discipline. Let's analyze your portfolio for your 10-year investment horizon.

Diversification is Key

Your portfolio has a good mix of fund types:

Multi-Asset: Provides diversification across asset classes for stability.
Large & Mid-Cap: Offers growth potential with established and growing companies.
Small-Cap: Carries more risk but has the potential for high returns.
Index Fund: Tracks a market index, offering market-related returns.
Actively Managed vs. Index Funds

While your Motilal Oswal Nifty Next 50 is an index fund, your other choices are likely actively managed. These funds have managers who try to outperform the market. This approach can be beneficial, but also carries inherent risks.

10-Year Timeframe Advantage

A 10-year horizon allows you to ride out market ups and downs. Equity funds, though volatile in the short term, have the potential for higher growth over the long term.

Points to Consider:

Overall Asset Allocation: Review the percentage allocation across each fund type to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance.
Fund Performance: Track the performance of each fund and compare it to its benchmark.
Role of a CFP Professional

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can offer a more personalized assessment. They can help you:

Analyze Asset Allocation: Ensure your portfolio mix matches your risk tolerance and goals.
Review Fund Performance: Identify any underperforming funds and suggest adjustments.
Rebalance Regularly: Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain your desired asset allocation.
Remember:

Market performance can impact your returns. However, your diversified portfolio and long-term focus are positive steps.

Next Steps:

Consider consulting a CFP professional for a detailed portfolio review.
Monitor your fund performance and rebalance as needed.
Keep investing for the long term!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 03, 2024Hindi
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I am 32 yr age I am central government employees my investment is 11500 mutual funds is prag parikh flaxi fund 4500, Canara rebeco bluechip direct fund 3500 Axis small cap 3500 Kya m sahi investment kr rha hu
Ans: Let's evaluate your current portfolio and provide insights on how to enhance it for long-term growth.

Analysis of Current Investments
Mutual Funds Allocation:

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Rs 4,500
Canara Robeco Bluechip Direct Fund: Rs 3,500
Axis Small Cap Fund: Rs 3,500
Total Investment:

Rs 11,500
Your portfolio includes a mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, and small-cap funds. This diversification helps balance risk and returns.

Assessment of Direct Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds don't offer professional advice.
Time-Consuming: Requires active management and research.
Risk: Potential for higher risk without expert guidance.
Benefits of Regular Funds via CFP:

Expertise: Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) provide professional advice.
Convenience: Saves time on research and management.
Risk Management: CFPs help tailor investments to your risk profile.
Recommendations for Enhanced Portfolio
Diversification:

Ensure a balanced mix of equity and debt funds.
Consider adding debt funds for stability.
Long-Term Focus:

Prioritize funds with a proven track record.
Stay invested for the long term to maximize growth.
Alternative Investment Options
Mutual Funds:

Equity Funds: For long-term growth. Suitable for your age and risk profile.
Debt Funds: For stability. Balances the risk in your portfolio.
Public Provident Fund (PPF):

Benefits: Tax savings and stable returns.
Long-Term: Suitable for building a retirement corpus.
Detailed Insights on Investment Strategy
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:

Professional Management: Managed by experienced fund managers.
Flexibility: Adjusts to market changes for better returns.
Research: Backed by extensive research and analysis.
Your Portfolio Enhancement Strategy
Balanced Portfolio:

Mix of equity and debt funds for balanced growth.
Continue SIPs for disciplined investing.
Professional Guidance:

Invest through a CFP for tailored advice.
Benefit from expert insights and risk management.
Final Insights
Your current investments are well-diversified. Consider the benefits of investing through a CFP for professional guidance. This can help you manage risks and achieve long-term growth. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Mayank

Mayank Chandel  |2167 Answers  |Ask -

IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8191 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2025

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Hi sir thnku in advance. I am 28M,working in central govt job. It has just been one year and I plan on retiring very early around a 35 years of age. I have nps tier 1 account due to the job. I just have one query since I don't plan on marrying and I am alone with my own home. My expenses are max 18k per month. I hardly travel and live a very frugal life. So my query if I resign at 35 years then will 50 lakhs will sustain me for 15 years keeping in mind the inflation and my return as 7% on an average.
Ans: Your question shows rare clarity at a young age. You are just 28. But you already have a defined vision to retire by 35. That is highly appreciable. Many at this age are still unsure of financial direction.

Let us now assess your question in detail.

You asked whether Rs 50 lakhs will last 15 years, post retirement at 35.

Let us evaluate your financial journey from all angles.

Understanding Your Present Situation

You work in a central government job. That offers job security. And also an NPS Tier 1 account.

You live frugally. Your monthly expense is only Rs 18,000. That is extremely disciplined.

You have your own home. So no rent or EMI outgo. This reduces your future cost burden.

You do not plan to marry. So your financial responsibilities are only for yourself.

You plan to retire at 35. That means only 7 more years of active income.

After 35, you want Rs 50 lakhs corpus to sustain you for 15 years.

That means till age 50, you want to live from this corpus.

Now let us move step-by-step to assess sustainability.

Assessing Expense Inflation Over Time

Right now, your expense is Rs 18,000 per month.

Even a frugal person cannot avoid inflation.

Prices of food, electricity, health, etc. will go up.

Inflation over 15 years cannot be ignored.

Even if inflation is modest, say 6%, your expense will rise gradually.

By year 10 or 15, your Rs 18,000 monthly expense may double.

That will need a higher withdrawal from your corpus.

So corpus sustainability depends on how inflation is planned for.

Evaluating Return Assumption

You assume 7% average return on corpus.

This is realistic if money is well invested.

You must avoid only FDs or savings accounts.

To get 7% post-tax, proper asset allocation is needed.

Mutual funds can help here.

Especially, actively managed funds with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid index funds. They just copy the index.

Index funds do not give downside protection in bear markets.

They also underperform during volatile sideways markets.

Index funds have no fund manager taking active decisions.

Whereas actively managed funds adapt to market cycles.

A qualified CFP can help select suitable active funds.

Regular plans through a CFP give ongoing guidance.

Direct funds may look cheaper, but lack this support.

Direct funds are like self-medication. Risky without expert view.

Regular plans have a small fee, but offer long-term peace.

Corpus Withdrawal Planning

Your Rs 50 lakh must support monthly cash flow.

Even if you start withdrawing Rs 18,000 monthly, over time it will increase.

You need a withdrawal strategy.

You can follow a staggered withdrawal.

That means only taking what is needed each year.

Rest of the money keeps earning.

It also helps reduce tax burden.

But you must track how much you withdraw each year.

And ensure it grows in line with inflation.

If not planned well, corpus may finish earlier.

So withdrawal plan should be dynamic, not fixed.

A Certified Financial Planner can help prepare such a roadmap.

Emergency and Health Preparedness

You are alone. That means no support system in emergencies.

You must keep some contingency fund aside.

At least 12 months of expenses, i.e., about Rs 2.5 lakhs.

This should be liquid. Like in sweep-in FDs or ultra-short debt funds.

Also, ensure you have a strong health insurance policy.

Healthcare cost rises faster than inflation.

Even a single surgery or hospitalisation can dent your corpus.

Do not rely on employer health cover post resignation.

Buy your own health insurance before retirement.

Choose Rs 20–30 lakh cover. Preferably with a super top-up.

Keep paying its premium from a separate health corpus if needed.

If you stay healthy and insurance unused, that is a blessing.

But if not, it will safeguard your financial independence.

Psychological Readiness for Early Retirement

Financial numbers are only part of the journey.

Are you ready for non-financial changes post-retirement?

How will you keep yourself engaged from age 35 to 50?

No daily job, no team, no deadlines. That may feel strange.

Mental health and social belonging are also essential.

Plan for what you will do post retirement.

Hobbies, part-time work, teaching, or creative work.

Something that gives meaning to your day.

Else early retirement may feel empty after some years.

Personal fulfilment is important, not just financial planning.

Tax Implication of Your Investments

Returns from equity mutual funds have a new rule.

Long-term capital gain (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

This affects how you redeem funds.

Withdraw strategically to reduce tax.

Do not withdraw large amounts in one go unless needed.

Spread withdrawals over financial years.

Plan investments so equity and debt are balanced.

This helps with tax and market stability.

NPS Tier 1 – How It Helps

You already have NPS Tier 1 account.

You can continue it even after quitting job.

But withdrawals are restricted before age 60.

You can withdraw only 20% before 60 if not annuitised.

So it may not be useful for your 35–50 needs.

But it can be your backup after 60.

So continue it. Don’t touch now.

Let it grow. It adds to your retirement safety.

It cannot be your main retirement plan for early years.

How You Should Build Rs 50 Lakh Corpus

You have 7 years left to save.

That is a short horizon for such a big goal.

You must save aggressively now.

Keep lifestyle minimal, as you already are doing.

Avoid unnecessary gadgets, dining, or gadgets.

Every rupee saved now compounds for your future.

Invest in a well-planned mutual fund portfolio.

Include large cap, mid cap, and flexi cap funds.

Avoid thematic or sectoral funds. Too risky for main corpus.

Also add short-duration debt funds for stability.

Review this plan once a year with your CFP.

Increase SIPs with each salary hike.

Also allocate your yearly bonus fully into investments.

Rs 50 lakh target is tough but possible with discipline.

Asset Allocation Approach

Corpus should not be 100% in equity or 100% in debt.

A balanced approach is better.

Early years of retirement can bear some equity.

Later years should gradually shift to debt.

This is called glide path strategy.

Helps avoid sequence of returns risk.

If market crashes in year 1 or 2, your corpus shrinks fast.

So first 3 years’ expenses should be in debt.

Remaining in equity-debt mix as per risk profile.

Rebalancing is important each year.

Do not ignore this step.

It controls risk and improves return consistency.

Finally

Rs 50 lakhs can last for 15 years if:

You invest it wisely.

Withdraw in a disciplined way.

Factor in inflation, taxes, and health cost.

Keep emergency corpus aside.

Stay insured for health and critical illness.

Engage yourself meaningfully post-retirement.

Review your plan annually with a Certified Financial Planner.

Early retirement is not a one-time plan.

It is a living strategy that needs updates.

You are on the right path.

Stay focused. Stay simple.

And always seek guidance when needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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