Hi, i have invested lumsum amount ₹50000/- each in aditya birla sunlife equity hybrid 95 fund growth & hdfc flexicap fund growth for long tems (approx 15-20 yrs). Can you please advise us whether is it ok or not keeping for long terms perspective. Also want to invest the same lumsum amount in nippon india large cap growth mutual fund. Is it good in long term perspective pl advise . If not pl suggest some good mutual fund for long term. I am already investing approx ₹ 15000 per month in SIP.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,

I understand that convincing your parents can be the toughest job ever. If you are not ready, you should communicate that to your partner. Make him understand your concerns. Now, since he is in a tough spot too, you should listen to his side as well. Both of you can sit together and find a middle ground that works for you both. Communication will help avoid misunderstandings. Let him know that you want this, but you need some time. Also, hear what he has to say. Maybe he is truly out of time. Figuring out an issue together is much better than trying to figure it out alone.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,

I love how you took a negative comment on you and turned it into something so positive and productive. Though revenge is never the right approach, I must commend you for your dedication and for letting it be a driving force for something amazing. Now, coming to your question, why you are not being able to forget her? It's simple. You have let her words affect you and you are still holding on to it. As amazing as your results are, you seem happier to have beaten her than about your own success. I suggest focusing on yourself now. You did great! You deserve to be proud of yourself, for your efforts and achievements, not for achieving more than her. And one more thing, do you want to date someone who had such a low opinion of you? Is that how you see yourself? Trust me, you deserve someone who reciprocates your feelings and is proud of you. And about your relationships not working, you are still a kid. You have plenty of time to find the right relationship and when you do, it will work.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,

I understand you are in a difficult situation and trusting someone once they have broken it is difficult. I also understand your parent's concern. I am sure you do too. Now, the real question is, do you want to give him another chance? I know he broke your trust by moving the dates suddenly, but maybe let's try to find out why he did it.

You have been with him for a long time. You should have some clue about the type of person he is; it is totally up to you to decide whether you want to give him another chance or move on with your life. Neither would be a wrong choice. But it should be your choice. Look at the pros and cons. All things he got right to date and the wrongs he did too. Weigh them against each other and by the end of it, you should have some clarity.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Sumeet Sir, Please Note, (1) Syllabus for both Exams are more or less same. (2) It is advisable to join any Coaching Center once your Son completes his 10th Standard, either offline (if nearby your home) or online. (3) From now onwards, he can even practice questions of Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning & Verbal Ability of 10th Level to get him mentally prepared for Advance Problems for both Exams during his 11th / 12th Standards. (4) He should focus more on weak subjects and practice more till he appears in both Exams (5) Should also plan to manage both School Syllabus & also preparation for these 2 exams (6) He has to keep on attempting Online Test Series frequently to not only to know the wrongly answered questions but also the speed and accuracy, besides time taken for each question (7) MOST IMPORTANT which your son should keep in mind. Law Courses are tougher, compared to Management Courses. (8) Aspiring Law Students should read, write & memorize a lot like Sections, Sub-Sections, Clauses & Sub-Clauses various Bare Acts apart from Specialisation your son chooses (Civil, Criminal, Company, Labour Laws etc.) (9) According to a recent Article in 'Times of India', most Law Graduates prefer working in Corporates / Companies instead of Practising as Lawyers in Courts due to lack of lengthy litigation process and lack of patience. Please think over this, whether your son will be suitable for this? If yes, he can appear in CLAT Exam also apart from IPMAT as a back-up (10) Please shortlist the Universities / Colleges to be targeted for both exams and also the know the expected Score / Percentile / Marks for the Top-Ranked Universities / Colleges. I hope I have covered important points Sir. If you need any other clarification(s), please follow-up with me.

All the BEST for your Son's Bright Future, Sir.

To know more on ‘ Careers | Education | Jobs’, Ask / Follow me here in RediffGURU.

Ans: Hello,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. To answer your question first, I would like to let you know that a number of variables including the cost, educational quality, possibilities for research, and employment prospects post-graduation, play a key role in selecting the best nation for pursuing an MS in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE).

As of 2024, the United States continues to be a popular choice owing to its renowned universities, vast research facilities, and robust labor market in technology hotspots viz., Silicon Valley. I would like to tell you that nations viz., Canada and Germany are also great choices offering advantageous immigration laws, and top-notch instruction with relatively cheaper tuition fees. You would be glad to know that public universities in Germany frequently charge cheap or no tuition fees, whereas Canada is renowned for its welcoming attitude towards overseas students and potential routes to permanent residency. Each choice has distinct advantages, thus, when making your decision, I would suggest that you take into account your financial condition, personal choices, and professional objectives.

You can also get in touch with us and our team of expert counselors will provide information on MS programs in CSE in several other countries like the UK, Australia, Germany, among many others.

For more information, you can visit our website: www.edwiseinternational.com

You can also follow us on our Instagram page: edwiseint

Ans: Prefer DSCE-CSE over PES-EC-ECE. All the BEST for your Daughter's Bright Future.

To know more on ‘ Careers | Education | Jobs’, ask / FOLLOW me here in RediffGURU.

Ans: Hello Annamalai,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that Germany is a great option for a Computer Science Engineering (CSE) graduate looking for an affordable yet top-notch MS program overseas. Outstanding education in computer science and engineering with cheap or no tuition fees is offered by universities in Germany, particularly public universities. Moreover, Germany boasts a strong technology sector and a dynamic labor market which can offer excellent job opportunities following graduation.

Canada, renowned for its first-rate education and comparatively economical tuition in comparison to the United States, is another feasible choice. Universities in Canada offer robust computer science programs and the nation’s friendly immigration laws may make it simpler for graduates to remain and find employment post the completion of their education. I would like to let you know that excellent value for money as well as opportunities for professional growth in the technology sector are offered by both the nations.

You can also get in touch with us and our team of expert counselors will provide information on MS programs in several other countries like the USA, the UK, Australia, among many others.

For more information, you can visit our website: www.edwiseinternational.com

You can also follow us on our Instagram page: edwiseint

Ans: Prem, go for IPU-Main Campus. All the BEST.

To know more on ‘ Careers | Education | Jobs’, ask / FOLLOW me here in RediffGURU.

Ans: First of all, congratulations on your investment journey. You've done an excellent job in building a diverse portfolio. It's impressive to see how your investments have grown over time. Now, let's evaluate the current scenario and decide the best way forward.

Current Portfolio Overview
Your investment portfolio includes various funds:

A significant investment in a technology-focused fund, which has shown substantial growth.

Holdings in a flexi-cap fund, infrastructure fund, large-mid cap index, equity opportunities fund, and small cap fund.

This diversification is a positive sign. It shows you are spreading your risk across different sectors and types of funds.

Analyzing the Technology-Focused Fund
The technology-focused fund you mentioned has performed exceptionally well. From Rs 48.49k to Rs 72.13k, that's an impressive increase. This fund’s closure to new investments often indicates that it has reached a substantial size or the fund house wants to manage it efficiently.

Given its closure, let's consider your options.

Pros of Staying Invested:

Potential for Continued Growth: Technology stocks, especially the leading ones, have shown resilience and growth potential.

No Immediate Need for Action: If you believe in the long-term potential of the technology sector, staying invested might be wise.

Cons of Staying Invested:

Market Volatility: Technology stocks can be volatile. Recent trends show fluctuations, which might affect returns.

Concentration Risk: A large portion of your growth is tied to this sector. Diversification might be safer.

Pros of Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

Regular Income: SWP can provide a steady income stream. Useful if you need liquidity.

Rebalancing Opportunity: You can reinvest in other sectors or funds to balance your portfolio.

Cons of Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):

Missing Out on Growth: If the technology sector continues to grow, you might miss out on future gains.

Tax Implications: SWP might have tax consequences depending on your holding period.

Assessing Your Other Funds
Now, let’s look at your other investments.

Flexi Cap Fund:

Pros: These funds invest across market caps, providing flexibility and diversification. Your substantial investment here shows confidence in this strategy.

Cons: Returns can vary depending on market conditions. It's essential to monitor the fund’s performance regularly.

Infrastructure Fund:

Pros: Infrastructure development in India offers growth potential. This sector is crucial for economic development.

Cons: These funds can be cyclical. They might underperform during economic downturns or policy changes.

Large-Mid Cap Index Fund:

Pros: Index funds offer broad market exposure and lower expense ratios.

Cons: They mimic the index performance, lacking the potential for outperformance that actively managed funds might offer. Your investment here might limit growth potential compared to active funds.

Equity Opportunities Fund:

Pros: These funds can take advantage of market opportunities, offering potential for higher returns.

Cons: Higher risk due to active management. Performance depends on the fund manager's skill.

Small Cap Fund:

Pros: Potential for high returns. Small cap stocks can grow significantly over time.

Cons: Higher risk and volatility. Small cap stocks can be affected by market conditions more than large caps.

Direct vs Regular Funds
You mentioned investing through direct funds. Let’s discuss the disadvantages of direct funds and the benefits of regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds require you to research and choose funds on your own. Without expert guidance, this can be risky.

Time-Consuming: Regular monitoring and rebalancing are necessary. It can be time-consuming and challenging without professional help.

Benefits of Regular Funds:

Professional Advice: Investing through a CFP ensures you get expert advice tailored to your financial goals.

Portfolio Management: CFPs can help in regularly monitoring and rebalancing your portfolio, ensuring it remains aligned with your objectives.

Strategic Recommendations
Based on the analysis, here are some strategic recommendations:

Rebalancing Your Portfolio:

Diversification: Consider diversifying away from technology to other sectors with growth potential. It will reduce concentration risk.

Risk Management: Rebalance your portfolio to align with your risk tolerance and investment goals.

Consider SWP for Liquidity:

Partial SWP: You might opt for a partial SWP from your technology-focused fund. It provides liquidity while keeping some exposure to potential growth.

Reinvestment Strategy: Use the SWP proceeds to invest in other funds or sectors, balancing your portfolio.

Monitoring and Regular Review:

Regular Check-Ups: Keep an eye on your investments. Regular reviews ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals.

Adjust as Needed: Be ready to adjust your investments based on market conditions and personal circumstances.

Final Insights
Your investment journey has been commendable. The growth in your technology-focused fund is impressive. However, it's essential to consider the risks and potential rewards of staying invested or opting for an SWP. Diversification and regular portfolio review are crucial for long-term success.

Consider the benefits of professional guidance through regular funds. It can provide the expertise and peace of mind necessary for achieving your financial goals. Rebalancing your portfolio and ensuring it aligns with your risk tolerance will help in navigating market fluctuations effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in