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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2025Hindi
Money

I want to invest at least fifteen thousand per month through SIP. Where should I invest it? I am a PSU employee and still have sixteen years of service left. Including PF and VPF, I currently have sixty lakhs saved.

Ans: Your commitment to monthly investing is inspiring. With 16 years left in service, you have time on your side. This gives enough room to build strong financial wealth. You are already on the right path with your savings in PF and VPF. Let us now help you make the best use of your Rs.15,000 SIP.

» Understand Your Investment Timeline and Risk Level

– You have 16 years left for retirement.
– This is a long-term horizon with compounding power.
– SIPs work well over long durations.
– Since your job is stable, you can handle some risk.
– So, equity mutual funds should form the core.

» Why Mutual Funds Suit You Best

– Mutual funds give better returns than PF or VPF.
– They offer growth and liquidity both.
– They are managed by expert fund managers.
– You get flexibility to change fund or amount anytime.
– Start with Rs.15,000 SIP in diversified mutual funds.

» Avoid Index Funds for Long-Term Wealth

– Index funds only copy the market trend.
– They don’t protect in falling markets.
– They have no fund manager support.
– Active funds perform better in most market phases.
– You need consistency, not just low cost.

» Avoid Direct Plans If You Want Better Monitoring

– Direct plans are cheaper but lack guidance.
– There is no expert to review or alert.
– Wrong fund selection leads to losses.
– Regular plans through MFD with CFP give support.
– You get advice, discipline and emotional control.

» Break SIP Into Three Mutual Fund Buckets

– Use three fund types to spread risk.
– Equity, hybrid and international diversification can help.
– Equity funds offer high returns in long term.
– Hybrid funds give stability with some growth.
– Consider small portion in international fund too.

» SIP Allocation Suggestion

– Rs.7,000 into large-cap and flexi-cap mutual funds.
– Rs.5,000 into hybrid aggressive or balanced advantage fund.
– Rs.3,000 into international equity or mid-cap fund.
– This gives balance and growth together.

» Review Mutual Fund SIPs Every Year

– Don’t keep same fund for 16 years blindly.
– Check each fund once a year.
– Continue if it beats benchmark and category.
– Replace if fund performance drops continuously.
– Stay with regular plans to get expert review.

» Mutual Funds Are Liquid, But Don’t Withdraw Often

– SIPs build wealth slowly and steadily.
– Don't withdraw mid-way for small goals.
– Let money grow without disturbance.
– Use other sources for short-term expenses.

» Continue Your PF and VPF

– You already have Rs.60 lakh in PF and VPF.
– These are safe and useful at retirement.
– But returns are slow and taxable beyond limit.
– Don’t rely only on PF for retirement.
– Mutual funds balance your overall portfolio.

» Avoid Real Estate as Investment Option

– Real estate has high cost and low liquidity.
– You cannot sell part of it during emergency.
– There is legal, maintenance and tax burden too.
– Mutual funds are flexible and cleaner to manage.

» Keep Emergency Fund Separate

– Create Rs.2–3 lakh liquid fund for emergency.
– Keep it outside SIP plan.
– Don’t invest emergency money in equity.
– Use it only for medical or job-related needs.

» Use SIPs for Long-Term Goals

– Plan SIP for retirement after 16 years.
– Also think of child’s education if applicable.
– Allocate separate SIPs for different goals.
– Label each SIP folio as per goal.
– This builds discipline and prevents confusion.

» Understand Mutual Fund Tax Rules

– If you sell equity funds after one year:
– LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– If sold before one year: STCG taxed at 20%.
– For debt or hybrid funds, tax as per income slab.
– Plan redemptions smartly to reduce taxes.

» Consider SIP Top-Up Every Year

– Start SIP at Rs.15,000 now.
– Increase it by Rs.2,000 every year.
– Salary grows, so SIP should grow too.
– This small top-up gives big long-term impact.

» Don’t Stop SIP in Market Fall

– Markets will go up and down.
– Many stop SIPs when markets fall.
– This is the worst move.
– Continue SIP to get more units at low price.
– Stay invested, returns will follow.

» Avoid Mixing Investment with Insurance

– If you have LIC, ULIP, or endowment policy:
– Check returns carefully.
– Most give only 4–5% yearly.
– These are not wealth builders.
– Consider surrendering and reinvest in mutual funds.

» Review Goals with Certified Financial Planner

– CFP gives you professional and unbiased support.
– They check your goals, SIPs and fund selection.
– You get 360-degree personalised financial plan.
– Don’t rely on guesswork or friends’ advice.
– Certified approach works better for future wealth.

» Start SIP Through MFD With CFP Backing

– MFD channels provide regular plan with human advice.
– You get tracking, suggestions and discipline.
– This works better than apps and DIY platforms.
– Regular plan cost is worth the benefits.
– Guidance matters more than saving few rupees.

» Avoid Over-Diversifying Funds

– Too many funds create confusion.
– 3–4 funds are enough for Rs.15,000 SIP.
– Stay in each fund for 5–7 years minimum.
– Don’t chase latest trending funds.
– Stick with quality, not quantity.

» Don’t Invest Full SIP in Sector Funds

– Sector funds are risky and timing-based.
– They give returns only in short burst.
– Avoid them for long-term SIP.
– Stick with diversified and balanced funds.
– This gives steady long-term result.

» Also Build Non-Financial Discipline

– SIP is not just financial habit.
– It builds patience and focus.
– Don’t skip SIP for small spends.
– Make investing your top monthly priority.

» Tax-Saving Option Using SIP

– Use part of SIP in ELSS fund for tax saving.
– It has 3-year lock-in period.
– Gives tax benefit under 80C.
– Combine growth and tax saving in one step.

» Don’t Use SIP for Short-Term Goals

– SIP in equity should be 5 years or more.
– For short goals, use RD or liquid funds.
– Don’t pull out SIP in 1–2 years.
– Give time for growth to happen.

» Finally

– You are financially aware and goal focused.
– Rs.15,000 SIP with 16 years is powerful start.
– Avoid index and direct plans.
– Avoid real estate and gold investment now.
– Build mutual fund mix with active fund strategy.
– Review and improve plan yearly with certified help.
– Discipline and patience will lead to success.
– Your future wealth is built step-by-step with SIPs.

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

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Hi Sir . I am 38 years old and want to invest 30k each month in SIP. I am looking for a long term wealth creation . Can you suggest where to invest.
Ans: considering your long-term wealth creation goal, you can consider investing in a diversified portfolio of mutual funds. Here's a broad strategy:

Large Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies with a track record of stable performance. They offer stability and moderate growth potential over the long term.
Mid Cap and Small Cap Funds: These funds invest in mid-sized and small-sized companies with high growth potential. They can offer higher returns but come with higher volatility.
Multi-Cap Funds: Multi-cap funds provide flexibility to invest across companies of different market capitalizations. They offer a diversified approach to wealth creation and can adapt to changing market conditions.
Index Funds: Consider including index funds that track broad market indices like Nifty 50 or Sensex. They offer low expense ratios and provide exposure to the overall market.
Balanced Funds: Balanced funds, also known as hybrid funds, invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments. They offer a balance between growth and stability, making them suitable for long-term investors.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Invest systematically through SIPs to take advantage of rupee-cost averaging and mitigate the impact of market volatility.
Before finalizing your investment strategy, assess your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalized investment plan tailored to your needs. Remember, patience and discipline are key to long-term wealth creation.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

Listen
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Hi Sir, My age is 26 I am planning to invest in SIP and expecting 5 CR returns at the age of 55. Currently my salary is Rs40000/month. So, how and where should I invest
Ans: It's inspiring to see your proactive approach to financial planning at such a young age. Investing in SIPs is a smart step towards achieving your long-term financial goals. Let's delve into a strategic plan to reach your target of ?5 crore by age 55.

Understanding the 151530 Rule
The 151530 rule serves as a guideline for SIP investors, emphasizing the power of compounding and consistent investing over time. By investing ?15,000 per month starting at age 30 for 30 years, you can potentially accumulate significant wealth by age 55.

Leveraging the Power of Compounding
Compounding is the magic ingredient that allows investments to grow exponentially over time. By starting early and investing consistently, you harness the full potential of compounding, enabling your investments to generate returns on both the principal amount and accumulated earnings.

Setting Realistic Expectations
While aiming for a ?5 crore corpus is ambitious, it's essential to set realistic expectations based on your current income and investment capacity. Consider factors such as inflation, market volatility, and risk tolerance when formulating your investment strategy.

Allocating Monthly Investment Amount
Given your monthly salary of ?40,000, allocating ?15,000 towards SIP investments aligns with the 151530 rule. This ensures a balanced approach to saving and investing, allowing you to meet your financial goals while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Choosing Suitable Mutual Funds
When selecting mutual funds for your SIP, prioritize diversified equity funds with a proven track record of consistent performance and adherence to investment objectives. Avoid the temptation to chase high-risk investments and focus on funds that offer a blend of growth potential and risk mitigation.

Embracing Long-Term Vision
Investing for the long term requires patience, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to your financial goals. Stay focused on your objectives and resist the urge to make impulsive investment decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.

Monitoring and Reviewing
Regularly monitor the performance of your SIP investments and review your portfolio periodically to ensure alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Adjust your investment strategy as needed based on changing market conditions and personal circumstances.

Conclusion
In conclusion, embarking on a SIP investment journey at a young age lays the foundation for long-term wealth creation and financial security. By adhering to the 15*15*30 rule, harnessing the power of compounding, and making informed investment decisions, you can work towards achieving your target corpus of ?5 crore by age 55.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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

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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.

...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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