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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7255 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Nov 01, 2023Hindi
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I want to invest in MF for long term basis what would be the fare amount to invest in sip considering I am a student and not earning

Ans: Starting to invest while still a student is a fantastic initiative, setting the stage for solid financial habits in the future. Investing doesn't always require a substantial amount; even small, consistent investments can make a significant difference over time.

Given that you're a student without a regular income, it's essential to invest an amount that you can comfortably afford without straining your finances. Consider starting with an amount as modest as Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per month. This amount might seem small, but the consistency of investing is more crucial at this stage.

Think of it like planting a sapling; you don't need to pour gallons of water every day, just a little regularly. As you start earning and your financial situation improves, you can gradually increase your SIP amount.

Remember, the power of compounding works best with time. Starting early allows your investments more time to grow, much like a snowball rolling downhill, gathering size and momentum as it goes.

Lastly, choose funds that align with your long-term goals and risk tolerance. Happy investing!
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  |7255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 26, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, I am 34 yeRs old and monthly income is 1.8 lakhs. I have a home loan EMI of 55000. I want to invest 40000 in MF SIP. Can you please provide a breakdown where should i invest and how much?
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards investing despite having home loan commitments. Given your financial situation, here's a suggested breakdown for investing 40,000 INR in mutual fund SIPs:

Diversified Equity Funds (Large Cap/Multi Cap): Allocate around 60-70% of your SIP amount, i.e., 24,000 to 28,000 INR, to diversified equity funds. These funds offer exposure to a mix of large-cap and multi-cap stocks, providing stability and growth potential over the long term.
Mid Cap and Small Cap Funds: Allocate around 20-30% of your SIP amount, i.e., 8,000 to 12,000 INR, to mid-cap and small-cap funds for higher growth potential. These funds are more volatile but can offer significant returns over an extended investment horizon.
Balanced/Hybrid Funds: Consider allocating a small portion, around 10-20% of your SIP amount, i.e., 4,000 to 8,000 INR, to balanced or hybrid funds. These funds invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments, providing a balance between growth and stability.
Asset Allocation: Adjust the allocation percentages based on your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure alignment with your objectives.
Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized guidance based on your financial goals, risk profile, and investment horizon. They can help you select suitable mutual funds and create a well-diversified portfolio tailored to your needs.
By following this breakdown and seeking professional advice, you can build a robust mutual fund portfolio that aligns with your financial objectives and helps you achieve your long-term wealth creation goals.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2024Hindi
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I am 48 years, Sir please suggest me what is the monthly MF sip investment details. From which I will get 1cr. after 10 years.
Ans: It's commendable that you are planning for your future. Setting a goal of Rs. 1 crore in 10 years is ambitious. Let’s break down how to achieve this through mutual funds.

Benefits of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are effective. They allow you to invest small amounts regularly. This helps in averaging the cost and reducing the impact of market volatility. SIPs also instill financial discipline.

Importance of Goal-Based Planning
It's crucial to align your SIP with your financial goals. We need to assess the expected rate of return. Typically, mutual funds provide returns between 10-12% annually. However, past performance does not guarantee future results.

Calculating the SIP Amount
Given your goal and time frame, you need a rough estimate. For a target of Rs. 1 crore in 10 years, a rough SIP amount would be around Rs. 50,000 per month. This is based on a conservative estimated annual return of 12%.

Selecting the Right Mutual Funds
Actively managed funds can be beneficial. These funds are managed by expert fund managers. They aim to outperform the market. This can provide better returns compared to index funds.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds:
Professional management by experts
Potential for higher returns
Flexibility in investment strategy
Disadvantages of Index Funds:
Limited potential for outperformance
Rigid investment strategy
No active management
Avoiding Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem attractive due to lower costs. However, they lack the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Regular funds provide valuable advice and support. This helps in making informed investment decisions.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:
No professional advice
Potential for uninformed decisions
Lack of strategic adjustments
Benefits of Regular Funds through CFP:
Expert guidance
Regular portfolio review
Strategic adjustments based on market conditions
Assessing Risk Tolerance
Your risk tolerance plays a significant role. At 48, balancing risk and growth is vital. A diversified portfolio can mitigate risks. This ensures stability while aiming for your financial goals.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Portfolio
Regular reviews are essential. The market is dynamic, and your portfolio needs adjustments. A CFP can assist in rebalancing your investments. This keeps your portfolio aligned with your goals.

Tax Efficiency
Mutual funds offer tax benefits. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity funds are tax-free up to Rs. 1 lakh annually. Proper tax planning enhances your returns.

Financial Discipline
Staying committed to your SIP is crucial. Market fluctuations can be unsettling. However, maintaining discipline is key to achieving your target.

Additional Considerations
Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage. This protects your investments in unforeseen circumstances. Also, keep an emergency fund to handle unexpected expenses.

Final Insights
Investing in mutual funds through SIPs is a wise decision. With careful planning and regular reviews, you can achieve your goal of Rs. 1 crore in 10 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Dr Ashish

Dr Ashish Sehgal  |107 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 05, 2024Hindi
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Dear Dr Ashish, How do I get my 14 year old teenage son to talk to me? He talks less, is either angry or grumpy and rarely discusses anything at home with anyone. Is this behaviour normal? He used to be a talkative child when he was younger. How can I help?
Ans: Let me reassure you that you’re not alone in facing this challenge, and what you describe is quite common in teenagers. The teenage years are a time of immense internal transformation. It's as if your son is building a new version of himself, one brick at a time, and sometimes, in that process, he may feel the need to pull away to figure things out.

You see, as children grow, their world expands. Their focus shifts from being family-centered to exploring who they are in the larger world. This doesn't mean he cares any less about you; it simply means he’s working on something deep within himself—maybe even trying to understand emotions and situations he doesn’t yet have the words for.

Now, instead of trying to make him talk, which might feel like pressure to him, consider this: how can you create an environment where he wants to open up? Imagine if, instead of asking direct questions or expressing concern, you shared a small, non-threatening piece of your world. Maybe a funny story about your day or a memory of when you were his age. Sometimes, starting with something light gives him permission to engage without feeling interrogated.

Another way to open doors is through shared experiences. Teenagers often speak more freely when they're not face-to-face. Maybe a walk or a ride, cooking a meal together, or even playing a video game could become moments where he feels comfortable talking.

And when he does speak, no matter how small the opening, meet him with curiosity, not judgment. If he shares something, reflect it back to him in a way that says, "I hear you, and I value what you're saying." For example, if he mentions feeling frustrated, you could say, "It sounds like something’s been tough for you lately," rather than jumping to advice.

Finally, remind yourself—and him—this is a phase, not a permanent state. He is still that talkative child deep inside, but right now, he's learning to balance his need for independence with the safety of your love. Your steady presence, even when he seems distant, will be his anchor.

You’re already asking the right question, and that shows how much you care. Trust the process, and trust your connection. It’s still there, even in the quiet moments.

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1394 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hi I am 50 yrs male married for last 20 yrs, facing domestic abuse mentally, physically from my wife, she is extremely aggressive and use foul language in front of our 13 yrs daughter, family members, friends, maid, driver... she is keep blaming me if anything went wrong be it is financial, Social and economical . She always blame my parents with very abusive language.. she always say negative things in front of my family members for all the things which went wrong due to her extraordinary aggressive and abusive behavior, she always make issues out of normal conversation.. she is also working. She doesn't talk and whenever i try to ignore her, she physically abusive and use foul language with me.. i am trying to adjust with her for the sake of my daughter future. She is very negative, if i try to help her, she will start shouting and use abusive language and start physically abusive towards me I don't know how deal with strange behavior... I am confused and worried, but due family, daughter and society i am tolerating her. Pls help and suggest best possible solutions
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Has this started more recently or has it been going on for a while now? This is a good indicator to know if things were most;y like this or if any recent event has triggered this.
If it is a recent thing, I guess you could try and find out what exactly could have caused this. But if it is something that has been happening for a long time, the reasons could be any and many. Since there is also some physical abuse as you mentioned, kindly make an appointment with a professional who will be able to guide your wife through this challenging time. It possibly involves some unresolved things from the past which is making life currently difficult for all of you.
Work as a family unit together for her and not against her. It's going to make matters worse. She may refuse to go to a professional, then the only option left is for you to develop a lot of patience and deal with this adult to adult with her. No fights, quarrels with her but a lot of quiet conversations which she will initially resist but someday she will give in...So if you want the family to get back together in a healthy way, a lot also depends on how you are going to deal with the situation.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7255 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir, I am a female private company employee would like to invest Rs 10,00,000 other than in FD's. Considering liquidity and risk pls advise me how to proceed with.
Ans: Your decision to explore alternatives to fixed deposits is commendable. It reflects a balanced approach to achieving better returns while maintaining liquidity and managing risk. Below is a detailed analysis and suggestions on how to proceed with your investment:

Diversified Mutual Fund Portfolio
Mutual funds are ideal for liquidity, risk management, and diversification.

Allocate funds to different mutual fund categories based on your risk appetite and investment goals.

Equity mutual funds: Invest 40% for high returns in the long term. They suit moderate to high-risk tolerance.

Hybrid funds: Allocate 30% to balance equity and debt exposure for stability. These are less volatile.

Debt mutual funds: Invest 30% to preserve capital and ensure liquidity. These offer lower risk.

Actively managed funds are better for growth as they outperform passive options.

Regular plans through an MFD with a CFP offer expert guidance and better fund selection.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Use SWP for a steady cash flow if needed later.

Withdraw systematically without disturbing the principal.

This strategy maintains liquidity and provides tax efficiency.

Corporate Fixed Deposits and Bonds
Invest 20% in AAA-rated corporate FDs or bonds for better returns than bank FDs.

Ensure the issuer has a strong credit rating for safety.

These options provide fixed income and moderate liquidity.

Gold Investment for Diversification
Allocate 10% to gold through Sovereign Gold Bonds or Gold ETFs.

Sovereign Gold Bonds offer an additional annual interest of 2.5%.

Gold acts as a hedge during economic uncertainties.

Liquid Funds for Emergency Needs
Keep 10% in liquid mutual funds for emergencies or short-term goals.

These provide easy access to funds within 24 hours.

Returns are higher than savings accounts, ensuring better cash management.

Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual funds offer long-term tax benefits if held for over one year.

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab, but indexation reduces long-term taxes.

Plan withdrawals to optimise tax liability and maximise post-tax returns.

Insurance and Contingency Fund
Before investing, ensure adequate health and life insurance coverage.

Maintain a contingency fund covering at least 6 months of expenses.

This step ensures financial stability during emergencies.

Regular Monitoring
Review your investments quarterly with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.

Rebalance the portfolio based on market conditions and financial goals.

Regular tracking helps mitigate risks and ensures alignment with your objectives.

Avoid Common Investment Mistakes
Avoid direct funds due to the absence of expert advice and monitoring.

Stay away from speculative investments promising quick returns.

Avoid underestimating the importance of professional guidance in fund selection.

Align Investments with Goals
Define short-term, medium-term, and long-term financial goals.

Match investments with respective timelines for effective planning.

Ensure liquidity aligns with your specific needs, avoiding over-commitment to illiquid options.

Final Insights
Your investment should be a mix of growth and safety. Keep funds accessible when required while optimising returns. Diversify wisely and seek professional guidance for fund selection and periodic review. Stay focused on aligning investments with your goals and risk profile.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1394 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2024
Relationship
Hi doctor, I am 40 yrs old and my wife is 38 married for 14 yrs and have 1 kid who is 11 yrs old. We both are working and we only get to spend time on weekend and during weekdays we hardly get time to talk and see each other due to our shift timings. During weekend I do get urge to be intimate with her but she has lost interest and she doesn't have that urge to be intimate, we spoke about this multiple times and she agrees about this fact as we hardly get intimate once in 6 months or may be more than that. I do have that strong urge and don't want to cheat on my wife or go somewhere else to fullfill my sexual needs, but not sure if there can be any medication which will arouse her so that she can participate willingly in having sex. Even if we happen to get in to action she will just lie on the bed like dead with no emotions and she is constantly thinking of something else in her mind like what I need to cook for tomorrow, or did she do that work in office she will ask me to remind about something tomorrow as she has to do certain task, her mind is all over the place except in the act in the present moment, which really turns me off. Please need your help to save our relationship.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Intimacy for a man and women are very different and varied as well.
You cannot NOT connect during the week at an emotional level and then expect your wife to be excited to jump in bed. That's not how it works!
Both of you work which means weekends do get busy with household chores, children and more...there's very little time and energy left for intimate moments.
On your wife's part, she has not learned as yet to leave office work at the office but certainly what to cook for the next day is a huge task if this depends only on her. Why don't the two of you pitch in to distribute the household work between you? That way she does not feel burdened (if she does feel that way)...this also goes a long way in letting her know that you care and you want to help her...
You could also talk about how you can steal some moments after office and before you reach home by meeting at a cafe and sharing time over a cup of coffee. This definitely will make your wife feel more connected and emotionally secure which is a start point to easing of your sexual relationship.
Basically, get back to the dating scene and make your relationship a priority. A great sexual life is a product of the connection that a couple share outside the bedroom and the willingness on the part of the couple to make that happen.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7255 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2024

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I have 20 lakhs in my account and a house in my name. At present I am not earning. I have taken SBI Life smart wealth builder with installment of 1Lakh, for 12 years and premium payment term of 7 years. Applicable tax rate is 18%. I also invested in MF and taken a health insurance. I am thinking if it would be wise to continue with the SBI life. If I close SBI life and invest that in MF will it be beneficial for me? I have taken a break from my career due to health issues, and planning to continue with my job soon with an expected income of 40-50k. I am 50 years old. I need to take care of my son's (18 years) higher studies and plan for my retirement.
Ans: You are in a transitional phase with important financial goals. Let’s assess your options to make informed decisions.

Assessing SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder Policy
High Cost of Policy: The policy includes administration charges, fund management fees, and taxes of 18%.

Limited Returns: ULIPs often provide lower returns compared to actively managed mutual funds.

Lock-in Period: Your policy locks funds, restricting liquidity for immediate goals.

Surrender Value: Check the surrender value. Early surrender might lead to penalties and reduced returns.

Potential Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds
Higher Returns: Mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, often outperform ULIPs over time.

Flexibility: You can withdraw funds based on your needs, offering better liquidity.

Diversification: Mutual funds provide exposure to different asset classes, reducing risk.

Cost Efficiency: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner minimises hidden charges and optimises returns.

Managing Your Rs. 20 Lakh Corpus
Emergency Fund: Set aside Rs. 5-6 lakhs in liquid funds or fixed deposits for emergencies.

Education Planning: Allocate funds in short-term debt mutual funds or recurring deposits for your son’s higher studies.

Retirement Corpus: Invest the remaining amount in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for long-term growth.

Health Insurance Adequacy: Review your existing health insurance to ensure sufficient coverage.

Planning Your Income Resumption
Once you resume work, save at least 20-30% of your income.

Prioritise retirement contributions alongside education planning.

Use surplus income to reduce financial dependency on investments.

Tax Efficiency
Mutual Funds: Equity mutual funds provide tax benefits but watch for LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh (taxed at 12.5%).

Surrendering ULIP: Check tax implications on surrender proceeds. ULIPs offer tax exemption if premiums don't exceed 10% of the sum assured.

Health Insurance: Claim Section 80D deductions for premiums paid.

Strategic Steps Forward
Review the policy surrender value. If penalties are high, consider continuing till break-even.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for a detailed portfolio review.

Set realistic timelines for education and retirement goals.

Maintain separate funds for short-term needs and long-term growth.

Finally
Your proactive approach will create a strong financial foundation. By reallocating your resources wisely, you can secure your son’s education and your retirement.

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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