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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 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
Arniban Question by Arniban on Jun 23, 2024Hindi
Money

I m arniban frm assam.i m 30 years old nd I m a central govt employee presently my salary 112000 almost nd my wife is assam govt employee with 32000 salary both have pension scheme frm govt my target is 10cr duration 20 years pls provide some trick nd advice I have no savings yet.nd no loan

Ans: Arniban!

Congrats on your stable jobs and secure future with government pensions! It’s fantastic that you’re thinking ahead and aiming for Rs. 10 crore in 20 years. Let's create a detailed plan to achieve this goal.

Current Financial Situation
You and your wife have a combined monthly income of Rs. 1,44,000. Since you mentioned you have no savings yet, it’s a good time to start planning.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
Aiming for Rs. 10 crore in 20 years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined saving and smart investing. Let’s break it down.

Building an Emergency Fund
First, create an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least 6 months of your expenses. It provides a safety net for unforeseen expenses like medical emergencies or job loss.

Starting with SIPs in Mutual Funds
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

SIPs are a great way to start investing regularly. By investing a fixed amount monthly, you can benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Diversify Your Portfolio:

Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap mutual funds. This diversification helps spread risk and enhances potential returns.

Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds have skilled fund managers who can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions. This can potentially deliver higher returns compared to index funds.

The Power of Compounding
Compounding:

Compounding means earning returns on your returns. The earlier you start, the more your money grows over time. It’s essential to stay invested and reinvest the returns.

Example:

If you invest Rs. 50,000 monthly in mutual funds with an average return of 12%, in 20 years, you can reach your goal of Rs. 10 crore. The power of compounding significantly boosts your wealth over time.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Monitor Your Investments:

Regularly review the performance of your mutual funds. If a fund is underperforming, consider switching to a better-performing fund.

Stay Updated:

Keep yourself updated with market trends and economic news. It helps in making informed decisions and adjusting your investment strategy if needed.

Tax Efficiency
Tax-Saving Investments:

Some mutual funds, like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme), offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. They not only provide tax deductions but also have the potential for high returns.

Long-Term Capital Gains Tax:

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity mutual funds are tax-free up to Rs. 1 lakh per year. Gains above this limit are taxed at 10%. Holding investments for the long term can be tax-efficient.

Risk Management
Understanding Risks:

All investments carry some risk. Higher returns often come with higher risks. Assess your risk tolerance and invest accordingly.

Managing Volatility:

Equity investments can be volatile. During market downturns, stay invested and don’t panic. Regular investments through SIPs can average out the costs and reduce the impact of market volatility.

Financial Discipline
Stick to Your Plan:

Financial discipline is crucial. Stick to your investment plan, avoid unnecessary expenses, and prioritize your financial goals.

Automate Your Investments:

Set up automatic SIPs from your bank account. This ensures regular investments without manual intervention.

Windfall Gains
Utilize Bonuses and Extra Income:

Any bonuses, tax refunds, or unexpected income should be directed towards your investments. This can accelerate your wealth-building process.

Financial Protection
Life Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate life insurance coverage. It provides financial security to your family in case of unforeseen events.

Health Insurance:

Adequate health insurance coverage is essential to protect against high medical costs. Review your existing policies and ensure they provide comprehensive coverage.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner:

While this guide provides a comprehensive strategy, consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. Professional guidance can help optimize your financial plan.

Benefits of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Regular Funds:

Investing through regular funds with a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who has a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential can be beneficial. MFDs provide expert advice and help you choose the right funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Direct funds require you to do all the research and management yourself. It can be time-consuming and challenging without expert knowledge. Regular funds, through an MFD, offer personalized advice and support.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Stay Flexible:

Regularly review your financial plan and adjust based on your progress and market conditions. Flexibility is key to achieving your financial goals.

Celebrate Milestones:

Celebrate small milestones along the way. It keeps you motivated and reinforces positive financial behavior.

Final Insights
Achieving Rs. 10 crore in 20 years is ambitious but possible with disciplined saving and smart investing. Here’s a quick recap:

1. Start with an emergency fund:

Cover at least 6 months of expenses.

2. Invest through SIPs in diversified mutual funds:

Focus on actively managed funds.

3. Utilize the power of compounding:

Start early and reinvest returns.

4. Monitor and adjust your investments regularly:

Stay informed and flexible.

5. Ensure tax efficiency:

Utilize tax-saving investments like ELSS.

6. Manage risks and stay disciplined:

Stick to your plan and avoid unnecessary expenses.

7. Seek professional guidance:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

Your determination and strategic planning will help you achieve your financial goals. Keep up the good work and stay focused on your journey to financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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 Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

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hello sir, i am 40 year old with monthly salary of rs 95K, home loan EMI is 15100, SIP 11000/- monhtly, in ELSS, Sectorial, Large, Mid and Small cap , currently balace home loan is 9.88 L and my investment valus is 5.70L this time, one term lona for 1cr and mediclaim cover 10L, i want to make 1 CR in next 5-10 years, plz suggest me, i have one child in 9th and one in 1st ,
Ans: I understand you're looking to build a Rs. 1 crore corpus in the next 5-10 years. That's a great goal, and with careful planning and investing, it's definitely achievable. Let's break down some things to consider:

1. Reviewing your current investments:

SIPs: Your Rs. 11,000 monthly SIP is spread across ELSS, sectoral, large, mid, and small-cap funds. This diversification is good, but having so many funds might make tracking performance a little complex. We can discuss streamlining this if needed.
Home loan EMI: Your Rs. 15,100 EMI is helping you pay off your home loan. Keep up the good work!
2. Setting priorities:

Term insurance: Having a Rs. 1 crore term insurance policy secures your family's future in case of unforeseen events. It's a wise decision.
Medical cover: A Rs. 10 lakh mediclaim cover is good, but depending on your family's needs, you might consider increasing it in the future.
3. Achieving your Rs. 1 crore goal:

Increase investments: Consider if you can gradually increase your monthly SIP amount. Even a small increase can make a significant difference over time.
Review your asset allocation: We can discuss if your current investment mix aligns with your risk tolerance and goals. Actively managed funds, unlike index funds, can potentially outperform the market over time. We can explore options that suit your risk profile.
P.S.

While real estate can be a part of a long-term investment plan, it requires significant capital and ongoing management. Actively managed funds offer diversification and the potential for growth.
Regularly review your investments and financial plan to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving goals. Building a corpus takes time and discipline. Stay invested for the long term to ride out market fluctuations.
Considering consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP):

A CFP can create a personalized financial plan considering your income, expenses, goals, and risk tolerance. They can help you choose the right investments and stay on track. Consulting a CFP can be especially helpful when building a large corpus like Rs. 1 crore.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Dev Ashish  | Answer  |Ask -

MF Expert, Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2024Hindi
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I am 34 Yrs old and having 2 daughters Currently I am earning 1Lakh Salary monthly out of which 35K is moving in a loan no obligation on credit card have started 12k of SIP from last 6 months and 2.5lkhs in Lumsum MF and 2k in sukanya samriddihi for both of my daughter Need 3Cr in next 10 Yrs Please guide
Ans: To reach a target of Rs 3 Crore in the next 10 years, we will have to account for existing assets and fresh investments that you will be doing.

The only details of the existing assets available are Rs 2.5 lakh in Mutual Funds (done in lumpsum) and a monthly SIP of Rs 12,000 for the last 6 months.

In addition, you will have to invest Rs 1.05 lakh per month starting today and increase the monthly investments by at least 7% each year for the next `10 years (assuming a similar increase in salary). This is assuming a 75:25 Equity:Debt allocation.

But the issue is that your income is Rs 1 lakh and you pay Rs 35,000 monthly EMI out of it! And details of other expenses arent known. So we don't have enough surplus left to invest fully to achieve your goals.

It is what it is and hence, you should start investing whatever monthly amount you can manage over and above that and if possible, use your annual bonus/incentives to further top up your investments.

Thanks
Dev Ashish,
SEBI Registered Investment Advisor (Fee-Only RIA)
Founder, StableInvestor.com
Twitter (@Stableinvestor)

Note (Disclaimer) - As a SEBI RIA, I cannot comment on specific schemes/funds that are provided or asked for in the questions in the platform. And the views expressed above should not be considered professional investment advice or advertisement or otherwise. No specific product/service recommendations have been made and the answers here are for general educational purposes only. The readers are requested to take into consideration all the risk factors including their financial condition, suitability to risk-return profile and the like and take professional investment advice before investing.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2024

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Hello Sir, I am 55 running. Running small Engineering Unit. Wife 50 working in Pvt Ltd Company. We both earn Rs 1.5 Lacs a month. I have loan on my unit worth Rs 1.3 Lacs per month till 2025. I have MF 1.3Cr, PPF 53L , FDs 30 L, HDFC policy 31L getting matured in 2027. Expenses daughter is MDS in 2nd year. yearly fees 15 L, Son in 3rd year B'tech fr NIT. Would like to have 5 cr at the age 60, Pl guide....
Ans: Understanding Your Financial Goals
Age: 55
Wife's Age: 50
Combined Monthly Income: Rs 1.5 lakh
Monthly Loan EMI: Rs 1.3 lakh until 2025
Children: Daughter in MDS (fees Rs 15 lakh/year), Son in 3rd year B'Tech at NIT
Current Investments
Mutual Funds: Rs 1.3 crore
PPF: Rs 53 lakh
Fixed Deposits (FDs): Rs 30 lakh
HDFC Policy: Rs 31 lakh (maturing in 2027)
Financial Goals
Retirement Corpus: Rs 5 crore by age 60
Investment Strategy
Increasing Mutual Fund Contributions
Continue SIPs: Keep investing in mutual funds for growth.
Focus on Actively Managed Funds: These can provide better returns than index funds.
Diversify: Invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds for stability and growth.
Enhancing Fixed Deposits
Reinvest Maturing FDs: Put maturing FDs into higher-yield debt funds.
Avoid Long-Term Lock-in: Keep some funds in short-term FDs for liquidity.
Maximizing PPF
Annual Contributions: Maximize your PPF contributions for tax-free returns.
PPF Maturity: Align PPF maturity with your retirement goals.
Utilizing HDFC Policy
Hold Till Maturity: Let the policy mature in 2027 to receive Rs 31 lakh.
Reinvest Proceeds: Reinvest the maturity amount into mutual funds or debt funds for growth.
Loan Repayment Strategy
Pay Off Loan: Focus on repaying your loan by 2025.
Free Up Income: Post-loan, redirect Rs 1.3 lakh EMI into investments.
Children's Education
Daughter’s MDS Fees: Continue to pay Rs 15 lakh/year until completion.
Son’s Education: Ensure funds are available for his B'Tech completion.
Insurance and Safety Nets
Life Insurance
Term Insurance: Ensure you have adequate term insurance.
Policy Review: Reevaluate your HDFC policy upon maturity.
Health Insurance
Adequate Coverage: Ensure comprehensive health insurance for your family.
Regular vs Direct Mutual Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Complex Management: Requires significant time and expertise.
Risk of Mistakes: Higher risk without professional guidance.
Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional Guidance: Managed by Certified Financial Planners (CFPs).
Easier Management: Less time-consuming and easier to track.
Final Insights
Stay Focused: Keep your retirement goal of Rs 5 crore in mind.
Regular Reviews: Periodically review your investments and adjust as needed.
Disciplined Saving: Stay disciplined with your savings and investments.
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 01, 2025Hindi
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sir , i am 40 old, monthly salary is 90k, wife, son in 8th and daughter in 1st class, having termplan 1CR and a medicalim of rs. 10L, having homeloan o/s 9.40L and having investment through sip is Axis Elss - 3000, ABSL Flexi -1000, HDFC Business cycle - 1000, Kotak ELSS - 1000, Kotak Emerging - 2000, MIrae large n mid cap - 1000, Nippon small cap - 1750, Whiteoak mid cap - 1000, Bajaj Fin Flexi - 750 , HDFC Manufacturing - 1000, ICICI Pru Energy - 1000, current value of investment is 6.50Lakh, plz suggest to make 1-2 CR in next 10-15 years
Ans: Age: 40 years.
Monthly income: Rs. 90,000.
Family: Wife, son in 8th, and daughter in 1st class.
Term insurance: Rs. 1 crore.
Mediclaim: Rs. 10 lakh.
Home loan outstanding: Rs. 9.40 lakh.
SIP investments: Rs. 15,500 per month across 12 funds.
Current investment value: Rs. 6.50 lakh.
Financial goal: Build a corpus of Rs. 1-2 crore in 10-15 years.
Observations and Analysis
1. Insurance Coverage

Term plan of Rs. 1 crore is adequate.
Mediclaim coverage of Rs. 10 lakh is sufficient for the family.
2. Investment Portfolio

SIP investments are diversified but spread across too many funds.
Some funds might overlap in holdings or underperform in the long term.
Current SIP allocation lacks a clear strategy for wealth creation.
3. Home Loan

An outstanding home loan of Rs. 9.40 lakh can impact cash flow.
Suggested Strategy to Achieve Rs. 1-2 Crore Corpus
Step 1: Consolidate Investments
Reduce the number of funds to 4-5 high-performing mutual funds.
Keep a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds for diversification.
Stop SIPs in sectoral funds like HDFC Manufacturing and ICICI Pru Energy.
Continue ELSS investments for tax-saving purposes under Section 80C.
Step 2: Increase SIP Amount Gradually
Currently, you invest Rs. 15,500 per month.
Gradually increase your SIP amount by 10-15% annually as your income grows.
Aim to reach a monthly SIP of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 in the next few years.
Step 3: Allocate Debt for Stability
Invest a portion in hybrid mutual funds for stable returns.
This reduces portfolio volatility while maintaining growth potential.
Home Loan Management
Prioritise partial prepayment of the home loan.
Use bonuses or extra income to reduce the loan balance.
Aim to close the loan within the next 3-5 years.
This will free up additional cash flow for investments.
Asset Allocation
Maintain 80% equity and 20% debt allocation initially.
Gradually reduce equity exposure to 60% as you approach the 10-year mark.
Equity funds will drive long-term growth, while debt funds add stability.
Tax-Efficient Investments
Use ELSS funds to maximise deductions under Section 80C.
Avoid frequent withdrawals to minimise tax liabilities on capital gains.
Recommended Funds for Long-Term Goals
Choose actively managed funds with a proven track record.
Focus on funds with consistent performance in various market cycles.
Avoid overlapping funds and sector-specific funds for better results.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Review your portfolio semi-annually.
Replace underperforming funds if they lag for more than three years.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for periodic assessments.
Final Insights
Your goal of Rs. 1-2 crore in 10-15 years is achievable with disciplined investments. Focus on consolidating your portfolio, increasing SIP contributions, and closing the home loan early. Regular reviews and adjustments will keep you on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 10, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 39 with monthly income of 80k. I have 20 lakh home loan with monthly emi of 33k. My monthly household expenses are 20k, daughter school studying in 2nd class 10k. I have corporate insurance plan for my family for 10 lakh and for parents 3 lakh. I am investing in SSY 5k for 5 years. Also have term plan of INR 50 lakh and LIC 2k per month. I have started SIP for 7k per month for 1 year. Please suggest me how can I accumulate 5cr upto age of 60 and Rs 50 lakh in 10 years?
Ans: . At age 39, with focused planning, your Rs 5 crore goal by age 60 and Rs 50 lakh in 10 years is possible. You are already taking meaningful steps. Let’s now shape a 360-degree action plan for you.

» Current Financial Snapshot

– Age: 39 years.
– Monthly income: Rs80,000.
– Home loan EMI: Rs33,000/month.
– Household expenses: Rs20,000/month.
– Daughter's school fees: Rs10,000/month.
– Total monthly outgo: Rs63,000.
– Current surplus: Rs17,000/month approx.
– SIP investments: Rs7,000/month.
– SSY investment: Rs5,000/month.
– Term insurance: Rs50 lakh.
– LIC: Rs2,000/month.
– Corporate health cover: Rs10 lakh (family), Rs3 lakh (parents).

» Income and Expense Assessment

– Your income covers all expenses including EMI.
– You are saving around Rs17,000 monthly.
– This saving rate needs to improve steadily.
– Try to increase income or reduce non-essential spending.
– Explore skill upgrades or side income.

» Loan Liability Management

– You have Rs20 lakh home loan.
– EMI of Rs33,000 is nearly 41% of income.
– This is on the higher side.
– Try to make part payments when possible.
– Use bonuses or excess funds to reduce principal.
– Lowering the loan tenure will improve long-term cash flow.
– Avoid taking additional loans till this loan is reduced.

» Insurance Review

– Term cover of Rs50 lakh is not sufficient.
– It should be 10 to 15 times your annual income.
– You need minimum Rs80 lakh to Rs1 crore term cover.
– Increase coverage immediately.
– Health insurance from company is helpful.
– But also buy personal health cover for Rs10 lakh.
– Include a Rs10 lakh top-up later.
– Parent cover of Rs3 lakh may be low for senior citizens.
– Explore options outside corporate cover for them.

» LIC Policy Evaluation

– You pay Rs2,000/month for LIC.
– That is Rs24,000/year.
– LIC plans offer low returns and long lock-ins.
– If it is endowment or money-back plan, surrender it.
– Reinvest the proceeds in SIPs through regular plans.
– Do not mix insurance and investment.

» Review of Existing Investments

– You invest Rs7,000/month in SIPs.
– You have started only a year back.
– Increase SIP by 10% every year.
– Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term goals.
– Avoid direct mutual funds.
– Direct plans lack personal advice and monitoring.
– Work with a trusted MFD with CFP qualification.
– Regular plans give you discipline, guidance and review.

– Do not go for index funds.
– Index funds follow the market blindly.
– They don’t protect during market falls.
– Actively managed funds adapt to market and give better returns.
– Skilled fund managers help to reduce downside risk.

» Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) Insights

– SSY is a good savings tool for girl child.
– You are contributing Rs5,000/month.
– It gives fixed interest but has lock-in.
– Can be used for higher education or marriage.
– Continue this for next 10-12 years.
– Avoid increasing allocation here.
– Instead, use mutual funds for better growth.

» Goal Planning: Rs50 Lakh in 10 Years

– This is your medium-term goal.
– Need disciplined SIP towards this.
– Start with Rs15,000/month if possible.
– Increase by 10% every year.
– Choose balanced or flexi-cap equity mutual funds.
– Keep this goal separate from retirement or child goals.
– Review this every year with your MFD.
– Stay invested for full 10 years.
– Avoid panic withdrawals in market corrections.

» Goal Planning: Rs5 Crore by Age 60

– You have 21 years to reach this goal.
– It is your long-term retirement goal.
– SIPs in equity funds are best suited.
– Start with Rs10,000/month today.
– Gradually increase SIPs every year.
– Add lumpsum whenever you receive bonuses.
– Avoid using this fund for other needs.
– Review portfolio once every year.

» Child’s Future Planning

– Your daughter is in 2nd class now.
– Higher education costs will start in 10+ years.
– Create separate SIP of Rs5,000/month for her future.
– Keep SSY for traditional needs.
– Use equity mutual funds for education goal.
– Continue till she turns 18 to 20 years.

» Emergency Fund and Liquidity

– You have not mentioned emergency fund.
– Create a fund with Rs2 lakh minimum.
– Cover 3 to 6 months of EMI and expenses.
– Park in FD or liquid mutual fund.
– Don’t use this fund for planned expenses.

» Tax Planning Opportunities

– Use 80C fully: SSY, LIC, home loan principal, ELSS.
– Term insurance premium also counts under 80C.
– Claim 80D for health insurance if bought personally.
– Home loan interest gives benefit under Section 24(b).
– Avoid tax-saving products with low return and lock-in.
– Use regular ELSS through MFD only with CFP advice.

» Investment Buckets for Goal-Based Planning

– Short term (1–3 years): Keep in FD or liquid funds.
– Medium term (3–10 years): Use balanced or hybrid funds.
– Long term (10+ years): Use equity mutual funds.
– Keep each goal with a separate SIP.
– Don’t mix long-term and short-term funds.

» SIP Scaling Plan (Based on Goals and Cash Flow)

– Rs7,000/month SIP now: continue this for long term.
– Rs5,000/month SSY: continue till 15 years.
– Add new SIP of Rs10,000/month for 10-year Rs50 lakh goal.
– Add Rs5,000/month for child education.
– Add Rs5,000/month SIP for retirement.
– Target to raise SIPs every year by 10%.
– This SIP ladder helps you reach all goals.
– Avoid using SIPs for short-term needs.

» Debt and Credit Management

– Avoid personal loans or credit card dues.
– Focus on clearing home loan gradually.
– Try to prepay loan partially every year.
– Aim to close it in 10–12 years.
– This will free up Rs33,000/month later.
– Use that saving to boost retirement SIPs.

» Retirement Readiness and Vision

– Your goal is Rs5 crore corpus by age 60.
– With 21 years left, it is very achievable.
– SIP discipline, yearly review and advisor support is key.
– Start small but stay consistent.
– Don’t delay. Time matters more than money here.

» Role of a Certified Financial Planner

– You need a clear roadmap for multiple goals.
– A Certified Financial Planner with MFD license can guide.
– They help in product selection, rebalancing and goal review.
– Regular plans offer access to their advice.
– Direct plans offer no personalised support.
– Avoid direct investments unless you are expert and active.

» Final Insights

– You are already doing well in managing expenses and loans.
– Start increasing SIPs aggressively every year.
– Keep insurance and investments separate.
– Surrender low-return LIC and invest in mutual funds.
– Build a goal-based SIP portfolio.
– Maintain an emergency fund always.
– Avoid new loans or risky assets.
– Track goals every year with professional help.
– You can reach Rs50 lakh in 10 years and Rs5 crore by 60.
– Stay consistent, focused and disciplined.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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