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Jinal

Jinal Mehta  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Mar 05, 2024

Jinal Mehta is a qualified certified financial professional certified by FPSB India. She has 10 years of experience in the field of personal finance.
She is the founder of Beyond Learning Finance, an authorised education provider for the CFP certification programme in India.
In addition, she manages a family office organisation, where she handles investment planning, tax planning, insurance planning and estate planning.
Jinal has a bachelor's degree in management studies. She also has a diploma in in financial management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
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Ajay Question by Ajay on Feb 28, 2024Hindi
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I have invested in following, fund thorough SIP mode Tata digital india fund 2Tata resources &energy Fund 3UTI gold etf fund 4Icici prudential nifty next 50index fund I am long term investor Kindly advise

Ans: you need to link your investments with your financial goals. then only i will be able to advise appropriately.
Asked on - Mar 06, 2024 | Not Answered yet
My investment goal for 10 yrs.iwant to save atleast 50 lacs for education of my grand children.
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 Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 23, 2024Hindi
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I have been investing through SIP in the following fund Nippon India Growth Fund-1000/- Mirae Asset Smaller co fund -1500/- Axis Growth Opportunity Fund -1500/- Axis Small Cap Fund - 2000/- BOI Small Cap Fund -2000/- Quant Small Cap Fund -2000/- Quant Active Fund - 2000/- Can Robeco Emerging Equity -2000/- Invesco India Large and Mid cap -2000/- PGIM India Mid Cap Opportunity Fund -2000/- Tata Digital India Fund - 3000/- DSP Small Cap Fund -1500/- Parag Parikh Flexicap Fund -2000/- Bandhan Sterling Value Fund -2000/- HSBC Business Cycle fund -1000/- HSBC Large and Midcap-1000/- Now total value stands at 41 Lakh. Should I continue to invest in these funds. Kindly guide with your valued suggestion to make the best out of such funds. Regards
Ans: First off, kudos on your diligent investment journey so far! Your diversified SIP portfolio and the current value of Rs 41 lakhs is impressive. Let's dive deep into your portfolio and see how we can optimize it for better returns, ensuring you achieve your financial goals.

Understanding Your Current Portfolio
You've spread your investments across various fund categories, primarily focusing on small caps, mid caps, and a few large and mid-cap funds. While diversification is key, it's also important to align your investments with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Let's evaluate your portfolio step-by-step.

Diversification and Fund Overlap
Diversification helps reduce risk, but too much of it can dilute returns. You have a significant number of small-cap funds. While small caps can offer high growth potential, they also come with high volatility. It's essential to balance this with funds in other categories to manage risk better.

Small-Cap Funds
Your portfolio includes several small-cap funds: Nippon India Growth Fund, Mirae Asset Smaller Companies Fund, Axis Small Cap Fund, BOI Small Cap Fund, Quant Small Cap Fund, and DSP Small Cap Fund. Small-cap funds have high growth potential but also higher risk. Consider reducing the number of small-cap funds to avoid overexposure to this volatile category. You can consolidate to a couple of high-performing small-cap funds instead.

Mid-Cap and Large & Mid-Cap Funds
Funds like PGIM India Mid Cap Opportunity Fund, Canara Robeco Emerging Equities, Invesco India Large and Mid Cap Fund, and HSBC Large and Mid Cap Fund provide a good balance between growth and stability. These funds tend to be less volatile compared to small caps but offer reasonable growth prospects. Retaining a couple of these funds while ensuring they are top performers can be a good strategy.

Flexicap and Value Funds
Parag Parikh Flexicap Fund and Bandhan Sterling Value Fund offer flexibility and value investing opportunities. Flexicap funds invest across market capitalizations, providing a balanced approach, while value funds focus on undervalued stocks, offering potential for decent returns. Maintaining these funds can provide a well-rounded portfolio.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds
You have the Tata Digital India Fund, which is a sectoral/thematic fund focused on the technology sector. These funds can be high-risk, high-reward due to their sector-specific nature. It’s wise to limit exposure to such funds to a smaller portion of your portfolio, as they are more volatile and depend heavily on the performance of the specific sector.

Active vs. Passive Funds
You've opted for actively managed funds. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through the expertise of fund managers. While they come with higher expense ratios compared to index funds, they can potentially offer higher returns if managed well. This approach is beneficial as it involves expert guidance, especially when navigating volatile markets.

Direct vs. Regular Funds
Direct funds typically have lower expense ratios compared to regular funds as they don't involve intermediaries. However, regular funds offer the advantage of professional advice from Certified Financial Planners (CFPs). This advice can be crucial for optimizing your portfolio and aligning it with your financial goals. Given your complex portfolio, continuing with regular funds might be beneficial for expert guidance.

Evaluating Fund Performance
It's crucial to periodically review the performance of your funds. Look at their returns over different time horizons, compare them with benchmark indices, and evaluate their consistency. If any fund consistently underperforms its benchmark or peers, consider switching to a better-performing fund.

Aligning with Financial Goals
Your investments should align with your financial goals, whether it's wealth creation, retirement planning, or funding your child's education. Define your goals clearly, and allocate funds accordingly. For instance, if you have long-term goals, you can afford to take on more equity exposure. For short-term goals, consider safer investments.

Risk Management
Understand your risk tolerance and ensure your portfolio aligns with it. Too much exposure to high-risk funds can lead to significant losses during market downturns. A balanced approach with a mix of high-growth and stable funds is advisable. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired risk level.

Power of Compounding
One of the biggest advantages of mutual fund investments is the power of compounding. The longer you stay invested, the more your investments grow, as you earn returns not just on your principal amount but also on the accumulated returns. SIPs leverage this by investing systematically and benefiting from rupee cost averaging.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investment is not a one-time activity. Regularly monitor your portfolio, at least once a year. Assess the performance, rebalance if necessary, and ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. This proactive approach helps in navigating market changes and staying on track.

Seeking Expert Advice
While you've done a great job with your investments, consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide additional insights and strategies tailored to your specific needs. A CFP can help you with detailed portfolio analysis, goal setting, and ongoing financial planning.

Final Insights
To sum up, your current portfolio is diversified, but there is room for optimization. Consider reducing the number of small-cap funds, ensuring you hold top-performing mid-cap and large & mid-cap funds, and balancing your sectoral/thematic exposure. Stay invested for the long term to harness the power of compounding. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. And don’t hesitate to seek professional advice for a more tailored approach.

Keep up the good work and continue your disciplined investment journey. It’s great to see such dedication towards securing your financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2024Hindi
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I'm 39 yr im investing in axis small cap HDFC small cap quant small cap bandhan sterling value fund bandhan elss tax saver dsp tax saver mirrae tax saver HDFC midcap motilal midcap pgim midcap quant active fund quant midcap SBI Magnum mid cap SBI contra ICICI debt and equity fund ICICI value discovery fund uti index fund sbi technology ICICI technology and tata digital some are in sips form and some as lumsum Pl advise me
Ans: You have a diversified investment portfolio that includes small cap, mid cap, value funds, ELSS tax savers, and sector-specific funds. While this diversification is good, there is a need to streamline and optimise your investments for better returns and risk management.

Assessing Your Current Portfolio
Small Cap Funds: Higher potential returns, but also higher risk.
Mid Cap Funds: Balanced growth and risk.
Value Funds: Focus on undervalued stocks with growth potential.
ELSS Funds: Provide tax benefits under Section 80C.
Sector-Specific Funds: Concentrated risk in specific sectors like technology.
Index Fund: Passively managed, low-cost, but limited in flexibility.
Recommendations for Improvement
Streamline Your Portfolio
Consolidate Holdings: Too many funds can dilute returns and complicate management.
Focus on Quality: Choose top-performing funds in each category.
Active vs. Index Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds:

No Active Management: Lack of flexibility to respond to market changes.
Average Returns: Typically mirror the market index, leading to average performance.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds:

Professional Expertise: Managed by experienced fund managers.
Better Returns: Potential to outperform the market with strategic investments.
Benefits of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Professional Guidance: Tailored investment advice to align with your financial goals.
Regular Monitoring: Continuous oversight to ensure optimal performance.
Expertise: Access to the knowledge and experience of certified planners.
Suggested Strategy
Evaluate Current Holdings:

Performance Review: Assess the performance of each fund.
Risk Assessment: Determine the risk associated with each fund.
Rebalance Portfolio:

Reduce Overlap: Avoid investing in multiple funds with similar strategies.
Diversify Effectively: Maintain a balance between small cap, mid cap, and value funds.
Increase SIP Contributions:

Annual Increase: Raise SIP amount by 5-10% each year.
Benefit of Compounding: Higher contributions lead to substantial growth over time.
Allocate for Sector-Specific Investments:

Limit Exposure: Sector funds can be volatile. Limit to a small portion of your portfolio.
Focus on Growth Sectors: Invest in sectors with high growth potential.
Regular Review and Adjustments:

Quarterly Review: Monitor fund performance and market trends.
Annual Rebalancing: Adjust portfolio to maintain desired asset allocation.
Health and Emergency Fund
Emergency Fund: Keep at least 6 months of expenses in a liquid form.
Health Coverage: Ensure adequate health insurance coverage for unforeseen medical expenses.
Final Insights
To optimise your investments:

Streamline and Consolidate: Reduce the number of overlapping funds.
Focus on Active Management: Actively managed funds can provide better returns.
Increase SIP Contributions: Regularly increase your SIP investments.
Review and Rebalance: Regularly monitor and adjust your portfolio.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 16, 2025

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Hi Myself Sanjeev Kumar from Himachal Pradesh, I am investing in mutual funds from last 3 years on below mutual funds through SIP 1. Aditya birla multicap fund (regular growth) ---- Rs 1000 monthly 2. Invesco India flexi Cap fund (Plan growth) ------ Rs 1000 monthly 3. Invesco India Multicap fund (regular growth) ---- Rs 1000 monthly 4. Kotak multicap fund (regular) ------------------------- Rs 1000 monthly 5. Kotak emerging equity fund (growth) --------------- Rs 1000 monthly 6. Kotak ELSS tax saver fund ------------------------------- Rs 500 monthly 7. Union tax saver fund (ELSS) ---------------------------- Rs 1500 monthly 8. Bandhan Nifty 200 momentum 30 index fund (regular plan) --- Rs 1000 9. Kotak multiasset fund ------------ Rs 1000 monthly (started a month ago) 10. UTI EFT Gold fund ------------------ Rs 1000 /- Apart from above, I am investing in below also 1. PPF ---------------- 1.5 lac annually 2. NPs ---------------- 0.5 lac annually 3. LIC ----------------- 0.5 lac annually Sir you are requested to review my portfolio, Is this portfolio good enough to produce at least 60- 70 lakhs return in next 10-12 years or some reshuffling is required. If yes kindly suggest some good funds. Hoping to hear from you soon Thanks
Ans: You have a fairly diversified portfolio with exposure across equity funds, tax-saving instruments, and fixed-income products. Let's evaluate your current portfolio:

Equity Exposure
Multicap and Flexi-cap Funds:

You have good exposure to multicap and flexi-cap funds. These funds are beneficial as they provide exposure across different market caps (large, mid, small), offering balanced risk and growth potential.
The fund choices are varied, but some of them overlap in terms of the equity segments they cover. This may lead to duplication, reducing the overall diversification.
Tax-saving ELSS Funds:

Both Kotak ELSS Tax Saver Fund and Union Tax Saver Fund provide tax benefits under Section 80C. This is an excellent strategy for reducing taxable income while simultaneously growing wealth over the long term. However, having two ELSS funds with similar objectives may not be necessary.
Consider reviewing the performance and making sure that your tax-saving investments are optimized for returns.
Nifty and Gold Exposure:

Your investment in the Bandhan Nifty 200 Momentum Index Fund introduces some exposure to index funds, but remember, index funds tend to track market performance and do not offer active management. While this can be a cost-effective option, you might miss out on higher growth opportunities that actively managed funds can offer.
Gold exposure via UTI Gold ETF is a good hedge against inflation, but it is a passive investment and does not generate income.
Fixed Income Exposure
PPF and NPS:

Your investment in PPF (Public Provident Fund) and NPS (National Pension Scheme) is a solid long-term savings strategy. These provide safety, tax benefits, and long-term growth.
PPF locks your funds for 15 years, but it offers guaranteed returns, which is an excellent option for conservative savings. NPS, however, provides exposure to equity and debt markets and is a good retirement planning tool.
LIC:

LIC investments are a combination of insurance and savings. However, considering the long-term performance and opportunity cost, it might be worth reviewing whether these investments align with your future goals or if reallocating these funds into mutual funds could offer better returns.
Investment Amount and Goals
Given your monthly SIP of Rs. 10,500 and annual investments of Rs. 2.5 lakh in PPF, NPS, and LIC, it is essential to have a clear vision of your financial goals over the next 10-12 years.

Expected Return of Rs. 60-70 Lakh:
Based on your goal of accumulating Rs. 60-70 lakh in the next 10-12 years, your current portfolio seems reasonable. However, there are areas where optimization can boost the chances of meeting your goal.
Suggested Portfolio Reshuffling
Reduce Fund Overlap:

You are holding multiple multicap funds with similar objectives. It might be wise to consolidate these into one or two strong performers to reduce duplication.
Evaluate whether the Nifty 200 index fund is in line with your preference for actively managed funds.
Focus on Actively Managed Funds:

Active Management: Actively managed funds tend to provide higher returns, especially in fluctuating markets. They also help mitigate risks, unlike index funds, which follow market movements and may not outperform during volatile periods.
Consider focusing on large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds for equity growth while also ensuring there is exposure to sectoral funds and thematic funds for extra diversification.
Diversified Growth-Focused Funds:

Given your long-term horizon, including growth-oriented funds is crucial. You may consider adding more funds with a history of consistent outperformance in the equity space.
Tax Optimization:

Your tax-saving investments are well-distributed between ELSS, PPF, and NPS. However, reviewing your ELSS funds for performance is essential. Choose funds that consistently outperform their benchmark and offer strong long-term growth.
Gold Exposure:

Gold exposure via ETFs is beneficial, but consider limiting it to around 5-10% of the portfolio as a diversification hedge. You may also explore mutual funds that invest in gold.
Final Insights
Consolidate Funds: Reduce the number of funds to avoid overlap and improve focus on quality investments.
Increase Focus on Actively Managed Funds: Focus on actively managed equity funds to achieve better returns in the long run.
Evaluate Tax-Saving Instruments: Review your ELSS investments for their performance and align them with your risk profile.
Goal-Oriented Approach: Stay focused on your long-term goals and ensure that your asset allocation matches your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Finally, given your clear objective of growing wealth to reach Rs. 60-70 lakh over the next 10-12 years, restructuring your portfolio to optimize risk and returns will significantly help you achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

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Hello Sir, this is Dhiraj DM, I am 48 year's old married with no kids, we have any flat worth 1. 5 cr given on rent around 50 lakhs of equity 20 lacs mutual funds we want to retire in next 3 years,please guide. We live in a metro no liability, we r into Gifting business now want to retire in next 3 years
Ans: Your retirement is just three years away. You have built a strong foundation with real estate, equity, and mutual funds. Now, the goal is to structure your investments for steady income, security, and long-term sustainability.

1. Assessing Your Current Financial Position
Flat Worth Rs. 1.5 Crore: This generates rental income, but liquidity is limited.
Equity Portfolio of Rs. 50 Lakh: Market-linked investments with potential for high returns but volatile.
Mutual Funds of Rs. 20 Lakh: Offers diversification and moderate risk exposure.
No Liabilities: This is a strong advantage for financial freedom.
Gifting Business: If planning to exit, ensure business-related finances are sorted before retirement.
2. Estimating Post-Retirement Income Needs
Calculate expected monthly expenses, including medical, travel, lifestyle, and emergency costs.
Factor in inflation, as expenses will rise over time.
Consider long-term costs such as medical care and home maintenance.
3. Structuring Retirement Income
Rental Income as a Fixed Source
Your flat generates rental income, which helps with stability.
Consider reinvesting this income for further growth.
Portfolio Rebalancing for Stability
Equity exposure is beneficial but risky close to retirement.
Shift some funds to low-risk instruments for safety.
Keep some allocation to equity to combat inflation.
Maintaining Liquidity for Emergencies
Create an emergency fund of at least 2 years' expenses in liquid assets.
Avoid relying solely on investments that require selling in volatile markets.
4. Health and Insurance Planning
Ensure comprehensive health insurance for both of you, at least Rs. 15-20 lakh coverage.
If you hold any old insurance policies with low returns, consider restructuring them.
Create a separate healthcare fund for long-term medical expenses.
5. Tax Efficiency in Retirement
Structure withdrawals smartly to reduce tax burden on capital gains.
Use tax-free instruments where applicable.
Rental income is taxable, so deduct maintenance expenses to lower tax outgo.
6. Planning Investments for Retirement Income
Avoid complete reliance on fixed-income instruments, as they may not beat inflation.
A mix of mutual funds, debt instruments, and systematic withdrawal plans (SWP) will ensure steady cash flow.
Keep some investments growth-oriented to sustain wealth over decades.
7. Estate and Legacy Planning
Prepare a clear will to ensure smooth asset transfer.
If you plan to donate or support causes, structure funds accordingly.
Finally
Ensure liquidity and stability in your investments.
Reduce risk in equity but keep exposure for growth.
Maintain a dedicated healthcare fund and strong insurance coverage.
Structure investments to minimise taxes and ensure steady income.
Plan legacy and succession to avoid future complications.
Would you like a detailed plan on how to allocate your investments for steady retirement income?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Pushpa

Pushpa R  |49 Answers  |Ask -

Yoga, Mindfulness Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
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My sister is recently diagnosed with second stage of breast cancer. She is always emotional and moody. Can I introduce her to yoga or meditation? Can yoga help her cope with the fear and uncertainty?
Ans: I'm very sorry to hear about your sister’s diagnosis. This is a challenging time, and emotional support is just as important as medical treatment. Yes, yoga and meditation can help her cope with fear, stress, and uncertainty by bringing mental peace, emotional strength, and relaxation.

How Yoga Can Help:
Reduces Anxiety & Fear: Gentle yoga and deep breathing activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps in relaxation and emotional balance.
Improves Sleep: Many cancer patients struggle with sleep. Yoga Nidra and slow breathing exercises can promote restful sleep.
Boosts Positivity: Meditation and mindfulness help shift focus from fear to inner peace.
Strengthens the Body: Light yoga can help reduce fatigue and improve overall well-being during treatment.
Recommended Practices for Your Sister:
Breathing (Pranayama): Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath) calm the mind.
Gentle Yoga Poses: Child’s Pose, Butterfly Pose, and Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose promote relaxation.
Meditation & Yoga Nidra: Guided meditation can help ease emotional distress and bring hope.
Encourage her to consult a yoga coach for personalized support. With the right guidance, yoga can become a healing companion in her journey.

R. Pushpa, M.Sc (Yoga)
Online Yoga & Meditation Coach
Radiant YogaVibes
https://www.instagram.com/pushpa_radiantyogavibes/

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Pushpa

Pushpa R  |49 Answers  |Ask -

Yoga, Mindfulness Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 04, 2025Hindi
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Mam, can yoga help prevent cancer in women? Please advice
Ans: Yoga cannot guarantee the prevention of cancer, but it can play a supportive role in maintaining overall health, reducing risk factors, and improving well-being. Many studies suggest that regular yoga practice helps reduce stress, improve immunity, balance hormones, and promote detoxification—all of which may lower the risk of cancer in women.

How Yoga Can Help:
Reduces Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation, which can contribute to disease. Practicing meditation, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques keeps the body in balance.
Boosts Immunity: Gentle yoga poses improve blood circulation and support the lymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from the body.
Balances Hormones: Hormonal imbalances may increase the risk of conditions like breast and ovarian cancer. Regular yoga helps maintain a healthy endocrine system.
Supports Detoxification: Twisting poses and deep breathing help the body eliminate waste and toxins.
Recommended Practices:
Pranayama (Breathwork): Anulom Vilom and Bhramari help calm the nervous system.
Yoga Poses: Cobra Pose, Twists, and Forward Bends improve digestion and circulation.
Meditation & Relaxation: Yoga Nidra and mindfulness reduce stress and promote healing.
For personalized guidance, consult a yoga coach who can create a practice suited to your health needs.

R. Pushpa, M.Sc (Yoga)
Online Yoga & Meditation Coach
Radiant YogaVibes
https://www.instagram.com/pushpa_radiantyogavibes/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

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Get me some clearity on HDFC BALANCED ADVANTAGE FUND as from last few days my portfolio is going in negative
Ans: Understanding Balanced Advantage Funds

Balanced Advantage Funds invest in both equity and debt. They adjust their investments based on market conditions. This flexibility helps manage risk and aim for steady returns.

Recent Performance Insights

It's natural to feel concerned when your portfolio shows negative returns. Remember, short-term declines are common in investments. Balanced Advantage Funds aim to reduce risk by adjusting their investments. This strategy helps manage market ups and downs.

Factors Influencing Performance

Several elements can affect your fund's performance:

Market Volatility: Changes in the market can impact returns.

Asset Allocation: The mix of equity and debt plays a role.

Interest Rate Changes: Fluctuations can influence debt investments.

Economic Indicators: Factors like inflation and GDP growth are important.

Evaluating Fund Performance

To assess your fund's performance:

Compare with Benchmarks: See how it measures up against standard indices.

Review Historical Returns: Look at past performance over different periods.

Consider Risk-Adjusted Returns: Evaluate returns in relation to the risk taken.

Staying the Course

It's commendable to stay focused on your long-term goals. Short-term market changes shouldn't deter your investment strategy. Maintaining discipline is key to achieving financial objectives.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner

For personalized advice, consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide guidance tailored to your financial situation.

Final Thoughts

Market fluctuations are a part of investing. Balanced Advantage Funds are designed to manage these ups and downs. Staying informed and patient can help you reach your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 2025

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Hello, my mother is 62 year old pensioner. She has invested funds in government securities and postal schemes. Despite submitting 15H form and filing ITR (as a senior citizen person), her tax is getting deducted. Can you kindly explain why this is happening?
Ans: There are a few possible reasons why TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is being deducted from your mother's investments, despite submitting Form 15H and filing ITR.

1. Incorrect or Late Submission of Form 15H
Form 15H must be submitted at the start of the financial year to all institutions where she has investments.
If submitted after TDS is deducted, it won’t apply retrospectively to recover the deducted tax.
Ensure the form is submitted separately to each bank, post office, or financial institution.
2. Exceeding the Basic Exemption Limit
For senior citizens (60+ years), income up to Rs. 3 lakhs is tax-free.
If her total taxable income (pension + interest from investments) exceeds Rs. 3 lakhs, TDS will still apply.
Even if TDS is deducted, she can claim a refund while filing her ITR if her total tax liability is zero.
3. Form 15H Validity Rules
Form 15H is only valid if total taxable income is below the exemption limit.
If her total income is more than Rs. 3 lakhs, banks and post offices will ignore Form 15H and deduct TDS.
4. Different TDS Thresholds for Investments
Banks deduct TDS on FD interest if it exceeds Rs. 50,000 per year for senior citizens.
Post Office schemes (like SCSS) deduct TDS if interest crosses Rs. 50,000 per year.
Government securities may also have TDS rules based on the issuing authority.
5. PAN Not Updated with the Bank/Post Office
If PAN is not linked to the investment accounts, higher TDS at 20% is deducted.
Ensure all investments have PAN updated to avoid excess TDS.
6. Errors in Tax Deduction System
Sometimes, banks deduct TDS even if Form 15H is submitted correctly.
In such cases, she can file an ITR and claim a refund from the Income Tax Department.
What to Do Now?
Check total taxable income to confirm if she qualifies for Form 15H.
Verify all Form 15H submissions with banks and post offices.
Ensure PAN is updated in all financial institutions.
If TDS is wrongly deducted, file an ITR and claim a refund.
Would you like help with checking if she is eligible for a refund?

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7838 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 05, 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.

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