I have been investing in various mutual funds over last two years. I am currently 32 and plan to continue investing for next 22 years minimum to create substantial corpus for child's future and retired life. Below is my portfolio on monthly, please suggest further:

Axis Blue chip 2000Rs 

Mirae Asset Emerging blue chip fund 3000Rs

Parag parikh cap fund 5000Rs

SBI small cap fund 5000Rs 

Total Amount invested monthly 15000Rs

Also I want to increase every year 1500Rs 

Can you suggest better funds?

Ans: Investing in a children's benefit fund can be a good decision. But you need to assess if it fits your goals.

Your chosen scheme is a hybrid mutual fund. It invests in both equity and debt. This type of fund offers balanced growth and stability.

Let’s evaluate its suitability from different angles.

Understanding Hybrid Mutual Funds for Children's Investment
Hybrid funds invest in a mix of equity and debt.

The equity portion helps in long-term growth.

The debt portion offers stability in market downturns.

This balance makes them less volatile than pure equity funds.

However, hybrid funds may not give the highest returns over the long term.

Factors to Consider Before Investing
1. Investment Goal and Time Horizon
This fund is designed for child-related goals.

If your goal is long-term (10+ years), equity funds may offer better returns.

If your goal is short-term (3-5 years), hybrid funds may be better.

A mix of equity and debt funds may offer more flexibility.

2. Risk-Return Profile
Hybrid funds have lower risk than equity funds.

However, they also deliver lower returns.

If you are comfortable with volatility, equity mutual funds may be better.

If you want moderate growth with less risk, hybrid funds can be considered.

3. Tax Efficiency
Equity-oriented hybrid funds have the same tax rules as equity 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%.

Debt-oriented hybrid funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.

If tax efficiency is a concern, consider equity mutual funds for long-term goals.

Evaluating Lumpsum Investment of Rs 3 Lakh
1. Market Timing Risk
A lumpsum investment carries timing risk.

If the market is at a peak, your returns may be lower.

If the market falls, your portfolio will take a hit.

Instead, you can use a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP).

This allows you to invest gradually, reducing market risk.

2. Alternative: Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
A SIP spreads your investment over time.

This reduces the impact of market fluctuations.

If you want lower risk, consider investing in smaller amounts over time.

3. Liquidity and Accessibility
Mutual funds offer liquidity.

However, some children's investment plans have lock-in periods.

Check the exit load before investing.

Ensure the fund allows withdrawals when needed.

Comparing with Actively Managed Equity Funds
Actively managed equity funds can offer better long-term returns.

These funds are handled by professional fund managers.

They adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

Over long periods, actively managed funds can outperform hybrid funds.

If your child’s goal is more than 10 years away, consider equity funds.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
1. Disadvantages of Direct Plans
Direct plans do not provide guidance from experts.

You need to track and manage your portfolio yourself.

Without professional advice, you may make emotional investment decisions.

Market movements may tempt you to exit at the wrong time.

2. Benefits of Regular Plans with a CFP
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps you align investments with goals.

They guide you in rebalancing and tax planning.

They can help you avoid common investment mistakes.

A CFP can recommend better alternatives if needed.

Alternative Investment Options
1. Flexi Cap and Large Cap Funds
These funds provide long-term capital appreciation.

Large-cap funds invest in stable, well-established companies.

Flexi-cap funds allow fund managers to invest across market caps.

These funds may offer better returns for long-term goals.

2. Small Cap and Mid Cap Funds
Small-cap and mid-cap funds can deliver high growth.

They are riskier but perform well over long periods.

If your risk tolerance is high, you may allocate some funds to these.

3. Debt Funds for Short-Term Goals
If your goal is in 3-5 years, consider debt funds.

They offer stability and predictable returns.

Debt funds have lower tax efficiency but are safer.

Final Insights
Hybrid funds offer balanced risk and return.

They are suitable for medium-term goals (5-8 years).

For long-term goals, equity funds may provide better returns.

Investing Rs 3 lakh in one go carries market timing risk.

Consider SIP or STP to reduce this risk.

Work with a CFP to optimise your investment plan.

Review your portfolio regularly and rebalance if needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Transitioning from a PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) background to engineering can be challenging, especially regarding eligibility criteria related to Mathematics. The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT CET) requires candidates to have completed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects, along with Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Technical, or Vocational subjects. Some colleges may not recognize additional Mathematics qualifications separately. Recommendations include direct communication with prospective engineering colleges, considering enrolling in a Diploma in Engineering and Technology, or pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with Mathematics. Staying informed about changes in eligibility criteria is crucial. All the Best for Your Prosperous Future.

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on ' Education | Jobs | Careers '

Ans: Guddu, An 82 percentile in JEE Main is commendable, but securing admission to top-tier institutions like NITs or IIITs may be challenging. Reputable institutions like Agartala, Meghalaya, IIITM, KIIT, and LPU accept students within this percentile range. Branch selection should consider preferred vs. available branches, alternative paths like NEET preparation, and backup plans. Reflect on strengths, interests, and career aspirations, stay informed about counseling dates, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria, and seek guidance from educators or professionals. Remember, dedication and adaptability are crucial for achieving career objectives. All the Best for Your Prosperous Future.

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on ' Education | Jobs | Careers '

Ans: You can take part in the JAC-Delhi Counselling Process, Saiyam. If your parents can afford it or if you get a scholarship, write 4-5 more entrance tests as backups. This will give you a Plan B and Plan C. If you want to know if you are eligible for GFTI, please read the answer I have been giving to people who have asked the same question based on their percentile score in the January session of JEE-Main.

How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT-Warrangal or any other NITs or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide for you.

Once the January JEE Main session results are declared, many students and JEE applicants start asking common questions about eligibility for specific institutes (NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, etc.) based on their percentile, category, preferred branch, and home state.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, and preparation strategies, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

Ans: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has confirmed that studying Physics through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is permissible for NEET UG examinations, as per the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER) 2023. Students can also study an additional subject from NIOS, provided it is conducted through authorized institutions. Completing Physics through NIOS, along with other state board subjects, meets the eligibility criteria for NEET UG. All the BEST for your Bright Future.

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

Ans: A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is a valuable qualification for a career in the Civil Service. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) helps applicants get into prestigious Indian schools offering this program. Some top options for your daughter through CUET UG Entrance Exam include Lady Shri Ram College for Women in New Delhi, Hindu College, Miranda House, NCR's Indraprastha College for Women, Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, Central University of South Bihar (CUSB), University of Baroda and Vadodara, Cotton University in Guwahati, Sharda University in Greater Noida, and SRM Institute of Science and Technology in Chennai. All the BEST for your Daughter's Bright Future.

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

Ans: Hello;

Answer to your question would be probably yes but it comes with a whole list of terms and conditions which the lady has to fulfill so as to receive the pension.

You may check Karnataka Govt pension office or website for further details.

Best wishes;

Ans: Hello dear.
You did not mention the category. Assuming that you are from OC, with 97.7 %tile, you have little chance the admission to NITs but surely in IIITs. Choose the IIIT suit to your criterion. You can opt for IIIT Hyderabad as an option for better placement and career opportunities. Best of luck to you.

Follow me if you like my reply else ask again.
Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello;

In debt market keep one golden rule in mind:

Return of Capital is more important than Return on Capital.

DHFL was a AAA rated NCD before it suddenly went into bankruptcy. Similar is the case with bonds of private, co-operative banks, nbfcs and credit societies.

The rate on MIS may be lower but you can sleep peacefully because your money is safe(sovereign rating).

Never chase returns but safety of capital in debt instruments.

Best wishes;