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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8932 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 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 - Sep 05, 2023Hindi
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Hi sir I m currently investing 7500 in HDFC balanced advantage 2500 in SBI small cap 2500 in Parag Parikh flexi cap 2500 in kotak emerging midcap kindly advise shall I continue or change or add anything else to my portfolio I am 37 years old and looking to save for retirement I can invest 20k per month

Ans: Evaluation of Current Portfolio and Recommendations for Retirement Planning

Assessment of Current Investments

Your current investment portfolio reflects a thoughtful allocation across different fund categories, including balanced advantage, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds. This diversification is essential for managing risk and optimizing returns.

Analysis of Fund Selection

Each fund in your portfolio serves a specific purpose, whether it's capital preservation, growth potential, or a blend of both. The balanced advantage fund provides dynamic asset allocation, while small-cap and mid-cap funds offer exposure to companies with high growth potential.

Evaluation of Retirement Goals

At 37 years old, planning for retirement is a prudent financial objective. With a monthly investment capacity of Rs. 20,000, you have the opportunity to build a substantial corpus over time to support your retirement lifestyle.

Assessment of Risk Tolerance and Time Horizon

Considering your age and long-term investment horizon until retirement, you can afford to have a higher allocation to equity-oriented funds. However, it's essential to assess your risk tolerance to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your comfort level.

Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization

Increase Equity Exposure: Given your long-term retirement goal, consider increasing your allocation to equity funds gradually. Equity investments have historically provided higher returns over the long term, making them crucial for building retirement wealth.

Diversification Across Market Caps: While your current portfolio includes exposure to small-cap and flexi-cap funds, consider diversifying further by adding exposure to large-cap or multi-cap funds. This diversification can enhance portfolio stability and reduce concentration risk.

Regular Review and Rebalancing: Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. Rebalancing may be necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation, especially during market fluctuations.

Professional Guidance: As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor to tailor your investment strategy based on your individual circumstances, goals, and risk profile. A professional advisor can provide personalized recommendations and ongoing support to help you achieve your retirement objectives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, your current investment portfolio reflects a balanced approach towards achieving your retirement goals. By increasing your equity exposure, diversifying across market caps, and regularly reviewing your portfolio, you can optimize your investment strategy for long-term wealth accumulation. Consulting with a professional advisor will further enhance your financial planning journey and increase the likelihood of achieving a comfortable retirement.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8932 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 22, 2024

Money
Hello sir this is Sneha here .I have invested in ICICI MUDCAP FIND,HDFC SAMPOORNA NIVESH ,SBI RETIRE EARLY ,SBI E WEATH,HDFC GURANTEED RETURN,SBI RD,POST OFFICE RD .IN ALL I INVEST 22500 MONTHY IN ALL ABOVE SCHEMES. SHOULD I ADD ANYTHING ELSE TO MY PORTFOLIO
Ans: Hello Sneha, it’s wonderful to see your proactive approach to investing. Your monthly investments of ?22,500 across various schemes indicate a commendable dedication to securing your financial future. Let's evaluate your portfolio and explore additional opportunities to enhance your financial strategy.

Current Investment Portfolio
Overview of Your Investments
You have diversified your investments across mutual funds, recurring deposits, and guaranteed return schemes. Here’s a summary of your current portfolio:

ICICI Midcap Fund
HDFC Sampoorna Nivesh
SBI Retire Early
SBI e-Wealth
HDFC Guaranteed Return
SBI RD
Post Office RD
Each investment serves a different purpose and adds a layer of security and growth potential to your portfolio.

Evaluation of Your Portfolio
Equity Investments
ICICI Midcap Fund: Midcap funds generally offer higher growth potential but come with higher volatility.
HDFC Sampoorna Nivesh: This provides a balanced approach, combining equity and debt.
SBI Retire Early: Aims at building a retirement corpus with a mix of equity and debt.
SBI e-Wealth: Likely a digital investment platform offering various mutual fund options.
Debt Investments
HDFC Guaranteed Return: Provides a fixed return, adding stability to your portfolio.
SBI RD: Recurring Deposits offer steady, risk-free returns.
Post Office RD: Another safe, government-backed saving option.
Recommendations for Portfolio Enhancement
Add More Diversified Equity Funds
Equity funds offer significant growth potential over the long term. Consider adding more diversified equity funds, such as large-cap or multi-cap funds, to balance your midcap exposure.

Increase SIP Investments
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds help in averaging out market volatility. Increasing your SIP contributions in diversified equity funds can enhance your growth potential.

Consider Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds, which invest in a mix of equity and debt, can provide balanced growth and reduce risk. They are ideal for long-term goals like retirement planning.

Explore International Funds
Adding international funds to your portfolio can provide geographical diversification, reducing risk associated with the Indian market alone.

Ensure Adequate Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of your monthly expenses in a liquid instrument like a savings account or liquid mutual fund.

Disadvantages of Insurance Cum Investment Plans
Lower Returns
Insurance cum investment plans often provide lower returns compared to pure investment products like mutual funds. These plans mix insurance and investment, leading to compromises in both areas.

Lack of Flexibility
These plans are generally less flexible. You may face penalties or reduced benefits if you need to withdraw funds early or discontinue the plan.

Higher Costs
The fees and charges associated with insurance cum investment plans can be higher, eating into your overall returns. Premium allocation charges, policy administration fees, and fund management charges are common.

Complicated Structure
These plans can be complex, making it hard to understand how much of your money is going towards insurance and how much towards investment. This lack of transparency can be a disadvantage.

Advantages of Mutual Funds Over Insurance Cum Investment Plans
Higher Returns
Mutual funds, particularly equity mutual funds, have the potential to offer higher returns compared to insurance cum investment plans, especially over the long term.

Flexibility
Mutual funds provide flexibility in terms of investment amount, withdrawal, and switching between different funds as per your financial goals and market conditions.

Transparency
Mutual funds are transparent about their fees, charges, and portfolio composition. This transparency helps you make informed decisions about your investments.

Professional Management
Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers who have expertise in selecting and managing investments to maximize returns.

Tax Efficiency
Certain mutual funds, like ELSS, offer tax benefits under Section 80C, making them tax-efficient investment options.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is well-rounded, incorporating various asset classes. To further strengthen your portfolio, consider adding diversified equity funds, increasing your SIP contributions, and exploring international funds. Additionally, maintaining a robust emergency fund is crucial.

Mutual funds generally offer better returns, flexibility, and transparency compared to insurance cum investment plans. By focusing more on mutual funds and less on insurance cum investment plans, you can maximize your returns and achieve your financial goals more effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8932 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2025
Money
I have 2 App loans 36000 and 140000 + 2 credit card outstanding 95000 and 187000 (Both principal amount). I have bounced my all 4 EMI's since last 3 months due to job loss and my salary is peanuts. How can I survive with house chorus and paying EMI's. Please help
Ans: It is painful and stressful. But please know this — you are not alone, and you can come out of this. Let’s take this step-by-step.

You are facing:

2 App loans: Rs. 36,000 + Rs. 1,40,000

2 Credit card dues: Rs. 95,000 + Rs. 1,87,000

3 months EMIs already bounced

Low or no income due to job loss

Home responsibilities ongoing

This is serious, but manageable with the right action.

First, Understand What Will Not Work
Please avoid:

Taking new loans to pay old loans

Using other credit cards to pay EMIs

Borrowing from illegal or unknown lenders

Ignoring lenders and collection calls

Hoping the problem will disappear on its own

These will make your problem worse.

Step 1: Protect Yourself from Legal Pressure
You have already defaulted. That may lead to:

Legal notices from credit card companies

Harassment from collection agents

Credit score falling below 600

So you need to act fast.

Call each of the lenders yourself. Do not wait for them to call you.

Tell them honestly:

You lost your job

You are facing cash crisis

You want to settle and not escape

Ask for temporary EMI pause (moratorium) or restructuring

Lenders prefer talking to honest borrowers.

You may get:

Waiver of late fees

Reduction in interest

EMI holiday for few months

Option to convert dues into longer EMIs

Write an email also to them. Keep written proof.

This shows you are serious.

Step 2: Focus on Survival, Not Full Repayment Now
You must survive this phase first. Do only the must-do expenses:

Food and kitchen

Electricity and gas

Child or parents’ basic needs

Rent or basic housing

Cut all others:

OTT, Swiggy, Zomato, shopping

Eating out, subscriptions

Cab rides, mobile upgrades

Any premium items

Every saved rupee will count now.

Make a list of all expenses, and cut it to bare minimum.

Your mental peace comes before EMI.

Step 3: List Your Dues in Priority Order
Here is a breakdown:

App Loan 1 – Rs. 36,000

App Loan 2 – Rs. 1,40,000

Credit Card 1 – Rs. 95,000

Credit Card 2 – Rs. 1,87,000

App loans and credit cards have very high interest. Usually 24–40% per year.

But credit cards will affect your CIBIL score more if unpaid.

So give this order of priority:

Try to settle credit card 1 (Rs. 95,000) first

Then negotiate with credit card 2 (Rs. 1.87L)

After that, settle App Loan 1

Then App Loan 2

Why this order?

Credit card interest is high

Card dues snowball fast

App loans may negotiate faster than banks

Step 4: Ask for One-Time Settlement (OTS)
Once you show that you have zero income, some banks may agree to:

Close your loan at reduced principal

Stop interest from increasing further

Give you 3–6 months to pay off in parts

Ask for a written One-Time Settlement (OTS) letter.

Do not pay without it.

Once you settle, your CIBIL score will take time to recover. But that’s okay. Life first. Score later.

Step 5: Find Any Cash You Can
Please think deeply about the following:

Can you sell a scooter, old phone, gadgets?

Can any relative or friend help temporarily?

Do you have gold you can pledge (not sell)?

Any unused subscriptions or refund available?

Can you do part-time work for Rs. 300–500/day?

Every Rs. 500 helps your mental health now.

Avoid taking loans again. Instead, look for non-loan help.

Step 6: Get a Job, Any Job for Now
Even if it is not in your field, take any income work:

Delivery partner

Data entry

Freelance teaching

Typing work

Shop help

Online task jobs

Voice process

Focus is not on salary. Focus is to:

Keep cash flow coming

Feel responsible again

Stop going deeper into debt

Update resume. Ask friends. Join job groups. Apply daily.

Even Rs. 15,000/month will bring confidence.

You are not alone. Many professionals have started over.

Step 7: Emotionally Stay Strong
You may feel:

Guilt

Shame

Panic

Anger

Frustration

It is normal.

Please:

Talk to family or trusted friend

Keep one hour daily for walks, exercise or prayer

Sleep properly

Eat simple food, but on time

Avoid alcohol or substance use

This phase will pass.

Stay focused.

Final Insights
You are not a failure. This is a temporary financial emergency.

With calm steps, you can rebuild. Slowly, but surely.

Do this immediately:

Contact all lenders and ask for restructuring

Stop all luxury or non-essential expenses

Prioritise credit cards

Consider OTS if needed

Start small income work

Protect your mental strength

Once your income starts again:

Restart savings, even small

Use Certified Financial Planner later to rebuild

Learn how to stay debt-free in future

Take one step at a time.

You will come out stronger.

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6466 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 17, 2025

Career
Sir igot 444 and AIQ is 131279 iam obc ncl (kerala) there is any possibilities for BDS in government college.
Ans: Nibla, A NEET score of 444 falls below the typical marks cutoff for OBC-NCL candidates seeking BDS in government dental colleges, where qualifying marks range between 520–540 for OBC students. Similarly, All India BDS closing ranks under the 15 percent AIQ for OBC rarely exceed 35,000, whereas your AIQ rank is 131,279, placing you far outside the viable admission range. Nationwide only about 3,000 government BDS seats exist, and premier institutions such as SCB Dental College (Cuttack), Government Dental College (Bangalore), and Tamil Nadu Government Dental College (Chennai) closed with AIQ ranks under 30,000 for OBC. Under Kerala’s 85 percent state quota, Government Dental College, Thiruvananthapuram admitted OBC candidates with ranks up to 51,595 in earlier years, while Kottayam and Kannur closed within similar state-rank brackets, implying state ranks must be substantially lower than your AIQ conversion would yield. Consequently, securing a BDS seat in a government college appears highly unlikely. Consider prioritising private or deemed dental colleges with lower cutoffs and participating in both AIQ and state counselling to maximise admission options. Recommendation: Focus on private or deemed dental institutions, as government quota thresholds exceed reachable marks and ranks. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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