We have made these investments in our family portfolio.

We would like to continue to invest for 15 years but want to reduce the number of funds.

Could you please suggest which ones we should stop and which ones we should keep investing in?

Apart from Mirae Bluechip, the others are relatively new. Should we close or hold for three more years?

Category	Mutual Fund	Invested	Current Value	Total Gain	SIP Amount
Large & Mid Cap	Mirae Bluechip	Rs 2,59,995	Rs 4,02,216	Rs 1,42,221	Rs 8,000
Aggressive Hybrid	Mirae A Hybrid Equity	Rs 52,997	Rs 56,757	Rs 3,760	Rs 1,000
Large Cap	Axis Bluechip	Rs 47,497	Rs 49,709	Rs 2,212	Rs 5,500
Contra	Invesco India Contra	Rs 29,998	Rs 32,419	Rs 2,421	Rs 1,000
Hybrid	DSP Dynamic Asset Allocation	Rs 26,998	Rs 27,800	Rs 802	Rs 500
Mid Cap	Axis Midcap	Rs 32,498	Rs 37,166	Rs 4,668	Rs 2,500
Aggressive Hybrid	Canara Robeco Equity Hybrid	Rs 30,998	Rs 33,796	Rs 2,798	Rs 2,000
Flexi Cap	Parag Parikh Long Term Equity	Rs 25,998	Rs 30,659	Rs 4,661	Rs 1,000
Equity-ESG	Mirae ESG Fund of Fund	Rs 25,998	Rs 27,430	Rs 1,432	Rs 2,000
Focused	SBI Focused Equity	Rs 17,500	Rs 19,890	Rs 2,390	Rs 500
Midcap	DSP Midcap	Rs 22,499	Rs 25,859	Rs 3,360	Rs 1,500
FoF	Motilal Oswal Nasdaq	Rs 34,998	Rs 36,164	Rs 1,166	Rs 5,000
Corporate Bond	Kotak Corporate	Rs 18,452	Rs 18,735	Rs 283	Rs 1,000
Small Cap	SBI Small Cap	Rs 35,000	Rs 41,103	Rs 6,103	Rs 5,000
Value	Quantum Long Term Equity	Rs 13,999	Rs 15,184	Rs 1,185	Rs 1,000
Equity ESG	Quantum India ESG Equity	Rs 13,999	Rs 14,942	Rs 943	Rs 1,000
Flexi Cap	Axis Flexi Cap	Rs 11,999	Rs 12,643	Rs 644	Rs 500
Large Cap	Aditya Birla Sun Life F Equity	Rs 6,000	Rs 6,831	Rs 831	Rs 1,000
FoF	Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF	Rs 4,956	Rs 4,934	Rs -22

Ans: In bluechips, please continue with ICICI Pru Bluechip fund growth

Most of the funds are decent!

Ans: Hello Hitesh and thanks for writing to me. I do not have any information about your investment time horizon, risk appetite and goals.

I see purely equity funds and assuming that your goal is wealth creation and that you can take risks, these funds are good funds to invest in and you can continue to own these funds.

If you state your objectives and your risk appetite, I may state other funds.

Ans: You’ve done an admirable job planning for your children’s education and marriage, as well as your own retirement. Setting clear goals with timelines and current costs is essential for evaluating your portfolio and making necessary adjustments.

Children’s Education and Marriage Goals
Your goals for your children’s education and marriage are well-defined:

1st Child Education: 8 years from now, with a present cost of Rs 30 lakh.

1st Child Marriage: 15 years from now, with a present cost of Rs 20 lakh.

2nd Child Education: 18 years from now, with a present cost of Rs 30 lakh.

2nd Child Marriage: 27 years from now, with a present cost of Rs 20 lakh.

Retirement Income Goal
Your retirement goal is to have a monthly income of Rs 1 lakh starting 14 years from now. This is essential for maintaining your lifestyle post-retirement.

Current Investment Portfolio Analysis
Your portfolio comprises NPS, EPF, PPF, direct equity, and several mutual funds. Let’s break down each component and evaluate its suitability.

National Pension System (NPS)
You have Rs 22 lakh in NPS and a SIP of Rs 17,000. NPS is a good long-term investment for retirement with tax benefits under Section 80C and 80CCD(1B). However, it’s primarily locked until retirement, limiting liquidity. NPS is a low-cost option and provides a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities, but its returns are market-linked, meaning they can fluctuate.

Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)
With Rs 34 lakh in EPF and a SIP of Rs 40,000, EPF is another solid investment for retirement. It offers a decent return with tax benefits, but like NPS, it lacks liquidity until retirement. EPF provides a fixed interest rate, which is reviewed annually by the government, and it's relatively safer compared to market-linked products.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your PPF has Rs 10 lakh. PPF is a safe investment with tax benefits, but it has a lock-in period of 15 years. It’s suitable for long-term goals but not very flexible. PPF offers a fixed rate of return, which is revised quarterly by the government. It's entirely tax-free and risk-free but doesn't provide returns as high as equity investments.

Direct Equity
You have Rs 2 lakh in direct equity. Direct equity can offer high returns but comes with high risk. It's important to ensure diversification to manage this risk effectively. Direct equity investments require a good understanding of the market and individual companies. It's crucial to monitor these investments regularly and be ready to exit when necessary.

Mutual Funds
Your mutual funds portfolio is quite extensive. Here's a detailed analysis of each scheme:

Large & Midcap Funds
Scheme 1: Large & Midcap Fund
Investment Amount: Rs 35 lakh
SIP: Rs 12,500
Large & Midcap funds provide a balance between stability and growth by investing in both large-cap and mid-cap stocks. These funds can potentially offer higher returns compared to pure large-cap funds but come with slightly higher risk. Review the performance of this fund over the past 3-5 years and compare it to its benchmark and peers. If it’s consistently underperforming, consider switching to a better-performing fund.

Large Cap Funds
Scheme 2: Large Cap Fund
Investment Amount: Rs 30 lakh
SIP: Rs 10,000
Large Cap funds invest in large, established companies and generally provide more stability but potentially lower returns than mid and small-cap funds. These funds are less volatile and are suitable for conservative investors. Check the fund's track record against its benchmark and peers. Consistent underperformance may warrant a switch to a better-performing large-cap fund.

Scheme 3: Bluechip Fund
Investment Amount: Rs 46 lakh
SIP: Rs 20,000
Bluechip funds, a subset of large-cap funds, invest in the most stable and financially sound companies. These funds are ideal for risk-averse investors. Assess the performance of this fund in comparison to other bluechip funds. If it’s underperforming, consider alternatives.

Midcap and Smallcap Funds
Scheme 4: Midcap Fund
Investment Amount: Rs 39 lakh
SIP: Rs 10,000
Midcap funds invest in medium-sized companies with high growth potential but also higher risk. They are suitable for investors with a moderate to high-risk appetite. Compare this fund’s performance to other midcap funds. If it’s not meeting expectations, a switch might be necessary.

Scheme 5: Growth Fund
Investment Amount: Rs 33 lakh
SIP: Rs 20,000
Growth funds focus on companies expected to grow at an above-average rate. These can include mid and small-cap companies. Evaluate this fund’s performance, especially its growth metrics. Underperformance over a sustained period should prompt a review.

Scheme 6: Multicap Fund
Investment Amount: Rs 12 lakh
SIP: Rs 20,000
Multicap funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, providing diversification. They are suitable for investors looking for a mix of stability and growth. Review the performance across market cycles and compare it to other multicap funds.

Scheme 7: Focused Fund
Investment Amount: Rs 65 lakh
SIP: Rs 10,000
Focused funds invest in a limited number of high-conviction stocks. They can offer high returns but come with higher risk due to lack of diversification. Assess the fund’s stock-picking ability and its returns relative to its focused peers.

Scheme 8: Smallcap Fund 1
Investment Amount: Rs 26 lakh
SIP: Rs 10,000
Smallcap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential but also high risk. Suitable for investors with a high-risk appetite. Check the fund’s performance during market downturns and its overall return consistency.

Scheme 9: Smallcap Fund 2
Investment Amount: Rs 52 lakh
SIP: Rs 30,000
Another smallcap fund in your portfolio. Similar to the first one, ensure you’re not overexposed to this segment. Diversify if necessary and review the fund’s performance critically.

ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme)
Scheme 10: Long Term Equity Fund
Investment Amount: Rs 20 lakh
ELSS funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C with a lock-in period of 3 years. They invest primarily in equities and have the potential for high returns. Evaluate this fund’s performance against other ELSS funds, considering both returns and the lock-in period.

Insurance
You have life insurance worth Rs 1.5 crore and health insurance of Rs 10 lakh + Rs 90 lakh. This coverage seems adequate. Ensure your health insurance covers critical illnesses as well.

Recommendations for Mutual Funds
Underperforming Funds
It’s essential to review and potentially dump underperforming mutual funds. Look for funds consistently underperforming their benchmarks over 3-5 years. Consider switching to better-performing funds even if it means paying capital gains tax.

Tax Implications
Yes, redemption might incur taxes. However, long-term capital gains from equity mutual funds are taxed at 10% above Rs 1 lakh in a financial year. It’s often worth paying the tax to switch to better-performing funds.

Diversification
Ensure your portfolio is well-diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This will help balance risk and return.

Steps to Optimize Your Portfolio
1. Review and Realign Mutual Funds
Assess the performance of your current mutual funds. Exit underperforming funds and reallocate those investments into well-performing funds aligned with your goals.

2. Balance Risk and Return
Ensure your investments in equity, debt, and hybrid funds are balanced according to your risk tolerance and goals. Diversification is key to managing risk.

3. Regular Monitoring
Keep track of your portfolio regularly. Market conditions change, and regular reviews can help you make timely adjustments.

4. SIP Adjustments
Evaluate your SIP amounts and adjust them if necessary. Ensure that your SIPs are aligned with your financial goals and timelines.

Specific Advice for Mutual Funds
Large & Midcap Funds
These funds are good for balancing growth and stability. Ensure the funds you hold in this category are performing well against their benchmarks.

Large Cap Funds
These funds are generally more stable. However, review their performance to ensure they’re meeting your expectations.

Midcap and Smallcap Funds
These funds offer higher growth potential but with higher risk. Ensure these funds are performing well and fit your risk tolerance.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds
If you hold any sectoral or thematic funds, review their performance carefully. These funds can be more volatile and require close monitoring.

Managing Tax Implications
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG) Tax
Long-term capital gains from equity mutual funds over Rs 1 lakh are taxed at 10%. Plan your redemptions to minimize tax liability.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Consider using an SWP to manage redemptions and spread the tax liability over multiple financial years.

Final Insights
You’ve done a commendable job planning for your financial goals. Regularly review and realign your portfolio to stay on track. Exit underperforming mutual funds and reinvest in better options even if it means paying taxes. Balance your risk and return through proper diversification. Keep monitoring your portfolio and make adjustments as needed.

Investing is a continuous process that requires regular attention and adjustments. With careful planning and execution, you can achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: It’s great to see that you’re committed to securing funds for your child’s education, marriage, and retirement. These are critical milestones, and with the right approach, your investments can help you achieve them effectively.

Investment Goals and Approach

You have clear long-term objectives, which is ideal. Planning with specific goals like education, marriage, and retirement brings purpose to your investment journey. Given the 15-year investment horizon, you can take advantage of compounding benefits, especially with equity mutual funds. However, let’s ensure your portfolio is optimized for growth, risk, and tax efficiency.

Evaluating Your Mutual Fund Choices

Let’s look at your current investments across various categories:

1. Large Cap Funds
Large-cap funds provide stability, as they invest in established companies with relatively lower volatility. However, there can be limited scope for very high growth in large caps compared to mid or small caps.

You’re invested in two large-cap funds. It’s often advisable to focus on one high-performing large-cap fund to avoid overlap and unnecessary diversification.

Consider retaining a large-cap fund that has a consistent track record, active fund management, and strong research backing.

2. Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi-cap funds offer flexibility by investing across market caps. This allows the fund manager to capture growth opportunities in any segment of the market.

Holding two flexi-cap funds is fine, as it balances large and mid-cap stocks, offering both stability and growth. However, evaluate each fund’s performance and select one if you feel any duplication in returns.

3. Mid Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds offer growth potential but come with higher risk. Given your long-term horizon, they can be beneficial.

You currently have three mid-cap funds. It might be better to consolidate into one or two top-performing funds in this category to reduce excessive overlap and diversify across sectors rather than just fund names.

4. Small Cap Fund
Small-cap funds are suitable for aggressive growth but can be highly volatile. It’s wise to limit exposure to small caps, as they tend to fluctuate significantly, especially over shorter timeframes.

Given your portfolio composition, your allocation to small caps is moderate, which seems appropriate. However, ensure you are comfortable with the high-risk nature of small caps, especially if the market faces downturns.

Analysis of Direct vs. Regular Funds

Opting for direct funds might appear attractive due to lower expense ratios, but it’s crucial to weigh the potential downsides:

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds lack the guidance a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can offer. Expert support ensures your portfolio is regularly rebalanced and aligned with market changes, personal goals, and tax updates.

Regular Tracking: With a CFP’s help, your investments are reviewed frequently, making timely adjustments in case of underperformance. This hands-on approach is particularly helpful in achieving your long-term goals.

Tax Considerations: Regular funds through a CFP can help you optimize tax efficiency by offering proactive advice on capital gains, loss harvesting, and adjusting investments according to the new capital gains tax rules.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds

While index funds may seem attractive for their lower costs, actively managed funds bring added advantages, especially for long-term investors like you:

Potential for Higher Returns: Skilled fund managers actively seek growth opportunities that can outperform benchmarks over time. This could be a significant advantage given your long-term goals.

Flexibility in Market Movements: Active funds allow managers to make informed changes, adapting to market conditions and potentially protecting your investments during volatile phases.

Diverse Exposure: With active management, your funds are better diversified across sectors and stocks, reducing concentration risk and enhancing the potential for stable returns.

Investment Strategy Recommendations

Considering your goals and time horizon, here’s a comprehensive approach to optimize your portfolio:

Consolidate Fund Choices: Consider reducing similar funds within each category. This will provide clarity and focus, making it easier to track progress and reduce management complexity.

Review and Rebalance: Regularly review your portfolio performance, preferably with a CFP, to ensure each fund aligns with your risk tolerance and goals. Aim for annual rebalancing to stay on track.

Allocate Based on Goals: Assign specific funds for each goal. For example:

Child’s Education and Marriage: Given the moderate-to-high timeframe, allocate funds with a mix of stability (large-cap and flexi-cap funds) and growth (mid-cap).
Retirement: Invest in a diversified mix of flexi-cap and large-cap funds, along with a smaller allocation to mid-caps, as retirement is a long-term goal with a potentially higher investment horizon.
Avoid Overlapping: Limit overlap between funds by choosing those with unique holdings or management strategies. Too many funds can dilute returns, especially if they invest in similar stocks.

Tax Considerations

With recent changes in capital gains tax rules, be mindful of the following when planning exits or rebalancing:

Equity Mutual Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are now taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG for debt funds are taxed according to your income tax slab.

Tax Efficiency: To minimize tax outgo, hold investments for the long term and consult a CFP for tax-optimized rebalancing.

Investment Horizon: Sticking to your 15-year investment plan can help mitigate tax impacts and optimize returns.

Insurance Evaluation

If you hold any LIC, ULIP, or investment-linked insurance policies, review their performance and fees. These products often come with high costs, which can limit returns. Consider surrendering such policies if they don’t align with your goals and reinvest in well-performing mutual funds instead.

Finally

Your commitment to a 15-year SIP plan shows your dedication to securing your family’s future. A structured, diversified approach with periodic reviews can enhance your portfolio’s performance, aligning it with your goals of education, marriage, and retirement.

A Certified Financial Planner can be a valuable partner in this journey, providing expert advice to help you make the most of your investments and adjust them as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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