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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 24, 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
RASHITA Question by RASHITA on Mar 26, 2024Hindi
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Money

kindly suggest some three mutual fund long term for the age for a person of 35 having income 1,25 lakh per month wants to invest 35000 per month as he is first time investor as early as possible

Ans: For a 35-year-old first-time investor with a monthly income of 1.25 lakh and a monthly investment capacity of 35,000, here are three mutual funds suitable for long-term investment:

Large Cap Fund:
Why: These funds invest in large, well-established companies that have a track record of stable growth. They are relatively less volatile and offer a good starting point for new investors.
Potential Choice: Large Cap Equity Funds that have a consistent performance history and a low expense ratio.
Multi-Cap Fund:
Why: These funds have the flexibility to invest across market caps, i.e., in large, mid, and small-cap stocks. This diversification can help in capital appreciation while managing risk.
Potential Choice: Multi-Cap Funds that have a proven track record of delivering consistent returns across market cycles.
Balanced Advantage Fund:
Why: These funds dynamically manage the equity-debt allocation based on market valuations. In bullish markets, they can increase equity exposure, while in bearish markets, they can shift towards debt, offering a balanced approach.
Potential Choice: Balanced Advantage Funds with a disciplined investment strategy and a focus on capital preservation along with growth.
Remember to consider the fund's past performance, fund manager's experience, expense ratio, and the fund house's reputation before investing. Additionally, reviewing and rebalancing the portfolio periodically can help in aligning it with your long-term financial goals. It's advisable to consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals. Happy investing!
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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 27, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Sir, my age is 47. I would like to invest 30000 per month for a period of 10 years for retirement. Could you please suggest 5 mutual funds where I can invest 6000 each?
Ans: At 47 years old, you're planning to invest Rs. 30,000 monthly over the next 10 years, with retirement as your primary goal. This approach is commendable as it aligns with the disciplined, long-term investment strategy required to build a robust retirement corpus.

Diversification Across Mutual Funds
Investing in five different mutual funds with Rs. 6,000 each per month is a smart move. It offers diversification, which helps mitigate risks and provides a balanced portfolio. Here’s how you can diversify:

Large-Cap Equity Fund: Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies with a solid market presence. These companies have a history of stable returns, which can provide a safety net in your portfolio. A significant portion of your investment should be allocated here, as it ensures stability.

Mid-Cap Equity Fund: Mid-cap funds invest in companies that are in their growth phase. They offer higher growth potential compared to large-cap funds but with slightly higher risk. Allocating a part of your investment here can add growth potential to your portfolio.

Small-Cap Equity Fund: Small-cap funds target smaller companies with high growth potential. Although they come with higher risk, they can offer substantial returns over the long term. A small portion of your monthly investment in small-cap funds can significantly enhance your portfolio’s growth.

Balanced or Hybrid Fund: These funds offer a mix of equity and debt investments, providing a balance between risk and reward. By including a hybrid fund, you add a layer of stability to your portfolio, which can be beneficial as you approach retirement.

International Equity Fund: Investing in an international equity fund offers exposure to global markets. This not only diversifies your portfolio geographically but also protects it against domestic market volatility. It’s an excellent way to hedge against local economic downturns.

Monthly Investment Strategy
Given the goal of retirement, a systematic approach with monthly SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) is ideal. Here’s how you can allocate your Rs. 30,000 monthly investment:

Large-Cap Equity Fund: Rs. 6,000
Mid-Cap Equity Fund: Rs. 6,000
Small-Cap Equity Fund: Rs. 6,000
Balanced or Hybrid Fund: Rs. 6,000
International Equity Fund: Rs. 6,000
This allocation provides a balanced mix of stability, growth potential, and international diversification.

Evaluating and Rebalancing
Your investment journey doesn’t end with selecting funds. Regular evaluation is crucial. At least once a year, review your portfolio's performance and market conditions. Rebalance your portfolio if necessary to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals. For instance, as you approach retirement, you might want to shift more of your investments into less volatile funds, such as debt or balanced funds.

Final Insights
Your proactive approach to retirement planning is commendable. By investing Rs. 30,000 monthly across a diversified portfolio, you’re setting yourself up for a financially secure retirement. Remember, consistency is key, and with a disciplined investment strategy, you can achieve your retirement goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 10, 2025Hindi
Money
My age is 45. I need 15 lakh after 5 years. 70 lakh after ten year. Another 50 lakh after 15 years and 1.5 cr after 20 years. I have 10 lakh in MF. 9 lakh in NPS. 7 lakh in PPF, 5 lakh in Sukanya account, 2 lakh FD. Currently investing 38k in MF, 15k in Tata I systematic Sip ulip and 10k in RD. I can invest another 20k monthly. Kindly suggest mutual funds for different goals mentioned above.
Ans: Understanding Your Goals and Current Position

Your age is 45 now.

You need Rs 15 lakh after 5 years.

You need Rs 70 lakh after 10 years.

You need Rs 50 lakh after 15 years.

You need Rs 1.5 crore after 20 years.

This is a well-defined and clear set of goals.
You already have some investments in place.
Let us first analyse your current financial strength.

Current Investments Overview

Rs 10 lakh in mutual funds (assume equity-oriented).

Rs 9 lakh in NPS (for retirement after 60).

Rs 7 lakh in PPF (good for long-term and tax-free).

Rs 5 lakh in Sukanya (goal likely for daughter).

Rs 2 lakh in FD (low returns and taxable).

SIP in mutual fund: Rs 38,000 monthly.

SIP in Tata I systematic ULIP: Rs 15,000 monthly.

RD of Rs 10,000 monthly.

You can now add Rs 20,000 more monthly.

These are all very good habits.
Now, we need to align these properly to your life goals.

Assessing the ULIP Investment

Tata I SIP systematic plan is a ULIP.
ULIPs combine investment and insurance.
But they have high charges and low flexibility.

You should ask these questions now:

What is your fund value today?

What is the surrender value?

What is the lock-in left?

Is return matching equity mutual funds?

If your lock-in is over, please consider surrendering it.
Reinvest the maturity value into mutual funds.
ULIP return is usually less than good mutual funds.
ULIPs also have poor liquidity.

A Certified Financial Planner can assist you in fund shift.

Goal-Wise Investment Strategy

You have four major goals.
We will break your corpus and future SIPs goal-wise.

Goal 1: Rs 15 lakh in 5 years

This is a short-term goal.

Do not invest in full equity.

Use debt-oriented hybrid funds.

Use short-duration debt funds.

Start systematic transfer in 4th year.

Avoid high-risk small-cap funds.

This goal needs safety over growth.

Allocate Rs 4 lakh from existing mutual fund corpus.
Use Rs 7,000 from your current SIP towards this goal.

Goal 2: Rs 70 lakh in 10 years

Medium to long-term goal.

Equity allocation can be higher here.

Use flexi-cap and large-cap active mutual funds.

Choose funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid index funds for this goal.

Index funds may not beat inflation.

They do not protect in falling markets.

Allocate Rs 4 lakh from your existing mutual fund corpus.
Invest Rs 16,000 from your current SIP for this goal.
Add Rs 6,000 from new Rs 20,000 SIP capacity.

Goal 3: Rs 50 lakh in 15 years

Long-term goal.

Equity-oriented mutual funds work well here.

Choose actively managed mid-cap or focused funds.

Use SIPs and step-up every 2 years.

Let power of compounding work over time.

Add Rs 9,000 monthly from your new SIP capacity.
Allocate Rs 1.5 lakh from current mutual fund corpus.

Goal 4: Rs 1.5 crore in 20 years

This is a long-term retirement-like goal.

You have PPF and NPS already.

Continue both till maturity.

They offer safety and tax benefits.

Also add equity mutual funds for better growth.

Use balance Rs 5,000 of new SIP into diversified equity funds.
Allocate balance Rs 0.5 lakh from MF corpus here.
Also assign full maturity value of ULIP to this goal.

Sukanya Samriddhi Account

Keep this fund separate.

Use it only for daughter’s education or marriage.

Don’t link this fund to other life goals.

PPF Investment Strategy

Rs 7 lakh is already there.

Try to add Rs 1 lakh yearly till age 60.

Don’t withdraw before 15 years.

Use it for retirement corpus.

NPS Strategy

Rs 9 lakh corpus is good.

Continue till age 60.

Invest Rs 50,000 extra yearly for tax benefit.

This is locked but tax-efficient.

NPS is ideal for post-retirement security.

Recurring Deposit Review

Rs 10,000 in RD gives fixed return.

This return is taxable.

Shift to short-term debt funds for better returns.

Or assign RD value to short-term goal fund.

Fund Selection Tips

Use regular plans only.

Don’t go for direct funds.

Direct funds have no support.

Regular funds give you planner guidance.

Planner gives goal match and portfolio balancing.

Regular mutual fund via MFD + CFP gives:

Emotional coaching in volatile markets

Regular rebalancing

Tax planning support

Risk adjusted fund suggestion

Ongoing goal alignment

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds are unmanaged.

They cannot protect during market crash.

No dynamic asset allocation.

No guidance support.

You miss sector shifts.

Index funds may lag active funds in India.

Better to choose actively managed equity funds.

MF Capital Gains Tax Rules (New)

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG on equity taxed at 20%.

Debt funds taxed as per income slab.

Use tax harvesting with planner to reduce tax outgo.

Investment Execution Plan

Step 1 – Fund Realignment

Check ULIP lock-in status.

If free, surrender and reinvest in equity fund.

Shift RD money into debt fund.

Keep FD for emergency buffer only.

Step 2 – Systematic Investments

Create 4 different SIPs for 4 goals.

Use mix of hybrid, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds.

Review SIP allocation yearly with your Certified Financial Planner.

Step 3 – Tracking and Rebalancing

Review portfolio every 6 months.

Rebalance if goal off-track.

Shift money to safer funds near goal maturity.

Don’t touch long-term investments for short needs.

Step 4 – Increasing SIP Annually

Increase SIP amount every year.

Even 5% hike in SIP gives huge impact.

Use bonus or hike money.

Keep life cover and health cover intact.

Step 5 – Emergency Planning

Keep Rs 3 lakh liquid in FD or liquid fund.

Use this only during job loss or emergency.

Finally
You already have good financial habits.
Your goals are defined and time-based.
You are investing well in MF, PPF, NPS and Sukanya.
ULIP and RD need review and change.
Avoid index funds and direct funds.
They lack advice and flexibility.
Stick with regular mutual funds through Certified Financial Planner.
Map each SIP to a goal separately.
Track progress every year with your planner.
Avoid panic during market correction.
Stay invested. Stay consistent.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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