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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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 - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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Money

Sir main 20k ka lumpsum agle 40 saal tak krna chahta hu kon se fund mein nives kru..aur kitna mujhe wapas mil sakta hai

Ans: Investing a Lump Sum for Long-Term Growth

Investing a lump sum of ?20,000 for 40 years can potentially generate a significant corpus over the long term. To make the most of your investment, consider these factors:

Investment Horizon:

A 40-year investment horizon allows you to benefit from compounding, where returns are earned on both your initial investment and the accumulated returns over time. This can significantly boost your corpus.

Risk Tolerance:

Your risk tolerance plays a crucial role in choosing investment options. If you are comfortable with higher risk, you can potentially earn higher returns by investing in equity-oriented funds. However, higher risk also comes with the possibility of higher volatility.

Investment Options:

Consider a diversified portfolio that includes a mix of equity and debt funds. Equity funds have the potential for higher growth but also carry more risk, while debt funds provide stability and regular income.

Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds involve experienced fund managers who actively select stocks aiming to outperform the market. Actively managed funds come with higher fees compared to passively managed funds.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

Instead of investing the entire lump sum at once, consider investing a portion through SIP and the remaining through a lump sum. SIPs help rupee-cost averaging, reducing the impact of market fluctuations.

Potential Returns:

Estimating exact returns over 40 years is challenging due to market fluctuations and fund performance. However, with a well-diversified portfolio and a long-term approach, you could potentially aim for an average annual return of 10-12%, which could translate to a corpus of over ?2 crore.

Remember:

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.

Equity markets are inherently risky, and there is a possibility of losing money.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice based on your risk tolerance, financial goals, and overall financial situation.

Here's an example of a potential portfolio allocation:

60% Equity Funds: Actively managed equity funds with a focus on growth and diversification across market capitalizations (large, mid, small cap).

40% Debt Funds: A mix of debt funds, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term funds, to provide stability and regular income.

Review and Rebalance:

Regularly review your portfolio (at least annually) and rebalance as needed to maintain your target asset allocation and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and evolving financial goals.

By following these guidelines and seeking professional guidance, you can potentially make informed investment decisions and work towards achieving your long-term financial goals.

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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 18, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir mujhe Sip shuru karni h per ye samaj nahi aa raha h ke kis Fund ya kis company me apni SIP ki shuruvat karu m Monthly 15k tak save karna chahta hu
Ans: SIP stands for Systematic Investment Plan. It allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. SIPs help in disciplined investing and building wealth over time.

SIPs let you invest small amounts periodically. This makes it easier to handle market volatility. The power of compounding in SIPs can grow your wealth significantly over time.

Your aim is to save Rs. 15,000 monthly through SIPs. This is a good decision for long-term wealth creation. Now, let's explore how to choose the right SIPs for your needs.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds come in various categories. Each has its own risk and return profile. Understanding these categories will help you make better decisions.

Equity Funds
Equity funds invest in stocks. They can be high-risk but offer high returns. There are subcategories like large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and multi-cap.

Large-cap funds invest in big companies. They are relatively stable.
Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies. They offer higher growth potential but come with more risk.
Small-cap funds invest in small companies. They can provide high returns but are very volatile.
Multi-cap funds invest in companies of all sizes. They provide a balanced risk-reward ratio.
Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities. They are less risky than equity funds. Debt funds include liquid funds, short-term funds, and long-term funds.

Liquid funds invest in short-term instruments. They offer quick liquidity and low risk.
Short-term funds invest in short to medium-term securities. They offer moderate returns with low risk.
Long-term funds invest in long-term securities. They offer higher returns with slightly higher risk than short-term funds.
Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt instruments. They provide a balance of risk and return.

Aggressive hybrid funds have a higher equity component. They offer higher returns but with more risk.
Conservative hybrid funds have a higher debt component. They offer stability with moderate returns.
Choosing the Right SIPs
To select the best SIPs, consider your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. Here's a guide to help you:

Assess Your Risk Tolerance
Understand your risk tolerance. If you can handle market volatility, consider equity funds. If you prefer stability, opt for debt or conservative hybrid funds.

Define Your Investment Horizon
Your investment horizon impacts your fund choice. For long-term goals (5+ years), equity funds are suitable. For short-term goals (1-3 years), choose debt funds or liquid funds.

Align with Financial Goals
Match your SIPs with your financial goals. For example, if you're saving for retirement, consider equity funds for higher growth. For a child's education in the near future, debt funds might be better.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer many benefits:

Diversification
Mutual funds diversify your investments across various assets. This reduces risk.

Professional Management
Mutual funds are managed by experts. This ensures better investment decisions.

Liquidity
Mutual funds provide easy access to your money. You can redeem your units anytime.

Transparency
Mutual funds disclose their portfolio regularly. This ensures transparency.

Tax Efficiency
Certain mutual funds offer tax benefits. For example, ELSS funds provide tax deductions under Section 80C.

Power of Compounding
Compounding means earning returns on your returns. In SIPs, compounding works wonders. The longer you invest, the more your money grows.

For example, investing Rs. 15,000 monthly for 20 years can accumulate substantial wealth. The power of compounding accelerates your returns over time.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Actively managed funds are managed by fund managers. They aim to outperform the market. Index funds, on the other hand, track a market index.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds mirror the market. They do not outperform it. In volatile markets, actively managed funds can perform better.

Actively managed funds offer better returns in the long run. Fund managers use their expertise to make strategic investments. This can lead to higher growth compared to index funds.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct funds are bought directly from the mutual fund house. They have lower expense ratios but lack advisory services. Regular funds are bought through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They come with advisory support.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds do not offer professional advice. Without guidance, you might make poor investment decisions.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Regular funds provide access to a CFP. A CFP can help you choose the right funds, monitor your portfolio, and make adjustments as needed. This ensures better financial planning and investment management.

Building a Balanced Portfolio
A balanced portfolio is key to successful investing. Here’s how to build one:

Diversify Across Asset Classes
Invest in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds. This spreads your risk and enhances returns.

Review Your Portfolio Regularly
Monitor your investments periodically. Adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and financial goals.

Stay Invested for the Long Term
Long-term investing maximizes the benefits of compounding. Avoid frequent switching between funds.

Genuine Compliments and Empathy
Your decision to start SIPs shows financial wisdom. It's a great step towards wealth creation. I understand the confusion in choosing the right funds. With the right guidance, you can achieve your financial goals.

Final Insights
Starting SIPs is a smart move for building wealth. Assess your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals to choose the right funds. Consider the benefits of actively managed funds and regular funds with a CFP’s support.

Mutual funds offer diversification, professional management, and liquidity. The power of compounding in SIPs can significantly grow your wealth over time.

Stay disciplined and invest for the long term. Regularly review your portfolio and adjust as needed. Your financial journey is unique, and with the right approach, you can achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 20, 2024Hindi
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Money
Main 35 saal ka hu or 50 saal main retirement Lena chata hu meri jewellery shop hai .. or meri monthly 1 lakh ki sip or 20lakh k share hai ... retirement par 4 lakh ki montly income chata hu ...mujhe kya karna chiye ??
Ans: Current Financial Situation
Age: 35 years old

Profession: Jewellery shop owner

Income: Monthly SIP of Rs. 1 lakh

Investments: Rs. 20 lakhs in shares

Retirement Goal: Retire at age 50

Retirement Income Goal: Rs. 4 lakhs per month

Investment Goals
Generate a monthly retirement income of Rs. 4 lakhs.
Maximise returns on existing investments.
Diversify investments to manage risk.
Assessment of Current Strategy
SIP Investment
You have a strong monthly SIP investment of Rs. 1 lakh. This is a good start for building your retirement corpus.

Shares
You have Rs. 20 lakhs in shares. Direct stock investments can be volatile. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio.

Recommendations for Improvement
Increase Diversification
Mutual Funds: Invest in a mix of equity mutual funds. Actively managed funds can provide better returns than index funds.

PPF: Start contributing to PPF for stable, tax-free returns.

Bonds: Consider investing in RBI bonds and other high-yield bonds for stable income.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Increase SIP: Gradually increase your SIP amount as your income grows. This will help build a larger corpus for retirement.

Diversified Funds: Invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap mutual funds. This diversification reduces risk and maximizes returns.

Health and Life Insurance
Health Insurance: Get comprehensive health insurance for yourself and your family. This covers medical expenses and ensures financial stability.

Life Insurance: Buy a term plan for adequate coverage. This provides financial security for your family.

Retirement Corpus
Target Corpus: To achieve Rs. 4 lakhs monthly income, you need a significant corpus. Aim for a mix of growth and income-generating investments.
Regular Review and Adjustment
Annual Review: Regularly review your investment portfolio. Adjust based on performance and changes in financial goals.

Professional Guidance: Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to tailor your investment strategy to your specific needs.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Avoid Direct Funds: Direct funds require active management. Consider regular funds through a CFP for better guidance and management.

Avoid Index Funds: Actively managed funds often outperform index funds. Choose funds with a good track record.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
Equity Focus: Maintain a significant portion of your investments in equity for higher returns.

Debt Instruments: Include debt instruments like bonds for stability and fixed returns.

Gold and Other Assets: Diversify into gold and other stable assets to hedge against inflation and market volatility.

Building Corpus for Retirement
Projected Needs: Estimate your future needs considering inflation. Plan your investments to meet these needs.

Retirement Fund Allocation: Allocate funds to different instruments based on risk tolerance and return expectations.

Final Insights
Your current SIP investment is commendable. Diversify your investments into mutual funds, PPF, and bonds. Increase your SIP gradually to build a substantial corpus for retirement.

Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio. Consult a CFP for tailored advice.

This strategic approach will help you achieve your retirement goal of Rs. 4 lakhs monthly income.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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