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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 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 - May 03, 2024Hindi
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HI I M 40 NOW. I WANT A CORPUS OF MINIMUM 1 CR WITHIN 5 YEARS. PLZ UPDATE WHICH MUTUAL FUND SHALL I TAKE AND HOW MUCH FUND TO INVEST MONTHLY.

Ans: It's great to hear about your financial goals. Let's explore how we can achieve a corpus of 1 crore within 5 years:

Considering your time frame and target corpus, we'll need to adopt an aggressive investment strategy.

Mutual funds offer a range of options suited to different risk profiles and investment horizons.

To maximize growth potential, we can focus on equity mutual funds with a proven track record of delivering consistent returns.

A systematic investment plan (SIP) would be ideal for you, allowing you to invest a fixed amount monthly.

By investing regularly in mutual funds, you can benefit from the power of compounding and market appreciation over time.

It's crucial to select funds that align with your risk tolerance and financial objectives.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend conducting thorough research or seeking professional advice to identify suitable mutual funds.

Additionally, consider diversifying your investments across multiple funds to spread risk and optimize returns.

Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and adjusting your investment strategy as needed is essential to stay on track towards your goal.

Remember, investing involves risks, and it's essential to remain disciplined and patient, especially during market fluctuations.

With determination and strategic planning, achieving your target corpus of 1 crore within 5 years is definitely attainable.

Stay focused on your goal, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance along the way.

You're taking a proactive step towards securing your financial future, and I'm here to support you in your journey.
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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
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I'm 26 year old with a salary of 30 lac, I have a EMI of 50,000 and not yet married, I want to make a Corpus of 1 cr in next 5-7 years, how much mutual funds and FD or any other investment to achieve this.
Ans: Congratulations on setting a financial goal to build a 1 crore corpus in the next 5-7 years! It's an ambitious yet achievable target with the right planning and investment strategy.

Evaluating Your Current Situation
With a monthly salary of 30 lakhs and an EMI of 50,000, you're already on solid ground. Now, let's assess how much you need to invest to reach your goal.

Investment Strategy
Given your timeframe and goal, here's a strategic approach:

Mutual Funds:
Mutual funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to traditional fixed deposits (FDs). Considering your age and the long-term horizon, you can allocate a significant portion of your investments to equity mutual funds. These funds have historically provided higher returns over the long term.

Fixed Deposits (FDs) or Other Conservative Investments:
While equity mutual funds offer growth potential, it's essential to balance your portfolio with safer investments like fixed deposits or debt funds. These provide stability and can act as a cushion during market downturns.

Investment Allocation
Without knowing your current savings or assets, it's challenging to provide precise numbers. However, here's a general guideline:

Mutual Funds:
Aim to invest a substantial portion of your savings, say around 70-80%, in equity mutual funds. Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to diversify your portfolio and mitigate risk.

Fixed Deposits or Other Conservative Investments:
Allocate the remaining 20-30% to safer options like fixed deposits or debt funds. These will provide stability and liquidity to your portfolio.

Regular Review and Adjustment
As your circumstances change, such as salary increments or additional financial commitments, review and adjust your investment strategy accordingly. Regular monitoring ensures you stay on track towards your goal.

Conclusion
Building a 1 crore corpus in 5-7 years is feasible with a disciplined approach to investing and a well-diversified portfolio. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor an investment plan suited to your specific needs and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

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Money
I am 34 years old married and have one daughter aged 2 years..i have invested 30lac mutal fund and 10lakh ppf investment..i have no debts and loans...my wife and I earn around 25 lac per year as freelancer private tutors....please suggest me ways to create 5crore corpus at age of 45years...i always invest 70% of my income in mutual funds per year
Ans: You aim to create a Rs. 5 crore corpus by age 45.

You have 11 years to achieve this goal.

Your combined annual income is Rs. 25 lakhs.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
You have Rs. 30 lakhs in mutual funds.

You have Rs. 10 lakhs in PPF.

You invest 70% of your income in mutual funds annually.

Importance of Consistent Investments
Consistent investment is crucial.

You invest Rs. 17.5 lakhs annually in mutual funds.

This discipline will help you reach your goal.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds aim for higher returns.

They are managed by experts.

These funds can enhance your growth potential.

Diversifying Your Portfolio
Diversification reduces risk.

Maintain a mix of equity and debt funds.

This ensures a balance of growth and stability.

Maximising Your PPF Investments
Continue investing in PPF for stable returns.

PPF offers tax benefits and risk-free returns.

It complements your mutual fund investments.

Importance of Regular Funds
Invest through a Certified Financial Planner.

Regular funds provide professional guidance.

This helps in making informed investment decisions.

Reviewing Your Insurance Policies
If you hold LIC, ULIP, or investment-cum-insurance policies:

Consider surrendering them for better returns.

Reinvest in mutual funds to maximise growth.

Estimating Required Annual Returns
To achieve Rs. 5 crores in 11 years:

Calculate the required annual return rate.

A Certified Financial Planner can assist with precise calculations.

Creating an Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund.

It should cover at least 6 months of expenses.

This safeguards your financial plan.

Monitoring Your Investments
Regularly review your investment portfolio.

Adjust based on performance and goals.

Stay informed about market trends.

Seeking Professional Help
Consult a Certified Financial Planner.

They offer tailored advice.

Their expertise ensures your plan stays on track.

Final Insights
Creating a Rs. 5 crore corpus by 45 is achievable.

Consistently invest in mutual funds.

Focus on actively managed funds for higher returns.

Diversify your portfolio for balanced growth.

Maintain and maximise your PPF investments.

Regularly review and adjust your investments.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised guidance.

With disciplined investing and strategic planning, you can achieve your goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Money
I am 40. Monthly salary 2.5 lac. Have 40 lac of equity.1.2 lac of MF investment per month with 5 lac of portfolio balance. 10lac balance. Monthly expenses 50k. Please suggest to create corpus of 5 cr in next 10 years
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot

Age: 40 years

Monthly income: Rs. 2.5 lakhs

Monthly expenses: Rs. 50,000

Monthly surplus: Rs. 2 lakhs

Existing mutual funds: Rs. 5 lakhs

Monthly SIP: Rs. 1.2 lakhs

Direct equity holdings: Rs. 40 lakhs

Bank balance: Rs. 10 lakhs

Your aspiration to accumulate Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is realistic. However, it demands smart financial decisions, risk control, consistent savings, and portfolio monitoring.

Cash Flow Utilisation

You have a high surplus of Rs. 2 lakhs per month

SIP contribution is already Rs. 1.2 lakhs

This shows good savings discipline

Unused surplus of Rs. 80,000 should be aligned with goals

Avoid idle cash beyond 6 months of expenses

Create a systematic structure for deploying this surplus wisely.

Emergency Reserve Planning

Maintain 6 to 9 months’ expenses as emergency fund

That means Rs. 3 to 4.5 lakhs should be parked safely

Use a sweep-in FD or liquid mutual funds for this

Do not use equity or equity mutual funds as emergency reserve

Your bank balance of Rs. 10 lakhs can partly serve this purpose

Emergency fund must be accessible, stable, and uncorrelated with markets.

Review of Equity Portfolio

Rs. 40 lakhs invested in equity is a strong asset

Assess quality and sector exposure of these stocks

Are they large, mid or small-cap?

Are they consistently reviewed or just held without tracking?

Over-diversification or stock overlap should be avoided

If you are unable to evaluate stocks professionally, gradually move to mutual funds.

Mutual Fund Portfolio Management

SIP of Rs. 1.2 lakh monthly is impressive

Existing MF value is Rs. 5 lakhs, showing recent start

Ensure the funds are actively managed

Avoid index funds

Index funds lack flexibility in market downturns

Actively managed funds offer downside protection

Good fund managers adjust portfolio based on market conditions

Don’t use direct plans without expert guidance.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct plans cut out commissions but also cut out guidance

You miss rebalancing insights from a Certified Financial Planner

No help during market corrections

Wrong fund selection can reduce overall return

Fund manager changes or strategy shifts often go unnoticed

Regular plans via a Certified Financial Planner offer better strategy support

Investor behavior affects returns more than expense ratio

Choose regular plans through an MFD with a CFP credential for long-term benefits.

Allocation of Existing Assets

You have Rs. 55 lakhs of financial assets:

Rs. 40 lakhs in equity

Rs. 5 lakhs in mutual funds

Rs. 10 lakhs in savings

Recommended action:

Retain Rs. 4 lakhs for emergency needs

Use Rs. 6 lakhs in a staggered manner into equity mutual funds

Avoid lump sum into direct equity unless very confident

Maintain asset allocation and don’t get emotionally attached to stocks

Equity holding should be assessed and pruned for underperformers regularly.

Monthly Investment Strategy

From Rs. 2 lakh surplus:

Rs. 1.2 lakhs already going into SIPs

Allocate Rs. 40,000 into additional equity MFs

Allocate Rs. 20,000 into conservative hybrid or dynamic funds

Allocate Rs. 20,000 into gold or international funds if needed

Review fund categories every 6 months with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investment

If you have ULIPs or traditional LIC plans, evaluate returns

Traditional plans usually offer returns of 4% to 5%

These are capital inefficient compared to mutual funds

If you hold any such investment-linked insurance policies, consider surrender

Reinvest the proceeds into diversified equity mutual funds through an MFD

Use term insurance for protection, not for investment

Investment and insurance should never be combined.

Tax Efficiency Considerations

Under new rules, equity mutual funds have revised taxation

LTCG over Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt fund gains taxed as per slab

Keep holding periods in mind to reduce taxes

Opt for growth plans, not dividend

Avoid frequent switching of funds

Tax planning should not drive the investment, but cannot be ignored either.

Asset Allocation Approach

Don't be 100% in equity

Ideal asset mix depends on your risk tolerance

At age 40, equity allocation can be up to 70%

Use 20% for hybrid or conservative funds

Keep 10% for emergency and contingency liquidity

Review asset allocation at least once a year

Don’t chase returns, protect capital also

Diversification must be across asset classes, fund styles, and risk levels.

Goal Mapping for Rs. 5 Crore Target

To reach Rs. 5 crores in 10 years:

With 12% average annualised return, consistent monthly investment needed

Your current SIPs and surplus can help you reach or even exceed the goal

But returns are not linear every year

Review annually, rebalance when needed

Avoid stopping SIPs during market falls

Use a 3-bucket approach for investing – Core, Tactical, and Strategic

Use goal-based planning, not only product-based investing.

Behavioral Management and Monitoring

Market volatility will test your patience

Stick to SIPs even during downturns

Don’t time the market

Set review points every 6 months

Consult your Certified Financial Planner during market highs and lows

Emotional investing can ruin returns

Use automated STPs from liquid to equity funds if needed

Consistency beats intensity. Be process-driven, not return-driven.

Avoid Common Investment Mistakes

Don’t chase hot stocks or funds

Don’t rely only on past performance

Don’t stop SIPs when markets fall

Don’t use money meant for goals for short-term trading

Don’t keep checking portfolio daily

Don’t fall for unsolicited stock tips or social media trends

Don’t be under-insured

Your financial plan should have safety nets and growth elements.

Insurance Planning

Life insurance must be term-only

Coverage should be at least 15 times your annual income

Avoid endowment and money-back policies

Health insurance must cover self and family adequately

Check for critical illness and accident cover as add-ons

Insurance is a protection tool, not a wealth creation tool

Wrong insurance choices can reduce your investible surplus.

Estate and Succession Planning

Prepare a Will

Ensure nominations in all investments

For mutual funds, update folio nominations regularly

Consider joint holding in bank accounts

Keep family informed of asset details

Review estate documents every 3 years

Wealth creation is incomplete without proper wealth transfer planning.

Finally

You are in a strong financial position

Monthly surplus and discipline are your biggest assets

Just avoid unnecessary products and stay consistent

Work with a Certified Financial Planner

Don’t go for real estate just for returns

Focus on financial instruments that are transparent and liquid

Build a balanced portfolio with active fund strategies

Protect capital and take calculated growth risks

Use proper fund selection with professional hand-holding

Maintain a written financial plan with clear milestones.

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

..Read more

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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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