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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 01, 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
Malik Question by Malik on Jul 01, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi Sir Good morning. can u pls suggest few good returns mutual funds to invest , as we are in need of approx one lakh per month so pls suggest how much funds are reuired to invest to withdraw one lakh PM, pls write name of all that mutual funds. Regards

Ans: Planning for a steady income through mutual fund investments is a smart move. You need approximately Rs. 1 lakh per month. Let's dive into how to achieve this.

Understanding Your Need
Firstly, it's essential to understand why you need this regular income. Is it for household expenses, retirement, or any other purpose? Knowing this will help tailor your investment strategy.

Types of Mutual Funds
There are different types of mutual funds to consider. Each has its own benefits and risks.

1. Equity Mutual Funds
Equity funds invest in stocks. They offer high returns but come with higher risk. They are good for long-term goals.

2. Debt Mutual Funds
Debt funds invest in bonds and securities. They provide stable returns with lower risk. Ideal for short to medium-term goals.

3. Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They balance risk and reward. Suitable for moderate risk takers.

Choosing the Right Funds
Selecting the right mutual funds is crucial. Here are some pointers.

1. Look at Past Performance
Check the past performance of the fund. While past performance is not a guarantee of future returns, it gives an idea.

2. Fund Manager Expertise
A good fund manager can make a significant difference. Look for funds managed by experienced and successful managers.

3. Expense Ratio
Expense ratio is the fee charged by the fund. Lower expense ratios mean more returns for you.

4. Consistency
Look for funds that have provided consistent returns over time. Consistency is key in mutual fund investments.

Why Not to Recommend Specific Scheme Names
Recommending specific mutual fund schemes online has several drawbacks. Here’s why it’s not advisable.

1. Individual Financial Goals
Everyone’s financial goals and risk tolerance are different. A scheme suitable for one person may not be suitable for another.

2. Changing Market Conditions
Market conditions change. A scheme performing well today may not perform the same way in the future.

3. Personal Financial Situation
An individual's financial situation is unique. Recommending a scheme without understanding their situation can lead to poor outcomes.

4. Professional Advice
Investment decisions should be based on personalized advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can tailor recommendations to individual needs.

5. Regulatory Guidelines
There are regulatory guidelines regarding investment advice. Providing specific scheme names online may violate these guidelines.

6. Limited Scope
Online forums have limited scope to provide in-depth analysis. Personal consultation allows for a comprehensive understanding of needs and goals.

How Much to Invest
To withdraw Rs. 1 lakh per month, you need a significant investment. Here's a simple approach.

1. Target Monthly Income
Your target is Rs. 1 lakh per month. This translates to Rs. 12 lakh per year.

2. Expected Returns
Assume an average return of 8% per annum from a mix of equity and debt funds. This is a conservative estimate.

3. Required Corpus
To generate Rs. 12 lakh per year at 8% return, you need a corpus of Rs. 1.5 crore. This is a rough estimate.

Building Your Portfolio
A diversified portfolio is essential. Here’s how to build it.

1. Equity Funds
Allocate a portion to equity funds for growth. Select funds with a good track record.

2. Debt Funds
Include debt funds for stability. They will provide consistent returns with lower risk.

3. Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds offer a balance of growth and stability. Include them for a well-rounded portfolio.

4. Regular Review
Regularly review your portfolio. Ensure it aligns with your goals and market conditions.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have a professional fund manager making investment decisions. Here’s why they are beneficial.

1. Expert Management
Fund managers have the expertise to make informed decisions. They can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

2. Potential for Higher Returns
Actively managed funds can potentially offer higher returns. Fund managers can identify and invest in high-growth opportunities.

3. Flexibility
These funds are flexible. Fund managers can quickly respond to market changes.

4. Personalized Strategy
Actively managed funds can be tailored to your investment strategy. This ensures your goals are met.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a specific index. Here’s why they might not be the best choice.

1. No Flexibility
Index funds strictly follow an index. They cannot adjust based on market conditions.

2. Limited Returns
They offer returns similar to the index. Actively managed funds can potentially outperform the index.

3. No Professional Management
Index funds do not have a fund manager making decisions. This can limit their performance.

4. Missed Opportunities
They cannot invest in high-growth opportunities outside the index.

Importance of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers several advantages.

1. Professional Guidance
A CFP provides expert advice. They help you choose the right funds based on your goals.

2. Tailored Strategy
They create a personalized investment strategy. This ensures your investments align with your financial goals.

3. Ongoing Support
A CFP offers ongoing support. They monitor your investments and make adjustments as needed.

4. Better Decision Making
With a CFP, you make informed decisions. This reduces the risk and increases the potential for returns.

Creating a Withdrawal Plan
Withdrawing Rs. 1 lakh per month requires a proper plan. Here’s how to do it.

1. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly. It ensures you have a steady income.

2. Tax Efficiency
Consider the tax implications. SWP can be tax-efficient compared to other withdrawal methods.

3. Monitor Withdrawals
Monitor your withdrawals. Ensure they do not deplete your corpus too quickly.

4. Rebalance Portfolio
Regularly rebalance your portfolio. This maintains the desired asset allocation and risk level.

You are taking a commendable step towards financial stability. Planning for a regular income shows foresight and responsibility.

It’s important to feel secure about your financial future. Investing wisely will give you peace of mind and financial freedom.

Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to maximize your investments.

1. Diversification
Diversify your investments across different funds. This reduces risk and enhances returns.

2. Long-Term Focus
Focus on long-term investments. They have the potential to provide higher returns.

3. Avoid Emotional Decisions
Do not let emotions drive your investment decisions. Stick to your plan.

4. Stay Informed
Stay informed about market trends and fund performance. This helps in making better decisions.

Final Insights
Investing in mutual funds for a regular income is a sound strategy. By choosing the right funds and planning your investments, you can achieve your financial goals.

Regularly review your portfolio and seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). This ensures your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Wishing you the best in your financial journey!

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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
I have 1 crore & i would like to invest in mutual funds. I want good returns out of it which will allow me to draw monthly income through it. Please suggest where/what to invest in ? Thank you.
Ans: Before diving into specific options, it’s important to assess your goals. You have Rs. 1 crore to invest, and you're looking to generate a monthly income from it. Mutual funds can indeed provide that, but it's essential to balance growth with safety. With a well-planned approach, you can aim for consistent returns.

The right mix of equity and debt mutual funds can help you achieve regular income while ensuring your capital grows over time. Let's break down the key factors to consider.

Investment Horizon and Risk Appetite

To generate regular monthly income, the choice of funds will depend on how long you're willing to keep your money invested and your comfort level with risk. Since you’re looking for monthly income, stability and capital protection will be important.

Here are the key points to focus on:

Long-Term Growth Potential: You may want a part of your funds in equity mutual funds for capital appreciation. Equities have the potential to deliver higher returns over a long period.

Steady Monthly Income: For monthly income, debt funds or hybrid funds may offer more stable returns. They come with lower risk compared to pure equity investments.

Risk Management: It’s crucial to diversify across asset classes. This spreads out the risk and reduces the impact of market volatility.

Types of Mutual Funds to Consider

Based on your need for a balance of regular income and potential for growth, here are some categories of mutual funds you can consider:

1. Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equities and debt instruments, offering a mix of growth and stability. These funds provide the advantage of equity exposure for long-term appreciation while reducing risk through debt instruments.

Benefits: They help balance risk and reward. Equity ensures growth, while debt provides stability.

Why It Works: If you want some growth but are also concerned about regular payouts, this can be a good option.

2. Monthly Income Plans (MIPs)
Monthly Income Plans are debt-oriented hybrid mutual funds. They invest primarily in debt instruments like bonds, but also allocate a small portion to equities. This gives you some exposure to the stock market, while the debt portion ensures regular income.

Benefits: These funds focus on generating regular income, making them suitable for investors looking for steady cash flow.

Why It Works: These plans are perfect for conservative investors who want monthly income with a little equity exposure for growth.

3. Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds are a safe option for generating regular income. They invest in government securities, corporate bonds, and other debt instruments. These funds tend to be less volatile than equity funds.

Benefits: They provide regular income and are relatively safe compared to equity funds.

Why It Works: If your priority is capital protection and regular income, debt funds should make up a significant portion of your portfolio.

4. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Once you've selected your mutual fund portfolio, you can use a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) to draw a regular monthly income. This allows you to withdraw a fixed amount at regular intervals, ensuring you get the cash flow you need.

Benefits: An SWP ensures you receive regular payouts without compromising on potential returns.

Why It Works: You maintain the investment’s growth potential while drawing income as needed.

How Much to Allocate to Each Fund?

Since your goal is to have both growth and income, you should consider splitting your Rs. 1 crore across different types of funds:

Equity Funds: Around 40% of your corpus should be in equity mutual funds to ensure your money grows over time. These funds may experience some volatility in the short term, but over the long term, they offer the best potential for growth.

Debt and Hybrid Funds: Around 60% should be in debt and hybrid funds. This portion of your investment will offer more stability and provide regular income.

SWP for Monthly Income: Set up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from your debt or hybrid fund investments. You can withdraw a fixed sum every month, ensuring a stable monthly income.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

It’s always beneficial to work with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) when designing such a portfolio. They can help:

Assess Your Risk Tolerance: It's crucial to match your investments to your risk tolerance.

Monitor Your Investments: The markets change, and so should your portfolio. A CFP will help you review and rebalance your investments as needed.

Tax Efficiency: A CFP can also help you understand the tax implications of your investments and withdrawals. SWP withdrawals are more tax-efficient compared to dividend payouts from mutual funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

You might have considered direct mutual fund plans. While they do offer lower expense ratios, they lack the personalized guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Many investors opt for direct plans but end up making emotional decisions during market volatility.

Higher Risk of Mistakes: Without professional guidance, investors might redeem funds at the wrong time or choose schemes that don't align with their goals.

Why Regular Plans Are Better: With regular plans, you invest through a Certified Financial Planner who helps you stay on track, avoid mistakes, and choose the right funds for your goals.

Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds

While index funds might sound like a low-cost, easy option, they come with several drawbacks:

Limited Flexibility: Index funds follow the market. They cannot outperform or protect your capital during market downturns.

Better Alternatives: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds. Fund managers make decisions based on market conditions, helping maximize returns while managing risk.

Why Active Management Matters: Fund managers in actively managed funds can adjust the portfolio according to market trends, offering better protection against market volatility.

Final Insights

Your Rs. 1 crore can be invested wisely in mutual funds to generate both monthly income and long-term growth. By diversifying across equity, debt, and hybrid funds, and using a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP), you can enjoy steady income without depleting your corpus.

Hybrid and Debt Funds: These offer the balance of regular income and safety.

Equity Funds: These ensure long-term capital appreciation to combat inflation.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan: This allows you to withdraw monthly income while keeping your investments intact.

Working with a Certified Financial Planner ensures that your investments are tailored to your needs, regularly reviewed, and tax-efficient. They provide the guidance and expertise needed to maximize returns while ensuring your goals are met.

By following this approach, you can enjoy financial security while benefiting from the potential growth of your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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