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

Dev Ashish  | Answer  |Ask -

MF Expert, Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 30, 2023

Dev Ashish is a fee-only SEBI-registered investment advisor with over 15 years of active experience in the stock market. In 2011, he founded StableInvestor, a platform for personal finance and financial planning.
He provides professional fee-only investment advisory services to small and high networth individuals in order to help them achieve their financial goals.
Ashish's views are regularly published in national business publications. He has an MBA degree from NMIMS, Mumbai and also holds an engineering degree.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 29, 2023Hindi
Listen
Money

Hi..I have invested in in below given MF and my future target is 50 Lacs + in next 10 yrs. My investments are as below: 1. Tata Small Cap Fund Reg-G - Rs. 2000/- monthly 2. Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Reg-G - Rs. 1000/- monthly 3. ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund- Rs. 2000- monthly 4. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund - Direct Plan - Growth - Rs. 2000- monthly Please suggest if I have selected right MF or I need to add/ switch to other best MF if any. Thank you.

Ans: To reach Rs 50 lakh in 10 years, you need to invest about Rs 21-23,000 per month assuming 11-12% average portfolio returns. Since no data about existing investments is provided, and given that you are doing a total of Rs 7000 per month in SIPs, there is first of all a need to increase your monthly investments to the required amount.

Having said that, you don't need so many schemes to invest Rs 20-25,000 per month. Just having a couple of schemes (like largecap index funds, and flexicap funds) would be sufficient.

Note (Disclaimer) - As a SEBI RIA, I cannot comment on specific schemes/funds that are provided or asked for in the questions in the platform. And the views expressed above should not be considered professional investment advice or advertisement or otherwise. No specific product/service recommendations have been made and the answers here are for general educational purposes only. The readers are requested to take into consideration all the risk factors including their financial condition, suitability to risk-return profile and the like and take professional investment advice before 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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 20, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 42 years old and started my MF journey last month's with below: SBI Long Term Equity Fund - Direa t Plan Growth - 3500 Nippon I dia Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3000 Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3000 Quant Multi Asset Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3500 Quant Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3000 Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth - 4000 Just wanted to check with you, did I pick the right MF's for the sum of 2cr in 20 years? Please let me know if I need to change anything. Thank you in Advance.
Ans: You've made a strong start by investing in mutual funds. Allocating across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap shows a balanced approach. It helps manage risk and offers growth potential. However, there are a few areas to assess further to align better with your goal of Rs. 2 crore in 20 years.

Let’s look at each aspect of your portfolio to see if it fits your long-term goal.

Large-Cap Investments
Nippon India Large Cap Fund (Rs. 3,000 SIP)
Large-cap funds invest in established companies. They are relatively stable and safer but might provide moderate returns compared to small and mid-caps. Given your 20-year horizon, large-cap funds will offer consistent returns but may not be enough to meet your aggressive Rs. 2 crore goal. You can maintain your large-cap exposure, but keep it as part of a broader strategy for stability.

Consider focusing more on actively managed large-cap funds. Direct plans may save on expense ratios but lack the active guidance that regular plans offer when investing through a certified financial planner. With professional advice, you can gain better insights into fund rebalancing and market shifts.

Small-Cap Investments
Nippon India Small Cap Fund (Rs. 3,000 SIP)
Quant Small Cap Fund (Rs. 3,000 SIP)
Your exposure to small-cap funds is good for high growth. These funds have the potential to generate superior returns over long periods. However, they can also be very volatile. As you aim for 20 years, the small-cap exposure might work well, but keep a close watch.

Too much reliance on small-cap funds can introduce higher risk. Diversifying with mid-caps and multi-asset funds can balance this. Also, actively managed small-cap funds perform better than index or direct funds. A certified financial planner can help in making necessary adjustments based on market trends.

Mid-Cap Investments
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund (Rs. 4,000 SIP)
Mid-cap funds balance the volatility of small-caps with the stability of large-caps. They often offer higher returns than large-caps but with more risk. Your mid-cap allocation looks solid, and over 20 years, this portion of your portfolio can deliver strong results.

As with small-cap funds, it’s beneficial to invest in regular plans through a certified financial planner. Direct plans may seem cost-effective but miss out on professional advice. Regular fund plans offer rebalancing services that can enhance long-term growth.

Multi-Asset Investment
Quant Multi Asset Fund (Rs. 3,500 SIP)
Multi-asset funds provide diversification across asset classes such as equity, debt, and gold. These funds help reduce risk, especially in market downturns. Including this fund in your portfolio gives some balance to your more aggressive small and mid-cap funds.

However, ensure the fund is actively managed to respond to market conditions. You should evaluate whether this allocation will meet your Rs. 2 crore target or if you need to increase contributions over time.

ELSS/Tax-Saving Investments
SBI Long Term Equity Fund (Rs. 3,500 SIP)
This is an ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme) that offers tax benefits under Section 80C. ELSS funds typically invest in diversified equities and can provide high growth over the long term. The tax-saving aspect is good for overall financial planning, but don't rely solely on ELSS for reaching your Rs. 2 crore goal.

Consider increasing your exposure to growth-oriented equity funds while keeping ELSS as a tax-saving tool. Active management is also important here, as you may need to rebalance this portion based on the tax situation in the future.

Portfolio Diversification Assessment
You’ve covered different fund categories, but it’s important to diversify even further. Too much exposure to small-cap and mid-cap funds could increase your portfolio's volatility. You can look at the following:

Increase your contribution to large-cap or flexi-cap funds for stability.
Include more actively managed funds, as they offer dynamic strategies and professional guidance.
Consider regular plans instead of direct plans to access professional help. Certified financial planners can guide you in navigating different market conditions.
Importance of Rebalancing and Regular Review
A 20-year investment horizon requires regular portfolio reviews. As markets shift, your fund allocations may need adjustments. Relying on direct plans without professional oversight can lead to missed opportunities or overlooked risks.

Active rebalancing of your portfolio is essential to achieve your Rs. 2 crore goal. A certified financial planner can assist you in monitoring your portfolio and suggesting rebalancing at key intervals, maximizing growth potential.

Taxation Considerations
You should also consider the tax implications of mutual fund investments:

Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Be mindful of these taxation rules when planning your withdrawals or rebalancing your investments in the future.

Active vs Direct Funds
Direct funds may have lower costs, but they lack the crucial advantage of professional advice. Regular funds, when chosen with the help of a certified financial planner, provide personalized guidance. They can help you navigate market fluctuations, track performance, and recommend timely switches. Direct funds, though cheaper, can be inefficient without proper oversight.

By working with a certified financial planner, you’ll also get support with paperwork, tracking, and decision-making, which can be invaluable, especially during market volatility.

Reaching Rs. 2 Crore in 20 Years
Your current portfolio is a good start, but it needs fine-tuning:

Increase your allocation to large-cap and flexi-cap funds for stability.

Balance your small-cap exposure with more mid-cap or multi-cap funds.

Consider regular plans instead of direct plans to get professional guidance.

Keep an eye on tax-saving opportunities but don’t over-allocate to ELSS funds.

To reach Rs. 2 crore, you might also need to increase your SIP contributions over time. Regular reviews with a certified financial planner can help you stay on track, ensuring you meet your goal in 20 years.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 2 crore in 20 years is possible with consistent investing, proper fund selection, and active management. You have a solid start, but slight adjustments can improve your portfolio's potential. Regularly consult with a certified financial planner to ensure your strategy remains aligned with your long-term goals.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 06, 2025

Listen
Money
i am currently investing 28000 per month in MF. kindly check whether i am investing in right fund or should i change th fund . My vision is to invest for another 10 year. HDFC Large and Mid Cap Fund (G) 5,000 Nippon India Small Cap Fund (G) 5,000 HDFC Large Cap Fund - Regular (G) 3,000 HDFC Focused 30 Fund (G) 3,000 Nippon India Power & Infra Fund (G) 3,000 HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund (G) 3,000 ICICI Pru Infrastructure Fund - (G) 3,000 Invesco India Infrastructure Fund 3,000
Ans: Your portfolio consists of multiple actively managed funds across different categories. Let's evaluate your current investment choices and suggest any improvements based on diversification, overlap, and risk-return potential.

Strengths of Your Portfolio
Long-Term Investment Vision: You plan to invest for another 10 years, which allows compounding to work in your favor.

Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market over the long term.

Exposure to Different Market Caps: Your portfolio includes large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, offering balanced exposure.

Sector-Specific Allocation: You have exposure to infrastructure and power sectors, which can generate high returns in the long run.

Concerns in Your Portfolio
Overlapping Fund Selection: Many of your funds have a similar investment strategy, leading to duplication of holdings.

Excessive Sectoral Allocation: Your portfolio has three sectoral funds, which increases risk if the sector underperforms.

Too Many Funds: Investing in too many funds does not always improve diversification. It can reduce the impact of outperforming funds.

Multiple Funds from the Same AMC: Having multiple funds from a single asset management company (AMC) may limit diversification.

Diversification Analysis
1. Large-Cap and Large & Mid-Cap Funds
You have allocated funds to both large-cap and large & mid-cap categories.
Large-cap funds provide stability, while large & mid-cap funds offer a balance of growth and safety.
Instead of multiple funds in this category, a single well-performing large & mid-cap fund is sufficient.
2. Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds
Mid-cap and small-cap funds can provide high returns, but they are also highly volatile.
Your portfolio has both mid-cap and small-cap funds, which is good for long-term growth.
However, holding too many funds in this category can lead to portfolio overlap.
3. Focused Fund Allocation
Focused funds invest in a limited number of stocks, which can increase risk.
Holding a single focused fund is better than investing in multiple funds with a similar strategy.
4. Sector-Specific Investments
Investing in sectoral funds can generate high returns if the sector performs well.
However, sectoral funds are highly volatile and risky compared to diversified funds.
Your portfolio has too much exposure to infrastructure and power sectors, increasing concentration risk.
Instead of multiple sectoral funds, a well-diversified flexi-cap fund can provide better risk-adjusted returns.
Recommended Portfolio Adjustments
Reduce Fund Overlap: Keep a single large & mid-cap fund instead of multiple large-cap and mid-cap funds.

Reduce Sectoral Exposure: Limit sector-specific investments to a smaller portion of your portfolio.

Consolidate Similar Funds: Instead of multiple mid-cap and small-cap funds, choose one well-performing fund from each category.

Increase Allocation to Diversified Equity Funds: Flexi-cap and multi-cap funds can provide better long-term stability.

Final Insights
Your long-term investment approach is well planned.
However, excessive sectoral allocation and fund duplication can reduce efficiency.
Consolidating similar funds and increasing exposure to diversified funds will improve portfolio performance.
Reducing the number of funds will also make portfolio tracking easier.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 06, 2025

Listen
Money
I am currently investing 28000/- in following mf . Kindly suggest me whether i am investing in right MF or not. Suggest if to be switched in to which MF HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 5000 HDFC NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 5000 HDFC LARGE CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FOCUSED 30 FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 NIPPON INDIA POWER AND INFRA FUND- GROWTH PLAN-GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 INVESCO INDIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000
Ans: Your portfolio consists of multiple actively managed funds across different categories. While it has a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, there are areas where adjustments can improve diversification and risk management.

Strengths of Your Portfolio
Your long-term investment horizon of 10 years allows for compounding and wealth creation.

You have exposure to different market caps, which provides a balance of stability and growth.

Actively managed funds can generate higher returns compared to passive funds.

Concerns in Your Portfolio
You are holding too many funds, leading to unnecessary duplication. More funds do not always mean better diversification.

Your portfolio has excessive allocation to sectoral funds, which increases concentration risk. If the sector underperforms, your returns will be affected.

Some funds have overlapping holdings, reducing the overall diversification benefit.

You have multiple funds from the same asset management company, limiting exposure to different investment styles.

Recommended Portfolio Adjustments
Retain a well-performing large & mid-cap fund instead of holding multiple funds in this category.

Maintain exposure to small-cap or mid-cap funds but avoid holding multiple funds with similar strategies.

A single focused fund is sufficient. Too many concentrated portfolios increase risk without adding significant benefits.

Reduce exposure to sector-specific funds. While sectoral funds can deliver high returns, they carry higher volatility and depend heavily on the sector’s performance. A more diversified approach is recommended.

Instead of multiple funds in the same category, consolidate into a few high-quality diversified equity funds that provide stable long-term growth.

Include a flexi-cap fund to enhance diversification and give fund managers the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations.

Final Insights
Your investment approach is well-structured, but simplifying your portfolio will improve returns and make it easier to manage.

Reducing sectoral allocation and consolidating overlapping funds will improve efficiency and stability.

A diversified and well-balanced portfolio with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds will ensure long-term growth with controlled risk.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Janak

Janak Patel  |23 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Mar 06, 2025

Listen
Money
I am currently investing 28000/- in following mf . Kindly suggest me whether i am investing in right MF or not. Suggest if to be switched in to which MF HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 5000 HDFC NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 5000 HDFC LARGE CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FOCUSED 30 FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 NIPPON INDIA POWER AND INFRA FUND- GROWTH PLAN-GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 INVESCO INDIA INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000
Ans: Hi Sandeep,

You have mentioned a total of 8 MF schemes for your investment of 28000 per month.
As details regarding your goal and requirement is not available, it is difficult to judge the overall portfolio from that point of view.
The schemes mentioned though are different names but will have a lot of overlap especially when you consider large cap stocks in their portfolio - HDFC Large & Mid / HDFC Large / HFDC Focused 30 and even the 3 Infra funds.

I believe the idea was to diversify your portfolio thru multiple schemes and if so, that is not really achieved.

Assuming you want to invest for over 10 year period, I suggest you keep your portfolio relatively simple with 4-5 schemes - 1 large cap (6000 in HDFC Large is ok), 1 Mid cap (6000 in HDFC Mid-cap or Motilal Oswal Midcap), 1 Small Cap (6000 in Nippon Small cap is ok) and 1 Infra (as you have shown inclination to Infra, 4000 in ICICI Pru Infra is ok) and add 1 Flexicap (6000 in Parag Parikh Flexicap which also has some overseas exposure). This will provide good diversification and less overlap.

This will provide good diversification and asset allocation across market caps.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Listen
Money
I am currently investing 28000/- in following mf . Kindly suggest me whether i am investing in right MF or not. Suggest if to be switched in to which MF HDFC LARGE AND MID CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 5000 HDFC NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND - GROWTH PLAN - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 5000 HDFC LARGE CAP FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FOCUSED 30 FUND - REGULAR PLAN - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC MID-CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND - GROWTH OPTION SIP Amount 3000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 3000 HDFC FLEXIVAP FUND - GROWTH SIP Amount 4000 CONTRA FUND =4000 PLEASE REVIEW
Ans: Your investment approach shows a good mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds. However, there are areas where adjustments can improve risk management and returns.

Review of Existing Portfolio
Large Cap Exposure (Rs 3,000/month)

Large-cap funds offer stability.

The allocation here is low compared to mid and small caps.

A slight increase may help balance volatility.

Large & Mid Cap Exposure (Rs 5,000/month)

This fund gives exposure to both stable and growth-oriented stocks.

Keeping this allocation is fine.

Mid Cap Exposure (Rs 3,000/month)

Mid-cap funds can give high returns but are volatile.

Exposure is reasonable but should not be increased further.

Small Cap Exposure (Rs 5,000/month)

Small caps have high growth potential but also high risk.

Reducing this allocation slightly may help manage risk.

Focused Fund (Rs 3,000/month)

These funds hold fewer stocks, increasing concentration risk.

If risk appetite is low, consider switching to a more diversified fund.

Infrastructure Fund (Rs 3,000/month)

Thematic funds like this are sector-specific.

These are cyclical and may not perform consistently.

If diversification is a priority, this can be switched to a multi-sector fund.

Flexi Cap Exposure (Rs 4,000/month)

Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility across market caps.

This is a good choice and can be continued.

Contra Fund (Rs 4,000/month)

Contra funds follow a contrarian strategy, buying undervalued stocks.

These are good for long-term investing.

Keeping this allocation is fine.

Suggested Adjustments
Reduce small-cap allocation to Rs 3,000/month.

Increase large-cap allocation to Rs 5,000/month.

Consider switching out of the infrastructure fund to a more diversified fund.

If risk appetite is moderate, shift from focused fund to a flexi-cap or large & mid-cap fund.

These changes will improve diversification, reduce risk, and maintain growth potential.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Listen
Money
Dear Sir, I am 47 years old IT professional. My current salary is 1.5 lakhs per month. I have a daughter who just completed her 10th board exam. My corpus is around 1.6Cr FD&PPF; 30 lakhs in MF & stocks; 50 lakhs in EPF. I have no debt and living in my own house. Please suggest if I can plan for retirement
Ans: Your financial position is strong, and planning for retirement at 47 is a smart decision. Below is a detailed 360-degree approach to assess whether you can retire comfortably and how to ensure financial security.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Income: Rs 1.5 lakh per month.

Corpus:

Rs 1.6 crore in Fixed Deposits (FD) and Public Provident Fund (PPF).

Rs 30 lakh in mutual funds and stocks.

Rs 50 lakh in Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).

Liabilities: No debts.

Assets: Own house, ensuring no rent or EMI burden.

Family Responsibility:

Daughter has just completed the 10th board exam.

Higher education expenses need to be planned.

Key Considerations Before Retirement
Expected Retirement Age

If you plan to retire early (before 55), corpus sustainability needs careful assessment.

If you work till 60, it will provide a larger financial cushion.

Post-Retirement Expenses

Living expenses, healthcare, travel, and lifestyle costs must be considered.

Inflation will increase future expenses.

Daughter’s Education

Higher education costs are significant.

Corpus should cover both education and retirement without compromise.

Medical Expenses

Health costs increase with age.

A high health insurance cover is essential.

Wealth Growth vs. Safety

A mix of equity and debt investments ensures growth while preserving capital.

Excessive reliance on FDs and PPF may limit long-term wealth accumulation.

Assessing If You Can Retire Comfortably
Current Corpus Size

Rs 2.4 crore (excluding house) is a strong starting point.

But, inflation will reduce its real value over time.

Expected Corpus Growth

Investments in mutual funds and stocks should continue to grow.

PPF and EPF offer stable but lower returns.

Withdrawals Post-Retirement

Sustainable withdrawals should not deplete the corpus too soon.

A balanced investment strategy is required.

Gaps in Planning

Heavy reliance on FDs and PPF may not be ideal.

More equity exposure can ensure inflation-beating returns.

Steps to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan
1. Optimising Investment Strategy
Continue investing in mutual funds with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.

Reduce dependence on FDs for long-term needs.

Equity mutual funds help counter inflation and grow wealth.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns without active management.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offer expert monitoring.

Diversify investments between equity, debt, and fixed-income products.

2. Planning for Daughter’s Education
Higher education costs can be Rs 30-50 lakh in the next 5-7 years.

Separate this goal from your retirement plan.

Increase equity investment to build an education corpus.

Avoid withdrawing from retirement savings for education.

3. Building a Healthcare Safety Net
Health insurance should cover at least Rs 30-50 lakh.

Consider super top-up plans for additional coverage.

Maintain an emergency medical fund to cover non-insured expenses.

Review insurance policies periodically.

4. Creating a Sustainable Withdrawal Plan
Avoid withdrawing a large portion of the corpus in early retirement years.

Keep at least 5 years of expenses in liquid assets.

Equity exposure should reduce gradually as retirement progresses.

Use dividends and interest income before selling assets.

Final Insights
Retirement is possible, but adjustments are needed for long-term security.

Continue investing aggressively for the next few years.

Ensure daughter's education is planned separately.

Review investments and insurance regularly.

Keep flexibility in withdrawal strategy post-retirement.

A structured plan will ensure a financially secure and comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
My employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions, but I don't fully understand how it works. What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of joining such a scheme, and how does it affect my take-home pay and long-term financial planning?
Ans: A salary sacrifice scheme for pension contributions allows you to give up a portion of your salary in exchange for increased employer contributions to your pension. It has tax and National Insurance (NI) advantages but also some potential drawbacks.

How Salary Sacrifice for Pension Works
You agree to reduce your gross salary by a chosen amount.

Your employer contributes this amount directly to your pension.

Since your taxable salary is lower, you pay less income tax and NI.

Your employer also saves on NI and may pass on some or all of this saving to your pension.

Advantages
1. Tax and NI Savings
You don’t pay income tax or NI on the sacrificed amount.

Your employer saves on NI (currently 13.8%) and may increase your pension with these savings.

2. Higher Pension Contributions
Since more money goes into your pension, your retirement corpus grows faster.

Compounding over time enhances long-term wealth.

3. Increased Take-Home Pay
Although you sacrifice part of your salary, the NI savings may offset some of the reduction.

Depending on employer policies, your net pay may not drop significantly.

4. Potential Employer Matching
Some employers pass their NI savings into your pension, increasing your total contributions.

Disadvantages
1. Reduced Gross Salary
A lower salary means reduced future pay rises if they are percentage-based.

Life cover, sick pay, and redundancy pay linked to salary may be affected.

2. Lower Borrowing Capacity
Mortgage applications consider salary; a lower reported income might reduce borrowing potential.

3. Impact on State Benefits
If salary drops below certain thresholds, statutory benefits like maternity pay and state pension could be affected.

4. Restricted Access to Pension
The extra pension savings cannot be accessed before retirement (except under specific conditions).

Effect on Take-Home Pay
Your net pay will be slightly lower, but less than the actual amount sacrificed.

The tax and NI savings cushion the impact.

If your employer adds their NI savings, your total retirement savings increase.

Effect on Long-Term Financial Planning
Your pension fund grows faster, improving retirement security.

Short-term disposable income is slightly reduced, so budget planning is important.

Consider how the reduced salary affects other financial goals like buying a house or saving for education.

Should You Opt for It?
If employer NI savings are passed to your pension, it’s highly beneficial.

If you are close to lower tax bands or state benefit thresholds, assess the impact.

If you plan to apply for a mortgage, check how it affects your eligibility.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help assess your personal situation before making a decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8182 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 03, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi Sir , Greetings of the day!! hope you are doing well !! I want to do a savings of 50 lacs in as much less time span as possible because I want to buy a property in Gurgaon. My monthly salary is 1 lac 11k and I am currently investing 10k in mutual fund monthly and 50k in nps yearly. Can you please guide me how can I save 50 lacs and in how much time ?
Ans: Your goal of saving Rs 50 lakh for a property in Gurgaon is ambitious but achievable with the right strategy. Below is a structured approach to help you reach your target in the shortest possible time.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Your monthly salary is Rs 1.11 lakh.

You invest Rs 10,000 per month in mutual funds.

Your annual NPS contribution is Rs 50,000.

You haven't mentioned any liabilities or existing savings. If you have any ongoing EMIs or debts, they should be factored in.

Key Considerations for Achieving Rs 50 Lakh Target
The speed of reaching Rs 50 lakh depends on savings rate and returns.

High savings rate is the most reliable way to accumulate wealth.

Investment returns are uncertain and depend on market conditions.

A balanced approach is necessary to ensure stability and growth.

Increasing Your Savings Rate
Currently, you are investing Rs 10,000 per month.

If you can increase it to Rs 50,000 per month, you will reach Rs 50 lakh faster.

Cutting discretionary expenses will free up more money for investments.

Consider reducing unnecessary spending on dining out, luxury items, and vacations.

Redirect bonuses, incentives, or salary hikes towards savings.

Choosing the Right Investment Instruments
Mutual Funds for Growth
Actively managed equity mutual funds can generate better returns than fixed deposits.

A mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can balance risk and reward.

Mid-cap and small-cap funds have higher growth potential but also higher volatility.

Avoid index funds as they provide average returns and lack active risk management.

Debt Investments for Stability
Fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, and PPF provide stability.

These should be used for short-term parking rather than long-term growth.

Debt mutual funds are taxed based on your income tax slab.

Avoid locking too much money in low-return instruments.

Balancing Risk and Return
Investing entirely in equity mutual funds can generate high returns but comes with volatility.

A mix of 80% equity and 20% debt can provide stability.

As your target nears, shift more funds towards safer instruments.

Avoid speculation and high-risk investments like cryptocurrency.

Role of NPS in Your Goal
NPS is good for retirement but not ideal for short-term goals.

Partial withdrawal is allowed only under specific conditions.

Do not rely on NPS for your property purchase.

Managing Tax Efficiency
Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.

Investing in tax-efficient instruments will maximize returns.

Estimating the Timeframe
If you invest Rs 50,000 per month, you can accumulate Rs 50 lakh in about 7-8 years with moderate returns.

If you invest Rs 75,000 per month, you can reach Rs 50 lakh in about 5 years.

The faster you increase your savings, the sooner you will achieve your goal.

Final Insights
Increase your monthly investment to at least Rs 50,000.

Focus on actively managed equity mutual funds.

Keep a small portion in debt for stability.

Avoid unnecessary expenses and invest salary increments.

Do not depend on NPS for this goal.

Monitor and adjust your portfolio as needed.

Stay disciplined and patient to achieve your target.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1092 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1092 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Apr 03, 2025

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

Close  

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

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

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

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

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

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x