65-Year-Old Investor Seeking Portfolio Advice: What Adjustments Should I Make?

Ans: No change is required presently

Ans: Dear Shanky
My recommendation only on the past performance and anticipated future outlook of your funds is as below:-
1. Invesco India Contra fund - Poor performance. Switch
2. Kotak Emerging Equity fund - Good fund. Continue.
3. Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip fund - Good fund. Continue.
4. Nippon India Multicap fund - Good fund. Continue.
5. Tata Equity P/E fund - Poor performance. Switch

However, do note that you are taking a very high risk in your portfolio with 2 midcap and 3 small cap funds. Do consult a financial advisor to rebalance your portfolio.

Disclaimer:
• I have just no idea about your age, future financial goals, your risk profile, other investments and whether you would have the nerves to not get unduly perturbed if stock markets go temporarily down.
• Hence, please note that I am answering your question in absolute isolation to other parameters which should definitely be considered when answering a question of this type.
• I recommend you to also consult a good financial advisor who would look at your complete profile in totality before you act on this advice given by me.

Ans: Redeem deactivate funds and invest in the schemes where you have already invested

Ans: Considering your goal of achieving a retirement corpus of 5 Cr by age 45, your current investment strategy seems ok. However, given the long-term horizon, it's advisable to periodically review your portfolio's performance and asset allocation. Consider diversifying further if needed and monitor the funds' consistency in delivering returns aligned with your objectives. Remember, staying informed and adaptable is key to achieving your financial goals. Keep up the good work and stay focused on your long-term objectives!

Ans: You have taken effort to build a broad mix.
That itself shows good discipline at age 66.
You also show good awareness about fund categories.
I appreciate this clarity.
You want to know if any change is needed.
I will now look at your mix from a full 360-degree view.
I will keep every line simple.
I will keep all points short.
I will guide you as a Certified Financial Planner.
I will avoid scheme names as you requested.
Your fund list is as follows:
– Large cap: 2
– Midcap: 2
– Multicap: 1
– ELSS: 3
– Flexicap: 1
– Value fund: 1
You have a total of 10 funds.
This is a higher count for your stage of life.
You may not need so many funds now.
Your goal now is safety, steady growth, and simple tracking.
Below is a detailed assessment.


You have built a good mix of categories.
You have covered different styles.
This shows good long-term thinking.
At 66, you also need more stability.
Your plan must focus on capital safety.
Your plan must also focus on low stress.
So a simpler structure will help you more.
You already have the right base for that.

» Review of your current mix
Your mix is wide but a bit scattered.
Large caps are stable.
Midcaps can grow but can also swing.
Multicap and flexicap give dynamic allocation.
Value funds give slow but steady style.
ELSS funds are no longer needed for tax saving after 60.
So three ELSS funds create extra overlap.
The biggest issue is overlap.
These categories may hold many similar stocks.
This makes your portfolio look bigger than it is.
More funds do not mean more safety.
More funds can create more confusion.
Fewer funds can give smoother tracking.

» Review of category purpose
Each category has a different idea.
– Large cap funds give safer growth.
– Midcap funds give higher swings.
– Multicap funds spread across all sizes.
– Flexicap funds change weight based on market view.
– Value funds invest only when price looks cheap.
– ELSS funds are mainly for tax saving.
At age 66, you no longer need tax-based investing.
So ELSS becomes less useful.
Midcap funds can still work.
But they must be in limited number.
Flexicap, multicap and value can act as core holdings.
But having all of them may create duplication.

» Portfolio simplicity for your age
At 66, simple structure gives more clarity.
It reduces risk of mistakes.
It helps easy decision-making.
You need only a few funds now.
But each fund must be high quality.
Each fund must suit your risk level.
Simple plans reduce mental load.
Simple plans reduce tax impact.
Simple plans also keep rebalancing easy.

» Do you need change
Yes, some change can help you.
But you do not need a full reshuffle.
You only need trimming.
You must remove extra funds.
You must keep a core-and-support style.
You also need a stable asset mix.
Equity alone is not enough at this stage.
You need some debt allocation.
Debt allocation gives peace and steady cash flow.
This is part of 360-degree planning.

» Suggested structure for your funds
I will give a structure idea without naming any scheme.
This structure is easier and more balanced.
– Keep one large cap fund.
– Keep one midcap fund.
– Keep one flexicap or multicap fund.
– Keep one value fund only if needed.
– Exit from all ELSS funds after lock-in.
This reduces your funds from ten to three or four.
This keeps your portfolio strong and simple.
This reduces overlap.
This brings better control.

» Why reduce ELSS
ELSS is good only for tax saving.
You may not need Section 80C now.
There is no benefit in keeping three ELSS funds.
They also behave like multi-cap funds.
They bring the same type of exposure.
So they add no extra value.
You can exit after lock-in.
You can shift to a more stable category.
This brings more safety at your age.

» Why limit midcap
Midcaps swing a lot.
This may affect your peace.
Keep only one midcap fund now.
This lowers volatility.
This protects your retirement corpus.
Growth will still continue.
But with calmer movement.

» Why keep large cap
Large caps offer steady movement.
They protect the downside better.
They match your life stage now.
One large cap fund is enough.

» Role of flexicap or multicap
These funds offer wide choices.
They allow fund manager to adjust sizes.
This gives good flexibility.
This fits long-term goals well.
You may keep only one of these types.
You do not need both.

» Role of value fund
Value fund can be kept.
But it is not mandatory.
It depends on your comfort.
Value funds move slowly.
They are less aggressive.
They can act as a stabiliser.
But you should avoid too many layers.
Keep the count low.

» Active funds are better than index funds
You have not chosen index funds.
That is good for your stage.
Index funds lack protection in down markets.
They fall exactly as the market falls.
They do not have a manager to reduce risk.
They also have no flexibility to shift stocks.
At 66, you need selective exposure.
Active funds give smart stock selection.
Active funds lower risk in bad cycles.
This is safer for retirees.
Your active style is therefore better.

» Direct funds vs regular funds
You did not talk about direct funds.
If you ever think of direct funds, be careful.
Direct funds need your time.
They need your full tracking.
You must rebalance alone.
This can be stressful at your age.
It can cause wrong timing decisions.
Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credential give better discipline.
You get guidance, reviews and handholding.
This prevents behavioural mistakes.
This protects your retirement money.
So regular plans are safer for long-term peace.

» Asset mix check
Income stage needs balanced mix.
You can keep 30% to 40% in equity.
You can keep the rest in debt.
Debt gives stability.
Debt gives cash flow.
Debt reduces worry in market falls.
Debt also helps SWP planning.
You must not depend fully on equity now.
I am not giving exact formula.
I am giving only principles.
You can fine-tune with a CFP.

» Why this mix matters
You need two things now.
You need growth for next 20 years.
You also need safety for monthly needs.
Your mix should support both.
So equity cannot be fully removed.
But equity must be controlled.
A balanced mix gives the right balance.

» 360-degree view for your money
You should also look at other areas.
You need health cover in place.
You need emergency money.
You need nominee details updated.
You need a will.
You need to review tax impact.
You need to check expense needs.
These complete the 360-degree view.
Your fund changes must match these points.

» Rebalancing approach
You should review once a year.
You should not change every few months.
Reviewing once a year keeps discipline.
This avoids emotional mistakes.
This keeps long-term growth steady.
This makes your retirement smooth.

» MF tax rules for awareness
When you sell equity funds, you must know tax.
Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
Long-term gains have tax above Rs 1.25 lakh at 12.5%.
Debt fund gains follow tax slabs.
This is needed for planning redemptions.
You need to sell slowly.
You must avoid sudden withdrawals.

» What you can do next
– Reduce total fund count.
– Exit ELSS after lock-in.
– Keep only one midcap.
– Keep one large cap.
– Keep one flexicap or multicap.
– Keep value fund only if you like that style.
– Maintain debt exposure.
– Review once a year.
This will keep your plan strong.
This will make your life easier.
This will protect your money better.
This gives peaceful retirement.

» Finally
Your base is already good.
You only need trimming.
A simpler structure will help you now.
It will protect your retirement years.
It will give steady returns with less stress.
Your money will work better for you.
Your life will stay peaceful.
If needed, a Certified Financial Planner can fine-tune your risk level, SWP needs, and debt mix.
You already have the right attitude.
Your next step is only about organising the structure.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment