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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7167 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 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
Kambhampati Question by Kambhampati on Jul 27, 2023Hindi
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I am investing Rs 5000/ by way of SIP to these funds for a 5 year long corpus Tata India Tax Savings Fund Regular Growth ELSS Motilal Oswal Large and Midcap Fund Regular Growth Large & Mid Cap Tata Small Cap Fund Regular Growth Small Cap Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund Regular Growth Small Cap PGIM India ELSS Tax Saver Fund RegularPayout Inc Dist cum Cap Wdrl ELSS Mahindra Manulife Multi Cap Fund Regular Plan Growth Multi Cap Mirae Asset Midcap Fund Regular Growth Mid Cap Mahindra Manulife ELSS Fund Regular Plan Growth ELSS Invesco India Smallcap Fund Regular Growth Small Cap Parag Parikh Tax Saver Fund Regular Growth ELSS Motilal Oswal Long Term Equity Fund Regular Plan Growth ELSS Mirae Asset Tax Saver Fund -Regular Plan-Growth ELSS Kotak Multicap Fund Regular Growth Multi Cap HSBC Multi Cap Fund Regular Growth Multi Cap Nippon India Flexi Cap Fund Regular Growth Flexi Cap Should i continue or discontinue or switch to some other ?

Ans: Assessing Your Current Investment Portfolio

It's commendable that you've initiated Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in a diverse range of funds for a potential 5-year corpus. As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I'll evaluate your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial objectives and risk tolerance.

Evaluating Fund Selections

Your selection includes a mix of ELSS, large & mid-cap, small-cap, and multi-cap funds, showcasing a well-diversified approach. Each fund category serves a specific purpose in portfolio construction, offering exposure to different segments of the market.

Analyzing Fund Performance and Consistency

While past performance is not indicative of future returns, it's essential to assess the historical performance of your chosen funds. Consistency in performance across market cycles is crucial, indicating the fund manager's ability to navigate varying market conditions effectively.

Considering Fund Overlaps and Diversification

Reviewing your portfolio for potential overlaps is essential to ensure adequate diversification. Overlapping holdings across funds may lead to concentration risk, undermining the benefits of diversification. As a CFP, I emphasize the importance of spreading investments across diverse asset classes and fund categories.

Assessing Expense Ratios and Fund Management

Expense ratios play a significant role in long-term returns, impacting the overall profitability of your investments. While direct plans may offer lower expense ratios, opting for regular plans through Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) with a CFP credential ensures access to professional advice and ongoing portfolio management.

Examining Tax Efficiency and ELSS Selections

ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, making them a popular choice for tax planning. However, it's essential to evaluate the performance and consistency of ELSS funds alongside their tax-saving benefits to ensure optimal returns over the investment horizon.

Reviewing Fund Manager Expertise and Stability

Fund manager expertise and stability are critical factors influencing fund performance. Assessing the track record and tenure of fund managers can provide insights into their investment philosophy and approach. Consistent fund management is essential for delivering long-term returns aligned with your financial goals.

Considering Market Conditions and Economic Outlook

While past performance and fund selection are crucial, it's equally essential to consider prevailing market conditions and the broader economic outlook. As a CFP, I recommend staying informed about macroeconomic trends and adjusting your investment strategy accordingly to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks.

Making Informed Investment Decisions

In conclusion, while your current investment portfolio demonstrates diversification and a strategic approach, periodic review and adjustments may be necessary to optimize returns and mitigate risks. As a CFP, I encourage you to consult with your financial advisor to assess the suitability of your investments and make informed decisions aligned with your long-term financial goals.

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 Kalirajan  |7167 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

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I am investing in following funds through SIP 1. HDFC top 200 Regular Growth since 2010 Rs. 3000 2. ICICI PRUDENTIAL LARGE & MIDCAP FUND GROWTH SINCE 2014 Rs. 2000 3. BANDHAN FLEXICAP FUND-GROWTH SINCE 2011 Rs. 2000 4. BSL FRONTLINE EQUITY FUND - GROWTH SINCE 2010 Rs. 3000 (STOPPED SIP IN 2020) 5. MIRAE ASSET BLUECHIP FUND - GROWTH SINCE 2021 Rs. 2500 6. HDFC FLEXI CAP - GROWTH SINCE 2022 Rs. 5500 PLEASE ADVICE ME WHETHER I SHOULD CONTINUE WITH THESE FUNDS OR EXIT. I FURTHER WANT TO INVEST Rs. 15000 MORE. PLEASE SUGGEST WHETHER I SHOULD INCREASE SIP AMOUNT IN THESE FUNDS OR START SIP IN NEW FUND
Ans: Assessing Your Mutual Fund Investments and Planning for the Future

Your portfolio demonstrates a disciplined approach to mutual fund investing over the years. Let's evaluate your current holdings and chart a course for future investments.

Analyzing Existing SIPs

HDFC Top 200, ICICI Prudential Large & Midcap, and Bandhan Flexicap Funds have been part of your investment journey for several years. These funds offer exposure to different market segments, providing diversification benefits.

BSL Frontline Equity Fund, while stopped in 2020, has a long track record of performance. It's essential to review the reasons for discontinuing this SIP and assess whether it aligns with your current investment strategy.

Mirae Asset Bluechip Fund and HDFC Flexi Cap Fund, initiated more recently, contribute to diversification and may offer growth potential.

Evaluating Performance and Suitability

Review the performance of each fund relative to its benchmark and peer group. Assess whether the fund manager's investment approach and strategy align with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Consider the consistency of returns, risk-adjusted performance, and fund management quality. Additionally, evaluate the fund's expense ratio and turnover ratio to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Deciding Whether to Continue or Exit

Continue SIPs in funds with consistent performance, robust fundamentals, and alignment with your investment goals.

Consider exiting funds that consistently underperform their benchmarks or peers, have experienced significant changes in fund management, or deviate from your risk profile.

Planning Additional Investments

Given your intention to invest an additional Rs. 15,000, consider the following options:

Increase SIP amounts in existing funds with proven track records and growth potential. This approach maintains continuity and capitalizes on the strengths of your current portfolio.

Explore new funds that complement your existing holdings and provide exposure to underrepresented sectors or asset classes. Conduct thorough research and seek professional advice to identify suitable options.

Seeking Professional Guidance

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend conducting a comprehensive portfolio review to ensure alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Regular monitoring and periodic adjustments are essential to optimize your investment outcomes.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7167 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 19, 2024

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Sir, I have SIPs in following fund: 1) ICICI Pru Bluechip Fund - Rs. 2000; 2) Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund - Rs. 1000; 3) HSBC Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 2000; 4) Nippon Small Cap Fund - Rs. 1000; 5) ICICI Pru Flexicap Fund - Rs. 2000; 6) HDFC Flexicap Fund - Rs. 2000; 7) ICICI Nifty IT Index Fund - Rs. 1000; 8) Motilal S&P 500 Fund - Rs. 1000; 9) Nippon India Silver ETF FOF - Rs. 1000. Should I continue?
Ans: Your disciplined approach to investing through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) is commendable. Diversifying across various fund categories shows a thoughtful strategy. Let’s analyse your portfolio in detail.

Large Cap Funds
You have investments in two large cap funds. These funds focus on established companies, providing stability and moderate growth.

Large cap funds are generally less volatile and offer steady returns, making them suitable for long-term goals.

Mid Cap and Small Cap Funds
Your portfolio includes mid cap and small cap funds. Mid cap funds invest in medium-sized companies, which can offer higher growth potential but come with increased risk.

Small cap funds invest in smaller companies, which are riskier but have significant growth potential.

Flexicap Funds
You have SIPs in two flexicap funds. Flexicap funds provide flexibility by investing across large, mid, and small cap stocks. This diversification within a single fund can enhance returns and reduce risk.

Sector and Thematic Funds
The inclusion of a sector-specific fund, like the Nifty IT Index Fund, and a thematic fund, like the Motilal S&P 500 Fund, adds diversity. However, these funds can be volatile as they are concentrated in specific sectors or themes.

Commodity-Based Fund
Your portfolio includes the Nippon India Silver ETF Fund of Funds (FOF). Commodity-based funds can provide diversification, but they can be volatile and are influenced by market demand and global trends.

Portfolio Overlap and Concentration
While your portfolio is diversified, it is essential to assess the overlap. Multiple funds investing in similar sectors or companies can lead to redundancy.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and ETFs
Index funds and ETFs track a specific index and replicate its performance. They cannot outperform the market since they lack active management.

Actively managed funds, on the other hand, aim to beat the market through strategic decisions and dynamic adjustments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have experienced managers who strive to outperform the market. They can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions and select high-potential stocks, offering better returns.

Assessing the Need for Rebalancing
Given your portfolio, it may be beneficial to rebalance for optimal performance. Here are some suggestions:

Reduce Overlap: Consider reducing the number of large cap funds to avoid redundancy.

Focus on Quality Funds: Ensure the funds you invest in have a consistent performance record and a good management team.

Reevaluate Sector/Thematic Funds: Assess if the sector and thematic funds align with your risk tolerance and investment goals.

Regular Monitoring and Review
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals. Market conditions change, and periodic adjustments are necessary.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide professional advice tailored to your needs. A CFP can help you select suitable funds, monitor performance, and make necessary adjustments.

Conclusion
Your diversified SIP portfolio shows a thoughtful approach towards long-term wealth creation. With some adjustments and regular reviews, you can enhance your portfolio's performance.

Focus on reducing overlap, prioritising actively managed funds, and aligning your investments with your financial goals. Keep up the good work and continue your disciplined investing.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Hi Madam, I have a 17 years old daughter and have been struggling with an issue for some time now. She takes very long time in bathroom for getting ready. She takes minimum 1.5 hrs daily for getting ready. This includes time spent in teeth brushing,bathing and defecation. When I asked her then she told me she feels like cleaning multiple times and thus it takes time. I have tried multiple ways to ge her to resolve this but none has worked. She is a very sincere, gentle kid and She becomes very aggressive when I try to persist her to solve this. she takes a lot of time in washing, bathing and ends up consuming very high amount of soap. This has had effect on other hygiene related aspects like She developed extreme dryness in skin for which we had to take very long treatment from dermatalogist. The dermatalogist also counselled her many times to use limited amount of soap and fix time for every activity in bathroom. I think it is some form of OCD. It has had effect on other things like studies as she is not able to get ready on time and thus ends up compromising on other activities like eating time, studies time. I have tried to counsel her many times but it has not worked. I told her the problems which start due to this which impact her. I suggested that we meet some professional(like psychologist/psychiatrist/counsellers) but she doesn't agree to it. whenever i say to consult somebody then she says that she will fix it and for 1-2 days it gets a little better but then she goes to her old routine. I don't want to forcibly take her to any professionals as she might develop a complex that she is inferior. 1.How do i handle this issue 2.How do I convince her to meet some professional 3.Which professional should we meet. psychologist or psychiatrist or any other Please suggest what I should do as it is now becoming big problems
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
The challenge is convincing someone who does not want to be convinced.
Probably, you can strike a deal with her; saying that she can set this right her way, but if it does not happen, then you see and work with a professional. That way she would have committed to it herself.
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Hello sir, we have completed 8 months of marriage and still my husband has trust issues about me, like I would have relation or contact with other person but I'm not having any relationship with anyone after marriage and even not connecting to anyone nor any ex person called or contact me from any media or app, . Since then I'm trying to clear my husbands doubt every time he asks me about it ...plzz tell me how do I make him to trust me .
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One of the challenges you face is the need for patience—both with him and with yourself. Reassuring your husband is important, but it’s equally important to create a space for deeper conversations about the root of his insecurities. Have you been able to sit down with him and gently ask what specifically triggers his doubts? You may want to approach this from a place of curiosity and care, without getting defensive. Understanding the underlying causes of his fears can give you both a clearer sense of how to work together to address them.

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In cases where trust issues persist despite your best efforts, it can sometimes be helpful to involve a third party, like a therapist or counselor. It may feel intimidating or unnecessary at first, but professional help can provide a neutral space for both of you to explore deeper issues—whether they are related to past experiences, emotional insecurities, or patterns of behavior. A counselor can also guide you in having more productive conversations and finding healthier ways to cope with these challenges as a couple.

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Kanchan Rai  |415 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 28, 2024

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Hi Kanchan, I am reaching out because I am deeply troubled and need some advice. I was involved in a relationship with a much younger woman (14 years younger) who I developed strong feelings for. We met in 2017 and our relationship deepened in June 2022, involving both emotional and physical intimacy. Unfortunately, the relationship took a negative turn. She began making financial demands and became increasingly manipulative. Over the past two years, I've given her nearly 3 lakhs [for Rent, electricity bill, Food expenses + Other expenses]. After realizing her true intentions, I stopped providing financial support. She recently informed me about a breakup with a previous long-term partner. Shockingly, she got married in February 2024 [ 14th Feb] and is now residing in Ahmedabad, Gujrat. She ran away from Kolkata after extorting money. When I confronted her about the money I had given her, she completely denied any knowledge of it and has blocked me on all social media platforms. She even threatened to share our conversations with my daughter/ relatives if I continued to contact her. I am devastated by this betrayal and the emotional turmoil it has caused. I have saved our chats and her father's address. I am considering sharing her true nature with her friends and family. Is this a wise course of action? Or are there other steps I should take? I know it is easier said than done, but I am struggling to move on from this painful experience. Please offer any guidance you can. Thank you, AS,Kolkata
Ans: it's important to recognize that your emotional pain is valid. The feelings of being manipulated, exploited, and lied to are all real, and it’s okay to mourn the loss of a relationship that you thought had value. However, as tempting as it might be to seek some form of revenge or public exposure of her actions, it’s crucial to ask yourself: what do you really hope to achieve? It’s natural to want justice or closure, but sometimes, seeking to get even only prolongs your suffering. Taking the high road may not feel satisfying in the moment, but it will allow you to reclaim control over your own emotional state and move forward in a healthier way.

Rather than focusing on exposing her, I encourage you to turn your attention inward and prioritize your healing. Healing is not about ignoring the wrongs that have been done, but about freeing yourself from the emotional hold that this situation has on you. This could mean allowing yourself to grieve the loss of not only the relationship but also the trust you gave to someone who ultimately betrayed it. It’s important to recognize that closure doesn't always come from confronting the other person or airing grievances—it can come from within, through self-reflection, and setting the intention to heal and move forward.

I also understand that it’s hard to let go of the desire for accountability, especially when it feels like she’s getting away with something. But the truth is, confronting her may not bring the peace you hope for. It could lead to further conflict, strain your relationships with others, and keep you emotionally entangled with someone who no longer deserves a place in your life. Instead of focusing on her actions, I encourage you to take steps that help you regain your sense of self-worth and emotional security. Reflect on what you've learned from this experience—what boundaries you might want to set in future relationships, and how you can protect your emotional and financial wellbeing moving forward.

Consider seeking support from a counselor or therapist, someone who can provide a safe space for you to process your feelings and help you navigate your next steps. Talking through your emotions with a neutral third party can give you the clarity and emotional tools you need to make decisions that align with your highest good.

Finally, remember that you are not defined by this situation. It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-blame, but you are not responsible for her actions. What matters now is how you move forward, rebuild your sense of trust in yourself, and ensure that you are emotionally supported in the process. This painful chapter doesn’t have to define your future, but how you choose to heal from it can shape the life you want to create moving forward.

Take your time to process this at your own pace, but don’t let the actions of someone else keep you tethered to a painful past. You deserve peace, healing, and a future where you feel empowered and free from this betrayal.

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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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