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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6508 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 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 - May 19, 2024Hindi
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I want to invest Rs. 70 lacs at the moment and wanting a corpus of Rs. 1.2 cr for my daughters overseas education in the next 5-5.5 years. Where should i invest?

Ans: Investing ?70 Lakhs for Your Daughter's Overseas Education
Understanding Your Financial Goal
You aim to grow ?70 lakhs into ?1.2 crores within 5 to 5.5 years for your daughter's overseas education. This goal requires a strategic investment plan that balances growth and risk.

Your commitment to securing your daughter's future through overseas education is commendable. Planning well in advance demonstrates foresight and dedication to providing the best opportunities for your child.

Evaluating Investment Options
Equities and Equity Mutual Funds
Equities can provide high returns, essential for your goal. Investing in diversified equity mutual funds or blue-chip stocks can help achieve significant growth. However, equities come with volatility, so a balanced approach is necessary.

Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Actively managed funds, overseen by experienced fund managers, can outperform index funds. These funds adapt to market conditions and can potentially deliver higher returns. Investing through a certified financial planner (CFP) ensures professional guidance and tailored strategies.

Debt Funds
Debt funds offer stability and are less volatile compared to equities. Including debt funds in your portfolio can provide balance and reduce overall risk. They are crucial for safeguarding part of your investment against market downturns.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds
Balanced or hybrid funds invest in both equities and debt instruments. They offer a mix of growth and stability, making them suitable for medium-term goals like yours. These funds aim to balance risk and return effectively.

Creating a Diversified Portfolio
Equity Mutual Funds
Allocate a significant portion of your investment to equity mutual funds. Choose funds with a strong track record and consistent performance. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to spread risk and capture growth across market segments.

Debt Funds
Invest a portion in debt funds to ensure stability. Opt for short-term or medium-term debt funds, which can provide steady returns with lower risk compared to long-term debt funds.

Balanced Funds
Consider investing in balanced funds to blend growth and stability. These funds dynamically allocate assets between equities and debt, adjusting to market conditions. They can offer a smoother investment journey with reasonable returns.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Monitoring Performance
Regularly review your portfolio’s performance. This helps in making timely adjustments based on market trends and your investment goals. Monitoring ensures that your investment stays on track to meet your target.

Rebalancing Portfolio
Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation. Rebalancing involves shifting funds between equities and debt based on market performance and your risk tolerance. It helps in managing risk and optimizing returns.

Professional Guidance
Importance of a Certified Financial Planner
Engaging a certified financial planner (CFP) can significantly enhance your investment strategy. A CFP offers personalized advice, aligns your investments with your goals, and helps navigate complex financial decisions.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, recommended by CFPs, can provide superior returns by leveraging market expertise. These funds are more adaptable to market changes compared to index funds, making them suitable for achieving specific financial goals.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Disadvantages of New Fund Offers (NFOs)
NFOs often lack a track record, making it challenging to assess their performance. Established funds with a proven history are generally safer and more predictable choices.

Risks of Sectoral Funds
Sectoral funds focus on specific industries, which can be risky due to sector volatility. Diversified funds spread across various sectors offer a more balanced risk-return profile.

Conclusion
Investing ?70 lakhs to reach ?1.2 crores in 5 to 5.5 years for your daughter’s education requires a balanced and strategic approach. Diversify across equity mutual funds, debt funds, and balanced funds. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay on track. Seek guidance from a certified financial planner to optimize your investment strategy.

Your proactive approach and dedication to your daughter’s future are admirable. By following these steps, you can achieve your financial goal with confidence and security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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  |6508 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

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Hi Ramalingam Sir, I am 41 yrs old working in IT, looking for best investment for my children's education, 9 old girl, studying in 4th std- need to invest for 8 yrs 6 old boy, studying in 1st std- need to invest for 11 yrs My plan is to get 75 lakhs each when they reach 12th std, I am okay to invest 40 to 50k per month, pls advise
Ans: Given your investment horizon and target corpus for your children's education, it's important to adopt a disciplined and strategic investment approach. Here's a suggested plan:

Determine Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance and investment objectives to choose suitable investment options.

Asset Allocation: Allocate your investment across a mix of equity and debt instruments to balance risk and return potential.

Equity Investments: Consider investing a significant portion of your monthly contribution in equity-oriented mutual funds, such as diversified equity funds, large-cap funds, and balanced funds. These funds have the potential to deliver higher returns over the long term but come with higher volatility. Since you have a relatively long investment horizon, you can afford to ride out market fluctuations.

Debt Investments: Allocate a portion of your investment towards debt instruments like fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, or Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for stability and capital preservation. Debt investments provide a steady income stream and help mitigate overall portfolio risk.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Invest systematically through SIPs to benefit from rupee cost averaging and mitigate market volatility. Set up SIPs in the selected mutual funds based on your risk profile and investment goals.

Regular Monitoring and Review: Monitor your investments periodically and review your portfolio's performance. Make necessary adjustments to your investment strategy based on changing market conditions, financial goals, and risk tolerance.

Consultation with Financial Advisor: Consider consulting with a qualified financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance.

By following a disciplined investment approach and diversifying your portfolio across various asset classes, you can work towards achieving your target corpus of 75 lakhs for each child's education within the specified timeframe.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6508 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 11, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 59, plan to invest Rs. 6 lacs for a period of 3 years towards my child's education abroad with a high return & without risk averse. Please guide wherein to invest. Thanks & best regards..
Ans: Investing for your child’s education abroad is a significant financial decision. With a goal of investing Rs 6 lakhs over three years and seeking high returns without being risk-averse, you need a well-thought-out strategy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this investment journey.

Understanding Your Investment Goals
Objective Clarity

Firstly, having a clear objective is essential. You want to invest Rs 6 lakhs for three years to fund your child’s education abroad. This is a short-term goal with a high importance level. Ensuring the capital is safe while seeking higher returns is crucial.

Time Horizon and Risk Tolerance

Your investment horizon is three years, and you are open to taking some risks for potentially higher returns. This approach allows you to consider options beyond traditional fixed deposits or savings accounts, which offer lower returns.

Evaluating Investment Options
Debt Funds

Debt funds are an excellent choice for conservative investors looking for stable returns. They invest in fixed-income securities like government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments. Over a three-year period, debt funds can offer better returns than fixed deposits while maintaining lower risk levels.

Benefits of Debt Funds

Lower risk compared to equity funds.
Potential for higher returns than traditional savings options.
Tax efficiency for long-term investments (over three years).
Balanced or Hybrid Funds

Balanced or hybrid funds invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments. They aim to balance risk and reward by diversifying investments across asset classes. For a three-year horizon, conservative hybrid funds, which have a higher allocation to debt, can be considered.

Benefits of Balanced Funds

Diversification reduces risk.
Potential for moderate returns with some equity exposure.
Suitable for short to medium-term goals.
Short-Term Corporate Bond Funds

Short-term corporate bond funds invest in high-quality corporate bonds with short maturities. These funds offer a good balance between risk and return, making them suitable for your three-year investment horizon.

Benefits of Corporate Bond Funds

Higher returns than government bonds.
Lower risk compared to equity investments.
Short maturity period aligns with your investment horizon.
Dynamic Bond Funds

Dynamic bond funds actively manage the portfolio based on interest rate movements. These funds can switch between short-term and long-term bonds to optimize returns.

Benefits of Dynamic Bond Funds

Flexibility in managing interest rate changes.
Potential for higher returns with active management.
Suitable for varying market conditions.
Avoiding Index Funds and ETFs
Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds track a specific market index and aim to replicate its performance. While they offer diversification and lower fees, they may not be suitable for short-term goals. The performance of index funds is tied to the market, which can be volatile over short periods.

Disadvantages of ETFs

ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, also track market indices and can be bought and sold on stock exchanges. They share similar risks with index funds, including market volatility, making them less ideal for a three-year investment horizon focused on stability and higher returns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have fund managers who make investment decisions to outperform the market. They can potentially provide higher returns than index funds or ETFs, especially in a short-term horizon.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds

Potential for higher returns through active management.
Flexibility to adapt to market conditions.
Suitable for investors seeking higher returns within a specific time frame.
Importance of Professional Guidance
Role of a Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals. They can help you select the right investment options and create a diversified portfolio tailored to your needs.

Benefits of Investing through a CFP

Expertise in financial planning and investment strategies.
Ongoing portfolio management and adjustments.
Access to a wide range of investment options.
Assessing the Current Market Conditions
Market Volatility

Market conditions play a crucial role in short-term investments. Understanding the current economic environment and interest rate trends can help in selecting the right investment options.

Interest Rate Trends

Interest rates affect the performance of debt funds and bonds. In a rising interest rate scenario, short-term bond funds and dynamic bond funds may be more suitable.

Tax Considerations
Tax Efficiency

Investing in debt funds for over three years can offer tax benefits. Long-term capital gains from debt funds are taxed at 20% with indexation, which can reduce the tax burden compared to short-term investments.

Tax Planning

Effective tax planning can enhance your returns. A CFP can help you structure your investments to maximize tax efficiency.

Regular Monitoring and Review
Importance of Monitoring

Regularly reviewing your investment portfolio is essential to ensure it aligns with your goals. Market conditions and your financial situation can change, necessitating adjustments to your investment strategy.

Adjusting the Portfolio

Based on performance and market trends, rebalancing your portfolio can help maintain the desired risk-reward balance. A CFP can assist in making these adjustments.

Diversification
Spreading Risk

Diversification reduces risk by spreading investments across different asset classes and sectors. For a three-year horizon, a mix of debt funds, balanced funds, and short-term bonds can provide stability and potential growth.

Benefits of Diversification

Reduces impact of market volatility.
Enhances potential returns.
Balances risk across the portfolio.
Emergency Fund
Importance of an Emergency Fund

Before making any investments, ensure you have an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least six months of expenses to handle unexpected situations without disrupting your investment plan.

Building an Emergency Fund

Invest in liquid or ultra-short-term funds for your emergency fund. These funds provide easy access to cash while offering better returns than a savings account.


Commendable Planning

Your foresight in planning for your child’s education is commendable. Investing Rs 6 lakhs over three years shows your commitment to providing the best opportunities for your child.

Understanding Your Concerns

We understand the importance of balancing returns with safety for such a crucial goal. Your willingness to take some risks for higher returns is a prudent approach given the short investment horizon.

Final Insights
Investing Rs 6 lakhs for your child’s education abroad over three years requires a careful balance of risk and return. Consider options like debt funds, balanced funds, and short-term corporate bond funds. Avoid index funds and ETFs due to their market volatility. Actively managed funds can offer higher returns through professional management. Seek the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investment strategy to your specific needs. Regular monitoring and diversification will help maintain the desired balance in your portfolio. Your proactive approach and commitment to securing your child’s future are truly commendable.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Moneywize

Moneywize   |165 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 05, 2024Hindi
Money
I’m from Pune. I’m 48 with two children. Should I invest in ELSS funds to save tax, or should I focus on traditional instruments like PPF and fixed deposits?
Ans: Deciding between Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) and traditional investment instruments like Public Provident Fund (PPF) and Fixed Deposits (FDs) depends on various factors, including your financial goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and tax-saving needs. Here's a comprehensive comparison to help you make an informed decision:

1. Understanding the Investment Options

a. ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Schemes)

• Nature: Equity Mutual Funds with a tax-saving component.
• Lock-In Period: 3 years (shortest among tax-saving instruments under Section 80C).
• Returns: Potentially higher returns as they are invested in equities, but subject to market volatility.
• Tax Benefits: Investments up to ?1.5 lakh per annum are eligible for deduction under Section 80C.
• Liquidity: Relatively higher liquidity post the lock-in period compared to other tax-saving instruments.

b. PPF (Public Provident Fund)

• Nature: Government-backed long-term savings scheme.
• Lock-In Period: 15 years.
• Returns: Moderate and tax-free returns, revised periodically by the government (typically around 7-8% p.a.).
• Tax Benefits: Investments up to ?1.5 lakh per annum qualify for deduction under Section 80C. The interest earned and the maturity amount are tax-free.
• Safety: Very low risk as it's backed by the government.

c. Fixed Deposits (FDs)

• Nature: Fixed-term investment with banks or post offices.
• Lock-In Period: Varies; typically no lock-in for regular FDs, but tax-saving FDs have a 5-year lock-in.
• Returns: Fixed interest rates, generally lower than ELSS but higher than savings accounts. Current rates vary but are around 5-7% p.a. for tax-saving FDs.
• Tax Benefits: Investments up to ?1.5 lakh in tax-saving FDs qualify for deduction under Section 80C.
• Safety: Low risk, especially with reputable banks.

2. Factors to Consider

a. Risk Appetite

• ELSS: Suitable if you are willing to take on market-related risks for potentially higher returns.
• PPF & FDs: Ideal for conservative investors seeking capital protection and guaranteed returns.

b. Investment Horizon

• ELSS: 3-year lock-in period, but generally better for medium to long-term goals.
• PPF: 15-year commitment, suitable for long-term goals like retirement or children's education.
• FDs: Flexible, but tax-saving FDs require a 5-year lock-in, suitable for medium-term goals.

c. Returns

• ELSS: Historically, ELSS funds have outperformed PPF and FDs over the long term, but with higher volatility.
• PPF: Offers stable and tax-free returns, which are beneficial in a low-interest-rate environment.
• FDs: Provide guaranteed returns, useful for capital preservation but may lag behind inflation and equity returns over time.

d. Tax Efficiency

• ELSS: Returns are subject to capital gains tax. Short-term (if held for less than 3 years) gains are taxed as per your income slab, while long-term gains (exceeding ?1 lakh) are taxed at 10%.
• PPF: Completely tax-free returns.
• FDs: Interest earned is taxable as per your income slab, which can reduce the effective returns.

3. Recommendations Based on Your Profile

Given that you are 48 years old with two children, your investment strategy should balance between growth and safety, considering your proximity to retirement and financial responsibilities.

a. Diversified Approach

A balanced portfolio that includes both ELSS and traditional instruments like PPF and FDs can help mitigate risks while aiming for reasonable growth.

• ELSS: Allocate a portion (e.g., 30-40%) to ELSS to benefit from potential equity growth, which can help in wealth accumulation for retirement or funding children's education.
• PPF: Continue contributing to PPF for long-term, stable, and tax-free returns. Given its 15-year tenure, it aligns well with retirement planning.
• FDs: Use FDs for short to medium-term goals or as a part of your emergency fund, ensuring liquidity and capital preservation.

b. Consider Your Tax Bracket

If you are in a higher tax bracket, maximizing tax-saving instruments under Section 80C can provide significant tax relief. ELSS, PPF, and tax-saving FDs all qualify, so diversifying among them can spread risk and optimize tax benefits.

c. Assess Liquidity Needs

Ensure you have sufficient liquidity for unforeseen expenses. While ELSS has a shorter lock-in compared to PPF, both still tie up funds for a few years. Maintain a separate emergency fund in a more liquid form, such as a savings account or liquid mutual funds.

d. Review Your Risk Tolerance

At 48, with retirement possibly 10-20 years away, a moderate risk appetite might be suitable. ELSS can offer growth potential, while PPF and FDs provide stability.

4. Additional Considerations

• Emergency Fund: Ensure you have 6-12 months' worth of expenses saved in a highly liquid form.
• Insurance: Adequate health and life insurance are crucial, especially with dependents.
• Debt Management: If you have any high-interest debt, prioritize paying it off before locking funds in fixed instruments.

5. Consult a Financial Advisor

While the above guidelines provide a general framework, it's advisable to consult with a certified financial planner or advisor. They can offer personalized advice tailored to your specific financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance.

Finally, both ELSS and traditional instruments like PPF and FDs have their unique advantages. A diversified investment strategy that leverages the strengths of each can help you achieve a balanced portfolio, ensuring both growth and security. Given your age and family responsibilities, striking the right balance between risk and safety is essential for long-term financial well-being.

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |364 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 11, 2024Hindi
Listen
Relationship
This is urgent. Pls help. My son 18 yrs has been in a relationship with his classmate. He is intelligent and very venerable as he is innocent.She has been abetting him and his behaviour on the family has changed. He shouts at us and kind of surrendered himself to her. Anything we say irritates him. He has started telling lies. He locks the room and is on the phone hours together. Even if he tells that he is sleepy, she doesn't allow him to sleep. He doesn't know that we are aware of it. We tried to indirectly talk but he doesn't care about anything as he blindly follows her instructions. He doesn't listen to anyone. We feel something is wrong. Should we talk to her parents or use some law? Making them sit and advice doesn't work.
Ans: The challenge here is that he’s likely in a highly emotional and intense phase of his life, where his attachment to this person may feel all-consuming. When someone feels like they're being judged or controlled, they tend to push back harder, and it seems that's what’s happening with your son. Approaching him with confrontation or involving legal measures may only cause him to withdraw even more.

What he needs right now, even if he doesn't realize it, is understanding and connection. If you can find a way to express your concern for his well-being, not just your disapproval of his relationship, it might open up a space for dialogue. He may feel trapped in this relationship in ways he can't yet see. Your role can be to help him feel safe enough to reflect on his own choices, rather than feel he has to defend them.

This is a delicate situation, and while it may seem urgent, sometimes a softer approach allows for a deeper breakthrough. Your patience, love, and ability to listen might be the key to guiding him through this

...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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