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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on Aug 02, 2021

Mutual Fund Expert... more
SANDEEP Question by SANDEEP on Aug 02, 2021Hindi
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Money

My wife Toshima Rana age 48 years too wants to invest 50K for next 12 years. Please suggest.

Ans:

For additional investment (wife) below funds can be considered.

  1. Axis ESG Equity Fund – Growth
  2. Motilal Focused 25 Fund – Growth
  3. ICICI Pru US Bluechip Equity Fund – Growth
  4. UTI Flexi Cap fund – Growth
  5. DSP Quant Fund  - Growth
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 Apr 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 20, 2023Hindi
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Money
We (wife and self) have 50 lakhs and want to invest same to give us the best quarterly income to live a comfortable life.We are 75 and 68 yrs old kindly advice us in what to invest(mutual funds,fiixed deposits company/bank) ...thank you.
Ans: Given your age and the desire for regular quarterly income to support a comfortable lifestyle, here's a suggestion on how you might invest your 50 lakhs:

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS):
Consider investing a portion of your funds in the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme, a government-backed savings scheme specifically designed for senior citizens. SCSS offers quarterly interest payouts and has a tenure of 5 years, which can be extended for an additional 3 years. The interest rate is typically higher than that of regular fixed deposits.

Fixed Deposits:
You can allocate a portion of your funds to fixed deposits in banks or reputable non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) that offer quarterly interest payouts. Look for institutions offering competitive interest rates and ensure that the fixed deposits are insured under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) scheme.

Debt Mutual Funds:
Consider investing a portion of your funds in debt mutual funds, particularly those that focus on generating regular income. Look for funds with a track record of consistent returns and low volatility. Opt for funds that invest in high-quality fixed income securities such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):
If you're comfortable with some level of market risk, you can invest a portion of your funds in balanced mutual funds or conservative hybrid funds and set up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). SWP allows you to receive regular payouts (quarterly in your case) by redeeming a specified amount of units from your mutual fund investment.

Immediate Annuity Plans:
Another option to consider is purchasing an immediate annuity plan from a reputable insurance company. With an immediate annuity, you can convert a lump sum amount into a stream of guaranteed income for life. You can choose the frequency of payouts, including quarterly payments.

Before making any investment decisions, it's crucial to assess your risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and income requirements. Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help you design a customized investment plan tailored to your specific circumstances and goals.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 12, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir i m 35 with net monthly income of 80k, previously my wife was also working but not now.we have combined 20 lakh in shares n 45 lakh in mf. I want to accumulate 5 cr in next 10 years. Where to invest as i can save 50k monthly
Ans: Achieving your goal of accumulating Rs 5 crores in the next 10 years is ambitious but attainable with disciplined saving and investing strategies. Your current financial position, with Rs 20 lakhs in shares and Rs 45 lakhs in mutual funds, provides a strong foundation. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively invest your savings of Rs 50,000 monthly to reach your target.

Assessing Your Financial Situation

Your current net monthly income is Rs 80,000, and you have Rs 20 lakhs in shares and Rs 45 lakhs in mutual funds. Your wife is not currently working, which impacts your household income but does not preclude achieving your goal.

Setting Clear Financial Goals

It's important to set clear, measurable financial goals. Your target is to accumulate Rs 5 crores in 10 years. This requires a well-thought-out investment plan with a focus on both growth and risk management.

Understanding Investment Options

Investing in a mix of equity and mutual funds is essential for growth. Equity investments provide high returns but come with higher risk. Mutual funds offer diversification and professional management, which can balance risk and return effectively.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds simply mirror market indices and offer average market returns. They don’t exploit market inefficiencies or provide the potential for outperformance that actively managed funds do. Actively managed funds can offer better growth opportunities, making them more suitable for your aggressive target.

Benefits of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds

While direct funds have lower expense ratios, they lack professional guidance. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials provides personalized advice, aligning investments with your goals and optimizing returns.

Creating an Investment Strategy

Diversified Equity Portfolio: Invest in a diversified set of high-quality stocks across various sectors. This reduces risk while capturing growth from different parts of the economy. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help identify promising stocks.

Actively Managed Mutual Funds: Choose actively managed mutual funds that have a track record of outperforming the market. These funds leverage market insights to provide better returns than index funds.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Invest Rs 50,000 monthly through SIPs in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap mutual funds. This approach benefits from rupee cost averaging and reduces the impact of market volatility.

Balanced Funds: Consider balanced or hybrid funds that invest in both equity and debt instruments. These funds provide growth potential with reduced risk, making them a prudent choice for part of your portfolio.

Emergency Fund and Insurance

Ensure you maintain an emergency fund covering at least six months of living expenses. This fund should be easily accessible, preferably kept in a savings account or a liquid fund. Additionally, have adequate life and health insurance to protect your family’s financial future against unforeseen events.

Reviewing and Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances change over time, and periodic adjustments are necessary to stay on track. Consulting with a CFP will provide professional insights for these adjustments.

Tax Efficiency in Investments

Different investments have different tax implications. Equity mutual funds held for more than one year qualify for long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax, currently at 10% on gains exceeding Rs 1 lakh annually. Debt funds held for more than three years qualify for LTCG tax at 20% with indexation benefits, significantly reducing taxable gains.

Avoiding Common Investment Mistakes

Emotional Decisions: Avoid making investment decisions based on emotions. Market fluctuations are normal, and disciplined investing will yield better results over time.

Lack of Diversification: Don't put all your money in one type of investment. Diversify across various asset classes to balance risk and return.

Neglecting Reinvestment: Reinvest dividends and interest to benefit from compounding. This can significantly enhance your portfolio’s growth over time.

Ignoring Professional Advice: Leverage the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner. Their guidance can help navigate complex financial decisions and optimize your investment strategy.

Long-Term Financial Planning

Retirement Planning: Continue to contribute towards your retirement corpus. Ensure you are on track to maintain your lifestyle post-retirement. Systematic investment in diversified equity and balanced funds can help grow your retirement corpus.

Children’s Education: If you have or plan to have children, start investing early for their education. Consider dedicated education funds or SIPs in diversified equity mutual funds for long-term growth.

Estate Planning: Ensure you have a clear estate plan. Create a will to specify asset distribution and consider setting up trusts if necessary. Proper estate planning can prevent legal disputes and ensure a smooth transfer of assets to your heirs.

Achieving Your Rs 5 Crore Goal

To achieve your Rs 5 crore goal in 10 years, you need a strategic investment plan. Your current savings and monthly investment capacity are solid, but disciplined execution and professional guidance are crucial. Here are detailed steps to help you achieve this:

Calculate the Required Rate of Return: Determine the annual rate of return needed to grow your current investments and monthly contributions to Rs 5 crores in 10 years. This will help you understand the risk and return profile required for your investments.

Select High-Quality Mutual Funds: Choose mutual funds with a history of strong performance. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to capture growth from various segments of the market.

Invest in High-Growth Stocks: Allocate a portion of your savings to high-growth stocks. These stocks offer higher returns but come with higher risk. Diversification and professional guidance can help manage this risk effectively.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments: Continuously monitor your investments and make necessary adjustments. Regular reviews with your CFP ensure your portfolio remains aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Leverage Tax Benefits: Utilize tax-saving investment options under sections 80C and 24(b) of the Income Tax Act. This can optimize your overall returns and reduce the tax burden.

Additional Considerations

Economic and Market Conditions: Stay informed about economic and market conditions. Understanding macroeconomic trends can help make informed investment decisions.

Inflation Impact: Consider the impact of inflation on your investment returns. Ensure your investments are growing at a rate that outpaces inflation to maintain purchasing power.

Debt Management: If you have any outstanding debts, plan for their timely repayment. High-interest debts can erode your savings and investment returns.

Financial Discipline: Maintain financial discipline by sticking to your investment plan. Avoid impulsive spending and prioritize your long-term financial goals.

Final Insights

Achieving a Rs 5 crore corpus in 10 years requires a strategic approach and disciplined execution. By investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality mutual funds and equities, leveraging professional guidance, and maintaining financial discipline, you can reach your goal. Regular reviews and adjustments, combined with a clear understanding of your financial goals and market conditions, will ensure you stay on track. Stay committed to your investment plan, and with time and patience, you will achieve your financial aspirations.

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 Jul 06, 2024

Money
Hlo I am 33 and married and I kid 2 yrs of age. Rs 40000 salary and I wish to retire in 50 advice me where I invest
Ans: ! I understand your situation and the goal to retire by 50. Kudos on starting your retirement planning early. Let's break this down step-by-step to ensure you have a clear path to achieve your retirement goals. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your investments wisely.

Current Financial Snapshot and Goals
Firstly, you have a salary of Rs. 40,000 per month. You are married and have a 2-year-old kid. Your goal is to retire at 50.

Creating a Solid Financial Foundation
Emergency Fund: Start by building an emergency fund. Aim for at least 6 months' worth of expenses. This fund should be easily accessible in case of unexpected expenses.

Health Insurance: Ensure you and your family have adequate health insurance. Medical emergencies can drain your savings, so having health coverage is essential.

Life Insurance: Protect your family with a term insurance policy. It's affordable and provides a financial safety net for your family.

Investment Strategy for Retirement
Mutual Funds: Investing in mutual funds is a great way to grow your wealth. They offer diversification and professional management.

Equity Mutual Funds: These are suitable for long-term goals like retirement. They have the potential for higher returns but come with higher risk. Given your retirement goal is 17 years away, equity mutual funds are a good fit.

Debt Mutual Funds: These are less volatile than equity funds and provide steady returns. They can be used for short-term goals and to balance your portfolio.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Professional Management: Fund managers with expertise manage your investments.

Diversification: Your money is spread across various assets, reducing risk.

Liquidity: You can easily buy or sell mutual fund units.

Compounding: Reinvesting earnings can significantly grow your wealth over time.

Risk and Compounding in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds carry risks, especially equity funds, due to market volatility. However, staying invested for the long term can mitigate these risks. The power of compounding works best when investments are held for extended periods, allowing your returns to generate further returns.

Power of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Investing through SIPs is a disciplined way to invest in mutual funds. It allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly, averaging out the purchase cost and reducing the impact of market volatility.

Benefits of SIPs:

Rupee Cost Averaging: This helps in averaging the purchase cost, buying more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high.

Compounding: Regular investments over time help in compounding your returns, leading to substantial wealth creation.

Asset Allocation
Equity and Debt Allocation: A balanced portfolio with both equity and debt mutual funds is ideal. As you get closer to retirement, gradually increase the debt component to reduce risk.

Asset Rebalancing: Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Retirement Corpus Calculation
While specific calculations are not included, it's crucial to estimate your retirement corpus. Consider your current expenses, inflation, and life expectancy. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can assist in creating a detailed retirement plan tailored to your needs.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Direct vs Regular Funds: Investing in direct funds may seem cost-effective but requires active management and financial knowledge. Regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials offer professional guidance and management, which can be beneficial for achieving your goals.

Index Funds: While they offer lower expense ratios, they simply replicate the market index. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, aim to outperform the index through active management, potentially providing higher returns.

Setting Realistic Expectations
Market Volatility: Understand that markets fluctuate. Stay focused on your long-term goals and avoid reacting to short-term market movements.

Patience and Discipline: Investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency, patience, and discipline are key to successful investing.

Regular Monitoring and Review
Portfolio Review: Regularly review your portfolio's performance. Ensure it aligns with your goals and make adjustments if needed.

Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on financial news and trends. This helps in making informed decisions.

Educating Yourself
Financial Literacy: Improving your financial literacy can empower you to make better investment decisions. There are many resources available online to help you learn more about investing.

Setting Up a Retirement Plan
Retirement Goals: Define your retirement goals clearly. How much monthly income will you need post-retirement? What lifestyle do you envision?

Investing Accordingly: Based on your goals, allocate your investments. A combination of equity and debt mutual funds, along with other instruments like PPF, can help achieve a balanced and secure retirement plan.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
Professional Guidance: A CFP can provide personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals. They can help you create a detailed retirement plan, optimize your investments, and ensure you're on track to meet your objectives.

Regular Check-ins: Regular consultations with a CFP can help you stay on course. They can assist in rebalancing your portfolio and adapting to any changes in your financial situation or goals.

Final Insights
Retiring at 50 is an ambitious goal, but with disciplined saving and investing, it's achievable. Start by building a solid financial foundation, then focus on growing your wealth through mutual funds. Regularly review and adjust your investments to stay aligned with your goals. Consider seeking the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner to create a tailored retirement plan. Stay patient, disciplined, and focused on your long-term objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
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!

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

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 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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