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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10894 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 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
Gangadharan Question by Gangadharan on Apr 20, 2024Hindi
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Money

I am investing rs.5000 every month in five different sip plan. can you explain me how the amount grows?

Ans: Let's break down how your investment of ?5,000 per month in five different SIP plans grows over time.
SIP, or Systematic Investment Plan, is a method of investing a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. When you invest ?5,000 every month in SIPs, you're purchasing units of mutual fund schemes at the prevailing Net Asset Value (NAV).
Here's how your investment grows:
1. Regular Contributions: Every month, you invest ?5,000 in each SIP plan, totaling ?25,000 per month across all five plans.
2. NAV Fluctuations: The NAV of mutual fund schemes fluctuates daily based on market conditions and the performance of underlying assets. When you invest, you buy units at the NAV prevailing on the investment date.
3. Compounding: Over time, your investments benefit from the power of compounding. As your investment grows, the returns generated also earn returns, leading to exponential growth over the long term.
4. Market Performance: The growth of your investment is influenced by the performance of the underlying assets in each SIP plan. If the market performs well, the value of your investment increases, and vice versa.
5. Diversification: By investing in five different SIP plans, you spread your risk across multiple asset classes and fund managers, enhancing diversification and potentially reducing overall risk.
6. Time Horizon: The longer you stay invested, the more time your investment has to grow. Investing systematically over the long term allows you to ride out market volatility and benefit from the power of compounding.
It's essential to review the performance of your SIP plans periodically and make adjustments if needed to ensure they remain aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance on optimizing your SIP investments for wealth accumulation.
By staying disciplined in your investments and focusing on long-term growth, you can build wealth steadily over time through SIPs.

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  |10894 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 23, 2024Hindi
Money
My age is 54. I have 4 SIPs now and invest Rs 1000 in each SIP, i.e., total 4000 per month. How much can I expect to warn after 5 years?
Ans: You are currently investing Rs. 4,000 per month across four SIPs. SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) are a great way to invest regularly without timing the market. Over time, they tend to smoothen the market volatility, and the longer you stay invested, the better your returns can be. Since your investment horizon is five years, it's important to set the right expectations regarding how much you can earn and the growth potential.

Expected Returns After 5 Years
When investing in mutual funds, the returns you get depend on various factors. The type of funds, market conditions, and even the fund manager's expertise play a role. For your investment, let’s assume a moderate annual return of 10% to 12%, which is typical for well-managed equity mutual funds. Over five years, with Rs. 4,000 per month, your investment could grow into a substantial amount.

Let’s break this down:

You are contributing Rs. 48,000 each year (Rs. 4,000 x 12 months).

Over five years, your total contribution will be Rs. 2,40,000.

With compounding and assuming a 10%-12% return, the value of your investment could increase significantly.

Though these returns are not guaranteed, the longer-term market averages suggest this is a reasonable expectation for equity-oriented SIPs.

Impact of Market Conditions
The market fluctuates due to various reasons. Over a shorter period like five years, equity markets can sometimes experience volatility. But remember, SIPs help in averaging out the cost by buying more units when the market is low and fewer when the market is high. This rupee-cost averaging helps in reducing risks associated with market timing.

You can expect fluctuations, but patience is key.

The Power of Compounding
The longer you stay invested, the more you benefit from compounding. Compounding is like earning interest on your interest. While five years is not a very long period, the effect of compounding will still be noticeable. Your SIPs will accumulate returns, and the longer they stay invested, the more these returns compound. This makes mutual fund investments through SIPs an efficient way to grow wealth over time.

Importance of Diversification
You have diversified your investments across four different SIPs, which is commendable. Diversification reduces risk as it spreads your investments across different sectors or fund categories.

However, it is important to make sure that the funds you have selected complement each other. Too much overlap in the types of funds could reduce the benefits of diversification. If you're unsure about this, it might be a good idea to consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can guide you in balancing your portfolio.

Active Funds vs Index Funds
It’s crucial to understand the distinction between actively managed funds and index funds. Actively managed funds have a fund manager who makes investment decisions to outperform the market. These funds can generate higher returns if managed well, though they come with slightly higher fees.

On the other hand, index funds simply track a market index like the Nifty or Sensex. While index funds have lower fees, they are passive and might underperform in volatile markets because they don’t try to beat the market.

For someone with a five-year horizon like you, actively managed funds might offer better returns. They provide more flexibility in adjusting to market conditions, and their historical performance often justifies the slightly higher cost.

Direct vs Regular Funds
If you're investing in direct mutual funds, they might seem attractive because of lower expense ratios. However, direct funds come without the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner or a mutual fund distributor (MFD). This means you are left to manage your portfolio, select funds, and monitor performance by yourself.

In contrast, regular funds come with the expertise of a CFP or MFD who ensures your portfolio is optimized. While the expense ratios are slightly higher, the value added by expert advice can often lead to better returns. So, if you feel uncertain about handling your investments, consider switching to regular funds to get personalized support.

Taxation of Mutual Funds
It’s important to factor in the tax implications of your mutual fund investments. The new mutual fund capital gains taxation rules are as follows:

For equity mutual 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%.

For debt mutual funds, both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Since your horizon is five years, the equity investments will likely fall under the long-term category, and you should plan for any tax liabilities accordingly.

This tax burden can impact your final returns, so it’s wise to keep a portion of your gains aside to manage tax payments.

Review Your Investment Strategy
Since you are in the pre-retirement phase, reviewing your risk tolerance is important. While equity investments tend to offer higher returns, they come with higher risk. If you are comfortable with the volatility for the next five years, continuing with equity-oriented SIPs makes sense.

But, if you're looking for more stable returns, consider increasing your allocation to hybrid funds or conservative equity funds that balance risk and reward.

Emergency Fund Considerations
As you approach retirement, you should ensure that you have an emergency fund in place. This fund should cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses. Having this reserve ensures that you won’t need to dip into your investments in case of an emergency.

Your SIP investments should remain untouched for wealth creation, and having liquid funds separately will give you peace of mind.

Monitor Your Progress
Over the next five years, it's essential to monitor your SIPs periodically. While SIPs are designed to be long-term investments, keeping an eye on their performance ensures they are on track. You don’t need to check daily, but a review every 6-12 months will help you see if the funds are performing as expected.

Final Insights
You are on a good path with your SIPs. A steady Rs. 4,000 monthly investment is likely to yield good returns over the next five years, assuming moderate market growth.

However, consider revisiting your overall financial plan. Ensure that your investments align with your goals and risk appetite. You might want to increase your SIP amount or diversify further, depending on your future needs and retirement plans.

Keep in mind that actively managed funds, when chosen wisely, can offer better growth prospects than index funds. And while direct mutual funds seem cheaper, the expertise of a CFP can bring long-term value that outweighs the higher fees of regular funds.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10894 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 26, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 25, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir i have started Yearly SIP of 1 lakhs with 5 % STEPUP in how many years it will grow 1 CR the fund name is -- BAJAJ FINFERVE MULTI CAP FUND and a Lumbsum of 3 lakhs is in MOTILAL OSWAL MIDCAP REGULAR GROWTH HOW MUCH IT WOULD BE IN in 10 years also i am planning to do SIP in Cypto for 1500 per Month how much it would be in 15 years. Also guide me would much idealy i should widrawal from 1CR per month to take my corpur up to 5 CR
Ans: Your discipline shows seriousness. Your clarity shows focus. Your desire for future planning shows stability. I appreciate this mindset. You also show interest in understanding the right path. That helps you avoid mistakes.

– You think long term.
– You follow equity investing.
– You use step-up SIP.
– You invest in active funds.
– You review your plan.
These habits support stable wealth building.
Your questions also show deep interest.
Your intention to stay on the right path is very important.

» Your Yearly SIP of Rs 1 Lakh with 5% Step-Up
Your yearly SIP is a strong step.
A yearly SIP with step-up helps future wealth.
A 5% increase each year adds more power.
Your active fund choice is good.
Active funds help long term growth.
Active funds use research and selection.
They remove weak stocks quickly.
They add strong stocks early.
This protects your money during market falls.
Passive index funds cannot do this.
Index funds copy the index blindly.
They cannot avoid weak companies.
They also cannot increase weight in strong companies.
This reduces overall return.
This increases long term risk.
So your choice of an active multi cap fund is better.

» Time Needed to Reach Rs 1 Crore with This SIP
Your yearly SIP will grow each year.
Your investment amount increases.
Your fund also compounds over time.
Both these work together.
This helps you reach your Rs 1 crore target.
With step-up SIP and active equity fund growth, your target is reachable.
You need patience.
You need discipline.
You should not stop SIPs during market falls.
If you stay invested, your compounding will stay on track.
This path helps you hit Rs 1 crore comfortably.

» Your Rs 3 Lakh Lumpsum in Mid Cap Fund
Your lumpsum is placed in an active mid cap fund.
Mid caps offer high growth potential.
Mid caps also carry more volatility.
But long term growth is strong.
Active mid cap funds help in selecting better mid cap companies.
They study balance sheets.
They study cash flows.
They study management quality.
This helps avoid weak mid caps.
Passive mid cap index funds cannot do this.
They hold all stocks in the index.
This includes low quality companies also.
Your choice of an active mid cap fund is better for long term wealth.

Your Rs 3 lakh can grow over 10 years.
Mid caps grow more than large caps in long horizons.
Their compounding is strong.
Your lumpsum may multiply in ten years.
Returns depend on market cycles also.
But mid caps give strong potential in long periods.

» Crypto SIP of Rs 1500 Per Month – Strong Warning
You asked about doing SIP in crypto.
I strongly advise against crypto.
Crypto is not regulated fully.
Crypto has no real business behind it.
Crypto has no cash flow.
Crypto has no balance sheet.
Crypto has no revenue.
Crypto is driven only by speculation.
Crypto prices jump without reason.
Crypto prices crash without warning.
Crypto coins vanish from market with no notice.
Crypto exchanges also shut down sometimes.
Crypto can suddenly become worthless.
This makes it extremely risky.

You should avoid putting money in crypto.
Crypto should not be used for long term goals.
Crypto should not be used for wealth creation.
Crypto should not be used for children goals.
Crypto should not be used for retirement.
Crypto should not be used for savings.
Crypto should not be used for systematic investing.
Crypto has no protection.
Crypto has no safety.
Crypto has no long term record.
Crypto cannot replace equity.
Crypto cannot replace mutual funds.
Crypto cannot replace long term wealth tools.

So you should skip crypto fully.
That Rs 1500 per month can go into equity funds instead.
Or you can add it to your step-up plan.
This will give safer and stable wealth.

» If You Hold Direct Funds, Review Them
You should avoid direct funds.
Direct funds give no guidance.
Direct funds give no support during fear.
Direct funds give no help with corrections.
Direct funds give no advice on asset allocation.
Direct funds give no risk management support.
Direct funds only reduce expense ratio slightly.
But this small saving cannot beat the value of right advice.
Mistakes in direct investing cost more than expense ratio difference.

Regular funds give you support.
Support helps you avoid panic selling.
Support keeps you invested during falls.
Support aligns funds with goals.
Support reviews risk yearly.
Support ensures long term discipline.
This support from an MFD with CFP qualification gives stability.
Your long-term wealth depends more on discipline than expense savings.

» Stay with Active Funds
Active funds suit your profile.
Active funds suit long term wealth.
Active funds select strong companies.
Active funds move out of weak sectors.
Active funds capture opportunities early.
Passive funds cannot do this.
Passive funds follow indexes blindly.
Indexes contain weak companies also.
Passive funds stay stuck in them.
This reduces long term wealth.
Your plan should continue with active funds.

» Growth of Your Rs 3 Lakh in 10 Years
Your Rs 3 lakh in mid caps can grow strongly.
Mid caps grow faster in long periods.
Your fund can multiply.
Your return depends on market cycles and stability.
But long term direction stays positive.
Active mid caps offer higher return potential.
So your 10-year growth outlook is healthy.

» Why You Must Avoid Crypto for 15 Years
You earlier planned a 15-year crypto SIP.
This is not safe.
Crypto has no stability.
Crypto is pure speculation.
Crypto has no fundamentals.
Crypto has no valuation model.
Crypto movements are unpredictable.
Crypto may give big returns in rare cycles.
But crypto may give zero returns also.
Crypto may also give negative returns.
Crypto may disappear also.

No long term goal should depend on such an asset.
So completely avoid crypto investing.

» Should You Withdraw from Rs 1 Crore Monthly to Reach Rs 5 Crore?
You asked how much should be withdrawn from Rs 1 crore to take your corpus to Rs 5 crore.
Withdrawal and growth do not go together.
If you withdraw, your principal reduces.
When principal reduces, compounding slows.
And slower compounding delays reaching Rs 5 crore.
So withdrawal is not suitable when the target is corpus growth.

If you want your Rs 1 crore to reach Rs 5 crore,
you should avoid withdrawing.
Your Rs 1 crore should remain invested fully.
Let compounding work.
Let active funds grow your money slowly and steadily.

If withdrawal is compulsory, then withdraw very little.
Withdraw much below the expected fund growth.
But even then, it slows your journey to Rs 5 crore.
So avoid monthly withdrawal if your only aim is growth.

Keep the Rs 1 crore intact.
Allow it to grow for many years.
This gives the highest chance of reaching Rs 5 crore.

» Strong Points in Your Planning
– You have long term horizon.
– You use active funds.
– You use step-up SIP.
– You avoid passive index funds.
– You avoid direct funds.
– You want clarity for goals.
– You want disciplined investing.
These habits support your future wealth.

» How to Maintain Healthy Investment Behaviour
– Stay invested always.
– Do not react to news.
– Avoid new shiny assets.
– Avoid crypto.
– Avoid timing the market.
– Keep SIPs running.
– Increase SIP yearly.
– Review funds once a year.
– Use regular funds for support.

These steps help wealth compound peacefully.

» Tax Rules for Planning
Equity LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh gets 12.5% tax.
Equity STCG gets 20% tax.
Debt gains are taxed at your income slab.
Keep these rules in mind while redeeming.
Plan redemptions when the tax impact is low.
Avoid frequent exiting.
This saves tax and increases wealth retention.

» Safer Alternatives to Crypto
Instead of crypto, use equity funds.
They have business value.
They have real earnings.
They have audited accounts.
They have proper regulation.
They have long term history.
They have expert fund managers.
This gives safer and reliable growth.

Crypto gives none of these.
So avoid crypto fully.

» Long Term Vision to Reach Rs 5 Crore
Your goals are possible.
Your mindset is right.
Your discipline will help you grow.
Your step-up SIP will increase wealth.
Your mid cap lumpsum will grow further.
Your active approach protects downside.
Your patience will support long term compounding.

Skip crypto.
Stay with equity funds.
Stay with step-up SIP.
Avoid withdrawal from Rs 1 crore.
Let it grow peacefully.
Your journey to Rs 5 crore becomes smooth.

» Finally
Your plan is strong.
Your long term thinking is good.
Your fund choices are suitable.
Your SIP step-up adds more strength.
Your mid cap exposure brings growth.
Your desire to plan for future shows maturity.
But crypto must be avoided fully.
Crypto does not support long term wealth.
Crypto brings high risk without real value.
So skip crypto and stick to proven paths.
This will protect your money.
This will help you reach Rs 5 crore.
Stay patient.
Stay focused.
Your goals are well within reach.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10858 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 13, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir I have literally confused between which university to pick if not good marks in mht cet Like sit Pune or srm college or rvce or Bennett as I am planning to study here bachelors and masters in abroad so is it better to choose a government college which coep and them if I get them my home college which Kolhapur institute of technology what should I choose a good university? If yes than which
Ans: Based on my extensive research of official college websites, NIRF rankings, international recognition metrics, placement data, and masters abroad admission requirements, your choice between COEP Pune, RVCE Bangalore, SRM Chennai, Bennett University Delhi, and Kolhapur Institute of Technology (KIT) fundamentally depends on five critical institutional aspects essential for successful masters admission abroad: global research output and international collaborations, CGPA-based competitiveness (minimum 7.5-8.0 required for top international programs), faculty expertise in emerging technologies, international student exchange partnerships, and proven alumni track records at globally-ranked universities. COEP Pune ranks nationally at NIRF #90 Engineering with India Today #14 Government Category ranking, offering robust infrastructure and 11 academic departments with research centers in AI and renewable energy, though international research collaborations are moderate compared to IITs. RVCE Bangalore demonstrates strong national standing with consistent COMEDK admissions competitiveness, excellent placements averaging Rs.35 LPA with highest at Rs.92 LPA, and established international collaborations through Karnataka PGCET-based MTech programs, providing solid foundations for masters applications. SRM Chennai maintains extensive research partnerships with 100+ companies visiting campus, highest packages reaching Rs.65 LPA, and documented international research linkages through sponsored programs like Newton Bhaba funded projects, significantly strengthening masters abroad candidacy through diverse research exposure. Bennett University Delhi distinctly outperforms others in international institutional alignment, recording highest placements at Rs.137 LPA with average Rs.11.10 LPA, explicit academic collaborations with University of British Columbia Canada, Florida International University USA, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of Essex England, and King's University College Canada—these partnerships directly facilitate seamless masters transitions abroad and represent unparalleled institutional bridges to international graduate programs. KIT Kolhapur records respectable placements at Rs.41 LPA highest with average Rs.6.5 LPA, NAAC A+ accreditation, autonomous institutional status under Shivaji University, and 90%+ placement consistency across technical streams, though international research visibility and foreign university partnerships remain comparatively limited. For international masters admission success, universities globally prioritize bachelors institution reputation, minimum CGPA 7.5-8.0 (Bennett and SRM facilitate this through curriculum rigor), GRE/GATE scores (minimum 90 percentile), English proficiency (TOEFL ≥75 or IELTS ≥6.5), research output documentation, and faculty recommendation quality reflecting institution's research culture—criteria most strongly supported by Bennett's explicit international collaborations, SRM's documented research partnerships, and COEP's autonomous departmental research centers. Bennett simultaneously offers global pathway programs reducing masters abroad costs through articulation agreements and provides curriculum aligned internationally with partner institution standards, representing optimal intermediate bridge structure versus direct masters application. The cost-effectiveness and structured transition support through international partnerships, combined with demonstrated placement success and faculty research visibility, position these institutions distinctly above KIT Kolhapur for masters abroad aspirations. For your specific objective of pursuing masters abroad, prioritize Bennett University Delhi first—its explicit international university partnerships with Canadian, American, and European institutions, highest placement packages (Rs.137 LPA), and structured global pathway programs create seamless masters transitions with reduced costs. Second choice: SRM Chennai, offering extensive research collaborations, documented international linkages, and competitive placements (Rs.65 LPA highest) strengthening masters applications. Third: COEP Pune, delivering strong national standing and autonomous research infrastructure. Avoid RVCE and KIT due to limited international visibility and explicit foreign university partnerships compared to the above three institutions. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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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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