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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 10, 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 - Dec 27, 2023Hindi
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Sir i want to invest in mfs with a time horizon of 25to30years, kindly suggest me my age 27years i invested just few days ago i have keeping 15000rs saving to keep mfs is correction sir and how much should investment i am farmer sir monthly i can save 15000rs please suggest sir 1) kotak emerging equity fund direct growth 2) Nippon india small cap fund direct growth 3) parag parikh flexi cap fund direct growth 4) ICICI prudential nifty pharma index fund direct idcw 5) Kotak nifty financial services ex bank index 6) quant multi asset fund direct growth

Ans: Considering your long-term investment horizon of 25-30 years and your risk appetite, your selection of mutual funds seems suitable. However, it's essential to ensure proper diversification across different asset classes and market segments to mitigate risk. Since you are a farmer and have a monthly savings capacity of Rs. 15,000, you can distribute your investments across these funds based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. Additionally, consider consulting with a financial advisor to fine-tune your investment strategy and ensure alignment with your objectives. Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your goals.
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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Hello Sir , My Self Manoj ,I am 40 years old a salaried person , and investing in MFs Since 5.5 years I have below current ongoing investments Aditya Birla FlexiCap Fund -- 7000 p.m.(SIP) HDFC Midcap Opportunities fund ---4000 p.m.(SIP) HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund ----2000 p.m.(SIP) DSP mid cap fund ---2000 p.m.(SIP) DSP Select Focus Fund ---2000 p.m.(SIP) DSP Small Cap Fund 3000 p.m.(SIP) Kotak Equity Opportunities Fund ---2000 p.m.(SIP) SBI Blue Chip Fund -----64000 (lumpsome) SBI Small cap fund ----2000 p.m.(SIP) Nippon India small cap fund ----2000 p.m.(SIP) Invesco Small cap fund ---1000 p.m.(SIP) Tata Small cap fund ----1000 p.m.(SIP) Mahindra Unnati Emerginf Business yojana ----2000 p.m.(SIP) Tata Balanced Advantage Fund -----50000 Mirae Asset Mid cap Fund ---2000 p.m.(SIP) ICICI Flexicap fund -----70000 (lumpsome) DSP Equity and Bond Fund---- 32000 (lumpsome) DSP Dynamic Asset Allocation Fund ----23000 (lumpsome) Sundaram Emerging small cap series1---17000 (lumpsome) Sundaram Services Fund---500 p.m.(SIP) Tata Flexicap Fund ----17400 (lumpsome) Baroda BNP Paribas Flexicap Fund ----50000 (lumpsome) Icici Blue chip Fund ---400 p.m.(SIP) Edelweiss small cap fund ----2000 p.m.(SIP) Axis Flexicap Fund ----19000 (lumpsome) Sundaram Small cap fund ----98000 (lumpsome) ICICI mnc fund---- 6000 (lumpsome) Axis mid cap fund ---500 p.m.(SIP) Canara Robeco small cap fund -----1000 p.m.(SIP) BOI small cap fund ----1000 p.m.(SIP) Aditya birla multicap fund----50000 (lumpsome) Kotak Multicap fund -----25000 (lumpsome) HDFC world indexes fund of fund---10000 (lumpsome) SBI Multicap fund ---1000 p.m.(SIP) PGIM India mid cap oppportunities fund ---1000 p.m.(SIP) Axis small cap fund ----500 p.m.(SIP) Edelweiss focused equity fund ---21000 (lumpsome) UTI flexicap fund ---3000 p.m.(SIP) Quant Large cap fund ---25000 (lumpsome) IDFC mid cap fund ---25000 (lumpsome) White Oak mid cap fund ---20000 (lumpsome) Sundaram Flexicap fund ---700 (lumpsome) Canara Robeco mid cap fund ---2000 p.m.(SIP) Mahindra small cap fund---2000 p.m.(SIP) Total amount of SIP is roughly around 45k per month, Since December 2016 till the date now my investment corpus in Mutual Fund has been now 30.5 lakhs , also i have 30k invested in direct stocks in Indian equity Market. I have 3 LIC policies and 1 term insurance policy of 1 crore cover,I have Bank FDs in nationalised bank for about 27 lakhs , and 3 lakhs in PPF My Goals are 1) 2 crores for my children's marriage and education 2) 2 crores for buying home 3) 4 crores for retirement life (after 10 years) In total i want to generate 8 crores in next 10 years. Kindly suggest if i would be able to achieve the goals in next 10 years,and changes if required any Regards Manoj
Ans: Hello Manoj,

It's great to see that you've been disciplined with your investments and have built a sizable corpus already. To assess if your current investments will help you achieve your goals of 8 crores in the next 10 years, let's take a closer look at your financial situation and goals.

Current Investments:
Mutual Funds: ~30.5 lakhs
Direct stocks: 30k
LIC policies and term insurance: Not considered for investment purposes
Bank FDs: 27 lakhs
PPF: 3 lakhs
Total: ~60.5 lakhs
Monthly SIP investments: ~45k
Now let's analyze your goals:

Children's marriage and education: 2 crores
Buying a home: 2 crores
Retirement life (in 10 years): 4 crores
Total: 8 crores
Assuming an average annual return of 12% on your equity investments, here's a rough projection of your portfolio's growth:

Current investments (60.5 lakhs) in 10 years: ~1.87 crores
Monthly SIPs (45k) in 10 years: ~1.05 crores
Total: ~2.92 crores
Based on this calculation, you would not reach your goal of 8 crores in the next 10 years. However, you can consider making some changes to improve your chances:

Reassess your goals: Consider if your goals are realistic and if there's any flexibility in the amounts or timelines.
Increase your SIP investments: As your salary increases, try to increase your SIP investments to accelerate your portfolio's growth.
Rebalance your portfolio: Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it's aligned with your risk appetite and financial goals. This may involve reducing the number of funds or shifting the allocation between equity and debt.
Monitor fund performance: Keep an eye on the performance of your funds and consider replacing underperforming ones.
Remember that financial planning is an ongoing process, and it's essential to periodically review and adjust your strategy. It's also a good idea to consult with a professional financial advisor to get personalized advice for your specific situation. While it might be challenging to achieve 8 crores within 10 years, these suggestions may help you get closer to your goals.

Best regards,

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 21, 2024Hindi
Money
Dear Sir, I request you to guide me on below MFs investment for long term (25yrs): 1. Large Cap 1.1 Nippon India Large Cap 1.2 ICICI Prudential Bluechip. 2. Mid Cap 2.1 Quant Mid Cap Fund 2.2 HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities. 3. Small Cap 3.1 Quant Small Cap 3.2 Nippon India Small Cap. 4. Multi Cap 4.1 Quant Active Fund 4.2 Nippon India Multi Cap. 5. Flexi Cap 5.1 Quant Flexi Cap 5.2 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap. Planning to invest between 3K to 5K on monthly basis in one fund from each category. Kindly let me know if you have any better MFs in which I can invest. You're guidance will be much helpful for building a long term wealth. Thank you in advance.
Ans: You’ve done well in considering a diverse range of mutual funds for long-term wealth creation. Investing regularly over 25 years can indeed help you build significant wealth. However, let's take a closer look at your chosen funds and explore how to maximize your returns while managing risks.

Concerns with Index and Direct Funds
First, it's important to understand some potential issues with the funds you’ve chosen:

Disadvantages of Index Funds: Index funds simply track an index and do not offer any active management. In times of market volatility, they may underperform. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the flexibility to adapt and potentially outperform the market.

Direct vs. Regular Plans: Direct plans of mutual funds have lower expense ratios, but they lack the personalized advice and financial planning that comes with investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Regular plans, invested through a CFP, provide ongoing guidance, which can be invaluable over a 25-year investment horizon.

Large-Cap Fund Selection
Large-cap funds offer stability with moderate growth potential. Your choice of funds like Nippon India Large Cap and ICICI Prudential Bluechip is good, but let’s consider some alternatives:

Actively Managed Funds: Instead of passive large-cap funds, you might consider actively managed large-cap funds. These funds have the potential to outperform the index, offering better long-term returns.

Fund Manager Expertise: A skilled fund manager can make informed decisions that benefit the fund during different market cycles. This is crucial for long-term growth.

Mid-Cap Fund Selection
Mid-cap funds can offer higher returns, but they come with higher risks. Your choices of Quant Mid Cap Fund and HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities are interesting, but let's ensure your portfolio is balanced:

Active Management: Mid-cap stocks can be volatile. An actively managed mid-cap fund allows the fund manager to pick stocks with strong growth potential, reducing the risk of poor performers dragging down the fund.

Diversification: Ensure that the mid-cap fund you choose is well-diversified. This helps spread the risk across multiple sectors and companies.

Small-Cap Fund Selection
Small-cap funds are known for their high growth potential, but they also carry significant risks. The funds you’ve selected, like Quant Small Cap and Nippon India Small Cap, need careful consideration:

Higher Volatility: Small-cap funds can be highly volatile. While they offer high returns, the risk of loss is also high. Consider this carefully, especially since you’re planning a long-term investment.

Expert Guidance: It’s crucial to have a CFP guide you when investing in small-cap funds. Their expertise can help you navigate the ups and downs of this category.

Multi-Cap Fund Selection
Multi-cap funds invest across different market capitalizations, providing a balanced mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Your choices of Quant Active Fund and Nippon India Multi Cap Fund are on the right track:

Balanced Exposure: Multi-cap funds offer diversified exposure across market caps. This can help reduce risk while providing growth opportunities.

Active Management: Opt for actively managed multi-cap funds where the fund manager can adjust the allocation based on market conditions, potentially boosting returns.

Flexi-Cap Fund Selection
Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility in investing across market capitalizations without any predefined limits. The funds you’ve chosen, like Quant Flexi Cap and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap, are worth considering, but with some insights:

Flexibility Advantage: Flexi-cap funds allow fund managers to allocate assets across large, mid, and small caps as per market opportunities. This flexibility can be beneficial in changing market conditions.

Managerial Expertise: Ensure that the flexi-cap fund you choose has a strong track record and is managed by a skilled fund manager. This can make a significant difference in long-term performance.

Suggested Portfolio Allocation
Considering your goal of long-term wealth creation and your risk tolerance, here’s a suggested allocation strategy:

Large-Cap Fund (Actively Managed): Allocate Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 monthly. This provides a stable foundation with moderate growth potential.

Mid-Cap Fund (Actively Managed): Allocate Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 monthly. This offers higher returns with some risk.

Small-Cap Fund (Actively Managed): Allocate Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 monthly. This is higher risk but can contribute significantly to your portfolio’s growth.

Multi-Cap Fund (Actively Managed): Allocate Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 monthly. This offers diversified exposure and balances risk across different market caps.

Flexi-Cap Fund (Actively Managed): Allocate Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 monthly. This provides flexibility and potential for optimized returns.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing over 25 years requires regular monitoring and rebalancing to ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals:

Annual Review: Conduct an annual review of your portfolio. Assess the performance of each fund and consult with your CFP to make any necessary adjustments.

Market Conditions: Stay informed about market conditions. Your CFP can guide you on whether to stay the course or make changes to your portfolio.

Life Changes: As life changes, so should your investment strategy. A CFP can help you adjust your investments based on major life events like marriage, buying a home, or planning for your child’s education.

Final Insights
Your commitment to long-term wealth creation is commendable. However, fine-tuning your investment strategy can help you achieve better results:

Focus on Active Management: Replace index and direct funds with actively managed funds. This can enhance your portfolio’s performance over the long term.

Work with a CFP: Regular investments through a CFP ensure that you have a partner in your financial journey, optimizing returns while managing risks.

Diversify Wisely: Ensure your portfolio is well-diversified across different market caps and sectors. This helps balance risk and return.

Stay Engaged: Regularly review and adjust your portfolio. Staying engaged with your investments is key to long-term success.

Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. With the right strategy and expert guidance, you can build a solid financial future for yourself and your loved ones.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 29, 2024Hindi
Money
Dear team, Hi I’m 46 years would like to start my investment in MF for 5 to 10 years . Till now I have not invested in any share market or MF. I have selected the following funds: 1. Nippon India large cap funds-Rs 10000. 2. Nippon India Small cap fund- Rs 10000. 3. Nippon India Multi cap fund -Rs 7500. 4. Motilal oswal Mid cap fund- Rs 10000. 5. Quant small cap fund- Rs 5000. 6. HDFC Focused 30 fund- Rs. 7500 Also I am NRI I working in Gulf there the above mentioned plan are regular plan thru ICICI direct as I am unable to update my KYC online. Please suggest me that the above mentioned funds are good to invest for 5 to 10 years
Ans: Firstly, your selection to start investing in mutual funds is commendable. As you’re new to mutual funds and looking for a 5 to 10-year investment horizon, a balanced approach across different fund types is a sound choice. This portfolio aligns well with a diversified strategy, as it includes large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, multi-cap, and focused funds. Now, let’s look at each aspect in detail for better clarity.

Diversification: A Strategic Mix of Funds

Large-Cap Funds: Large-cap funds typically invest in established, stable companies. They bring stability to a portfolio and help balance the potential risk associated with mid-cap and small-cap funds. Large-cap funds are especially beneficial if you want consistent growth with lower risk than small- and mid-cap segments. They are known for their ability to protect capital during market downturns, offering smoother returns over the long term.

Small-Cap Funds: Small-cap funds tend to offer high growth potential but with a higher risk factor. They invest in emerging companies, which may experience considerable price fluctuations. However, for a 5- to 10-year horizon, small-cap funds can yield substantial returns as these smaller companies mature and grow in market valuation. Your allocation to small-cap funds can be a growth driver but requires monitoring.

Multi-Cap Funds: Multi-cap funds provide exposure to large-, mid-, and small-cap companies in a single fund. This gives them the flexibility to adapt to market conditions. Multi-cap funds are beneficial because they can shift their asset allocation to match market dynamics, offering growth potential with moderate risk.

Mid-Cap Funds: Mid-cap funds invest in companies that are in the growth phase and have the potential to become large-cap companies over time. They offer a blend of stability and growth. Including a mid-cap fund in your portfolio is advantageous as it balances the risk and return profile between large-cap and small-cap funds.

Focused Funds: These funds concentrate on a limited number of stocks. This focused approach can yield higher returns if the fund manager's choices perform well. However, it carries higher risk due to limited diversification. For a 5 to 10-year horizon, a focused fund can add significant value to your portfolio but should remain only a part of it.

Evaluation of Regular vs Direct Plans

Since you are investing through ICICI Direct and using regular plans, let’s examine the benefits of regular funds, especially for NRIs. Regular funds offer access to certified financial planners (CFPs) who can provide guidance on market trends, rebalancing strategies, and portfolio reviews. This is advantageous as managing a portfolio from abroad can be challenging. With a regular plan, the extra expense ratio cost is justified by the value-added services provided by ICICI Direct and their advisory services.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through expert stock selection, which is valuable for short- to medium-term horizons like 5 to 10 years. Actively managed funds can react to market changes, unlike index funds, which simply track an index without considering market fluctuations. Moreover, index funds might not offer the same level of diversification in emerging markets, potentially limiting returns.

Tax Considerations for NRIs

Mutual fund investments for NRIs in India are subject to tax implications that can affect your returns. The new capital gains tax rules specify that:

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): For equity mutual funds, gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Holding funds longer than one year generally qualifies as long-term for equity investments.

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): Gains realized within a year are taxed at 20%.

Having a clear tax strategy is important to manage the impact of these taxes on your returns. You may consult your financial planner or tax advisor to structure withdrawals efficiently and keep tax liabilities manageable.

Investment Horizon and Risk Management

With a 5- to 10-year investment horizon, a balanced risk profile is critical. Here’s a recommended strategy to ensure a well-rounded portfolio:

Allocate according to time frame: Given your timeframe, it may be wise to invest more in large-cap and multi-cap funds initially for stability, then gradually increase exposure to mid-cap and small-cap funds if your risk tolerance grows.

Systematic Withdrawals: Nearing the 5-year mark, consider a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) to start securing profits. SWPs allow you to take out funds in a structured way, protecting gains while minimizing tax impacts and potential market volatility.

Market Timing and Rebalancing

Market volatility can affect returns, especially in mid- and small-cap funds. Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio can help you adjust exposure to each category as needed. Your ICICI Direct advisory service can help assess when market conditions favor reallocating funds, ensuring you stay aligned with your goals.

Final Insights

Your portfolio selection indicates a thoughtful approach, diversified across market segments. With regular plans through ICICI Direct, you’re well-positioned to receive professional support, critical for managing your investments as an NRI. Staying focused on your financial goals, rebalancing as needed, and maintaining a tax-efficient strategy will help you make the most of your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Money
I am 43 yrs old, have sip in Nifty 50 - 3500 Nifty next 50 - 3000 Nippon large cap - 3500 Hdfc midcap - 2500 Parag Flexicap - 3000 Tata small cap - 1300 Gold sip - 500 Hdfc debt fund - 700, lumsum of 10000 in motilal midcap and 20k in quant small cap. accumulated around 2.30 lakhs, started from June, 2024. But overall xirr is very less 3.11. Should I continue the above sips or which sips should be stopped?
Ans: You have started early in 2024, and you already built Rs 2.30 lakhs. This shows discipline. This shows patience. This gives you a good base for your future wealth.

Your XIRR looks low now. This is normal. You started only a few months back. SIPs show low return in the start. Markets move up and down. Early numbers look flat. They look small. They look discouraging. But they improve with time. They improve with longer SIP flow. So please stay calm. The start is always slow. The finish is always strong.

Your effort is strong. Your SIP list is wide. Your savings habit is good. You started at 43 years, but you still have good time to grow your wealth. Every disciplined month builds confidence. Your choices show that you want growth. You want stability. You want balance. This is a good sign.

» Current Portfolio Snapshot
You invest in many groups.

– You invest in Nifty 50.
– You invest in Nifty Next 50.
– You invest in a large cap fund.
– You invest in a midcap fund.
– You invest in a flexicap fund.
– You invest in a small cap fund.
– You invest in gold.
– You invest in a debt fund.
– You put lumpsum in a midcap and small cap fund.

This looks wide. But wide does not mean effective. You hold too many funds in similar areas. That gives duplication. That reduces clarity. That reduces control. You need sharper structure. You need cleaner lines.

» Why Your XIRR Is Low
Your XIRR is only 3.11%. This is normal. Here is why.

– SIP started in June 2024. Very new.
– SIP amount spread across many funds.
– Market volatility in 2024 made early returns look low.
– SIP returns always look weak in early days. They grow with time.

Low short-term return is not a sign of failure. It is not a sign to stop. It is only a sign of market timing. SIP is for long periods. Not for few months.

» Problem of Index Funds in Your Portfolio
You invest in Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50. Both are index funds. Index funds follow a fixed rule. They copy the index. They do not use research. They do not use fund manager skill. They do not adjust during bad markets. They do not protect much in down cycles. They lock you into index ups and downs.

In India, active fund managers add value. They find better stocks. They exit weak stocks faster. They manage risk better. They use research teams. They use market cycles well. They often beat index returns over long periods.

Index funds look simple. But they lack decision power. They lack flexibility. They lack protection. They give average results. They track the market exactly. They cannot outperform it.

So index funds are not the best choice for your long-term goal. Active funds give more control and more upside over long years.

» Problem of Too Many Funds
You hold too many funds across the same categories. This creates overlap. Two different schemes may hold same stocks. You think you diversify. But you repeat exposure. This weakens your plan.

Too many funds also keep your attention scattered. It reduces discipline. You waste time comparing each fund. You feel lost. You feel uncertain.

Better to keep fewer funds but stronger funds.

» Problem of Direct Funds
If any of your funds are in direct plans, please take note. Direct plans look cheaper because they have lower expense ratio. But they do not give guidance. They do not give personalised strategy. They do not give support during market falls. They do not give behavioural guidance.

Many investors make wrong moves in market dips. They stop SIPs. They redeem at the wrong time. They switch funds too often. They chase returns. This reduces wealth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner keep you disciplined. They give structure. They give long-term guidance. They reduce errors. They reduce behaviour risk. This helps more than small cost savings.

Regular plans also offer better hand-holding for asset mix, review and goal clarity. This adds real value.

» Fund-by-Fund Assessment
Let me now look at each SIP.

Nifty 50 – This is an index fund. It is passive. It is rigid. Active large-cap funds do better in many years. You may stop this over time.

Nifty Next 50 – Another index fund. Very volatile. Very narrow. You may stop this too.

Nippon large cap – This is active. This is fine. It can stay.

HDFC midcap – This is active. Good long-term category. You can keep this.

Parag flexicap – Flexicap is versatile. Useful for long-term. You can keep this.

Tata small cap – Small caps can grow well. But they need patience. They also need limited allocation. You can keep, but maintain control.

Gold SIP – Small gold SIP is okay for safety.

HDFC debt fund – Debt brings stability. Small SIP is fine.

Lumpsum in midcap and small cap – Keep these invested. They will grow with cycles.

The two index funds are the most unnecessary parts of your plan. These can be stopped. These can be replaced with good active funds already in your system.

» Suggested Structure
You need a cleaner layout.

Keep one large cap active fund.

Keep one midcap active fund.

Keep one flexicap fund.

Keep one small cap fund.

Keep one debt fund.

Keep a small gold part.

This is enough. This gives balance. It gives clarity. It gives growth. It avoids overlap. It avoids confusion.

» SIP Continuation Guidance
Here is the simple view.

Continue your large cap SIP.

Continue your midcap SIP.

Continue your flexicap SIP.

Continue your small cap SIP.

Continue gold SIP.

Continue debt SIP in small proportion.

Stop the Nifty 50 SIP.

Stop the Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Move those two SIP amounts into your existing active funds. This gives you better long-term power.

» Behaviour and Patience
Your returns will not show big numbers for now. You need time. You need patience. You need consistency. SIP is not a race. SIP is a habit. SIP grows slowly. Then it grows big.

Do not judge your plan by the first few months. Judge it after many years. That is where SIP wins. That is where compounding works. That is where discipline shines.

» What Matters More Than Fund Names
The biggest cornerstones are:

Your discipline.

Your patience.

Your time in market.

Your stable SIP flow.

Your emotional stability.

These matter more than any fund selection. You are building them well.

» Asset Mix Guidance
Your mix of equity, debt and gold is good. But you should review this once a year. As you move closer to retirement, increase debt slowly. Reduce small cap slowly. This protects you. This stabilises your progress.

A Certified Financial Planner can help align your asset mix to your goals. This adds real value. This gives stronger structure.

» Taxation View
If you redeem equity funds in future, then keep the current rule in mind. Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs per year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, both gains are taxed as per your income slab.

This will matter only when you redeem. For now, your focus should be growth, not selling.

» Your Long-Term Wealth Path
You have good earnings years ahead. You have strong potential for growth. Your SIP habit is strong. You only need to clean your portfolio. You only need better structure. Then your money will grow well.

You can grow a meaningful corpus if you stay steady. You can even increase SIP when income grows. This gives faster results.

» Emotional Balance
Do not check returns every week. Do not check every month. Check once in six months. Check once in twelve months. SIP is a long game. Treat it like a long game.

Your small XIRR today does not decide your future. Your discipline decides it. You already have it.

» Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Nifty 50 SIP.

Step 2: Stop Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Step 3: Keep all the remaining SIPs.

Step 4: Shift the stopped SIP amount into your existing large cap and flexicap funds.

Step 5: Continue gold and debt in small amounts.

Step 6: Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Step 7: Increase SIP amount slowly when income grows.

Step 8: Stay invested for long term.

Step 9: Do not judge returns too early.

Step 10: Keep your patience strong.

» Finally
Your foundation is strong. Your habit is disciplined. Your mix only needs refinement. Your returns will grow with time. Your portfolio will gain strength with consistency. Your path is steady. Your plan will reward you if you follow it with calm and clarity.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |180 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi. I have been in a long distance relationship since 6 months,and i have known my boyfriend since 10 months. He is very understanding, caring,and honest person. He had already told everything about us for his parents and their parents agreed. We both are financially independent. I told my relationship to my parents and they are against it as my boyfriend is from lower caste, different region, not done his degree from a reputed college but a local engineering college, and his status. They are thinking about relatives, and society what will they say, about their pride, status, and all the respect they have earned uptill now will vanish because of my decision. My parents are very protective of me and have given me everything and like me a lot.They are saying its long distance you might have met only 15 times you don't see this person daily to judge his character. If you have known this person for atleast 2/3 years, with u meeting him daily it would be different. But the person i met is honest from the start. They are hurting daily because of my decision. I cant go against them and be happy.
Ans: 1. It is wonderful you have met someone special and in last 10 months you have met him 15 times which averages to meeting him 1.5 times a month. Is it possible to increase this and meet over every second weekend. Can you both travel once.

2. Parents are parents they worry and all parents are protective of their children as are yours. But if they are declining you because of caste etc then please question them asking them to give you an assurance that if they marry you to someone of their choice things will work - In reality there can be no assurance given for any relationship - found by you or introduced by parents as relationships need work by both...both need to grow up, both of you need to be happy individuals for relationship to work + if colleges were the deciding factor then we would not see divorces of those who married in the same caste or are from Stanford, MIT, IIT, IIMs, Inseads of the world.

Here is a suggestion/ recommendation
- meet his family
- get him to meet your parents
- let both set of parents meet

all the best

...Read more

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