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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 24, 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
Vaman Question by Vaman on Jun 22, 2023Hindi
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I have following MF investments all regular growth all purchases on initial offer of ten rupees. 1) Aditya Birla Sun Life focused equity fund -1200 units 2)Dsp world gold fund -500units 3)Hdfc banking financial services fund 1200. Units 4) Hdfc defence fund 1000units 5)Hdfc flexi cap fund 50 units 6)Hdfc mid cap opportunity fund 260 units. 7) Hdfc flexi cap fund 30 units 8)Hsbc value fund 450 units 9)Hsbc elss fund 500 units 10) Kotak global innovation fund 1200units 11)Kotak international REIT fund 500 units 12) Kotak flexi cap fund 260 units 13)Nippon India low duration fund 10 14)Sbi blue chip fund 1000 units 15) Sundaram focused fund 1300 units 16)Tata mid cap growth fund 350 units 17)Uti nifty 500 value 50 index fund 18100 units (Units transfered form Uti focused equity fund) 18)Uti mid cap fund 700 Units 19)Uti flexi cap fund 1000 Units 20)Uti Master Share Units 21)Uti nifty 50 equal weight index fund (Latest offer) Sbi infrastructure fund 500 units Following funds are all regular growth from Icici prudential fund. 1) Pharma health care & diagnostic fund 800 Units 2) Manufacturing fund 4300 units 3)India opportunities fund 2200 units 4) Flexi cap fund 5000 Units 5) Housing opportunities fund 2500 units 6) Balanced advantage fund 550 units 7)Psu equity fund 2800 units Sir I want to invest in Uti S&Phousing fund and Icici transaction & logistics fund 1000 units each.. Should I make some fresh investments or invest by transferring from existing Uti fund & Icici fund I am 75 years old. No urgent need of funds. Advise how-to proceed. Redy for taking risk.

Ans: Firstly, let me commend you for your disciplined approach towards investments. Your diversified portfolio reflects a well-thought-out strategy, which is commendable at any age, let alone at 75. It's heartening to see your willingness to adapt and continue investing even at this stage of life.

Given your age and risk appetite, while you're ready to take risks, it's crucial to balance it with the need for stability and liquidity. When considering adding new funds like Uti S&P Housing Fund and ICICI Transaction & Logistics Fund, you have two options: fresh investments or transferring from existing funds.

Transferring from existing holdings might streamline your portfolio, reducing the number of funds to manage. However, this could also entail exit loads or tax implications. On the other hand, fresh investments allow you to diversify further without disturbing your existing investments.

Considering no urgent need for funds, you might explore transferring from funds that might have underperformed or align less with your current investment strategy. Still, I'd strongly recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure a balanced approach that caters to your evolving needs while optimizing returns. After all, life is a journey, and managing your finances is a part of that journey, requiring both wisdom and adaptability.
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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Omkeshwar

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Please review my MF holdings and kindly advise me what are the funds i should retain/close and what new investments to make? Fund Name Month/Year Amount Units Thru Broker One Time       Franklin India Equity Fund Div Reinvest  11/2004 10,000 3,141 Tata Large and Mid Cap Fund RP Div R.Invst (Formerly TEOD (D)) 11/2004 10,000 2,629 Nippon India (Reliance) Pharma Fund Div Reinvest 11/2004 10,000 2,593 Sundaram Bluechip Growth Fund - IPO  09/2020 25,000 2,499 Thru Broker SIP       SBI Focussed Equity Fund Reg Growth 07/2012  2000/mth    HDFC Mid Cap Oppurtunities Fund Reg Growth 07/2012  1000/mth    Axis Bluechip Growth Fund Regular Growth 10/2020  4000/mth    Canara Emerging Equity Fund Reg Growth  06/2019  2000/mth    Mirae Emerging Bluechip Fund Reg Growth 06/2019  2000/mth    Nippon India Small Cap Fund Reg Growth 06/2017  2000/mth    HDFC Mid Cap Oppurtunities Fund Reg Growth 06/2017  1000/mth    Birla Sunlife Pure Value Fund Reg Growth 06/2017  2000/mth   Stopped 11/ 2020  L & T Emerging Business Fund Reg Growth 06/2017  2000/mth   Stopped 12/2020  Direct Investments       Quantum Long Term Equity Value Fund DP - Growth  05/2019 10,000   Franklin India Flexi Cap (Formerly F.I. Equity) Fund - Direct Growth 07/2019 25,000   Franklin India Banking & PSU Debt Fund - Direct -Growth 08/2019 75,000   Franklin India Corporate Debt Fund Plan A - Direct - Growth 08/2019 25,000   Franklin India Flexi Cap (Formerly F.I. Equity) Fund - Direct Growth 03/2020 25,000  
Ans: Too many funds for any meaningful long-term outperformance.

Continue with Tata large and mid-cap, SBI Focused Equity Fund, Axis Bluechip Growth Fund, Canara Emerging, Mirae Emerging,

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 21, 2023Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am 43 yrs of age and following is the list of my MF holdings which are all 15 Months Plus......Can you pls advice me if I should continue to remain Invested in the same or should I change any of these....I am looking at an aggressive and high return Funds in the next 3 Years....Also one very important point is all my Investments are thru an Agent, do you suggest i shud withdraw them all and go for Direct Plans.....Pls advice - SIP Details - CANARA ROBECCO EMERGING EQUITIES FUND – 10000 PGIM INDIA MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND – 5000 ICICI PRUDENTIAL TECHNOLOGY FUND – 4000 SBI FOCUSED EQUITY FUND – 6000 QUANT ACTIVE FUND – 10000 MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP FUND – 10000 INDIA INFOLINE - 5000 LUMPSUM Details - PGIM INDIA MID CAP OPPORTUNITIES FUND – REGULAR GROWTH – 3 LACS K1155 - KOTAK MULTICAP FUND – REGULAR PLAN GROWTH – 3 LACS AXIS MULTICAP FUND REGULAR PLAN GROWTH – 3 LACS IIFL FOCUSED EQUITY FUND – 4 LACS UTI FLEXI CAP FUND – 2.5 LACS MIRAE ASSET LARGE CAP FUND – 3 LACS LIC MF LARGE AND MID CAP FUND – 4 LACS CANARA ROBECCO BLUE CHIP EQUITY FUND – 3 LACS QUANT ACTIVE FUND – 2.5 LACS PARAG PARIKH FLEXI CAP FUND – 2.5 LACS
Ans: Given your desire for aggressive growth in the next 3 years, it's crucial to assess your current mutual fund holdings and make informed decisions. Here are some considerations:

Performance Review: Evaluate the performance of your existing funds over the past few years. Look at their consistency, returns, and how they have performed during different market cycles.
Risk Appetite: Consider your risk tolerance and whether your current funds align with your risk profile. Aggressive funds typically carry higher risk, so ensure you are comfortable with potential volatility.
Diversification: Check the diversification of your portfolio across different fund types (large cap, mid cap, small cap) and sectors. A well-diversified portfolio can help mitigate risk.
Expense Ratio: Assess the expense ratio of your funds, especially if they are regular plans. Direct plans generally have lower expense ratios, which can significantly impact returns over the long term.
Exit Loads and Tax Implications: Understand any exit loads or tax implications associated with redeeming your existing investments, especially if they are less than 3 years old.
Consideration of Direct Plans: Switching to direct plans can save on expenses in the long run, potentially boosting returns. However, ensure you are comfortable with managing your investments independently or seek the assistance of a fee-based advisor.
After considering these factors, you can decide whether to continue with your current holdings, reallocate investments, or explore new funds that align better with your goals and risk appetite. It's essential to periodically review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed to stay on track with your financial objectives.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

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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