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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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
Mario Question by Mario on Apr 15, 2024Hindi
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I have invested rs 5 lac in axis tax saver direct growth on 10th april.is it a good fund and can i tansfer to direct IDCW plan.

Ans: That's a great question! Investing Rs. 5 lakh in Axis Tax Saver Direct Growth on April 10th shows initiative. Here's a breakdown of your current fund and the pros and cons of Direct vs. Regular Mutual Fund investment plans:

Axis Tax Saver Direct Growth:

Reputable Fund House: Axis Mutual Fund is a well-established fund house.

Tax Benefits: ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) funds offer tax deductions under Section 80C.

Direct Plan: You've chosen a Direct Plan, which has a lower expense ratio (fee) compared to a Regular Plan. However, there are some trade-offs to consider:

Disadvantages of Direct Plans:

No Advisor Guidance: Direct plans don't involve a distributor or advisor. You'll need to do your own research and choose funds.

Limited Support: There might be limited hand-holding or investment guidance compared to a Regular Plan.

Portfolio Management: The responsibility of monitoring your portfolio and making adjustments falls on you.

Benefits of Regular Plans (through a Mutual Fund Distributor - MFD):

Personalized Advice: An MFD can assess your risk tolerance and goals, recommending suitable funds.

Ongoing Support: They can provide ongoing support, answer your questions, and help navigate market fluctuations.

Convenience: They handle paperwork, account opening, and transactions, saving you time.

MFD with CFP Qualification:

Expert Guidance: Consider an MFD with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) qualification. They have advanced financial planning knowledge and can create a personalized investment plan for you.
Considering Transfer to IDCW Plan:

Exit Load: Check if Axis Tax Saver Direct Growth has an exit load (fee for exiting within a specific period).

Similar Investment Style? Ensure the IDCW plan has a similar investment style and tax benefits as your current fund.

Review Both Funds: Research both Axis Tax Saver Direct Growth and the IDCW plan to compare their performance and investment strategies.

Remember:

Long-Term View: Focus on your long-term investment goals. Equity markets can be volatile in the short term.

Diversification Matters: Consider if this ELSS fund fits with your overall asset allocation (mix of investments).

By potentially consulting an MFD-CFP, you can gain valuable guidance and build a portfolio aligned with your goals, even if you decide to stick with your Direct Plan!

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  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 01, 2024Hindi
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Asked on - Mar 01, 2024 We have disabled son so we want invest in this fund for next 40 years Now I am 35 years old and my wife is 32 years old . Our combined monthly income is 2 lakh. We have 40 lacs in the hand which we have started our investment in below funds from this year. Parag parikh flexi cap fund Nippon india Small cap fund Icici value discovery fund HDFC mid cap opportunities fund Quant mid cap fund icici nifty 50 index fund Please let me know if it's good to invest in this fund.
Ans: Thank you for sharing your investment details and financial goals. It's commendable that you and your wife are planning for the long term, especially considering the needs of your disabled son. Let's analyze your current investments and provide guidance to ensure you meet your financial objectives over the next 40 years.

Current Investment Overview
1. Investment Horizon
You have a long investment horizon of 40 years, which is excellent for wealth accumulation. Long-term investments in equity mutual funds can yield significant returns due to the power of compounding.

2. Monthly Income and Lump Sum Investment
Your combined monthly income is Rs. 2 lakhs, and you have a lump sum of Rs. 40 lakhs that you've started investing this year. This strong financial base allows you to make substantial investments regularly.

3. Selected Mutual Funds
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund
Nippon India Small Cap Fund
ICICI Value Discovery Fund
HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Quant Mid Cap Fund
ICICI Nifty 50 Index Fund
Portfolio Analysis
1. Diversification
Your portfolio includes a mix of large cap, mid cap, small cap, value, and index funds. This diversification helps spread risk and capture growth across different segments of the market.

2. Fund Selection
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Known for its flexibility to invest across market caps and international stocks.
Nippon India Small Cap Fund: Focuses on small cap stocks, offering high growth potential but with higher volatility.
ICICI Value Discovery Fund: Concentrates on undervalued stocks, aiming for long-term capital appreciation.
HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund and Quant Mid Cap Fund: Invest in mid cap stocks, balancing growth potential and risk.
ICICI Nifty 50 Index Fund: Provides exposure to the top 50 companies in India, offering stability and diversification.
Evaluating and Optimizing Your Portfolio
1. Consider Actively Managed Funds
While index funds like ICICI Nifty 50 Index Fund offer low costs, actively managed funds can potentially outperform by selecting high-quality stocks. Given your long horizon, consider focusing more on actively managed funds with strong track records.

2. Balance Between Risk and Return
Your portfolio has a good mix, but small cap and mid cap funds can be volatile. Ensure you balance them with more stable options to manage risk, especially considering your son's long-term needs.

3. Regular Review and Rebalancing
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it stays aligned with your goals. Rebalancing helps maintain the desired asset allocation, especially as market conditions change.

Financial Planning for Your Son
1. Special Needs Trust
Consider setting up a special needs trust to ensure financial security for your son. This trust can manage and protect the assets for his benefit.

2. Insurance Coverage
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage. This provides financial protection in case of unforeseen events.

3. Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover at least 6-12 months of expenses. This fund acts as a safety net for unexpected financial needs.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
1. Personalized Financial Advice
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice tailored to your family's unique financial situation and goals.

2. Expert Investment Management
A CFP can help manage and optimize your investment portfolio, ensuring it remains aligned with your long-term objectives.

3. Risk Management Strategies
A CFP employs strategies to manage risk and optimize returns, helping you navigate market volatility and safeguard your investments.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
1. Regular SIP Contributions
Consider starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) with a portion of your monthly income. Regular SIP contributions help in rupee cost averaging and building wealth over time.

2. Increasing SIP Amounts
Gradually increase your SIP amounts as your income grows. This strategy ensures that your investments keep pace with inflation and enhance your corpus.

3. Focus on Growth-Oriented Funds
Given your long-term horizon, focus on growth-oriented mutual funds with a strong track record. This includes diversified equity funds, mid cap funds, and flexi cap funds.

Example Projection
Assuming an average annual return of 12%, let’s project the potential growth of your investments over 40 years. This simplified projection can illustrate how your disciplined investment strategy can achieve substantial wealth.

Conclusion
Your disciplined approach to investing and long-term horizon position you well to achieve your financial goals. By focusing on quality funds, maintaining diversification, and regularly reviewing your portfolio, you can optimize your investment strategy.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner will provide you with personalized advice and expert management to ensure your investments stay on track. Your commitment to regular SIP contributions and increasing your investment amounts over time will significantly enhance your financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 08, 2024

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Kotak Nifty Midcap 50 Index fund Direct Plan growth - Pl suggest is it good for investment for new entry investors.
Ans: Index funds track a market index. They aim to match the index's performance. They offer lower costs and less active management.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Limited Flexibility: Index funds are bound to the index. They can't adapt to market changes.

Average Returns: They aim to match, not beat, the market. Actively managed funds often outperform.

Market Risk: They mirror the market. In a downturn, they suffer equally.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Professional Management: Experienced managers make investment decisions. They aim to outperform the market.

Flexibility: Managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

Potential for Higher Returns: Active funds often deliver higher returns than index funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

No Advisory Support: Direct funds bypass intermediaries. Investors miss out on professional advice.

Time-Consuming: Managing direct investments requires time and knowledge. Many investors lack both.

Risk Management: Without a Certified Financial Planner, investors may struggle with risk management.

Benefits of Regular Funds with MFD and CFP

Expert Guidance: A CFP offers tailored advice. They help in selecting the right funds.

Convenience: Investing through an MFD and CFP saves time. They handle paperwork and portfolio management.

Risk Management: CFPs help in managing and mitigating risks. They provide a balanced portfolio strategy.

Kotak Nifty Midcap 50 Index Fund Overview

This fund tracks the Nifty Midcap 50 Index. It invests in 50 midcap companies. It offers exposure to mid-sized companies.

Performance and Risks

Potential Growth: Midcap companies can grow quickly. They offer higher returns than large caps.

Volatility: Midcaps are more volatile. They carry higher risk than large caps.

Market Dependence: The fund's performance depends on the midcap market. In a downturn, it can underperform.

Suitability for New Investors

Risk Tolerance: New investors must assess their risk tolerance. Midcap funds can be volatile.

Investment Horizon: Longer investment horizons can mitigate risks. Midcap funds need time to grow.

Diversification: Ensure a diversified portfolio. Don't invest solely in midcap funds.

Recommendations for New Investors

Seek Professional Advice: Consult a Certified Financial Planner. They provide personalized guidance.

Start with Balanced Funds: Consider funds with a mix of large, mid, and small caps. This reduces risk.

Gradual Investment: Invest gradually through SIPs. This averages out market volatility.

Building a Strong Portfolio

Diversification: Spread investments across asset classes. Include equity, debt, and liquid funds.

Regular Monitoring: Review your portfolio regularly. Adjust based on performance and goals.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund. It covers unexpected expenses and avoids dipping into investments.

Final Insights

Investing in the Kotak Nifty Midcap 50 Index Fund requires understanding its risks and potential. For new investors, a balanced and diversified approach is essential. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide the expertise and guidance needed for a robust financial strategy.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
T S Khurana

T S Khurana   |197 Answers  |Ask -

Tax Expert - Answered on Nov 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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Can you please suggest on capital gains as per Indian taxation laws arising in the below two queries : 1) property purchased with joint ownership, me and my wife’s name in 2015 at a cost of 64,80,000, housing improvements done for the cost of 1000000 and brokerages of 200000 paid and sold the same property at 10000000 in Dec 2023? 2) 87% of the proceeds got from the deal i.e 8700000, have been reinvested to pay 25% amount in purchasing another joint ownership property in Dec 2023, 3) I have invested in another under construction property in Nov 2023 by taking housing loan, which is on me and my wife’s name worth 1.4 cr, here the primary applicant is me only while wife is just made a Co applicant in the builder buyer agreement and also on the housing loan . So what are the LTCG tax liabilities arising from the above 3 scenarios for FY 2023-2024 and FY 2024-2025. I intend to sale off the property acquired in (2) by Dec 2024 and use that proceeds to close the housing loan for the property acquired in (3), will this sale of property be inviting any tax liabilities if the complete proceeds received from the sale of the property in (2) would be utilised to close the housing loan taken in Nov 2023 for the property in (3) ? Since in FY 23-24, I would be claiming the LTCG from the sale proceeds of 1) invested in the purchase of property in 2), and I intend to sale off this property in Dec 2024, will the LTCG claim be forfeited on the property sale in (1), should I hold this property at least for further 1 year so that sale of this property in 2) will not invite STCG?
Ans: (A). Let's first talk about F/Y 2023-24 :
You jointly sold a Property during the year for Rs.76.80 lakhs (64.80+10.00+2.00), & sold the same for Rs.100.00 lakhs.
You have jointly also purchased Property No.3 (I suppose it is Residential only), for Rs.140.00 lakhs.
You should avail exemption u/s-54 & file your ITR accordingly. Please disclose all details about sale & purchase in your ITR.
02. Now coming to the F/Y 2024-25 :
You intend to Sell Property No.2, which was acquired in 2023-24. Any Gain on Sale of it would be Short Term capital Gains & taxed accordingly.
Alternatively, you may hold this sale of property no.2 (for 2 years from its purchase) & avoid STCG
You are free to utilize the sale proceeds in a way you like, including paying off your housing Loan.
Please note to avail exemption u/s 54 only from investment in property no.3 & not 2.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

...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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