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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on Dec 09, 2022

Mutual Fund Expert... more
Balaji Question by Balaji on Dec 09, 2022Hindi
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I'm 39 years Old - Need your advise - I have yet to start the SIP or Mutual investments in my life due to fear factor. But i thought i can start something now due to age and plan for my kids wellness.
Currently My Investments will be as per below:

  1. LIC Jeevan Anand - 60k Per Year
  2. LIC Super Annuation 84k Per year
  3. NPS - 57K Per year

Please advise for investments.

Ans: You can start investment in hybrid funds like ICICI Pru Balanced Advantage Fund, HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund, Edelweiss Balanced advantage funds.

 

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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Hardik

Hardik Parikh  |106 Answers  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on May 11, 2023

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Hello Hardik Ji, I am 52 year with a monthly income of around 75K-80K. I want to start the MUTUAL FUNDS / SIP investments for my retirement & my children Future who are in their twenties. Right now I am putting regular money in BANKS RD's / FD's only. Kindly advise / suggest how can i go ahead. Thanks & Regards, RV
Ans: Hello Rahul Ji,

I appreciate that you are thinking about your retirement and your children's future. As a financial advisor, I would be happy to help you start investing in mutual funds and SIPs. Before diving into specific suggestions, let's first understand your financial goals and risk appetite.

Given your age and monthly income, you should aim to diversify your investments for long-term wealth creation and financial stability. While RDs and FDs offer low risk and guaranteed returns, they may not be sufficient for higher returns and beating inflation in the long run. Mutual funds and SIPs can help you achieve better returns, provided you make well-informed decisions and stay invested for a long period.

Here are some steps to help you get started:

Define your goals: Identify the specific financial goals you want to achieve through your investments, such as your retirement corpus and your children's higher education or marriage expenses.
Assess your risk appetite: Determine your willingness and ability to take risks in your investments. As you have been investing in FDs and RDs, it seems that you prefer low-risk options. However, considering your age and goals, you may want to include some moderate to high-risk investments in your portfolio for better returns.
Diversify your portfolio: Invest in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid mutual funds to spread the risk and optimize returns. You can consider investing in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, balanced funds, and debt funds based on your risk appetite and goals.
Start with SIPs: Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in a mutual fund, which helps in inculcating a disciplined savings habit and averaging out market volatility.
Consult a financial advisor: For personalized advice, you may want to consult a professional financial advisor who can help you select the right funds and create a tailored investment plan based on your goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon.
Remember, mutual fund investments are subject to market risks, and it's essential to stay informed and monitor your investments periodically. I hope this helps you get started on your journey to financial planning for your retirement and children's future.

Wishing you all the best, Rahul Ji!

Warm Regards,
Hardik

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8319 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

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Hello Madam/ Sir, I am 42 yrs old and want to start investment in stock, mutual fund and SIP. Already having own house, secure education fund for my child. I am able to invest every month 30k till 10 yrs. Based on that can you please suggest best option with good returns on investment.
Ans: Let's explore your investment options to achieve good returns over the next decade. Considering your goals and financial situation, here are some suggestions:

Investment Goals
Regular Investment: Investing Rs 30,000 every month for 10 years.

Stock Market Investments: Diversifying into stocks and mutual funds for better returns.

Secure and Growth-Oriented Portfolio: Balancing risk with potential growth.

Stock Market Investments
1. Direct Equity Investments:

Invest in fundamentally strong companies.

Focus on sectors with high growth potential.

Regularly monitor and review your portfolio.

2. Actively Managed Mutual Funds:

These funds are managed by experienced fund managers.

They aim to outperform the market by selecting high-potential stocks.

Offer better returns compared to passive index funds.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
1. Consistent Investments:

SIP allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly.

It averages out the cost of purchase.

Suitable for long-term wealth creation.

2. Benefits of Regular Funds via MFDs:

Professional Guidance: An MFD with CFP credential provides expert advice.

Market Insights: Helps in selecting the right funds.

Regular Monitoring: Ensures your investments align with your goals.

Asset Allocation
1. Diversification:

Spread investments across different asset classes.

Reduces risk and enhances returns.

2. Risk Management:

Mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Adjust the allocation based on market conditions.

Debt Investments
1. Fixed Deposits and Bonds:

Provide stable and low-risk returns.

Suitable for capital preservation.

2. Public Provident Fund (PPF):

Long-term savings scheme with tax benefits.

Offers attractive interest rates.

Gold Investments
1. Gold Schemes:

Hedge against inflation and market volatility.

Invest in gold bonds or mutual funds.

Insurance
1. Term Insurance:

Ensure adequate life cover for your family.

Pure protection plan without investment components.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Periodic Reviews: Regularly review your portfolio.

Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments based on performance.

Avoid Common Pitfalls
1. Direct Funds:

Lack professional guidance.

May not align with your financial goals.

2. Index Funds:

Passive in nature.

Do not aim to outperform the market.

3. Annuities:

Often have lower returns.

Lack flexibility compared to mutual funds.

Final Insights
Investing Rs 30,000 monthly in stocks, mutual funds, and SIP can yield significant returns over 10 years. Diversify your portfolio, seek professional guidance, and review investments regularly. Avoid direct funds, index funds, and annuities for better growth and security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8319 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 05, 2025

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Dear Sir, I am aged 40 years a aggressive investor I have recent corpus of 13 lac in mutual fund and doing SIP of Rs30500 monthly in following funds . Nippon small cap - 9000 , Tata small cap - 7500 , Quant Small cap - 6000 , kotak small cap - 5000 and Pgmi Flexi cap -3000 and a vision for next 22 years with step up of 10 %. I also invest in PPF of 12500 monthly and In EPF with 25000 basic salary and i will also get Rs 50 lac from various LIC policy at the age of 60 . I want to know that is my approach is right and what would be the future corpus at the age of 62 years .
Ans: You are doing a disciplined and smart job with your investments. You have a long-term horizon, a strong SIP commitment, and a clear goal in mind. That’s a big step many don’t take seriously. Let me now evaluate your approach from all angles. This will be a 360-degree review of your investment plan and future readiness.

Let us go step-by-step to understand if your approach is right and what the future looks like.

Your Current Financial Setup

You are 40 years old now.

You have a mutual fund corpus of Rs 13 lakh.

You invest Rs 30,500 monthly through SIP.

You invest in four small cap funds and one flexi cap fund.

You step up your SIP by 10% annually.

You have a PPF investment of Rs 12,500 monthly.

You contribute to EPF. Your basic salary is Rs 25,000.

You will receive Rs 50 lakh from LIC policies at age 60.

Your investment horizon is 22 years from now.

This is a solid plan and shows discipline. Now, let us evaluate it carefully with insights and suggestions.

Assessment of Mutual Fund Investments

You are investing heavily in small cap mutual funds.

Four out of five funds are from the small cap category.

Small caps give high returns, but they also carry high risk.

Over 22 years, this risk may work in your favour.

But the ride will be bumpy. There will be sharp ups and downs.

At times, you may see short-term losses. That is normal.

However, putting over 85% of SIP in small caps may be risky.

You need better diversification for stability.

Adding large cap and mid cap funds may balance the risk.

Your Flexi cap fund does help a bit, but it is still not enough.

A blend of market caps will give smoother long-term growth.

It is better to slowly bring down small cap exposure to 50%.

Increase exposure to diversified and mid-cap funds gradually.

Don’t exit small cap funds suddenly. Take a phased approach.

This change will make your portfolio strong and well-balanced.

Step-Up SIP Strategy – Strong and Effective

Increasing SIP by 10% annually is a smart idea.

This fights inflation and grows your wealth faster.

It uses your rising income to build a big corpus.

Many investors ignore step-up. You are doing it correctly.

Keep increasing the SIP without fail every year.

Even a break in step-up can delay your target.

Review your SIPs yearly and adjust as income rises.

This strategy will help you reach your target corpus faster.

Investment in PPF – A Safe Long-Term Cushion

PPF offers guaranteed, tax-free interest.

You are investing Rs 12,500 monthly in PPF.

Over 22 years, this will become a strong safe corpus.

It adds stability to your overall financial plan.

PPF is good for retirement since it is risk-free.

Keep continuing till maturity. Do not withdraw early.

Interest rate may vary, but long-term returns are good.

You also get tax exemption under Section 80C.

This risk-free asset will protect you from equity market shocks.

EPF – A Reliable Retirement Contributor

Your EPF is linked to your Rs 25,000 basic salary.

The employer also contributes monthly.

Over 22 years, this will grow into a big amount.

EPF offers fixed, tax-free returns with no market risk.

It is an excellent tool for retirement planning.

Avoid premature withdrawals from EPF.

You can withdraw after retirement for use as income.

This will be a strong pillar of your retirement security.

LIC Maturity at Age 60 – A Special Boost

You will receive Rs 50 lakh from LIC policies at age 60.

This will come at a perfect time near retirement.

You must check if these are traditional or ULIP plans.

Traditional plans offer low returns, mostly below inflation.

ULIPs carry market risk and high charges.

If these are investment-cum-insurance plans, surrendering is wise.

You can reinvest that surrender amount in mutual funds.

Use proper asset allocation while reinvesting.

For insurance needs, use only term insurance.

Reinvesting in mutual funds can make this Rs 50 lakh grow further.

Future Corpus at Age 62 – What to Expect

With SIPs, EPF, PPF and LIC money, your total savings will be huge.

Your mutual fund corpus will grow rapidly with step-up.

Your PPF and EPF will grow safely, year after year.

LIC amount will give a big boost just before retirement.

With 10% SIP step-up, your corpus can cross Rs 9 to 10 crore.

Exact figure depends on market returns, SIP discipline, and inflation.

But you are definitely on the right path to reach financial freedom.

You are preparing for retirement very well.

This kind of planning gives peace of mind and confidence.

Things You Are Doing Right – A Quick Look

Strong SIP discipline and long-term vision.

Investing in equity for long-term wealth creation.

Following step-up SIP approach.

Investing in PPF and EPF for safe returns.

Keeping investment horizon of 22 years.

Maintaining separate LIC maturity plans.

You are showing smart behaviour as an aggressive investor.

Key Improvements You Should Consider

Reduce small cap exposure to 50% slowly.

Add more mid-cap and flexi cap funds.

Avoid overlapping funds from same category.

Review performance of all funds every 6 months.

Check expense ratios and consistency of returns.

Track goal progress once a year with clear targets.

Make sure your portfolio has good asset allocation.

Don’t hold funds only based on past returns.

Always go through a Certified Financial Planner for changes.

This will make your portfolio more stable and return-oriented.

Important Taxation Insight

Long-Term Capital Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gains are taxed at 20%.

Plan redemptions smartly to reduce tax.

Use staggered withdrawals near retirement.

Redeem equity funds over time, not all at once.

PPF and EPF are tax-free. LIC maturity is also tax-free.

But for mutual funds, plan redemptions with tax efficiency.

This will help you protect your wealth from tax erosion.

Important Notes on Fund Types and Investments

Do not use direct mutual funds if you are not an expert.

Direct funds need self-review and research, always.

There is no handholding or guidance with direct funds.

If you miss fund underperformance, losses may happen.

Regular funds through MFD with CFP advice are safer.

CFP will do goal review, fund analysis and rebalancing.

This adds value and protects your goals from derailment.

Always go through a trusted CFP for a 360-degree plan.

Your long-term wealth deserves the right expert attention.

Finally – Our Insights for You

You are on a great track with vision and discipline.

You are investing smartly across equity and debt.

With minor changes, your plan can become stronger.

Keep focus on diversification and risk management.

Review your goals and progress yearly with expert help.

Stick to your plan even during market falls.

Continue your SIP step-up and never skip contributions.

Use professional guidance to ensure smooth journey.

Your retirement will be financially independent and stress-free.

This approach will help you lead a proud, peaceful life post-60.

Stay committed and consistent. You are doing excellent already.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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