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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 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
Arun Question by Arun on Apr 10, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir I am investing in Parag Parikh Flexi cap 6k, Canara Robeo small cap 2k, Quant Multicap 6k, Quant ELSS 2K. Are the above funds good to invest, Invest for last 4 years and would like to continue for next 10 Years. I am 43 years old. I am also investing in NPS 6K per month for last 3 years.

Ans: It's great to hear that you're investing for the long term! The funds you've chosen have their own investment strategies and risk profiles, which can complement each other well in a diversified portfolio. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is known for its global diversification and focus on quality stocks, while Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund and Quant Multicap Fund provide exposure to small and mid-cap segments of the market. Quant ELSS offers tax-saving benefits along with equity exposure.

Considering your investment horizon of 10 years and your age, these funds can be suitable. However, it's essential to regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments if necessary. Additionally, continue contributing to NPS for retirement planning, as it offers tax benefits and helps build a retirement corpus.

As always, it's advisable to consult with a financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and overall financial situation.
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 09, 2024

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Hello Sir I m investing 9000 in SBI small cap & 9000 in Quant small cap in Feb'2024. Also 6000 in Parag Parikh Flexi Cap and 6000 in Quant Flexi Cap for the period for 20+ years. Please review my funds. Is these are good to continue.
Ans: It's commendable that you're investing with a long-term horizon in mind. Let's review your fund choices:

SBI Small Cap: Small-cap funds typically carry higher risk but also the potential for higher returns over the long term. Given your investment horizon of 20+ years, investing in small-cap funds can be a sound strategy, as they have the potential to outperform over extended periods.

Quant Small Cap: Similar to SBI Small Cap, Quant Small Cap also falls into the small-cap category. It's essential to understand that small-cap funds can be volatile in the short term but may offer significant growth opportunities over the long run.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap: Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility to invest across market capitalizations based on market conditions. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap is known for its diversified approach and focus on quality stocks. It's a suitable choice for long-term investors seeking exposure to a mix of large, mid, and small-cap stocks.

Quant Flexi Cap: Flexi-cap funds like Quant Flexi Cap offer flexibility in asset allocation, allowing the fund manager to adapt to changing market conditions. While Quant Flexi Cap may provide growth opportunities, it's essential to monitor its performance and ensure it aligns with your investment objectives.

Overall, your fund selection reflects a diversified approach across small-cap and flexi-cap categories, which can potentially provide robust growth prospects over the long term. However, it's essential to regularly review your investments to ensure they remain aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner periodically to reassess your investment strategy and make any necessary adjustments based on changing market dynamics and personal circumstances.

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 12, 2024

Money
Hi Sir, I am investing in Parag Parikh Flexi cap 2k, Nippon India Small Cap 2k, PGIM India Midcap Opportunities 2k, Bank of India ELSS Tax Saver 2K and Kotak Flexicap Fund 2k. Are the above funds good to invest, invest for last 3 years and would like to continue for next 15 Years. I am 35 years old. I am also investing in PPF 5K per month for last 4 years. Please suggest if I need any change/add to this list?
Ans: Assessment of Current Investments
Your current investment portfolio shows a thoughtful approach to diversification. You’ve chosen funds across various categories: flexi cap, small cap, mid cap, and ELSS. This is a strong foundation for long-term growth. Let's break down the elements and assess if any adjustments are needed.

Flexi Cap Funds
Strength in Flexibility: Flexi cap funds offer flexibility across market capitalizations. This flexibility can help navigate different market cycles effectively.

Balanced Risk and Return: Your investments in flexi cap funds are well-positioned to balance growth with stability. This makes them a solid choice for your long-term goals.

Small Cap and Mid Cap Funds
High Growth Potential: Small cap and mid cap funds provide exposure to companies with high growth potential. Over a 15-year period, these can deliver substantial returns.

Increased Volatility: However, these funds can be more volatile in the short term. The long-term horizon you have planned helps mitigate this risk.

ELSS Funds
Tax Efficiency: Your investment in an ELSS fund not only offers growth potential but also provides tax benefits under Section 80C. This dual benefit is an excellent strategy.

Long-Term Commitment: ELSS funds come with a lock-in period of three years. This aligns well with your long-term investment horizon, ensuring discipline in your investments.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Safe and Secure: Your monthly investment in PPF adds a layer of security to your portfolio. PPF offers assured returns, making it a good tool for risk management.

Tax-Free Returns: The returns from PPF are tax-free, which adds to the overall growth of your corpus. This is a sound strategy for long-term wealth accumulation.

Evaluating the Need for Changes
Given your diversified approach, your portfolio is well-structured for long-term growth. However, let’s consider a few additional points to ensure it remains robust over the next 15 years.

Consideration of Additional Investments
Large Cap Fund: While flexi cap funds provide exposure to large caps, you might consider a dedicated large cap fund. This can further balance your portfolio by adding stability through investments in established companies.

Sectoral/Thematic Fund: If you are willing to take on a bit more risk for potentially higher returns, a small allocation to a sectoral or thematic fund could be considered. This is optional but could add another layer of diversification.

Revisiting PPF Contribution
Balance with Equity Exposure: Your current Rs. 5,000 monthly investment in PPF is a safe choice. However, ensure that it doesn’t overshadow your equity investments. Equity has the potential to outpace fixed income returns over the long term.

Review Periodically: Keep reviewing your PPF contributions in relation to your overall portfolio. Adjustments may be needed based on changing market conditions or life goals.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
Consistency is Key: You’ve been investing for the last three years, which is commendable. Continue with this disciplined approach to build wealth over time.

Periodic Review: It’s essential to review your portfolio periodically. This ensures your investments remain aligned with your financial goals and market dynamics.

Rebalancing: As your investment progresses, consider rebalancing your portfolio. This helps in maintaining the desired asset allocation and managing risk effectively.

Direct vs. Regular Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

No Professional Guidance: Direct funds lack the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner. This could lead to missed opportunities or higher risks.

Time and Effort: Managing direct funds requires significant time and effort. Without expertise, this could result in suboptimal investment decisions.

Advantages of Investing Through a CFP:

Tailored Advice: A CFP provides personalized advice, ensuring your investments align with your financial goals.

Ongoing Monitoring: Investing through a CFP means your portfolio is regularly monitored and adjusted to market conditions, optimizing your returns.

Final Insights
Your investment strategy is on the right track with a diversified portfolio across flexi cap, small cap, mid cap, and ELSS funds. Your monthly PPF contributions also add a layer of security to your financial plan. However, consider adding a large cap fund for further stability and possibly a sectoral fund for additional diversification.

Stay consistent with your investments, periodically review your portfolio, and consider the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner for optimal results. This will ensure that your investments continue to grow and meet your financial goals over the next 15 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |431 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 22, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
A bit long story I'm 21 student preparing for medical competative entrance exam for past 3 years (21-24).2 year ago this phase I was in a long distance relationship for 4 months with a girl I met in my class .But it didn't last long due to the problems created due to distance as she couldn't understand myself and I couldn't understand herself.so there was a misunderstanding and I couldn't hold on as I was in heavy pressure by exams and financial problems.so I couldn't handle and I felt like too early and broke up with her by losing my mind.she was completely disappointed as I didn't speak to her for more than an year due to one more year preparation.i missed her very much but I didnt tell her.I missed govt seat in border mark and the same year she got into a relationship with another guy in her class.i don't blame her. But I feel like my entire life is shattered and I couldn't move on from that girl till now.I couldn't concentrate on my career too.im kind of person who is always confident in all aspects but I have totally lost my mind .I can see that in an danger situation as age is running and family pressure, everyone of my classmates are far ahead of me I couldn't withstand this situation and couldn't make proper decision in any aspect. Mam please help me out.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your concerns. The first step is to focus on moving on; she has, and you should too. Prioritize your career, your family, and your future. Next, what has happened to your career progress has already happened. It's unfortunate, but there's no way to change that. But give yourself a second chance; work harder and achieve greater things than you even imagined before. Trust me, you are not the only person who is standing in a situation like this. Many have, and many more will. But the ones who have passed this time will give you the same advice that I did.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |682 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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