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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 17, 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 Jan 12, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir, I am investing in SIP since last 5years and presently below are the SIP's. 1. PARAG PARIKH FLEXI CAP FUND - GROWTH - 15000, 2. SBI FOCUSED EQUITY FUND REGULAR GROWTH -5000 ,3. Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund - 25000 , 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: You've got a diverse portfolio with exposure to flexi-cap, focused equity, large cap, and mid-cap funds, which is a good start. Given your goals and current investments, consider increasing the SIP amounts gradually to keep pace with inflation. For your daughter's education and marriage, consider adding a child-specific mutual fund or a separate investment plan targeting these goals. For retirement, diversify into debt funds or balanced funds as you approach retirement age for stability. For the house goal, consider adding a short-term debt fund to protect the principal. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to align with your goals and market conditions. Consulting a financial planner would provide personalized guidance.
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  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

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

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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!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 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

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
Money
Greetings!!!! I am 43 years Old, I had started 10k per month TATA AIA SIP in previous year for total 7years Plan. I want to education plan for my 1 kid who is 6 years old now. Please advice and guide me about more investments plan, as i am still confused about future growth and any plan for my wife age 38years.
Ans: You're at a critical financial stage. Planning for your child’s education and securing your family’s future are both top priorities. You've already started a ULIP, which is a start. But let’s take a deeper 360-degree view of your situation.

Below is a detailed plan, broken into simple sections for better clarity.



Assessment of Your Current ULIP Investment

You're investing Rs. 10,000 per month in a 7-year ULIP.



ULIPs mix insurance with investment. That reduces the growth power of your money.



Charges like premium allocation, fund management, and mortality charges reduce returns.



Your actual invested amount is much lower in the first few years.



ULIPs have limited flexibility in fund switching and partial withdrawal rules.



Maturity benefits are taxed if the annual premium exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh. Be cautious of this.



A ULIP is not ideal for education goals or long-term wealth building.



As a Certified Financial Planner, I suggest surrendering this policy and moving funds to mutual funds.



You can continue till 5 years to avoid surrender charges if already started.



But do not renew after the 7-year term. Don't increase contributions in this ULIP.



Planning for Your Child’s Higher Education

Your child is 6 years old. You have around 11-12 years.



College education in India or abroad can cost Rs. 30–60 lakhs or more.



Instead of ULIPs, invest in diversified mutual funds. This will give better inflation-adjusted returns.



Use a mix of large cap, flexi cap and small cap mutual funds.



Start SIPs in these funds with a long-term horizon of 10-12 years.



You may also consider goal-based child education funds that are actively managed.



Don't invest in direct funds. They look cheaper, but don’t offer guidance.



Always invest through a Certified Financial Planner via a regular plan.



Your investment will stay aligned with your goal as the planner will guide with rebalancing.



Use a dedicated SIP only for child’s education goal. Don’t merge it with retirement planning.



Suggested Action Plan for Child’s Education

Shift future contributions from ULIP to SIPs in active funds.



Start with Rs. 20,000 per month SIP only for education.



Review this SIP every year and increase it by 10%-15% annually.



Add lump sums like bonuses or yearly increments into the same goal fund.



In the last 2 years before the education goal, shift to debt funds slowly.



This will protect your accumulated amount from equity volatility.



Investment Plan for Your Wife (Age 38)

She has a long horizon. She can invest for both retirement and her independent needs.



Open a separate mutual fund folio in her name.



Start SIPs in flexi cap, large & midcap, and hybrid funds in regular plans.



You can start with Rs. 10,000 per month and increase gradually.



You may also use her PPF account for additional tax-free corpus.



Avoid investing in gold, insurance policies, or real estate for her.



Ensure she has her own health insurance and a term insurance if she’s working.



If she’s not working, then create an emergency fund in her name.



That gives her independence and safety if she needs cash.



Family Protection with Insurance

You did not mention your term cover. You must have it if not already.



Ideal cover should be 15–20 times your yearly income.



ULIPs or LIC endowment policies should not be considered for protection.



Avoid investment-linked insurance plans. Keep insurance and investment separate.



Review your existing insurance covers. Add riders like critical illness and accident if needed.



Tax Efficient Planning

Use Section 80C wisely. Don’t just rely on ULIP or LIC plans.



Max out PPF, ELSS mutual funds, and children tuition for tax saving.



Invest in actively managed ELSS funds for better returns than ULIPs.



Avoid index funds for tax planning. They may underperform in volatile markets.



Debt funds are taxed as per slab now. Use carefully if short horizon.



Track capital gains if you sell mutual funds. Use new tax rules for equity funds:



  - LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

  

  - STCG taxed at 20%



Plan redemptions well in advance to manage taxes efficiently.



Retirement Planning (For You and Wife)

Start a separate SIP for your retirement corpus. Do not merge with other goals.



You have 17 years for retirement. That’s good for wealth accumulation.



Invest in a mix of actively managed flexi-cap and large-cap funds.



Add hybrid funds to reduce volatility as you near retirement.



Continue EPF, and increase VPF if possible. It is tax-free and safe.



Don't consider NPS if liquidity is important. Maturity rules are rigid.



Use mutual funds with regular advice to stay on track till age 60.



Exit ULIPs and Poor Insurance Products

You mentioned TATA AIA ULIP. Continue for 5 years to avoid penalty.



After that, exit and move funds to SIP in mutual funds.



If you or wife have LIC endowment, Jeevan Saral, or ULIPs, surrender them.



Reinvest maturity amount into SIPs in regular mutual fund plans.



Do not fall for insurance agents who pitch plans as tax saving or guaranteed.



Emergency Fund and Liquidity

Keep at least 6 months of family expenses in a liquid mutual fund.



Don’t use your SIP or education fund as emergency source.



You may open a separate savings bank linked sweep account for this.



This fund will help if there is any job loss, health issue, or urgent need.



What Not to Do

Don’t invest in new ULIPs or insurance-linked plans.



Avoid direct mutual fund investments. You won’t get guided rebalancing.



Do not use your child’s education fund for house down payment.



Don’t pick index funds. They underperform in sideways or bear markets.



Don’t buy land or gold as an investment for your goals.



Final Insights

You are at a very strategic life stage. You have time and income strength.



ULIPs will not help you grow wealth. Shift to goal-based mutual fund SIPs.



Separate goals: child education, your retirement, wife’s security, and emergencies.



Invest only through a Certified Financial Planner for customised long-term support.



Review all goals every year. Increase SIPs with income.



Protect family with pure term insurance and health insurance.



Focus on building wealth in regular mutual funds, not through insurance products.



Real financial freedom comes when goals are funded without stress.



You have a clear head start. Use it with discipline and right guidance.



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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