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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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
Madhu Question by Madhu on May 04, 2024Hindi
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Kindly review my monthly SIP portfolio for long term 10 years: UTI NIFTY 50 index fund direct growth Rs.500 from march2024, Nippon India small cap fund direct growth Rs.500 from apr2024, HDFC index S&P Bse sensex direct plan growth Rs.500 from Apr2024. Shall I continue or make any changes. Kindly advise retirement fund portfolio

Ans: Evaluating Retirement Fund Portfolio
Firstly, I must commend your foresight in planning for your retirement at such a young age. Building a robust portfolio now sets a solid foundation for your future financial security.

Review of Monthly SIP Portfolio
Let's assess your current monthly SIP portfolio for its suitability for long-term retirement planning over a 10-year horizon:

UTI NIFTY 50 Index Fund (Direct Growth) - Rs. 500 from March 2024
Nippon India Small Cap Fund (Direct Growth) - Rs. 500 from April 2024
HDFC Index S&P BSE Sensex Direct Plan Growth - Rs. 500 from April 2024
Disadvantages of Index Funds in Retirement Planning
While index funds offer the advantage of low costs and simplicity, they also come with certain drawbacks, especially when considered for long-term retirement planning:

Limited Potential for Outperformance: Index funds aim to replicate the performance of a specific index, such as the NIFTY 50 or S&P BSE Sensex. However, they inherently limit the potential for outperformance compared to actively managed funds.
Lack of Flexibility: Index funds are constrained by the composition of the underlying index, which may not always align with market opportunities or changing economic conditions. This lack of flexibility can hinder returns over the long term.
Dependency on Market Performance: Since index funds passively track market indices, their performance is entirely dependent on the market's movements. During periods of market downturns, index funds may underperform actively managed funds, potentially impacting your retirement corpus.
Recommendations for Retirement Fund Portfolio
Considering the long-term nature of retirement planning and the need for wealth accumulation, it's advisable to include a mix of actively managed funds alongside index funds in your portfolio. Actively managed funds offer the following benefits:

Potential for Alpha Generation: Skilled fund managers actively research and select stocks with the aim of outperforming the market. This active management can potentially generate alpha, resulting in superior returns over time.
Tactical Asset Allocation: Actively managed funds have the flexibility to adjust their asset allocation based on market conditions and economic outlook. This dynamic approach can help navigate market volatility and optimize returns.
Diversification Benefits: Actively managed funds often have diversified portfolios across sectors and market caps, reducing concentration risk and enhancing overall portfolio resilience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while your current SIP portfolio includes index funds, it's prudent to diversify and include actively managed funds for better long-term retirement planning. A balanced approach that combines the cost-efficiency of index funds with the potential for alpha generation offered by actively managed funds can optimize your retirement corpus.

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  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi Sir, I am 45 years now, I have these monthly SIP. Nippon India Large Cap Fund Rs.12000, Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund - G Rs.4000, ICICI Prudential Technology Fund - G- Rs.12000, Axis Small Cap Fund Rs.12000, Nippon India Small Cap Fund - G Rs.4000 . Please review my portfolio and advice according to my son's advance studies in 7 years and retirement plan in 15 years.
Ans: Portfolio Review and Recommendations for Future Goals

Assessment of Current Portfolio

Your current investment portfolio reflects a diversified approach, with allocations across various fund categories, including large-cap, flexi-cap, technology, and small-cap funds. This diversification aims to balance risk and potential returns.

Evaluation of Asset Allocation

Your portfolio has a significant exposure to equity funds, which indicates a growth-oriented strategy. While equity investments have the potential for higher returns over the long term, they also carry higher volatility and risk.

Analysis of Fund Selection

Your choice of funds reflects a blend of growth potential and risk management. However, it's essential to assess each fund's performance, consistency, and alignment with your financial goals.

Assessment of Investment Horizon

Considering your son's advanced studies in seven years and retirement planning in fifteen years, it's crucial to evaluate your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

Recommendations for Future Adjustments

Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. Rebalancing may be necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Goal-based Investing: Segment your investments based on specific goals, such as your son's education and retirement. This approach ensures a tailored investment strategy for each objective.

Risk Management: Given the relatively short time horizon for your son's education, consider gradually shifting a portion of your equity investments into more stable options as the goal approaches. For retirement planning, maintaining a diversified portfolio with exposure to equities for long-term growth potential is advisable.

Professional Guidance: Engage with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized advice and assist you in optimizing your investment strategy based on your financial objectives and risk profile.

Conclusion

In summary, while your current portfolio demonstrates a diversified approach, it's essential to periodically review and adjust your investments to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving financial goals. By implementing a goal-based investment strategy and seeking professional guidance, you can enhance the likelihood of achieving your objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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Iam investing monthly sip in below funds my age-34 1-Icici prudential bluechipfund-3000 2-Nippon India growth fund -3000 My monthly investment amount max-10000 pls suggest my portfolio any correction sir some good funds for long term
Ans: You're already on the right track with your disciplined approach to investing in SIPs. Let's review your portfolio and explore potential adjustments for long-term growth.

Investing in ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund and Nippon India Growth Fund reflects a balanced mix of large-cap and diversified equity exposure, which is suitable for long-term wealth accumulation.

However, to further diversify your portfolio and potentially enhance returns, consider adding funds from different categories like mid-cap or flexi-cap funds. These categories offer exposure to companies with different market capitalizations and investment styles, thus spreading your risk more effectively.

Mid-cap funds invest in companies with medium-sized market capitalizations, which often have higher growth potential than large-caps but come with increased volatility. Flexi-cap funds provide the flexibility to invest across market caps, allowing fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities across the spectrum.

Adding a mid-cap or flexi-cap fund to your portfolio can complement your existing investments and provide additional avenues for growth. Look for funds with a track record of consistent performance, experienced fund managers, and a robust investment process.

Remember to review your portfolio periodically and rebalance if necessary to ensure it remains aligned with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance.

Keep up the good work with your investments, and don't hesitate to reach out to a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Sir please review my mutual fund sip portfolio * Axis Mid Cap Fund - Direct Growth = 1000 * ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF - Direct Plan = 1000 * Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund - Direct Plan = 1000 * Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - Direct Plan = 1000 * quant Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth = 1000 * SBI Small Cap Fund Direct Growth = 2000 * SBI PSU direct plan growth = 1000 My age is 27 . Looking a long term investment with higher return. Shall I continue this portfolio or any changes required? Kindly give your valuable suggestions . Thank you
Ans: Your portfolio looks well-constructed, with a strong foundation in mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds. Each fund you've chosen reflects a strategic approach for growth. Let's evaluate each category and make any necessary suggestions to ensure you achieve the best potential returns over the long term.

Overview of Your Current Portfolio
You’ve diversified well across categories, with each fund serving a unique role. Let’s analyze the strengths and potential improvements in each area of your portfolio.

Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds, like the one in your portfolio, focus on companies with substantial growth potential but higher risk compared to large-cap companies. Over the long term, these funds often outperform due to their growth-focused nature.

However, consider monitoring this fund periodically. Mid-cap stocks can face higher volatility, which may impact returns if held solely without re-evaluation.

Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds are growth-oriented, targeting smaller companies with significant room for expansion. You’ve allocated well to this category, focusing on funds with robust track records.

Due to their volatile nature, however, they can experience sharp swings. A Certified Financial Planner can offer guidance to rebalance if necessary, which could enhance returns and help you avoid undue risk over the long term.

Flexi-Cap Funds
Flexi-cap funds have the flexibility to invest across large, mid, and small-cap companies, making them versatile. This allocation ensures that you have exposure to high-growth stocks while benefiting from the stability of large-cap stocks.

This type of fund aligns well with your long-term goal as it can balance risk across market cycles. Continue with this allocation for stable yet high-growth potential.

Sectoral Funds (Public Sector & PSU Funds)
Sectoral funds focused on PSUs add a thematic angle to your portfolio, providing exposure to government-linked companies. Such funds may perform well during economic growth phases or government-led initiatives but might also experience phases of underperformance.

For long-term investors like you, relying heavily on sectoral funds can add cyclical risk. A diversified equity fund may offer higher long-term growth with less risk than sector-specific investments.

Evaluation of Direct Fund Plans
Sir, investing through direct plans saves on expense ratios, which may seem beneficial at first. However, there are significant drawbacks:

Lack of Advisory Support: Direct plans don't offer professional guidance. Over time, tracking and rebalancing become crucial, and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with an MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor) credential ensures optimal management.

Market Cycles and Rebalancing: Without expert oversight, you could miss critical adjustments during volatile market phases, affecting returns. A CFP helps in such rebalancing for better performance.

Tax Implications and Withdrawals: Selling or withdrawing from mutual funds, especially equity funds, incurs tax. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds are taxed at 12.5% for gains above Rs 1.25 lakh, while short-term gains (STCG) incur 20%. A regular plan with an MFD provides ongoing tax-efficient strategies.

Opting for regular plans via an MFD with a CFP credential will enable you to maximize returns while accessing insights that make a difference long term.

Suggested Modifications for Higher Returns and Stability
Focus on Balanced Funds Over Sectoral Exposure

To limit risks tied to sectoral funds, consider allocating a portion to balanced or diversified funds. These funds balance equity with stable instruments like debt, reducing volatility and sustaining growth.

Revisit Small and Mid-Cap Allocations

With multiple small-cap and mid-cap funds, consider focusing on one fund in each category. Over-diversification in these can dilute returns and increase tracking requirements. A strategic reallocation could yield more focused, consistent growth.

Consider SIP Step-Up for Long-Term Compounding

An annual SIP step-up, even a small amount, could enhance long-term wealth creation significantly. This adjustment boosts your corpus over time and aligns with your long-term goal of maximizing returns.

Seek Guidance from a Certified Financial Planner

Having a CFP manage your portfolio brings personalized insight into market trends, rebalancing, and tax-efficient strategies. A CFP ensures you capitalize on growth while maintaining balance and tax efficiency.

Key Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Sir, I noticed you are not invested in index funds, which is beneficial for your growth objective. Actively managed funds outperform index funds, especially in dynamic market conditions. Here’s why:

Higher Returns Potential: Actively managed funds provide the flexibility to capitalize on changing market opportunities, which index funds lack due to their passive structure.

Adaptive Strategy: Fund managers of actively managed funds adjust to market shifts, providing growth and safety in a fluctuating market.

Downside Protection: During bear markets, actively managed funds can adjust exposure, while index funds simply follow the market downturn. Active management can minimize losses, giving a steadier performance over time.

Final Insights
Sir, you have built a promising portfolio with well-selected funds across categories. A few modifications could ensure a more balanced, growth-oriented, and tax-efficient portfolio. The following adjustments will help you achieve higher returns with sustained stability:

Consider balanced or diversified funds for steadier growth.

Limit mid-cap and small-cap fund overlaps to reduce portfolio complexity.

Use the expertise of a CFP to handle rebalancing, tax efficiency, and market cycle adaptations.

Continue focusing on actively managed funds over index funds, as these provide better long-term value.

Through these steps, you can optimize your portfolio for maximum growth and stability, setting a strong foundation for your long-term investment goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1601 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on May 06, 2025

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Dear Sir, as my son Inter bord got 91% but in Jee mains 1st attempt got 50% and 2nd attempt got 70%, but he was not eligible for Advance, and he was wrote other college exams as (IIIT Hyd + VIT+TSEAPCET) in that VIT got results as 1.20 Lakh rank and he was eligible for Round of Category of 5th for VIT-AP & VIT-Bhopal, and expecting results for IIIT Hyd and also waiting for other Exams as (COMEDK + MIT + BITS), he was sincerely trying the efforts private college entrance exams, but the results which is not satisfy for him, and getting disappoint, but I was giving the motivation for other exams and do the hard work and focus on, BITS & IIT-Hyd also very tuff and more competitive, as i need to think for the negative side, if he could not get any cut of marks, what is the next option....? I request you pls give any other alternate suggestions for which is alternate engineering university for the course of (CSE AI & ML), my son interested in CSE course only
Ans: Hello Rakesh
First and foremost, I would like to commend your son for his earnest efforts in preparing for a range of engineering entrance examinations. His dedication is commendable, even if the outcomes so far haven't aligned with expectations. As you’ve mentioned, he has not yet been able to meet the required cutoff, which understandably may lead to feelings of disappointment or frustration.
However, the journey isn't over. Significant opportunities still lie ahead with BITSAT and IIIT-Hyderabad, both of which are known to be less about difficulty and more about testing strategic thinking and conceptual clarity. It appears that your son may be facing challenges in effectively managing the vast syllabus or might not yet have identified the right approach to tackle these competitive exams. Understanding how to study smartly for such tests often makes all the difference.
It’s important to maintain a positive outlook and avoid negative assumptions at this stage. You haven’t mentioned your financial circumstances, but if your son is determined to pursue fields like Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Machine Learning, and if merit-based options don’t materialize, admission through the management quota could be a viable alternative. This route is typically available in reputed private engineering colleges, though it comes with a higher financial commitment.
Before considering this option seriously, I would recommend waiting for the results of all the remaining entrance exams. At the same time, it would be wise to proactively visit a few reputed institutions to inquire about the availability of management quota seats, associated costs, and relevant terms and conditions. Many parents secure such seats early on, anticipating the challenges their child might face in clearing competitive cutoffs.
Stay optimistic, there are still several promising pathways ahead.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 06, 2025
Career
can i get admission in NFSU through jee mains score only ? because i gone on NFSU admission portal link for B.Tech-M.Tech Integrated program in Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber Security) but they asking about NFAT exam
Ans: Hi,
I apologize for any confusion, but I want to clarify that when the government asked for our support of the ONE NATION ONE CARD system, we did not accept it. Similarly, everyone is required to open a savings account at a bank, and many of us expressed our discontent. However, we can see the positive changes happening in India. If we support the government, they will reciprocate by providing benefits to the citizens.

In terms of education, the government is attempting to implement a new education policy, which has proven to be quite difficult. The education system has changed significantly before and after the pandemic. Now, the government is working on new policies that align with those of developed countries.

Therefore, we cannot expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from the government at this time, as it is not included in the current guidelines. Each council or organization has its own set of guidelines, and synchronizing them will take time. At this moment, it is simply not feasible.

The NFAT exam is different from the JEE. In the case of the JEE, they did not notify the aspirants that they are eligible to apply for NFSU, and similarly, NFSU did not mention that JEE rank holders could also apply. Therefore, if you want admission to NFSU, you need to register and appear for the NFTA.

In the near future, we can expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from this BJP government for the benefit of younger generations. For the benefit of postgraduate aspirants (for all courses except a few professional ones), the NTA is organizing the PGCUET exam nationwide. In this exam, you can opt for up to four different courses based on your eligibility.

A similar exam pattern is needed for engineering and medical fields as well. As I mentioned, we can expect this change; however, we, as citizens, should offer moral support for the benefit of younger generations. Unfortunately, we often do not provide this support to the government. For example, in the NEET exam, many aspirants do not follow the guidelines even when appearing for the exams.
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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Hello sir I have taken a 1 year drop for neet 2025 from pw online . But now I am scoring only 300 in neet .Now i am very confused what to do should I take one more drop or chose any option. This time i want to join offline coaching and really want to work hard but afraid that the coaching centre after knowing my marks will give me their worst batch so what should i do ?
Ans: Hi Ritika,
You mentioned that you scored only 300 in NEET. While we can't make any judgments until the official results are published, I must say that a score of 300 is quite low.

If you're planning to reappear for NEET, that's a good decision! However, I understand you might be worried about the coaching classes placing you in a less suitable batch. I recommend attending for 2 or 3 days while attending the coaching just follow the below instructions.

Make a list of the subjects and chapters you find challenging. Discuss these areas with your coaching faculty and aim to ask at least 15-20 questions daily to clarify your doubts and enhance your understanding. Additionally, request tips and tricks for each chapter so that you can put in a lot of effort to reach your goal.

Alternatively, you can prepare 10 questions on your own and seek answers from your coaching faculty. If you maintain this practice throughout the course, you'll build your confidence, and the coaching staff may consider changing your group due to your proactive approach in asking questions.

Through NEET, you can also pursue other medical-related courses such as BAMS, BSMS, BHMS, BYMS, BNYS, and BDS.

If you don’t have confidence in yourself, you might consider dropping NEET and exploring other courses. However, I encourage you to take one chance and follow my suggestions.

Additionally, if you are not already practicing yoga and meditation, I recommend starting. These activities can help you concentrate better and reduce distractions while studying.

Best of luck!
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Hlo I have taken a 1 year drop in 2024 for neet but i am scoring only 300 . Now I am so confused what to do I really want to crack neet and this time i want to join offline coaching but afraid that i can do it or not Please tell me what to do
Ans: Hi Ritika,
Good decision! Offline coaching is far better than online coaching because it allows you to focus on your studies more effectively.

You mentioned that you need to crack the exam, so here are some tips on how to do that:

First, identify which subjects and chapters you find challenging and make a list. Discuss these areas with your coaching faculty. Aim to ask at least 10 questions daily to clarify your doubts and enhance your understanding.

Alternatively, you can prepare 10 questions on your own and seek answers from your coaching faculty. If you maintain this practice throughout the course, you will build your confidence.

Additionally, if you are not practicing yoga and meditation, I recommend starting. These activities can help you concentrate better and reduce distractions while studying.

Best of luck!

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

...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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