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Can I set a Rs 40,000 SWP from HDFC Flexi Cal Fund without eroding my Rs 50 Lakh corpus?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8877 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 03, 2025

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 - Dec 19, 2024Hindi
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I want to make a SWP from HDFC Flexi Cal Fund. The amount at credit is Rs 50 Lakh. May I set the SWP for Rs 40,000/- per month without eroding the corpus ?

Ans: A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is a method to withdraw a fixed amount from a mutual fund. It helps generate regular income while keeping your investments active. However, the sustainability of your SWP depends on the returns generated and the withdrawal amount.

You have Rs 50 lakh in the HDFC Flexi Cap Fund and wish to withdraw Rs 40,000 monthly. The key question is whether the returns will cover this amount without eroding the corpus.

Analysing the Sustainability
Expected Returns: Flexi-cap funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. The returns depend on market performance. On average, these funds generate 10–12% annualised returns.

Withdrawal Rate: You plan to withdraw Rs 4.8 lakh annually (Rs 40,000 x 12). This equates to 9.6% of your corpus.

Impact of Market Volatility: Equity-oriented funds can be volatile. If the market underperforms, returns may not cover your withdrawal.

Capital Erosion Risk: If the fund’s return falls below your withdrawal rate, your corpus will reduce over time.

Key Considerations
Market Performance: A strong market can sustain your SWP without touching the principal. However, prolonged downturns can deplete your corpus.

Inflation Impact: While Rs 40,000 meets your current needs, inflation can erode its value. You might need to adjust the withdrawal amount in the future.

Taxation on Withdrawals: SWP withdrawals are subject to capital gains tax.

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG (above Rs 1.25 lakh annually) is taxed at 12.5%, and STCG at 20%.
Partial Withdrawals: Only the capital gains portion of each withdrawal is taxed.
Fund Performance: Monitor the fund's returns periodically. If the fund underperforms, consider reallocating to a better-performing fund.

Alternative Strategies
Hybrid Funds for Stability: Hybrid funds combine equity and debt, offering moderate returns with reduced volatility. These funds may sustain an SWP better than pure equity funds.

Reinvesting Surplus Returns: If the fund generates returns exceeding your withdrawal rate, reinvest the surplus. This can counter inflation and enhance the corpus.

Emergency Buffer: Maintain a separate emergency fund to avoid liquidating the corpus during market downturns.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures expert advice. They help tailor strategies based on your needs and risk tolerance. They also provide guidance on rebalancing portfolios and tax optimisation.

Direct funds, though cheaper, lack professional support. Regular plans through MFDs with CFP credentials offer valuable services that can maximise your financial outcome.

Final Insights
Setting up an SWP for Rs 40,000 per month on a Rs 50 lakh corpus is achievable. However, the sustainability depends on the fund's performance and market conditions. To safeguard your corpus, monitor performance, diversify investments, and consider hybrid funds for stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |8877 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 23, 2024

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Hello Sir If I wish to have monthly income of Rs 30000 through Swp what should be the corpus I need to have and which fund will be better?
Ans: A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) allows you to withdraw a fixed amount at regular intervals from your investments. This is a good option for generating a steady income.

Assessing Your Needs
To generate Rs 30,000 monthly, we need to determine the corpus required. This depends on the rate of return of the investment and the duration of withdrawals.

Estimating the Corpus
Rate of Return: Assuming an annual return of 8% from mutual funds.

Withdrawal Duration: Let's assume you need this income for the next 20 years.

Corpus Calculation: You will need approximately Rs 45-50 lakhs. This is a rough estimate. A Certified Financial Planner can provide precise calculations.

Choosing the Right Fund
Actively Managed Funds: These funds are managed by professional fund managers. They aim to outperform the market, providing potentially higher returns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:

Professional Management: Fund managers make informed decisions.
Flexibility: They can adjust portfolios based on market conditions.
Higher Returns: Potential to outperform index funds.
Why Avoid Index Funds
No Active Management: Index funds simply track a market index. They do not aim to outperform the market.

Lower Flexibility: They cannot adjust portfolios based on market conditions.

Potentially Lower Returns: Actively managed funds have the potential to provide higher returns.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
No Guidance: Investing in direct funds means you do not have access to professional advice.

Complexity: Managing investments without expert guidance can be challenging.

Regular Funds Advantage: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures you get professional advice, helping you make informed decisions.

Recommendations
Diversified Equity Funds: These funds invest in a mix of sectors, reducing risk while aiming for high returns.

Hybrid Funds: These invest in both equity and debt, providing a balance of risk and return.

Final Insights
Build a Sufficient Corpus: Aim for a corpus of around Rs 45-50 lakhs for a Rs 30,000 monthly SWP.

Opt for Actively Managed Funds: These can provide potentially higher returns and are managed by professionals.

Seek Professional Guidance: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner can help you make informed decisions and optimize your returns.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8877 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 20, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello, I have just turned 59 year old and will be retiring in next 2 months. My total corpus in Mutual fund and EPF is Rs 1.9 Crore. With this fund, can I plan a SWP of Rs 80,000 per month for the next 23 years with annual increase of 6 percent in SWP amount to beat the inflation ? If not, how much corpus should I target ?
Ans: At 59 years of age, you are planning for retirement in the next two months. Your corpus in mutual funds and EPF totals Rs 1.9 crore. You want to plan a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) of Rs 80,000 per month with a 6% annual increase to combat inflation, for the next 23 years. Let’s break down your plan and assess if your current corpus is sufficient or if you need to target a larger amount.

Understanding Your Withdrawal Needs
You are aiming to withdraw Rs 80,000 per month, which equates to Rs 9.6 lakh annually in the first year. With a 6% annual increase, this amount will grow over the years, accounting for inflation. This is a smart approach as inflation will erode the value of your withdrawals over time, and an increase ensures your purchasing power remains intact.

The key question here is: Will your corpus of Rs 1.9 crore sustain this level of withdrawals for 23 years, while also growing enough to beat inflation?

Assumptions for Growth and Returns
SWP Growth Rate: You have asked for an annual increase of 6%, which means the withdrawal amount will grow to Rs 84,800 in year two, and so on.

Investment Growth Rate: A well-balanced portfolio of mutual funds, especially when aligned with equity and debt, can provide an average return of 8-10% annually. For this discussion, let’s assume a conservative 8% annual return.

Inflation: We are also factoring in inflation at around 6%, which means the value of your withdrawals will need to increase every year to maintain purchasing power.

Will Rs 1.9 Crore Corpus Last 23 Years?
With a monthly SWP of Rs 80,000 that increases by 6% every year, you will need to calculate the sustainability of your corpus based on these key factors:

Corpus Depletion Rate: Each year, you’ll withdraw more than the previous year due to the annual 6% increase. If the returns on your investments consistently outperform or match your withdrawal rate, the corpus can last longer.

Risk of Corpus Erosion: There is a risk that the corpus may not grow fast enough to compensate for the increasing withdrawals, especially in years when market returns are lower than expected. While 8% returns are achievable, they are not guaranteed every year. In such cases, there could be a gap between your withdrawals and the portfolio’s growth.

Based on these factors, a corpus of Rs 1.9 crore might fall short over 23 years if the market does not consistently deliver 8% returns. To give a clearer picture, your corpus would need to grow steadily while supporting increasing withdrawals. If the withdrawals outpace growth due to market downturns or other factors, your corpus could deplete faster than expected.

Target Corpus for a More Secure Plan
To ensure a more sustainable SWP, you should ideally target a higher corpus. A more appropriate figure could be around Rs 2.3 crore to Rs 2.5 crore to comfortably withdraw Rs 80,000 per month, with an annual 6% increase for 23 years.

This target would provide a buffer in case of market fluctuations, ensuring that even in years of lower returns, your corpus can sustain the increasing withdrawals.

What Can You Do?
Here are some actionable steps you can consider:

Increase Your Corpus Before Retirement
If you are currently two months away from retirement, you can still focus on building your corpus. Reviewing your investment strategy, ensuring you are investing in growth-oriented mutual funds, and considering top-up contributions can help.

Postpone Retirement Withdrawals
If possible, you could postpone the SWP withdrawals by a year or two. This would allow your corpus to grow further, giving you more financial strength when you start your SWP.

Adjust the Annual Increase
While a 6% annual increase helps beat inflation, reducing it slightly to 4-5% could give your corpus more breathing room. The key is to ensure your withdrawals don’t outpace the portfolio’s growth rate.

Diversify Your Portfolio
Ensure you have a balanced portfolio of equity and debt. Equity can help grow your corpus over time, while debt provides stability and reduces risk. A Certified Financial Planner can help you design the right asset allocation based on your needs.

Consider Tax-Efficient Withdrawals
With mutual funds, the taxation of long-term and short-term capital gains is something to consider. Equity mutual funds are more tax-efficient in the long run compared to debt funds. Ensuring you have the right balance can reduce tax liabilities on your withdrawals.

Role of Asset Allocation
Your corpus will likely need to stay invested to continue generating returns. Therefore, having a mix of equity and debt is crucial:

Equity for Growth: Equity mutual funds can offer higher long-term returns. However, they come with volatility, so it's important to allocate a portion of your funds here, especially for the long-term growth required for a 23-year plan.

Debt for Stability: Debt funds will provide stability to your portfolio and ensure that your corpus isn’t exposed to high risks. Balancing equity and debt ensures you can capture growth while mitigating risk.

Final Insights
Your current corpus of Rs 1.9 crore is substantial but may not be enough to sustain an increasing SWP of Rs 80,000 per month for 23 years. Targeting a corpus of Rs 2.3 crore to Rs 2.5 crore would be more secure, offering flexibility and stability.

Here’s what you should consider:

Increase your retirement corpus through strategic investments.

Ensure a balanced mix of equity and debt for sustainable growth.

Plan for tax efficiency to avoid over-burdening your withdrawals.

Consider reducing the annual increase slightly if needed to preserve your corpus.

By following these strategies, you can create a more sustainable financial plan for your retirement years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8877 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 09, 2025

Money
I'm 30, married, no kids, have monthly in-hand salary of 2.25L, my wife has 1L, we together pay around 1L in home, car and study loan. Another 15k in other EMIs. We invest 55k in mutual fund (mix of large, mid and small fund), 20k in stock (using smallcase). I'm thinking to spend another 20k in mutual fund monthly. We might plan kids after 2 years. We've around 11.75L in mutual fund, 3L in stocks, 2.5L in NPS and PF(not sure about the amount). Is there anything we need to change or how are we financially?
Ans: You and your spouse are in a strong position. Your income is good. You are managing expenses, EMIs, and savings well.

Now let’s do a 360-degree check on your finances.

We will assess cash flow, debt, protection, investments, and goals in detail.

?Cash Flow and Expense Management
Your combined income is Rs. 3.25 lakh per month.

?

Total loan EMIs are around Rs. 1.15 lakh. That is 35% of your income.

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This is an acceptable EMI ratio. But it’s on the higher side.

?

You invest Rs. 75,000 (MF + stocks). You are thinking to add Rs. 20,000 more.

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Your saving rate is close to 30%, which is good for your age.

?

Ensure you maintain a monthly spending log. This will help avoid leaks.

?

Keep monthly expenses under Rs. 80,000 if possible. It improves saving ability.

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Try to maintain a healthy surplus. It improves emergency readiness and investment power.

?

Emergency Fund Preparedness
You didn’t mention an emergency fund in savings or FDs.

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You must keep 6 months’ expenses in a savings account or FD.

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With Rs. 80,000 per month expenses, keep at least Rs. 5 lakh aside.

?

Never use equity mutual funds or stocks as emergency corpus.

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Treat this fund like insurance, not investment.

?

Loan Portfolio Assessment
You are managing home, car, and study loans together.

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If the home loan has a tax benefit, continue. Use annual bonus to part-pay it.

?

Try to close the car and study loan early. They don’t give tax benefits.

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Don’t take personal loans or credit card debt. That will damage savings.

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Aim to become loan-free in 7–8 years.

?

Use Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) from mutual funds only when nearing goal time.

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Investment Portfolio Check-Up
You invest Rs. 55,000/month in mutual funds.

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You also invest Rs. 20,000/month in stocks via smallcase.

?

Mutual fund SIPs should be spread across large, mid, and small caps.

?

Reduce small cap exposure if it is above 30%. It increases risk unnecessarily.

?

Equity exposure must be managed with asset allocation rules.

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Stocks via smallcase can be risky. Ensure you don’t go beyond 15% of your net worth.

?

Avoid direct stocks unless you track markets daily.

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If you are investing in direct mutual fund plans, rethink it.

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Direct plans need constant monitoring. You must switch to regular plans.

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Regular funds via MFD + CFP bring experience, tax-efficiency, and goal-based advice.

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Direct plans miss timely rebalancing, switching, and psychological coaching.

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Your mutual fund corpus of Rs. 11.75 lakh is a good start.

?

Increase SIP only if emergency fund is ready.

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Don’t put entire Rs. 20,000 in SIP. Keep some in liquid or hybrid funds for mid-term needs.

?

NPS and PF Allocation
You have Rs. 2.5 lakh in NPS and PF combined.

?

Your NPS amount is low for your age. Increase contribution slowly, not suddenly.

?

NPS is a retirement tool. Money is locked till 60.

?

You may raise NPS by Rs. 5,000–10,000/month. But not more now.

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Don’t invest Rs. 1 lakh/month in NPS. It reduces liquidity.

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Continue PPF also. It brings safe compounding over the long term.

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PF (through employer) builds a strong retirement base. Keep it untouched.

?

Insurance and Risk Cover Check
You didn’t mention term life cover. Buy one if not taken yet.

?

Get term insurance of Rs. 1–1.5 crore for each spouse.

?

No need for ULIPs or endowment policies. They don’t build wealth.

?

Check if you have personal health insurance apart from employer cover.

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Buy a Rs. 10–25 lakh individual floater policy for both. Employer cover alone is not enough.

?

Also buy a Rs. 50 lakh super top-up. It is low cost and gives high cover.

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Without proper protection, your investments can get disturbed in a medical emergency.

?

Future Life Goals – Child, Retirement, and Other Needs
You plan to have a child in 2 years.

?

Child-related expenses will grow over time. Plan education and marriage goals now.

?

Education after 18 years may cost Rs. 75 lakh to Rs. 1 crore.

?

You can start with a child education mutual fund SIP now itself.

?

Create a separate SIP with name “Child Goal.” That helps stay focused.

?

Retirement is still far. But the earlier you plan, the better.

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Retirement goal must include 30 years of inflation, health cost, and lifestyle.

?

Use a bucket strategy. Combine equity, hybrid, and debt MFs for different horizons.

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Don't depend only on NPS or PF. Keep mutual funds as the core engine.

?

If you plan home upgrades or travel goals, budget and save for them separately.

?

Real Estate and Asset Liquidity
You didn’t mention real estate. That’s fine.

?

Avoid new property purchases now. It blocks liquidity and delays retirement.

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Real estate gives low post-tax returns and brings maintenance cost.

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Keep investments liquid, flexible, and goal-linked.

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Mutual funds are better than real estate in flexibility and tax-efficiency.

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Stock and Smallcase Exposure – Some Precautions
You invest Rs. 20,000 per month in smallcase.

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This must be capped at 10–15% of total monthly investments.

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Don't expect consistent performance in smallcase-based stocks.

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Returns can swing wildly in some years.

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Track the overlap with your mutual funds also.

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Don't fall into the illusion of “control” with stocks. Stay diversified.

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If needed, reduce this SIP slowly and transfer to equity hybrid or flexi cap funds.

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Recommendations for Better Stability
Keep your debt under control. Try to close loans early.

?

Maintain Rs. 5–6 lakh emergency fund at all times.

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Avoid direct mutual funds. Use regular plans via MFD and CFP for guidance.

?

Increase term insurance and health cover if not already done.

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Start SIP for child goal today itself.

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Don’t increase NPS sharply. Keep liquidity in hand.

?

Avoid real estate. Stay with mutual funds and hybrid funds.

?

Review portfolio every 6 months with a Certified Financial Planner.

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Build goals one by one – child, home, retirement, and travel.

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Keep at least 50% of your net worth in mutual funds by age 45.

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Stay patient with SIPs. Compounding will reward you slowly.

?

Don’t get distracted by new apps, hot stocks, or trendy assets.

?

Finally
You are in the best income years now. Your saving habits are strong.

You are aware of your responsibilities ahead. That is great.

But avoid overcommitment to debt or illiquid assets like real estate or NPS.

Follow a simple, disciplined approach.

Invest smartly, stay protected, and review regularly.

You can enjoy both present comfort and future security.

?

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6019 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 07, 2025
Career
My brother is getting 85 percentile in mhtcet. Which engineering college will be better for cse branch.
Ans: With an 85 percentile in MHT CET, your son can target admission in several good engineering colleges in Maharashtra offering CSE and related branches. Top government colleges like COEP Pune, VJTI Mumbai, and PICT Pune have very high cutoffs for CSE (above 99 percentile), so admission there for CSE is unlikely at 85 percentile. However, mid-tier reputed private colleges and some government-aided institutes are accessible. Colleges such as PICT Pune, DJ Sanghvi College Mumbai, SPIT Mumbai, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology Pune, and RNS Institute Bangalore offer good CSE/IT programs with cutoffs around 80–90 percentile and have strong placement records (70–90%). Other options include MIT WPU Pune, DY Patil College of Engineering Pune, and Shivaji University COE Kolhapur, which accept students with 70–85 percentile and provide decent placements.

Colleges for ~85 Percentile in MHT CET (CSE/IT Branches)
PICT Pune

DJ Sanghvi College Mumbai

SPIT Mumbai

Vishwakarma Institute of Technology Pune

RNS Institute of Technology Bangalore

MIT WPU Pune

DY Patil College of Engineering Pune

Shivaji University COE Kolhapur

KJ Somaiya Institute of Engineering and IT Mumbai

Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues Institute of Technology Navi Mumbai

Focus on these reputed private and government-aided colleges for CSE/IT at your percentile. While top government colleges may be out of reach, these institutes offer quality education, good infrastructure, and solid placement opportunities. Consider applying early and explore scholarships or fee waivers to manage costs. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8877 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 06, 2025
Money
Scheme Name SIP AMOUNT CURRENT VALUE Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund (G) 2500 88900 Axis ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Growth SIP STOP 321800 Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 1500 11200 Groww Nifty 500 Momentum 50 ETF FOF - Direct Plan - Growth 500 1000 Groww Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth 1000 2200 HDFC Business Cycle Fund - Regular Plan (G) 1000 36500 HDFC Manufacturing Fund - Regular Plan - Growth SIP STOP 15900 ICICI Prudential Energy Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 2000 20900 Kotak Emerging Equity Scheme - Regular Plan (G) 2000 82000 Kotak Tax Saver - Regular Plan (G) SIP STOP 26300 Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund - Growth 2500 73300 Motilal Oswal Flexi Cap Fund - Direct Plan (G) 3000 12700 Motilal Oswal Large and Midcap Fund - Regular Plan (G) 4000 4400 Nippon India Small Cap Fund (G) 2000 66400 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - Direct Plan (G) 2000 6200 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan (G) 5000 5100 WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap Fund - Regular Plan - (G) 1000 16000 total sip 30000/- pm , and total current value is 790000/- , plz see my portfolio and suggest me that its need any change or its ok, i want 2CR in 15 years
Ans: You have shown a disciplined approach. A monthly SIP of Rs. 30,000 is a strong commitment. Your target of Rs. 2 Crore in 15 years is practical. But the way your current portfolio is built needs review. Let's understand your investments with clarity.

Overall Portfolio Structure Review

You are investing in too many schemes at once.

Diversification is good. But over-diversification leads to average returns.

A focused portfolio gives more clarity and better long-term growth.

Some schemes are overlapping in investment style. That reduces uniqueness.

Too many funds make portfolio hard to track and manage.

Over 15 mutual fund schemes is too much for Rs. 30,000 SIP.

You are using both direct and regular plans. That’s not good.

Mixing direct and regular plans reduces overall performance tracking.

Some funds are also in ETF and index format. That needs caution.

Let's now look deeper into specific categories used in the portfolio.

Issue with Direct Plans in the Portfolio

You have direct plans in your portfolio.

Direct plans do not offer guidance or review.

They may seem low cost. But poor choices harm returns.

You may hold the wrong fund for your risk profile.

You may miss timely rebalancing. That hurts performance.

Regular plans through Certified Financial Planner add value.

You get professional fund tracking and goal alignment.

CFP helps you in tax optimisation, withdrawals and fund switch.

A regular plan with CFP is cost-effective over long term.

I strongly suggest to exit direct plans and move to regular ones.

Problems with Index and ETF Funds in Portfolio

You are holding index-based funds and ETF-based funds.

These are passive funds that copy market performance.

They don’t protect you in volatile or falling markets.

They give no strategy during market downturn.

They also don’t adjust based on sector trends.

You miss the benefit of expert fund manager thinking.

Actively managed funds are smarter.

Fund managers choose sectors and stocks actively.

That helps avoid poor performers and focus on leaders.

In long term, actively managed funds give better risk-adjusted returns.

So you should exit index funds and ETF-type schemes.

ELSS and Tax Saving Fund Review

You have more than one ELSS in the portfolio.

ELSS is good for tax saving under 80C.

But you don’t need more than one ELSS fund.

Multiple tax saving funds give no extra tax benefit.

They block your money for 3 years with no added value.

Choose one good ELSS fund under regular plan with CFP guidance.

Rest of the SIP should go to long-term diversified mutual funds.

Sector and Theme Based Fund Exposure

You have sector funds like energy, manufacturing and business cycle.

These funds are risky and volatile.

They do not work well in all phases of market.

These need strong timing and sector knowledge.

Not suitable for long-term goal like Rs. 2 Crore corpus.

Best to exit these sector funds step by step.

Shift SIP into diversified actively managed funds with better stability.

Flexi Cap and Large & Midcap Fund Exposure

You are investing in multiple flexi cap funds.

Flexi cap funds offer dynamic allocation flexibility.

But having too many of them is not useful.

You may have duplication in stock holding.

Choose 1 or 2 flexi cap funds managed under regular plan.

Combine this with 1 large and midcap fund.

It is enough to give core portfolio strength.

Midcap and Smallcap Exposure Review

Your portfolio has midcap and smallcap funds.

These are needed for wealth creation. But must be balanced.

Right now, exposure looks too high in smallcap.

Smallcap returns are volatile and take time to recover.

A Certified Financial Planner can help balance this allocation.

You need higher allocation to largecap and diversified funds.

That gives steady growth and risk protection.

Portfolio Structuring for Target of Rs. 2 Crore

You need average returns between 12% to 14% yearly.

To achieve this, your funds must be of good quality.

Fund consistency matters more than past performance.

You need a focused and goal-linked portfolio now.

Start with 5 to 6 well-managed mutual funds only.

All should be under regular plan with CFP tracking.

These must be reviewed at least once in 6 months.

You must also increase SIP by 10% yearly if possible.

Suggestions to Clean and Optimise Portfolio

Stop SIPs in sector, thematic, and passive funds.

Exit direct plans and move to same funds in regular plan.

Keep only one ELSS fund for tax saving.

Choose 2 flexi cap funds and 1 large & midcap fund.

Add 1 midcap and 1 smallcap fund based on CFP advice.

Keep total fund count under 6 or 7.

All SIPs should be monitored by Certified Financial Planner.

Don't invest in funds based on social media or trends.

Each fund must have a clear purpose in your goal.

Monitor, Review, and Rebalance Periodically

SIP is not a one-time setup.

You must review your funds at least every 6 months.

Market conditions and fund performance change.

Rebalancing helps keep your plan on track.

Stop underperforming funds. Add to good ones.

A Certified Financial Planner tracks this for you.

That ensures your Rs. 2 Crore goal stays achievable.

Other Financial Planning Areas You Must Review

Keep an emergency fund of at least 6 months expenses.

Buy a pure term insurance. Keep sum assured 10 times annual income.

Buy health insurance if not already done.

Avoid investing in ULIPs, traditional policies, or annuities.

Don't mix insurance and investment.

All investment should be under your or family member's name.

Also create a WILL for smoother transfer later.

Nominee details in mutual funds must be updated.

Don’t use bank agents or online portals for advice.

Always prefer Certified Financial Planner for 360-degree solution.

Finally

You are already on the right path.

But your portfolio is scattered and unfocused.

Direct funds, ETF funds and sectoral funds must be reviewed.

Move to quality, actively managed mutual funds in regular plan.

Keep portfolio simple, structured, and professionally monitored.

Track your progress yearly with guidance of Certified Financial Planner.

With right changes, your Rs. 2 Crore goal is achievable in 15 years.

Stay disciplined and follow a well-planned investment approach.

Your future wealth depends on how well you act now.

Focus on quality, guidance and goal tracking, not quantity of funds.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8877 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 09, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, My sister (unmarried and aged 82 years) recently expired. She had some investments in mutual funds through ICICI direct. She has some money invested in fixed deposits and some with bank savings account. She has made nominations in her investments in favour of couple of relatives. She had made a WILL thereafter bequeathed her movable/ immovable property to my wife. I am the only person surviving in her family. I will like to know whether The beneficiary named in the WILL will get preference over nominees in getting her property. Thanking you Pradeep Kumar
Ans: I truly appreciate your concern in handling your sister’s legacy with care and responsibility.

Handling investments after someone’s death needs clear understanding of rules.

Let’s go step-by-step in a professional and clear way.

You have raised a very important question.

The issue is about whether the nominee or the beneficiary in the WILL gets priority.

This is a common question when dealing with mutual funds, FDs, and bank accounts.

Let us study this matter from a 360-degree angle.

Difference Between Nominee and Beneficiary in a WILL

A nominee is only a caretaker or trustee of the asset.

The nominee holds the asset temporarily on behalf of the legal heirs.

The person mentioned in the WILL is the final beneficiary of the asset.

A nominee can collect the asset. But has no right to keep it.

A WILL has more legal power over a nomination.

As per Indian law, the person named in the WILL becomes the real owner.

So, even if the nomination is in favour of others, the WILL’s instructions will prevail.

Supreme Court and High Courts have confirmed this rule in many cases.

So your wife, as the legal heir through the WILL, becomes the real owner.

The nominee must hand over the asset to your wife.

What Happens to Mutual Funds in ICICI Direct

AMCs allow the nominee to claim mutual fund units first.

The nominee must submit the death certificate and nomination documents.

However, that nominee is only a custodian of the units.

If your wife is named in the WILL, she becomes the rightful owner.

If nominee refuses to transfer, then legal route through succession can be used.

The court will support the WILL beneficiary and not the nominee.

The Certified Financial Planner will help with paperwork and rightful transfer.

What Happens to Fixed Deposits and Bank Accounts

For FDs and savings accounts, bank will allow the nominee to withdraw the amount.

But, again, nominee does not own that money permanently.

As per Indian Succession Act, the money belongs to the legal heir.

Your wife must be given the FD and savings balance as per the WILL.

If nominee does not cooperate, legal action can be taken.

The WILL is a stronger document than the bank nomination.

Legal Process for Claiming the Assets

First step is to get the death certificate from municipal authority.

Then, obtain a legal heir certificate if required by financial institutions.

Submit the WILL along with affidavit and indemnity form.

Some banks or AMCs may ask for probate of the WILL.

Probate is court validation of the WILL. It is common in large cities.

Once probate is done, all assets will be transferred easily to your wife.

Certified Financial Planner can help coordinate these legal and financial steps.

Role of Nominee in Different Asset Classes

Mutual Funds: Nominee is a trustee only. Not final owner.

FDs/Savings Account: Bank allows nominee to receive. But must hand over to legal heir.

Shares/Stocks: Nominee can get shares. But ownership depends on WILL.

LIC/ULIP: Nominee gets money. But if WILL says otherwise, nominee must pass it on.

Always remember, nomination gives temporary holding, not ownership.

If LIC, ULIPs or Insurance-Cum-Investment Policies Are Present

If your sister had any LIC or ULIP policies, please check.

If these are investment-cum-insurance policies, it’s better to surrender.

The money received can be reinvested in mutual funds with better returns.

Insurance is not a good investment option. Separate insurance and investment is better.

Mutual funds provide more flexibility and higher long-term growth.

Why Mutual Funds Are a Better Option Post Inheritance

Mutual funds offer better growth compared to fixed deposits.

FDs give fixed but lower returns. Inflation reduces real value.

Mutual funds can beat inflation and build more wealth.

Choose diversified mutual funds guided by a Certified Financial Planner.

These funds are actively managed by skilled fund managers.

They give better returns than index funds which are passively managed.

Index funds just follow the market. They don’t protect from risks.

Actively managed funds adjust portfolio as per market changes.

That gives better risk-adjusted returns over long term.

Avoid Direct Mutual Funds – Use Regular Plan With Certified Financial Planner

Direct funds look cheaper, but lack professional support.

No guidance is given on fund choice, timing or rebalancing.

You may choose wrong fund or wrong category. That reduces performance.

A Certified Financial Planner gives ongoing monitoring and review.

He helps match your goal and risk profile with suitable funds.

Regular plan cost is slightly higher. But service value is much more.

You also get proper paperwork, tax help, and exit strategy.

This avoids mistakes and saves more money in long term.

How to Secure the Money Inherited

First, consolidate all money into one savings account.

Then, create a financial goal plan.

Short-term funds can be kept in liquid funds or ultra-short term funds.

Long-term money should be put in diversified equity mutual funds.

Avoid NFOs, PMS or fancy schemes. Stick to simple, consistent performers.

Never mix insurance with investment again.

Buy pure term insurance if protection is needed.

Use mutual funds for long-term goals like retirement corpus or emergency fund.

Tax Considerations After Inheriting the Money

In India, inherited money is not taxed in your hands.

However, any gains you earn from investing it will be taxed.

For mutual funds, gains after three years are taxed at 20% with indexation.

For FDs, interest income is added to your total income and taxed.

Proper structuring through Certified Financial Planner can help reduce tax burden.

Use tax harvesting methods to lower capital gain tax legally.

Estate Planning for the Future

After your wife receives the assets, create her WILL.

This avoids future confusion for your family.

Register the WILL with proper witness and signature.

Also update nomination in all new investments.

This helps smooth claim process and saves legal hassle.

A Certified Financial Planner can guide on succession planning and asset transfer.

Think long-term and plan for smooth wealth transfer across generations.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Thinking nominee is final owner. This is not true.

Ignoring the importance of a registered WILL.

Investing in annuities, ULIPs or insurance-linked plans.

Going for direct mutual funds without expert help.

Putting too much in FDs and ignoring mutual funds.

Not taking proper probate where needed.

Not informing relatives about existence of WILL.

Finally

Your wife, as the person named in the WILL, has the legal right to the assets.

Nominees must transfer all the money and investments to her.

Use a Certified Financial Planner to support with documentation and investment planning.

Avoid direct and index funds. Choose actively managed mutual funds in regular plan route.

Keep insurance and investment separate for better financial health.

Create a proper plan for safe and tax-efficient handling of inherited wealth.

Secure the legacy left by your sister with professional care and future-ready structure.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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