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Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Oct 04, 2025

Reetika Sharma is a certified financial planner and CEO of F-Secure Solutions.
She advises clients about investments, insurance, tax and estate planning and manages high net-worth individual’s portfolios.
Reetika has an MBA in finance from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and an engineer degree from NIT, Jalandhar.
She also holds certifications from the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).... more
Ashraf Question by Ashraf on Sep 22, 2025Hindi
Money

I want to invest 15 k in mutual fund for minimum 10 years , midcap and large cap which will be the best ones to invest.

Ans: Hi Ashraf,

Invest 15k in equal ratio in a mix of large cap, mutli cap and a balanced fund for 15 years.
Or you can also consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2024

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Best mutual fund for large and midcap for 5 years.?
Ans: For a 5-year investment horizon in the large and midcap category, you'd want funds that have demonstrated consistent performance, have a solid track record, and are managed by experienced fund managers. While I can't recommend specific funds, I can provide you with guidelines on what to look for:

Consistent Performance: Look for funds that have consistently outperformed their benchmark and peers over various market cycles.
Fund Manager Experience: A fund managed by an experienced and skilled fund manager often performs better. Research the fund manager's track record and investment strategy.
Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios mean higher returns for investors. Choose funds with a reasonable expense ratio compared to their peers.
Asset Size: A larger asset size often indicates investor trust and confidence in the fund. However, extremely large funds might find it challenging to maintain high returns due to liquidity constraints.
Risk Metrics: Check the fund's volatility and risk-adjusted returns (like Sharpe and Sortino ratios). Lower volatility and higher risk-adjusted returns indicate better risk management by the fund.
Portfolio Composition: Ensure the fund's portfolio aligns with your risk appetite and investment objective. A well-diversified portfolio with a mix of large and midcap stocks can offer stability and growth potential.
Historical Returns: While past performance is not indicative of future results, it can provide insights into the fund's consistency and ability to generate returns.
Fund House Reputation: Opt for funds managed by reputed fund houses known for their ethical practices, transparency, and investor-centric approach.
Lastly, it's crucial to review your investments periodically and make adjustments based on changing market conditions, your financial goals, and risk tolerance. Consider consulting with a financial advisor or doing thorough research before making investment decisions.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello sir i want to invest 20k in midcap & small cap mutual fund for next five years ...pls suggest some good mutual funds in this category
Ans: Investing in mid-cap and small-cap mutual funds can offer potential for growth over the long term, although they typically come with higher risk compared to large-cap funds. Here are some recommendations for mid-cap and small-cap mutual funds:

Axis Midcap Fund: This fund has a strong track record of performance and is managed by experienced fund managers. It focuses on investing in mid-cap companies with high growth potential.

Kotak Emerging Equity Fund: Known for its consistent performance, this fund primarily invests in emerging companies with the potential for significant growth. It follows a disciplined investment approach and has delivered competitive returns over the years.

Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund: This fund invests in both mid-cap and large-cap stocks, offering a blend of growth potential and stability. It has a proven track record of outperforming its benchmark index and peers.

DSP Midcap Fund: Managed by seasoned fund managers, this fund aims to invest in quality mid-cap companies with strong growth prospects. It follows a research-driven investment approach and has delivered competitive returns over the long term.

SBI Small Cap Fund: For exposure to small-cap companies, this fund is a popular choice among investors. It focuses on identifying high-quality small-cap stocks with the potential for significant appreciation.

Before investing, consider factors such as your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. It's essential to review the fund's past performance, investment strategy, and expense ratio to make an informed decision. Additionally, consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice tailored to your specific financial situation and goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2024

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I want to invest 15000 per month. Suggest funds from large cap, large and mid cap, small cap, midcap, flexi cap and multi cap fund
Ans: Let's dive into the details of investing Rs 15,000 per month across different mutual fund categories. This strategy will help diversify your portfolio, maximize returns, and manage risks effectively.

Understanding Mutual Funds
Mutual funds pool money from many investors to invest in stocks, bonds, and other securities. They offer professional management and diversification. This means that your money is spread across various investments, reducing risk. Mutual funds also offer liquidity, allowing you to buy and sell units easily.

Importance of Diversification
Diversification is key in investing. By spreading your money across various funds, you reduce the risk of loss. Different fund categories perform differently under various market conditions. Diversification helps in balancing the risk and return of your portfolio.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Let's explore the different categories of mutual funds you can consider for your Rs 15,000 monthly investment.

Large Cap Funds
Large cap funds invest in well-established companies with a large market capitalization. These companies are often leaders in their industry and have a stable performance history. Investing in large cap funds offers stability and moderate growth. They are less volatile compared to mid cap or small cap funds.

Large and Mid Cap Funds
These funds invest in both large cap and mid cap companies. This blend provides a balance between stability and growth potential. Large and mid cap funds benefit from the stability of large companies and the growth potential of mid-sized companies.

Mid Cap Funds
Mid cap funds invest in medium-sized companies. These companies have significant growth potential but are more volatile than large cap companies. Investing in mid cap funds can offer higher returns, but with higher risk. They are suitable for investors with a moderate to high-risk appetite.

Small Cap Funds
Small cap funds invest in small-sized companies. These companies have the highest growth potential but also the highest risk. Small cap funds are suitable for aggressive investors willing to take higher risks for potentially higher returns. These funds can provide substantial long-term gains.

Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds invest in companies of all sizes without any market cap restrictions. This gives fund managers the flexibility to invest in the best opportunities across the market. Flexi cap funds offer diversification and the potential for higher returns by taking advantage of opportunities across different market caps.

Multi Cap Funds
Multi cap funds invest in large cap, mid cap, and small cap companies. This diversification across various market caps reduces risk and increases potential returns. Multi cap funds are suitable for investors looking for a balanced approach with exposure to all market segments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have professional fund managers who actively buy and sell securities to outperform the market. These funds can potentially offer higher returns than index funds, which passively track a market index. Active fund managers use their expertise to identify investment opportunities and manage risks effectively.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds aim to replicate the performance of a market index. They have lower fees but often provide average returns. They do not actively seek opportunities for higher returns. Index funds also do not protect against market downturns as they cannot adjust their holdings.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds are mutual funds bought directly from the fund house without any intermediary. They have lower expense ratios but lack professional advice. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides personalized advice, portfolio management, and financial planning, ensuring your investments align with your goals.

Investment Strategy
Here’s a strategy for investing Rs 15,000 per month across different mutual fund categories:

Large Cap Funds: Rs 4,000
Investing Rs 4,000 in large cap funds provides stability and moderate growth. These funds are suitable for conservative investors looking for steady returns.

Large and Mid Cap Funds: Rs 3,000
Allocating Rs 3,000 to large and mid cap funds balances stability and growth. This blend captures the benefits of both large and mid-sized companies.

Mid Cap Funds: Rs 2,500
Investing Rs 2,500 in mid cap funds offers higher growth potential. These funds are suitable for investors with a moderate risk tolerance looking for higher returns.

Small Cap Funds: Rs 2,000
Allocating Rs 2,000 to small cap funds provides exposure to high growth potential. These funds are for aggressive investors willing to take on more risk.

Flexi Cap Funds: Rs 1,500
Investing Rs 1,500 in flexi cap funds offers diversification and flexibility. These funds can adapt to market conditions and take advantage of opportunities across market caps.

Multi Cap Funds: Rs 2,000
Allocating Rs 2,000 to multi cap funds ensures exposure to all market segments. These funds provide a balanced approach with potential for good returns and reduced risk.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer several advantages:

Professional Management: Experienced fund managers handle your investments.

Diversification: Spread risk across various securities.

Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell units.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Invest regularly with discipline.

Compounding: Reinvested earnings generate more earnings over time.

Tax Benefits: Certain funds offer tax deductions under Section 80C.

Risks of Mutual Funds
Investing in mutual funds also comes with risks:

Market Risk: Value of investments can fluctuate with market conditions.

Credit Risk: Risk of default by issuers of debt securities.

Interest Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates can affect debt fund returns.

Liquidity Risk: Difficulty in selling securities at desired prices.

Power of Compounding
Compounding is the process where earnings generate more earnings. By reinvesting your earnings, you can grow your investment exponentially over time. The longer you invest, the more significant the impact of compounding. Starting early and investing regularly amplifies the benefits of compounding.

Your decision to invest Rs 15,000 monthly shows a commitment to securing your financial future. Diversifying across various mutual fund categories is a wise strategy. It balances risk and return while taking advantage of market opportunities. Remember, investing is a long-term journey. Stay patient and disciplined for the best results.

It's commendable that you are proactively managing your finances. Your dedication to investing regularly is a significant step towards achieving your financial goals. By diversifying your investments, you are making informed decisions that will benefit you in the long run.

Final Insights
Investing Rs 15,000 per month across different mutual fund categories is a smart move. It balances stability, growth, and diversification. Consider large cap, large and mid cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, and multi cap funds for a well-rounded portfolio. Remember, actively managed funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to index funds. Direct funds may have lower fees, but professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner is invaluable. Keep investing regularly and leverage the power of compounding to grow your wealth. Your disciplined approach and informed decisions will pave the way for a secure financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

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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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