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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 25, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
drishika Question by drishika on Apr 25, 2025
Money

I will invest 6k per month please suggest some safe plan

Ans: Thank you for sharing your plan to invest Rs 6,000 every month. You are already one step ahead. Most people do not even think about investing. You are thinking early. And taking action. That is really good.

Now let us look at how to use this Rs 6,000 monthly in a smart and safe way.

Let me give you a full and simple 360-degree plan.

We will talk about:

What does safe investing mean?

Where to invest Rs 6,000 monthly?

How to keep your money protected?

How to grow your money slowly and steadily?

What risks to avoid?

What not to do?

What you can expect in return?

What you should track and how?

Let us begin step by step.





Understanding What "Safe Investment" Means

There is no investment that is 100% risk-free.





Even bank fixed deposits have some risk. Not all banks are safe.





But we can choose options that are more stable and time-tested.





Safe does not mean no return. But safe usually means moderate return.





You will not get very high returns. But you will also avoid big losses.





When you invest regularly, even small growth becomes big in long term.





So safety and patience work together for success.





Setting a Goal for Your Rs 6,000 Per Month

What is your goal for this Rs 6,000? Is it for retirement?





Is it for child’s education? Or for a future home? Or for monthly income later?





Knowing the goal helps you choose the right investment path.





If your goal is more than 5 years away, you can take slightly more risk.





If your goal is less than 3 years away, you must stay very safe.





Please fix your goal first. That is the starting point.





Best Way to Invest Rs 6,000 Monthly – Step-by-Step Plan

Let me now share a safe and step-wise plan.





Emergency Corpus First

Do you already have 6 months of expenses saved?





If not, keep Rs 6,000 in a bank recurring deposit.





Or use a liquid mutual fund with good safety record.





Build an emergency fund of at least Rs 50,000–Rs 1,00,000.





Only after this, start regular mutual fund investing.





Choose a Regular Plan of Mutual Fund

Please do not choose direct plans of mutual funds.





Direct plans may look cheap. But they do not give personal service.





A Certified Financial Planner can help through regular plans.





Direct plans are like driving without a GPS.





Regular plans give better tracking, support and timely advice.





Avoid Index Funds for Safety

Index funds copy the market. They are not managed actively.





In a bad market, they fall badly. No one protects you.





In actively managed funds, the fund manager reduces risk.





You need active management when you want safety.





So always choose actively managed mutual funds.





Choose Funds Based on Goal Period

If your goal is within 3 years, choose short-duration debt mutual funds.





If your goal is 5–7 years away, use hybrid funds or conservative balanced funds.





If your goal is 7+ years away, use equity mutual funds in small amount.





Your Rs 6,000 can be split as per time.







Suggested Asset Allocation for Rs 6,000 Monthly (General Model)

Assuming long-term goal (5+ years), you can follow:





Rs 3,000 – Conservative Hybrid Mutual Fund





Rs 2,000 – Equity Mutual Fund (Large and Mid-Cap)





Rs 1,000 – Liquid Fund or Short-Term Debt Fund





This mix gives safety, moderate growth, and steady liquidity.





How to Monitor Your Investment

Check once every 6 months. Do not check every week.





Look at performance compared to a fixed deposit.





Your funds should beat FD by 2% or more.





If any fund gives low return for 3 years, change it.





Take help from a Certified Financial Planner.





Use only regular plans through a good MFD and CFP.





Mutual Fund Tax Rules You Must Know

Equity mutual fund returns held for over 1 year are called long term.





Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh yearly are taxed at 12.5%.





Gains below Rs 1.25 lakh yearly are tax-free.





Debt mutual fund returns are taxed as per your income tax slab.





You can use tax-saving mutual funds if needed.





What You Should Not Do

Do not keep all Rs 6,000 in a bank FD. Inflation will eat your returns.





Do not go for chit funds or ponzi schemes. They look safe but are risky.





Do not buy any investment product from insurance agents.





Do not fall for ULIPs or investment cum insurance plans.





Do not stop SIP when market goes down. That is when you get more benefit.





Do not chase the highest return funds. Focus on stable and consistent ones.





Why Safety Does Not Mean Zero Equity

Some equity exposure is good even if you want safety.





Without equity, your money will not beat inflation.





But choose only large and mid-cap equity funds.





And keep percentage low, like 25%-35% of Rs 6,000.





Rebalance every year. Keep your original ratio same.





If You Already Have Insurance or ULIP

If you hold LIC endowment, money-back or ULIP policies, stop future premiums.





Surrender them if lock-in is over and you will get fair value.





Reinvest the maturity or surrender amount in mutual funds.





Keep insurance and investment separate always.





How a CFP Can Help You

A Certified Financial Planner is trained to guide you step by step.





They will not just sell. They plan your whole money journey.





They help in fund selection, monitoring, withdrawal planning, and rebalancing.





They also help in taxes and documentation.





You will not be alone in the process.





What Can You Expect from Rs 6,000 Monthly?

You can create Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh in 10 to 15 years.





This depends on fund selection and market movement.





But this is possible with patience and discipline.





Start now and stay regular. Do not skip SIP.





What to Do if Goal Changes Midway?

Suppose you need money early. You can stop SIP.





You can start SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) after 3 years.





You can move money to safer funds when you reach the goal.





A CFP can guide how to change funds without big tax impact.





Safe Exit Plan Later

Do not withdraw full amount at once.





Start a SWP after your goal period.





You can take Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 monthly from corpus.





This gives income and keeps capital partly invested.





It is better than FD interest.





Finally

Investing Rs 6,000 per month can create big wealth.





Do it in regular mutual funds with active management.





Keep goal clear. Start small. Stay patient.





Do not chase hot tips or risky schemes.





Choose safety first. Add growth slowly.





Review every year with a Certified Financial Planner.





Always keep emergency fund separate.





If you follow this path, your future will be safer and stronger.





Money grows slowly but surely with regular SIP.





Take the first step today. Your future self will thank you.





Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 21, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I want to invest monthly 10000 pls suggest
Ans: Tailored Monthly Investment Plan Recommendation

Personalized Investment Strategy Assessment

It’s commendable that you’re taking proactive steps to invest ?10,000 monthly, reflecting a commitment to building wealth over time. Let’s explore customized strategies to optimize returns and manage risk effectively within your budget.

Understanding Your Financial Goals and Risk Profile

Before diving into investment options, it's essential to understand your financial objectives, time horizon, and risk tolerance. By aligning investments with your goals, we can create a tailored plan for long-term wealth accumulation.

Balancing Risk and Return with Equity Funds

Given your investment horizon, allocating a portion of your monthly budget towards equity funds can offer growth potential over the long term. Equity funds provide exposure to stocks of companies across different market capitalizations.

Mitigating Risk through Diversification

Diversifying your portfolio across various mutual fund categories can help spread risk and enhance stability. Consider allocating funds to a mix of small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap funds to capture growth opportunities while mitigating volatility.

Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers several advantages, including personalized guidance, disciplined investing, and ongoing portfolio monitoring. A CFP can help navigate market fluctuations and optimize your investment strategy.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds require investors to conduct their own research and make investment decisions independently. However, this approach may not be suitable for all investors, especially those lacking expertise or time for thorough analysis.

Highlighting Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through MFD with CFP Credential

Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential provides access to professional guidance and comprehensive financial planning services. MFDs offer expertise in selecting suitable funds and monitoring portfolio performance.

Exploring Additional Investment Options

Consider exploring other investment avenues such as debt funds, gold ETFs, and systematic investment plans (SIPs) in mutual funds to further diversify your portfolio. Each option offers unique benefits and can complement your existing investment strategy.

Conclusion

By adhering to a disciplined investment approach and diversifying across asset classes, you can optimize returns and manage risk effectively over the long term. Regularly review your portfolio, reassess your financial goals, and seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to ensure alignment with your objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 08, 2025

Money
I am ready to deposit 12 lakh and need minimum 15,000 rupees per month. Please suggest good plan without any risk
Ans: You have shown clear focus on stability. Wanting regular income with no risk is wise. At the same time, every choice between safety and return needs careful balance. Let us explore your situation from all sides.

» Understanding Your Requirement
– You want to deposit Rs 12 lakh.
– You need Rs 15,000 income monthly.
– That means you expect Rs 1.8 lakh per year.
– This comes to around 15% yearly return.
– No-risk options cannot give such high return.
– Risk-free products in India usually give 6% to 8%.
– So, there is a gap between expectation and reality.

» Assessing Risk Versus Return
– True risk-free means bank FD, government bonds, PPF, PF.
– These give stable income but lower than your goal.
– If you need guaranteed Rs 15,000 monthly, corpus must be larger.
– With Rs 12 lakh, safe monthly income will be closer to Rs 7,000–8,000.
– To get higher return, you must take some market-linked risk.

» Safe Income Generating Options
– Bank fixed deposit gives guaranteed return.
– Interest is taxable as per your slab.
– Senior citizen deposits give slightly higher rate.
– Post Office Monthly Income Scheme gives fixed monthly payout.
– Government bonds are safe but pay semi-annual, not monthly.
– These are safe but won’t reach 15,000 monthly from Rs 12 lakh.

» Role of Debt Mutual Funds
– Debt funds are relatively safe but not fully risk-free.
– They can provide better post-tax return than FD.
– But they carry interest rate and credit risk.
– For long-term stability, you must match them with correct goal.
– Debt fund returns are not guaranteed.

» Why Not Index Funds or ETFs
– Index funds track the market.
– They have no downside protection.
– You can lose value when markets fall.
– They are not right for monthly income need.
– Active funds with professional management can adjust better.
– They are more suitable if you seek growth with some safety.

» Why Not Direct Mutual Funds Alone
– Many investors think direct plans save cost.
– But small saving in expense ratio may mislead them.
– Wrong selection or poor timing damages wealth more.
– Regular plans via Certified Financial Planner keep discipline.
– You get expert advice, portfolio review, and support for income planning.

» Planning Gap for Your Expectation
– With Rs 12 lakh, no-risk product cannot generate Rs 15,000 monthly.
– For that level of income, you need larger capital.
– Or you need to accept some calculated risk.
– Blended plan of debt and equity funds may bridge the gap.
– But this means partial exposure to market fluctuations.

» Possible Steps Forward
– First, fix your priority: income stability or higher payout.
– If stability is most important, stay with FD or post office MIS.
– Expect Rs 7,000–8,000 per month only.
– If higher income is must, accept moderate risk with mutual funds.
– Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) from balanced funds.
– This can give monthly cash flow near your goal.
– But monthly amount is not guaranteed.

» Inflation and Future Reality
– Rs 15,000 today will not cover same expenses in 10 years.
– Safe products may not beat inflation.
– Equity exposure helps corpus grow over time.
– For real financial independence, balance of growth and safety is essential.

» Role of Certified Financial Planner
– A Certified Financial Planner can help structure portfolio.
– They align income need, inflation impact, and risk profile.
– They review and rebalance regularly.
– With CFP support, you avoid missteps and emotional decisions.

» Finally
Your discipline in saving Rs 12 lakh is strong. But no-risk products cannot generate Rs 15,000 monthly now. You can get close to half of that safely. For full target, some calculated exposure to mutual funds is required. Balance of safe products and managed funds will give stability plus growth. With guidance and periodic review, your income flow can be sustained without disturbing your core capital.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |234 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

Money
Dear Naveen Sir, I am 55 Years old and have five more years in superannuation. My monthly take home is approx. 6 Lacs PM . I have accumulated 2 Cr. in MF , 1.5 Cr in PF , 1 Cr FD and NPS and LIC put all together will be approx 50 Lacs and payout will start from 2028 onwards. I have just booked one 4 BHK and take home loan which is construction linked plan . Possession will be in 2029. My Daughter and Son are on Marriage age but both are also earning handsomely as they are in 30% bracket of IT . Have parental property approx 1.5 Cr which i will get in due course of the time. Monthly expenses are approx 1 Lacs only . Please suggest the way forward for next 5 Years .....how and where i start investing ....
Ans: Dear Sir
For a comprehensive QPFP level financial planning and retirement assessment we request the following details. These inputs will allow financial planner to prepare an accurate inflation-adjusted roadmap covering risk protection, income stability, investment strategy and long-term financial security.
________________________________________
1. Personal and Family Details
Your age and planned retirement year.
Spouse’s age, working status and future income expectations.
Number of dependents and their financial reliance on you.
Any major medical conditions in the family.
________________________________________
2. Parents’ Health and Financial Dependence
Current health condition of parents.
Do they have their own medical insurance cover.
Sum insured and type of policy.
Any critical illness or pre-existing conditions.
Monthly financial support you provide to them if any.
Expected future medical or caretaker expenses.
________________________________________
3. Income and Cash Flow
Monthly take home income.
Expected increments or bonuses for the next five years.
Monthly household expense structure.
Existing EMIs and financial commitments.
Monthly surplus available for investments.
Any expenses expected to rise due to inflation or lifestyle changes.
________________________________________
4. Home Loan and Liabilities
Sanctioned home loan amount, interest rate and tenure.
Current disbursement status under construction linked plan.
Your plan for EMI servicing and part-prepayment.
Any other loans or financial liabilities.
________________________________________
5. Real Estate Profile
Is this 4 BHK your first home or do you own other properties.
Any rental income from existing properties.
Purpose of the new 4 BHK after retirement for self, parents or children.
Your plan for the parental house. Retain, sell or rent.
Where you plan to settle post retirement.
________________________________________
6. Investment Portfolio
Current mutual fund corpus and category-wise split.
SIP amounts and investment horizon.
PF, EPF, PPF and other retirement scheme balances.
Fixed deposit amounts, maturity periods and ownership structure for DICGC protection.
NPS allocations Tier 1 and Tier 2.
LIC policies with surrender value and maturity year.
Any bonds, NCDs, PMS, private equity or invoice discounting exposure.
________________________________________
7. Emergency Preparedness
Current emergency fund value.
Loan facility available against MF or FD.
Any credit line for medical or sudden expenses.
________________________________________
8. Insurance Protection (Self and Spouse)
Term insurance coverage and policy details.
Health insurance sum assured and insurer.
Top-up or super top-up cover details.
Critical illness and accident cover status.
Adequacy of insurance after accounting for inflation.
________________________________________
9. Children’s Goals and Planning
Are you contributing financially to your children's planning.
Any corpus set aside for their marriage.
Children’s own investment and insurance setup.
Any future goals involving them.
________________________________________
10. Retirement Vision and Income Planning
Expected retirement lifestyle and monthly cost adjusted for inflation.
Your preferred retirement income structure
SWP from mutual funds
Annuity or pension products
PF interest
NPS annuity
Rental income
Plans to monetise or downsize real estate if needed.
Any travel, medical or lifestyle goals post retirement.
________________________________________
11. Estate and Succession Planning
Will availability and last update date.
Nominations across MF, PF, NPS, FD, LIC, demat and bank accounts.
Any instructions for asset distribution.
________________________________________
Next Step
Only Once you share these details, financial planner can prepare a complete five year roadmap covering asset allocation, inflation-adjusted corpus projections, loan strategy, insurance adequacy, medical preparedness, pension and SWP planning, liquidity management and post-retirement income stability.


Disclaimer / Guidance:
The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
Financial planning is not only about returns; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and aligning your money with life goals. A professional planner can help you design a safe, efficient, and realistic roadmap toward your ideal retirement.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai
044-31683550

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

Money
Im aged 40 years and my husband is aged 48 years. We have one son aged 8 years and daughter aged 12 years. We both are in business. What should be the ideal corpus to meet their education at the age of 18 years for both children? Present business income we can save Rs.50000 pm
Ans: You are thinking early. That itself is a smart step. Many parents postpone planning and later struggle with loans. You are not in that situation. So appreciate your approach.

You asked about ideal corpus for higher education. Education cost is rising fast. So planning early avoids financial pressure later.

You have two kids. Your daughter is 12. Your son is 8. You have around six years for your daughter and around ten years for your son. With this time frame, you need a proper structured plan.

» Understanding Future Education Cost

Education inflation in India is high. It is increasing year after year. Even professional courses are becoming costly. College fees, hostel fees, books, digital tools and transportation also add cost.

You need to consider this inflation. Higher education cost will not remain at today’s value. It will grow.

So if today a standard undergraduate program costs around a few lakhs, in six to ten years the cost may go much higher. That is why estimating corpus should consider this future cost.

You don’t need exact numbers today. You need a target range to plan. A comfortable range gives clarity.

» Typical Cost Structure for Higher Education

Higher education cost depends on:

– Private or government institution
– Course type
– City or abroad option
– Duration

For engineering, medical, management or technology courses, cost goes higher. For government colleges the cost is lower but seats are limited. Private colleges are more accessible but expensive.

So planning based only on government college assumption may create funding gaps. Planning based on private college range gives safer margin.

» Suggested Corpus for Both Children

For your daughter, considering next six years gap and inflation, a target range should be higher. For your son, you have more time. So his corpus can grow better because compounding works more with time.

For a comfortable education corpus that covers most course possibilities, many families plan for a higher number. It gives flexibility to choose better college without stress.

So you can aim for a larger goal for both children like this:

– Daughter: Target a strong education fund for next six years
– Son: Target a similar or slightly higher fund for the next ten years because future costs may be higher

You may not need the whole amount if your child chooses a less expensive route. But having extra cushion gives peace.

» Your Savings Ability

You mentioned you can save Rs.50000 monthly. That is a strong saving capacity. But this saving should not go entirely to a single goal. You will also need future retirement planning, emergency fund and other life goals.

Still, a reasonable portion of this amount can be allocated towards education planning. Some families divide savings based on urgency and time horizon. Since daughter’s goal is near, she may need a more stable allocation.

Your son’s goal is long term. So his part can stay in growth asset for longer.

» Choosing the Right Investment Style

A long term goal like your son’s education needs equity exposure. Equity gives better potential for long term growth. It beats inflation better than fixed deposits.

But for your daughter, pure equity can create risk because goal is nearer. Market fluctuations may affect final corpus. So she needs a balanced asset mix.

So investment approach must be different for both.

» Asset Allocation Strategy

For your daughter with six year horizon:

– Higher allocation to a balanced type category
– Some allocation to equity through diversified categories
– Step down equity allocation in final three years

This structure protects capital in later years.

For your son with ten year horizon:

– Higher equity allocation at start
– Continue systematic investing
– Reduce risk allocation gradually closer to goal period

This helps growth and protection.

» Avoiding Wrong Investment Products

Parents often buy traditional insurance plans or children policies for education. These policies give low returns. They lock money and reduce wealth creation potential.

So avoid purely insurance based products for education goals. Insurance is separate. Investment is separate. This separation creates clarity and better growth.

If you already hold any ULIP or investment insurance product, it may not be efficient. Only if you have such policies then you may review and consider if surrender is needed and reinvest in mutual funds. If you don’t have such policies, no need to worry.

» Role of Actively Managed Mutual Funds

For long term goals, actively managed mutual funds offer better flexibility and expert management. They are designed to outperform inflation. A regular plan through a mutual fund distributor with CFP support helps with guidance. They also track your goal and give advice in volatile phases.

Direct funds look cheaper on expense ratio. But they lack advisory support. Long term investors often make emotional mistakes in direct investing. They stop SIPs or switch wrong schemes. So advisory backed investing avoids costly behaviour mistakes.

Index funds look simple and low cost. But they only follow the market. They don’t protect during corrections. There is no strategy or research. Actively managed funds adjust holdings based on market research and valuation. For life goals like education, smoother growth and strategy are needed.

So regular plan with advisory support helps you avoid unnecessary emotional decisions.

» Importance of Systematic Investing

A fixed monthly SIP gives discipline. It also benefits from market volatility. When markets fall, SIP buys more units. In rise phase, the value grows.

A structured SIP helps both goals. For daughter, SIP should shift towards low volatility funds slowly. For son, SIP can run longer in growth-oriented funds before reducing risk.

Your contribution amount may change based on future business income. But start now with whatever comfortable.

» Protecting the Goal With Insurance

Since you both are running business, income stability may fluctuate. So ensuring life security is important. Term insurance is the right option. It is low cost and high coverage.

This ensures child’s education is protected even if income stops.

Medical insurance also matters. A medical emergency should not break education savings.

» Reviewing the Plan Periodically

A fixed plan is good. But markets and life conditions change. So review once every twelve months.

Points to review:

– Are SIPs running on time?
– Is allocation suitable for goal year?
– Any need to shift from equity to safer category?
– Any tax planning advantage needed?

But avoid checking portfolio every week. Frequent checking creates stress.

» Education Goal Withdrawal Plan

As the daughter’s goal comes close:

– Stop SIP in high risk category
– Start shifting profit to debt type fund over systematic transfers
– Keep final year money in safe option like liquid category

Same formula should be applied for your son when his goal approaches.

This protects against last minute market crash.

» Emotional Side of Planning

Education is an emotional goal. Parents feel pressure to provide the best. But planning removes fear.

Saving consistently gives confidence. Having a plan helps avoid panic decisions. It also brings clarity of future expense.

This planning sets financial discipline for your children as well.

» Taxation Factors

When redeeming funds for education, tax rules will apply. For equity fund withdrawals, long term capital gains above exemption are taxed at 12.5% as per current rules. For short term within one year, tax is higher.

For debt investments, gains are taxed as per your tax slab.

So plan the withdrawal timing to reduce tax.

Tax planning near goal year is very important.

» What You Can Do Next

– Start separate investments for each child
– Use SIP for disciplined investing
– Choose growth-oriented asset for son
– Choose balanced and phased investment approach for daughter
– Review allocation yearly
– Protect the goal with insurance cover

Following these steps helps achieve the target corpus smoothly.

» Finally

You are already thinking in the right direction. You have time for both goals. You also have a good saving frequency. So you can build a strong education fund without stress.

Your children’s future will be secure if you continue with a structured and disciplined plan.

Stay consistent with your savings. Make investment choices carefully. Review and adjust calmly over time.

This journey will help you reach your ideal corpus for both children.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10876 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 09, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, Regarding recent turmoils in global economic situation and trends, Trump's tariffs, relentless FII selling, should I be worried about midcap, large&midcap funds that I have in my mutual fund portfolio? I have been investing from last 4 years and want to invest for next 10 years only. And then plan to retire and move to SWP. I'm targeting a 10%-11% return eventually. And I don't want to make lower returns than FD's. Is now the time to switch from midcap, laege&midcap to conservative, large, flexi funds? Please suggest.
Ans: You have asked the right question at the right time. Many investors panic only after damage happens. You are thinking ahead. That is a strong habit.

You also have clarity about your goal, time horizon and expected returns. This mindset will help you handle market noise better.

» Current Market Sentiment and Global Events
The global economy is seeing stress. There are trade decisions, tariff announcements, and geopolitical issues. Foreign institutional investors are selling. News flow looks negative.
These events can cause short term volatility. Midcaps and small caps usually react faster during these phases. Even large caps show some stress.
But markets have seen many crises in the past. Elections, governments, conflicts, pandemics, financial crashes and tariff wars are not new events. Markets always recover over time.
Short term movements are unpredictable. Long term wealth creation depends more on patience and asset allocation.

» Your Time Horizon Matters More Than Market Noise
You have been investing for 4 years. You plan to invest for the next 10 years. That means your remaining maturity is long term.
For a 10 year goal, equity is suitable. Midcap and large and midcap funds are designed for long term investors. They are not meant for short periods.
If your time horizon is short, it is valid to worry about downside risk. But with 10 more years ahead, temporary volatility is normal and expected.
Short term fear should not drive long term decisions.

» Should You Switch to Conservative or Large Cap Now?
Switching based on panic or temporary news is not ideal. When you switch now, you lock the current lower value permanently. You also miss the recovery phase.
Large cap and flexi cap funds offer stability. But they also deliver lower growth potential during bull runs compared to midcaps.
Midcaps usually fall deeper when markets drop. But they also recover faster and often outperform in the next cycle.
Switching now may protect emotions but may reduce long term wealth creation.

» Target Return of 10% to 11% is Reasonable
Aiming for 10%-11% return with a 10 year investment horizon is realistic.
Fixed deposits now offer around 6.5% to 7.5%. After tax, the return becomes lower.
Equity funds have potential to generate better returns compared to FD over a long tenure. Midcap allocation contributes to this return potential.
So moving fully to conservative funds may reduce your ability to beat inflation comfortably.

» Impact of FII Selling
FII selling creates pressure on the market. But domestic investors including SIP flows are strong today. India is seeing strong structural growth.
Retail investors, mutual funds and systematic flows act as stabilizers.
FII selling is temporary and cyclical. It is not a permanent trend.

» Economic Slowdowns Create Opportunities
Corrections make valuations reasonable. This can benefit long term SIP investors.
During downturns, your SIP buys more units. During recovery, these units grow.
This mechanism works best in volatile categories like midcaps.
Stopping SIP or switching during dips blocks this benefit.

» Midcap Cycles Are Natural
Midcap funds move in cycles. They have phases of strong growth followed by correction. The correction phase is painful but temporary.
Every cycle contributes to future upside. Staying invested during all phases is important.
Many investors exit during downturns and enter again after markets rise. This behaviour produces lower returns than the mutual fund performance.

» Role of Portfolio Balance
Instead of exiting fully, review your asset allocation. You can hold a mix of:
– Large cap
– Flexi cap
– Midcap
– Large and midcap
This gives stability and growth potential.
Midcap should not be more than a suitable percentage for your age and risk tolerance. Since you are 36, some meaningful midcap exposure is fine.
If midcap exposure is very high, you can reduce slightly and move that portion to flexi cap or large cap funds slowly through a systematic transfer. Do not do a lump sum shift during panic.

» Behavioural Discipline Matters More Than Fund Selection
Market cycles test investor patience. Consistency in SIP and holding through declines builds wealth.
Most investors do not fail due to bad funds. They fail due to fear-based decisions.
Your approach should be systematic, not emotional.

» Do Not Compare with FD Frequently
FD gives predictable return. Equity gives volatile but higher potential return.
Comparing FD returns every time the market falls leads to wrong decisions.
FD is for safety. Equity is for growth. They serve different purposes.
Your retirement plan and SWP plan depends on growth. Only equity can provide that growth.

» Should You Change Strategy Because Retirement is 10 Years Away?
Now is not the time to exit growth segments. You are still in accumulation phase.
When you reach the last 3 years before retirement, then reducing equity exposure step by step is required.
At that stage, a glide path helps preserve gains. That time has not yet come.
So continue building wealth now.

» Market Timings and Shifts Rarely Work
Many investors try to predict markets. Most of them fail.
Switching based on news looks logical. But news and market timing rarely align.
Staying consistent with your asset allocation gives better results than frequent changes.

» Portfolio Review Approach
You can follow these steps:
– Continue SIPs in all categories
– Avoid stopping based on short term fears
– If midcap allocation is above comfort level, shift only small portion gradually
– Review allocation once in a year, not every month
This structured approach prevents emotional decisions.

» Tax Rules Matter When Switching
Switching between equity funds involves tax impact.
Short term capital gains tax is higher.
Long term capital gains above the exemption limit are taxed at 12.5%.
Switching without purpose can create avoidable tax leakage.
This reduces your compounding.

» When to Worry?
You need to reconsider only if:
– Your goal horizon becomes short
– Your risk appetite changes
– Your allocation becomes unbalanced
Not because of headlines or temporary corrections.

» Your Retirement SWP Plan
Once your accumulation phase is completed, you can shift to:
– Conservative hybrid
– Flexi cap
– Balanced allocation
This will support a smoother SWP.
But this transition should happen only closer to the retirement start date. Not now.

» SIP is Designed for Turbulent Years
SIP works best when markets are volatile. The hardest years for emotions are the most powerful for compounding.
Your long term discipline is your strategy.
Do not interrupt it.

» What You Should Do Now
– Stay invested
– Continue SIP
– Avoid panic selling
– Review allocation once a year
– Use a steady plan, not reactions
This will help you reach your target return range.

» Finally
You are on the right path. The current volatility is temporary. Your 10 year horizon gives enough time for recovery and growth.
Switching right now based on fear may reduce your future returns. Staying invested and continuing SIPs is the sensible approach.
Your goal of better return than FD is realistic. Equity can deliver that with patience.
Stay calm and systematic.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |6740 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 09, 2025

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x