Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 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
sumanta Question by sumanta on Apr 17, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Hi Sir, I am investing in SIP since last 5years and presently below are the SIP's. 1. PARAG PARIKH FLEXI CAP FUND - GROWTH - 20000, 2. SBI FOCUSED EQUITY FUND REGULAR GROWTH -5000 ,3. Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund - 20000 , 4. Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fun - 5000 , 5. Mirae Asset Large Cap - 10000 6. AXIS MIDCAP FUND - 10000 . Apart from SIP , PPF and SSY - 1.5lakh /year each With the SIP's any modification required please suggest. and my goal plan is as my daughter aged 5years now for her Education ,marriage and self retirements after 20 years and a house of 50lakhs at 2030. can it be ok . give more idea on this financial planning base on my goal.

Ans: It's fantastic to see your dedication to investing and planning for your future and your daughter's. Let's dive into your current SIP portfolio and goal planning:
• Firstly, kudos on maintaining a disciplined approach to SIP investing over the past five years. Consistency is key!
• Your SIP portfolio consists of a mix of flexi-cap, large-cap, mid-cap, and focused equity funds, providing diversification across market segments.
• Additionally, investing in PPF and SSY reflects your commitment to long-term savings and securing your daughter's future.
Now, let's focus on your goals:
• Education & Marriage: Allocating funds for your daughter's education and marriage is crucial. Consider estimating the future expenses for these goals and adjusting your investment allocations accordingly.
• Retirement: Planning for your retirement after 20 years is wise. Ensure your investment portfolio aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. Regularly review and adjust your investments as needed.
• Home Purchase: Saving for a house by 2030 is a significant goal. Factor in inflation and property price trends while estimating the required corpus. You may need to increase your savings rate or explore additional investment avenues.
Here are some additional pointers:
• Regular Review: Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance.
• Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses to handle unforeseen financial challenges.
• Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to fine-tune your financial plan and receive personalized advice tailored to your goals and circumstances.
Remember, financial planning is a dynamic process, and adjustments may be needed along the way. Keep up the good work, and if you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. You're on the right track to financial success!
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 17, 2024

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 10, 2024Hindi
Money
Dear Jinal Mehta, I am 44 years old, Please review my SIP plans which I started to invest last 6 months goal to have healthy kids educational they are at the age 12 and 3 years old Kindly let me know ether I need to change plan or amount to have good corpus amount to 3-5 crore in next 15 years. Let me with current investment what kind of amount I can achieve. SIP Plans as given below and investing 5K each. Quant Small cap Nippon Small cap SBI Small cap Kotak Emerging Equity Mid cap Quant large and Mid cap Motilal Oswal Mid cap. Please advise. Thanks with regards.
Ans: Reviewing your SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) strategy and goals is essential for ensuring you are on the right path to achieving your financial objectives. You have a well-diversified portfolio focusing on small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap funds. However, let's take a closer look to ensure your investments align with your goal of accumulating a corpus of Rs 3-5 crore in the next 15 years for your children's education.

Understanding Your Current Portfolio
You are investing Rs 30,000 monthly across six different funds:

Quant Small Cap
Nippon Small Cap
SBI Small Cap
Kotak Emerging Equity Mid Cap
Quant Large and Mid Cap
Motilal Oswal Mid Cap
Your portfolio is diversified across small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap funds, which is a good strategy for long-term growth. However, it's important to assess the performance, risk, and potential returns of these funds.

Evaluating Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds tend to have higher growth potential but also come with increased volatility and risk. You are investing in three small-cap funds, which may expose you to significant market fluctuations. While this can be beneficial in a bull market, it could be detrimental during market downturns.

Consider reducing your exposure to small-cap funds and reallocating some of your investments to more stable options within your mid-cap or large-cap funds. This will help balance your risk and potentially provide more consistent returns.

Assessing Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds offer a balance between growth and stability. They typically provide higher returns than large-cap funds but with less volatility than small-cap funds. You have chosen Kotak Emerging Equity Mid Cap and Motilal Oswal Mid Cap, which are strong contenders in this category.

It's essential to monitor the performance of these funds regularly. Look at their historical returns, fund manager's track record, and consistency in performance. If they continue to perform well, they can be a core part of your portfolio.

Analyzing Large and Mid-Cap Funds
The Quant Large and Mid Cap fund provides exposure to both large-cap and mid-cap stocks. This mix can offer a good balance of stability and growth. Large-cap stocks provide stability and steady returns, while mid-cap stocks offer growth potential.

Ensure that this fund aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals. If it shows consistent performance, it can be a reliable part of your portfolio.

Adjusting Your Investment Strategy
Given your goal of accumulating Rs 3-5 crore in 15 years, let's consider the potential growth of your current investments. Assuming an average annual return of 12% (a reasonable expectation for a diversified equity portfolio), we can estimate the future value of your investments.

Based on the current monthly SIP of Rs 30,000:

In 15 years, the estimated corpus would be approximately Rs 1.5 crore.
This amount is significantly lower than your target of Rs 3-5 crore. To bridge this gap, you might need to increase your monthly investment.

Increasing Your SIP Amount
To achieve a corpus of Rs 3-5 crore, you need to increase your monthly SIP. Here's an estimate of the required monthly investment:

To reach Rs 3 crore in 15 years, you would need to invest approximately Rs 60,000 per month.
To reach Rs 5 crore in 15 years, you would need to invest approximately Rs 1,00,000 per month.
These estimates assume an average annual return of 12%. Adjusting your SIP amount to these levels will significantly enhance your chances of achieving your financial goals.

The Importance of Consistent Monitoring
It's crucial to review and monitor your investments regularly. Financial markets are dynamic, and the performance of mutual funds can change over time. Regular reviews help ensure your investments are on track to meet your goals.

Consider seeking the advice of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized guidance based on your financial situation and goals. A CFP can help you make informed decisions, adjust your investment strategy as needed, and provide peace of mind.

Diversifying Across Different Asset Classes
While you have a well-diversified portfolio within equity funds, it's also wise to consider other asset classes for overall financial stability. Diversifying across different asset classes like debt funds, gold, and other fixed-income instruments can provide stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
You may have heard about investing in direct funds to save on expense ratios. However, direct funds come with their disadvantages:

Lack of Professional Guidance: Investing directly means you won't have the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner to guide you.
Time and Effort: Managing and monitoring investments on your own can be time-consuming and challenging.
Risk of Mistakes: Without professional guidance, there's a higher risk of making uninformed decisions that could impact your returns.
Benefits of Regular Funds through a CFP
Investing in regular funds through a CFP offers several benefits:

Expert Advice: A CFP provides personalized advice based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Portfolio Management: Regular monitoring and adjustments to your portfolio ensure it remains aligned with your goals.
Peace of Mind: Professional guidance gives you confidence that your investments are on the right track.
The Role of Financial Planning in Achieving Goals
Financial planning goes beyond just selecting the right mutual funds. It involves comprehensive planning to ensure all aspects of your finances are in order. This includes:

Retirement Planning: Ensuring you have enough savings and investments to enjoy a comfortable retirement.
Insurance Planning: Protecting your family and assets with adequate insurance coverage.
Tax Planning: Minimizing tax liabilities through efficient tax planning strategies.
Estate Planning: Ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
A holistic approach to financial planning helps you achieve all your financial goals and provides financial security for you and your family.


We understand the importance of providing quality education for your children. It's a noble goal and one that requires careful planning and dedication. Your proactive approach to investing through SIPs shows your commitment to securing your children's future.


You've made a great start by investing in mutual funds and seeking advice on how to improve your strategy. Your dedication to building a substantial corpus for your children's education is commendable. It's clear you are focused on their future and willing to take the necessary steps to ensure their success.

Final Insights
In conclusion, you are on the right track with your SIP investments. However, to achieve your goal of Rs 3-5 crore in 15 years, you need to increase your monthly SIP amount. Diversify your investments, reduce exposure to high-risk small-cap funds, and seek professional guidance from a Certified Financial Planner. Regular reviews and adjustments to your portfolio will ensure you stay on track to meet your financial goals. Your dedication and proactive approach will undoubtedly benefit your children's future education.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Money
Hello Sir, I am 38 years old and my wife is 37. We have 2 kids (1 boy 9 yr, 2nd boy 3 yr). My current investments are as below: I am swedish citizen, so I will always have to pay 30% tax on any profit as per sweden rules (If i pay 10% LTCG in india, then I have to pay remaining 20% in Sweden). Monthly in hand salary : 3L INR Home Loan : 75L (60L remaining) 75000/month EMI, loan will finish in next 6 years. Birla Sun life Classic Life Plan (Started Feb 2011, for kids education): Quarterly 15000 Aegon Life Guaranteed Income Advantage Insurance Plan (started Jan 2018, for kids education) : Yearly 97000 SIPs : (All Direct Growth) Parag Parikh flexi cap : 3000 Axis bluechip : 3000 Axis smallcap : 2000 Nippon smallcap : 5000 Tata Digital India : 1500 Mirae LArgecap & Midcap Fund : 2500 Total : 17000/month Question 1: I have capacity and want to increase my SIPs to 50000/month. Can you please help me with financial planning and review SIP portfolio and guide on which ones I can keep and which ones to replace by what fund, and which ones to increase sip amount. My risk capacity is medium to higher. My recent interest of funds are momentum fund, PSU fund, defense fund.
Ans: You are already moving in the right direction.

Your structured approach and commitment to family goals are truly appreciated.

Let’s now build a 360-degree financial roadmap for you and your family.

We will review your existing SIPs, identify gaps, and plan for your future goals.

Your medium to high risk profile allows better flexibility in portfolio construction.

Understanding Your Financial Position

Your monthly income is Rs 3 lakhs.

Home loan EMI is Rs 75,000, and the loan will close in 6 years.

You currently invest Rs 17,000 per month via SIPs.

You have two insurance-cum-investment policies.

You want to increase your SIPs to Rs 50,000 per month.

Your investment interest is in momentum, PSU, and defense-related funds.

You are a Swedish citizen, and subject to 30% tax on capital gains globally.

Existing SIP Portfolio – Detailed Assessment

Let’s review each SIP with a focus on performance and relevance to your goals.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund – A well-diversified, stable long-term option.

Axis Bluechip Fund – Inconsistent performance recently. You may consider exiting it.

Axis Small Cap Fund – Has shown good growth. Volatile but suitable for higher risk appetite.

Nippon India Small Cap Fund – Aggressive fund, good past performance. Suitable for long term.

Tata Digital India Fund – Sector-specific. Good in bull phases, but high risk due to concentration.

Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund – Balanced option with strong historical performance.

Insurance-Cum-Investment Policies – Need Re-evaluation

You are paying premiums for two policies:

Birla Sun Life Classic Life Plan – Started in 2011. Returns from such plans are often lower.

Aegon Guaranteed Income Plan – Likely gives low returns and limited flexibility.

Insurance policies with investment features often provide poor growth.

They also lock your money for long periods.

Consider surrendering these policies.

Reinvest the proceeds in mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

It will offer better growth potential and liquidity.

Direct Funds – Should You Continue?

Currently, you invest in direct mutual funds.

These funds seem cheaper, but they lack personalised advice.

You are on your own to review and rebalance regularly.

Also, direct funds don't offer emotional coaching during market corrections.

A Certified Financial Planner can guide you better with regular funds.

You get tailored advice and better investment discipline.

Better investment decisions matter more than lower expense ratios.

Consider moving from direct funds to regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Important Note on Index Funds and ETFs

Though many investors talk about index funds, they are not ideal for all.

They just copy an index. No professional decision-making happens.

They don’t adapt to changing market conditions.

Actively managed funds offer better flexibility.

Fund managers adjust holdings based on opportunities and risks.

In your case, active funds suit better than index funds or ETFs.

Your goals need smarter allocation, not just cheaper options.

Optimised SIP Plan – Suggested Allocation (Total Rs 50,000/Month)

Here is a recommended structure for your new SIP amount:

Rs 10,000 – Diversified Flexi Cap Fund (keep Parag Parikh or another strong one)

Rs 10,000 – Actively Managed Large Cap Fund (replace Axis Bluechip)

Rs 7,500 – Axis Small Cap Fund

Rs 7,500 – Nippon India Small Cap Fund

Rs 5,000 – Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund

Rs 5,000 – Sectoral/Theme Fund (Digital, PSU, or Defense – limit exposure)

Keep thematic funds under 10-15% of your total SIP.

Children’s Education Planning

You are already investing with children’s education in mind.

But current insurance-based plans may not offer enough returns.

SIPs in equity mutual funds, through regular plans with expert guidance, work better.

Build two separate mutual fund goals – one for each child.

Choose funds based on goal duration and risk comfort.

Review these every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Home Loan Strategy

You have Rs 60 lakhs outstanding on home loan.

Loan will end in 6 years.

You are managing the EMI well.

Avoid using extra funds to prepay aggressively.

Instead, invest surplus in mutual funds for better wealth creation.

Use SIPs to grow your corpus faster than loan savings.

Let compounding work for you.

Taxation – India vs Sweden

As a Swedish citizen, your global capital gains are taxed at 30%.

If you pay 10% or 12.5% tax in India, the balance 17.5% or 20% is payable in Sweden.

Be aware of the new mutual fund taxation rules in India:

Equity mutual funds: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Equity mutual funds: STCG taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds: Taxed as per your income slab.

To reduce tax impact, use long-term equity funds.

Avoid short-term exits unless really needed.

Also, use goal-based withdrawals for better control on taxation.

Emergency Fund and Insurance Review

Build an emergency fund equal to 6 months' expenses.

Keep it in liquid mutual funds or savings account.

Ensure you have term life insurance and health insurance.

Your family’s protection must not be compromised.

Do not mix insurance and investment going forward.

Keep them separate for better clarity and performance.

Goal-Based Planning – Create Clear Buckets

Define your key life goals and link investments to each.

Create separate buckets like:

Children’s higher education (10 to 15 years away)

Retirement (20+ years)

Family corpus for emergencies

Overseas visits or lifestyle goals (if any)

This clarity will give direction and reduce confusion.

Also, rebalancing becomes easier every year.

Discipline and Review – Key to Wealth Creation

Start and maintain your SIPs with discipline.

Review your portfolio every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Make adjustments based on fund performance, market cycle, and goal changes.

Avoid frequent switching or chasing returns.

Follow a consistent approach.

This will help your money grow steadily.

Your Interest in Momentum, PSU and Defense Funds

These themes are cyclical and high-risk.

Keep your exposure limited to 10-15% of the total SIP.

Do not over-allocate even if returns look attractive.

Themes can underperform suddenly.

Have patience and diversify with core mutual funds.

Let theme-based funds be supporting characters, not the lead.

Finally

You are financially stable and willing to grow your wealth smartly.

You have a strong income and a long-term mindset.

With expert help from a Certified Financial Planner and proper planning, you can achieve all goals.

Review insurance policies, shift to mutual funds, and increase SIPs wisely.

Avoid direct and index funds. Focus on active funds with professional advice.

Stay invested for the long term with discipline and proper tracking.

Your children’s education, your own retirement, and other family goals will be secured.

You are building a strong foundation. Keep moving forward step by step.

Wishing you wealth, wisdom, and well-being.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |676 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
Relationship
My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x