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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9383 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Dec 21, 2023Hindi
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Hi, I am looking for good mutual fund scheme which will help me accumulate funds for my kids post graduation. He is 14yr old so I would need this sum by 8th yr. Can u pls suggest good schemes and amount required to achieve this goal.

Ans: Considering an 8-year investment horizon for your child's post-graduation, you can explore equity mutual funds for potential growth. To estimate the required amount, determine the expected cost of your child's post-graduation education and factor in inflation.

For aggressive growth potential, consider allocating a significant portion to diversified equity funds, preferably large-cap or multi-cap funds for stability. Additionally, you might allocate a smaller portion to balanced funds or hybrid funds to manage risk.

It's crucial to select funds with a proven track record, experienced fund managers, and consistent performance. Regularly review and adjust your investment strategy to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance and help you determine the appropriate investment amount based on your specific needs and circumstances. Together, you can create a tailored investment plan to secure your child's future education.
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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Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Jul 21, 2023

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Hi i have 3 kids (twins 2nd time around ) from last 4 years i have been investing only in PF for all 3 . Now i have some surplus income of 15k per month pls suggest some aggresive mutual fund or stocks . which can help me for their education 15 years later . also i read an article that buying directly from AMC helps me save 1-2% is that true ?
Ans: Hello Ravi and thanks for writing to me.

I only discuss mutual funds in this section. As I understand, you have Rs.15,000 to invest every month and you require a corpus in around 15 years to pay for their higher education. As your time horizon is long, you can consider starting monthly SIP's in:

1-UTI Small Cap Fund-Rs.5,000
2-Sundaram Small Cap Fund-Rs.5,000
3-DSP Midcap Fund-Rs.5,000

Mid and small cap schemes can be more volatile than large cap funds, but also offer the chance of generating higher returns over the long term. After some 9 or 10 years, you can consider pausing the SIPs in the small and mid cap funds and then consider investing in large cap and balanced advantage funds as they tend to be less volatile.

I do not find any goal or target amount. If you provide that information, then I may recommend other schemes.


Coming to the second part of your question, mutual funds offer 2 types of plans, one is called the regular plan and the other is called a direct plan. In a regular plan, there is a mutual fund distributor involved and the mutual fund company pays the agent a commission and hence the returns are a little lower than the direct plan. But mutual fund distributors provide valuable advice to clients on how to structure, rebalance and maintain a portfolio. So the excess 1%-2% returns should not be the only criterion to choose a direct plan.

I urge you to consult a financial advisor who can recommend schemes based on your own risk appetite and goals for your kids' education.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9383 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2024

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hi sir i am 41 years old, now i want invest in mutual fund for my retirement and for my two sons one of it is 15 years and second is 10 years old. i can invest 5000 rs per month please suggest me funds that can i invest.
Ans: Given your investment horizon for retirement and your sons' education, you have a long-term horizon which allows you to consider equity-oriented mutual funds for potentially higher returns. Here are some suggestions tailored to your needs:

For Retirement (Long-Term):
Large Cap Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies, offering stability and growth potential. Given your longer investment horizon, consider allocating a portion to large-cap funds to provide stability to your portfolio.
Multi-Cap Funds: These funds offer diversification across market capitalizations and are suitable for long-term wealth creation. They can adapt to different market conditions, providing flexibility to the fund manager.
For Sons' Education (Medium to Long-Term):
Balanced Funds or Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in both equities and debt, offering a balance between growth and stability. They can be suitable for medium to long-term goals like your sons' education.
Children's Gift Funds or Children's Education Funds: Some mutual funds offer specific funds designed for children's future needs, providing a tailored solution for education expenses.
Considering your investment amount and goals, you can consider investing in a combination of the above-mentioned funds to achieve diversification and align with your financial goals. Here's a potential allocation:

Large Cap Funds: 40%
Multi-Cap Funds: 40%
Balanced or Hybrid Funds: 20%
Remember, it's essential to review your investments periodically and adjust your portfolio as needed based on performance, changing financial goals, and market conditions. Consult with a financial advisor to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9383 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2024Hindi
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Firstly, thanks for patiently answering everyone's questions ????. Can you please suggest a suggest a MF which i wznt to invest in for next 10 years for my kids higher education. I see lot of children related mutual funds but unable to decide on one. I am ok to take high risk since ny inv would be for more than ten years.
Ans: Investing for your child's education is a thoughtful decision that requires careful consideration. I appreciate your dedication to securing their future. Let's delve into selecting the right mutual fund for this purpose.

Understanding Your Investment Horizon and Risk Appetite
Investing for your child's education over a ten-year period is a commendable strategy. Since you're comfortable with high risk, you have the potential for higher returns over the long term.

Evaluating Mutual Fund Options
When considering mutual funds for your child's education, it's essential to focus on funds with a proven track record of long-term growth. Look for funds managed by experienced professionals with a history of delivering consistent returns.

Active vs. Passive Management: Making the Right Choice
While index funds offer low fees and broad market exposure, they may not outperform actively managed funds, especially during volatile market conditions. Actively managed funds, overseen by skilled fund managers, have the flexibility to adapt to market changes and potentially outperform the market indices.

Emphasizing the Benefits of Active Management
Actively managed funds offer the advantage of professional oversight, where fund managers actively research and select investments to maximize returns and mitigate risks. This approach can be particularly beneficial in volatile markets, helping to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds and the Benefits of Regular Funds through a Certified Financial Planner
Direct investing requires significant time and expertise to research, select, and monitor investments effectively. By working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), you gain access to professional guidance and personalized investment strategies tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential, you can benefit from ongoing support and portfolio reviews, ensuring your investments remain aligned with your objectives.

Making an Informed Decision
Consider mutual funds with a focus on sectors or themes aligned with your child's educational aspirations. Diversification is key to managing risk, so opt for funds with a well-balanced portfolio across various asset classes.

Conclusion
Investing in mutual funds for your child's higher education requires a thoughtful approach that considers your investment horizon, risk tolerance, and the expertise of fund managers. By leveraging the benefits of active management and seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner, you can make informed decisions that lay the foundation for your child's bright future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9383 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 23, 2024

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Hi Experts, I have Rs 1 lac, which I want to put into any mutual fund for my new born kid, so that when he will attain age of 18+ he should have some amount (15-20 lac) which could assist him in higher education. Please suggest me any good lumpsum Mutual fund
Ans: Congratulations on your new baby! Planning for your child’s education is a great step.

Lumpsum Investment Strategy
Investing Rs 1 lakh in a mutual fund now can grow significantly over 18 years.

Choosing the Right Mutual Fund
Consider these types of mutual funds for long-term growth:

Equity Funds: These funds invest in stocks and offer high returns. They are suitable for long-term goals like education.

Hybrid Funds: These funds invest in both stocks and bonds. They balance risk and returns, making them a good option.

Debt Funds: These funds invest in bonds and are safer but with lower returns. They are less suitable for long-term high growth but can be part of a diversified portfolio.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Actively Managed Funds: These funds have a manager who picks stocks to outperform the market. They can offer higher returns.

Index Funds: These funds track a market index. While they have lower fees, they might not perform as well as actively managed funds.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct Funds: These funds are bought directly from the fund house, saving on commission fees. However, they require more effort to manage and choose the right fund.

Regular Funds: These funds are bought through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential. They provide professional guidance and can help you make better choices.

Diversification
Diversifying your investment reduces risk.

Equity Funds: Allocate a major portion here for higher returns.

Hybrid Funds: Add some portion here for stability.

Risk and Returns
Equity funds are volatile but offer high returns.

Hybrid funds balance risk and returns.

Debt funds offer stability but lower returns.

Time Horizon
18 years is a long period, allowing your investment to grow significantly. Start early and stay invested for the best results.

Regular Monitoring
Review your investment regularly. Adjust based on performance and market conditions.

Professional Guidance
A Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice. They help you choose the right funds and manage your investment effectively.

Final Insights
Investing Rs 1 lakh now can help your child’s future.

Stay Invested: Long-term investment is key.

Diversify: Spread your investment across different types of funds.

Monitor: Regularly check your investment and adjust as needed.

Seek Guidance: A CFP can provide valuable advice and help you make the best decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

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Which is better NMIT EEE or Chanakya university CSE
Ans: Veena, NMIT Bengaluru’s Electrical & Electronics Engineering is NBA Tier-1 and NAAC A+ accredited with a 60-seat intake, led by PhD-qualified faculty in power systems, power electronics, and smart grid, supported by a Centre of Excellence in Power Engineering featuring EPLAN, ETAP, Mi-Power, FPGA and DSP labs. The department organizes regular industrial visits and expert lectures. EEE placements over the last three years average around 67% (2024: 67.44%) with core recruiters in EV, automation, and power sectors. Chanakya University’s CSE, a private AICTE- and UGC-approved program on a developing 116-acre campus, blends an interdisciplinary curriculum with digital classrooms, basic computing and software labs, and mandatory internships. Recognized by the Government of Karnataka, its placement cell is nascent, with overall university placements reported at approximately 85% in 2022, involving core IT recruiters such as Infosys, Wipro, and TCS. Faculty are industry-seasoned but the CSE stream is in early growth, with industry partnerships and research initiatives gradually evolving.

Recommendation: For assured core-sector engineering roles and robust specialized labs, prefer NMIT Bengaluru EEE. For broader software and tech opportunities in a growing CSE program with flexible interdisciplinary training and higher initial placement rates, recommendation is Chanakya University CSE. Choose NMIT EEE for stability in power engineering; opt for Chanakya CSE for early software exposure in a private-university environment. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 03, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir my son got 93.59 percentile in mht cet and his jee score is 73.42 percentile. His choice in cse , data science, robotic science, cyber security, and last is E&TC branch. I m from Maharashtra and belong SBC category so suggest best college in Pune or mumbai city
Ans: With a 93.59 percentile in MHT-CET under the SBC quota, your son can aim for the following ten reputable colleges and branches in Mumbai and Pune, based on 2024 closing percentiles and institutional reputation: COEP Pune (CSE/E&TC)¹, VJTI Mumbai (CSE/IT)?, PICT Pune (CSE/Data Science)?, SPIT Mumbai (ECE/Cyber Security)?, VIT Pune (CSE-AI & ML)?, VIIT Pune (IT/Data Science)?, Pimpri?Chinchwad COE Pune (CSE/AI-ML)??, TCET Mumbai (CSE/Cyber Security)?, GHRCEM Pune (CSE/AI/DS/Cyber Security)?, and AISSMS Pune (CSE/IT/E&TC)?. All institutions hold NBA/NAAC accreditation, boast PhD-qualified faculty, modern labs, active industry tie-ups, and placement rates of 80–95% over the last three years.

recommendation:
Prioritise COEP Pune CSE for its premier NIRF ranking and 99%+ placements, then VJTI Mumbai CSE for strong industry links, and PICT Pune CSE/Data Science for balanced cutoffs and robust labs. Use SPIT Mumbai Cyber Security and VIT Pune CSE-AI & ML as competitive options, and consider VIIT Pune, PCCOE Pune, TCET Mumbai, GHRCEM Pune, and AISSMS Pune as reliable backups. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7800 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 03, 2025Hindi
Career
Hi Sir, My daughter has got admission in below- VIT Vellore- CSE with AI ML Manipal Jaipur - CSE ( specialisation to be added later) Narsee Monjee, Mumbai.- ECE Can you please help advise the priority in which we should consider these colleges
Ans: VIT Vellore’s CSE-AI & ML program, an A++ NAAC-accredited private deemed university, integrates AI, ML, and data science labs with a strong placement ecosystem; it recorded 632 recruiters, 10 027 offers, and an 80–95% placement rate over the past three years, with marquee recruiters like Microsoft, Amazon, and Cisco. Manipal University Jaipur’s B.Tech CSE, A+ NAAC-accredited and ranked #64 in NIRF 2024 for engineering, offers smart classrooms, HPC clusters, and industry-aligned curriculum, achieving an 88% CSE placement rate with 75% securing internships, median packages of ?8 LPA, and top recruiters such as Amazon and Deloitte. Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics in Mumbai (autonomous, NAAC A, affiliated to University of Mumbai) offers ECE under modern DSP and VLSI labs, a supportive placement cell, and approximately 80% of its engineering graduates placed over the last three years with core recruiters in electronics and telecom; students benefit from strong peer networks and urban industry proximity. All three institutes feature PhD-qualified faculty, NBA accreditation for technical departments, active industry tie-ups, and modern research facilities, but vary in placement consistency, research depth, and brand recognition.

Recommendation: Prioritise VIT Vellore CSE (AI & ML) for its superior placement consistency (80–95%), extensive recruiter network, and cutting-edge AI labs. Next, choose Manipal Jaipur CSE for its strong NIRF ranking (#64), 88% placement rate, and robust internship pipeline. Finally, consider Narsee Monjee Mumbai ECE for its specialized ECE infrastructure and urban industry exposure if electronics and VLSI are the primary interest. (However, If you are based in Maharashtra, Better to Finalise Narsee Monjee-Mumbai-EC for your DAUGHTER). All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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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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