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Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on May 10, 2023

With over 16 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, Ulhas Joshi has helped numerous clients choose the right funds and create wealth.
Prior to joining RankMF as CEO, he was vice president (sales) at IDBI Asset Management Ltd.
Joshi holds an MBA in marketing from Barkatullah University, Bhopal.... more
Abhisheke Question by Abhisheke on Apr 03, 2023Hindi
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Dear Mr Ulhas Joshi, I Plan to create corpus of 40 lacs in next 8 years. Please advice Mutual Fund SIP to start with an investment. Regards Abhisheke Rane

Ans: Hi Abhisheke, thanks for writing to me. To create a corpus of Rs.40 Lakh 8 years, you need to invest Rs.25,000 every month.

You can begin SIP's in:
1-Edelweiss NIFTY 100 Quality 30 Index Fund-Rs.5,000
2-UTI NIFTY 50 Index Fund-Rs.5,000
3-Axis ESG Fund-Rs.5,000
4-SBI Focused Equity Fund-Rs.5,000
5-DSP Quant Fund-Rs.5,000

Stepping up your SIP's every year by 10% or more will help you create build your corpus faster.
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  |7828 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir I am 44 years old and I am in Government Service, I want to make some corpus fund for my family. Kindly please suggest me best mutual funds or something else for SIP.
Ans: It's commendable that you're thinking ahead to secure your family's financial future. Let's explore some suitable options for building a corpus through SIPs.

Considering your age and stable income from government service, investing in mutual funds through SIPs can be an excellent choice for wealth accumulation. Here are a few considerations:

Diversification: Opt for a diversified portfolio of mutual funds across different asset classes like large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds. This diversification helps spread risk and maximize returns over the long term.

Risk Profile: Assess your risk tolerance and investment horizon before selecting mutual funds. Since you're looking to build a corpus for your family, you may consider a balanced approach with a mix of equity and debt funds to manage risk effectively.

Fund Selection: Choose mutual funds with a consistent track record of performance and managed by experienced fund managers. Look for funds with low expense ratios and a focus on long-term wealth creation.

Financial Goals: Define your financial goals clearly, whether it's education expenses for your children, retirement planning, or creating an emergency fund. Tailor your SIP investments to align with these objectives.

Regular Review: Periodically review your mutual fund portfolio and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial situation or market conditions. Stay informed about market trends and economic developments to make informed investment decisions.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend consulting with a CFP to assess your financial situation comprehensively and develop a personalized investment plan tailored to your needs and goals. A CFP can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you navigate the complexities of investment planning.

In conclusion, by investing systematically through SIPs in well-diversified mutual funds and seeking professional advice, you can work towards building a corpus to secure your family's financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7828 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 2024

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I want to start a SIP of 2 L pm. Aum is to build a corpus of 3 Cr in next 5 yrs. kindly guide as to which all funds I should invest in.
Ans: Your goal of achieving Rs 3 crore in five years is ambitious and achievable with a disciplined approach. A well-structured investment strategy will ensure success. Below is a comprehensive guide tailored for your objective.

Assessing Your Goal and Risk Appetite
Your target corpus of Rs 3 crore in five years requires aggressive growth.

This time frame makes volatility management critical as the investment horizon is relatively short.

Ensure you are comfortable with a moderate to high-risk portfolio as equity exposure will dominate.

Key Considerations for Fund Selection
Aggressive Growth Potential: Focus on equity-heavy funds to maximise returns over five years.

Diversified Asset Allocation: Include funds across market caps—large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap categories.

Professional Expertise: Opt for actively managed funds with experienced fund managers for better performance.

Why Avoid Index Funds
Index funds track benchmarks and lack active management.

They may underperform in volatile markets due to rigid structures.

Actively managed funds have the flexibility to adapt to market changes, enhancing returns.

Benefits of Regular Funds via Certified Financial Planner
Direct funds may seem cost-efficient but lack personalised advisory support.

Regular funds through a CFP ensure guidance on fund selection and portfolio rebalancing.

You gain professional expertise, which is essential for a goal-focused strategy like yours.

Suggested Asset Allocation
1. Large-Cap Funds

These funds provide stability to your portfolio with consistent performance.

Large-cap funds invest in top-rated, established companies, offering lower volatility.

Allocation: 30-40%

 

2. Flexi-Cap Funds

Flexi-cap funds invest across market caps for optimal growth opportunities.

They balance risk and reward with dynamic allocation.

Allocation: 30%

 

3. Mid-Cap Funds

These funds provide a growth-oriented approach with moderate risk.

Mid-cap companies can deliver superior returns but require a longer investment horizon.

Allocation: 20%

 

4. Small-Cap Funds

Small-cap funds can generate high returns but are volatile.

Limit exposure due to the shorter time frame of five years.

Allocation: 10%

Tax Implications and Strategy
Equity mutual funds held over a year attract 12.5% tax on LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh.

Plan your redemptions strategically to reduce tax liability.

Rebalance the portfolio in the final two years to shift towards safer debt instruments gradually.

Periodic Portfolio Reviews
Monitor performance every six months with your Certified Financial Planner.

Rebalance the portfolio as needed to align with market conditions and target goals.

Ensure the portfolio gradually moves towards lower risk in the last 1–2 years.

Importance of Emergency Fund
Before starting this SIP, maintain an emergency fund for 6-12 months' expenses.

This ensures you can handle unforeseen situations without disrupting your investment plan.

Final Insights
A disciplined Rs 2 lakh SIP in a well-diversified, actively managed portfolio should help you achieve Rs 3 crore in five years. Regular reviews and professional guidance will keep you on track. Remember, a short investment horizon like this requires balancing aggressive growth with risk management towards the end.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7828 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 24, 2024Hindi
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I do SIP of 61K every month in index, small cap, mid cap, index auto and index technology funds. I want to invest 15 lacs for long term wealth creation - please suggest
Ans: Your monthly SIP of Rs 61,000 shows a disciplined and growth-focused approach.

Your allocation to small-cap, mid-cap, and sectoral funds highlights your appetite for higher returns.
However, reliance on index funds has certain limitations.
Direct indexing lacks flexibility, and sectoral funds may expose you to higher risks.

Disadvantages of Index Funds and Sectoral Focus
Index funds are passive and lack fund manager expertise.

They mimic the market and don’t adapt to changing economic conditions.
They may underperform in volatile or bearish markets.
Sectoral funds like auto and technology funds are cyclical in nature.

Overexposure to specific sectors can increase portfolio volatility.
Returns may be inconsistent, depending on industry trends.
A diversified portfolio with actively managed funds provides better stability and growth.

Strategic Plan for Rs 15 Lakh Investment
Long-term wealth creation needs careful planning and diversified fund selection.

Allocate Based on Goals and Risk Tolerance
Your Rs 15 lakh investment should aim for steady growth and capital preservation.

Allocate 50% to diversified equity funds with active management for consistent performance.
Invest 25% in hybrid funds that balance equity and debt for stability.
Allocate 15% to debt funds to manage risks and liquidity needs.
Reserve 10% for international equity funds for global diversification.
This mix ensures growth, stability, and risk management over the long term.

Benefits of Actively Managed Equity Funds
Active funds outperform index funds by leveraging fund managers' expertise.

Fund managers pick high-potential stocks, avoiding poorly performing ones.
They adapt to market trends, reducing risks during volatile periods.
Include Balanced and Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt, ensuring balanced growth.

They provide downside protection during market corrections.
They stabilise portfolio returns over the long term.
Add Global Diversification
Investing globally reduces dependency on the Indian market.

International funds capture opportunities in developed markets.
They hedge against currency fluctuations and economic uncertainties.
Maintain Liquidity with Debt Funds
Debt funds provide liquidity and safety for short-term needs.

Choose low-duration or dynamic bond funds to manage interest rate risks.
They balance your portfolio while providing steady returns.
Tax Implications and Planning
Understanding tax rules ensures efficient wealth creation.

Long-term equity gains above Rs 1.25 lakh attract a 12.5% tax.
Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Plan redemptions carefully to minimise tax liabilities.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures proper fund selection.

They align investments with your long-term goals and risk profile.
They monitor and rebalance your portfolio regularly.
Direct funds lack this expert guidance, often leading to suboptimal decisions.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Your portfolio must evolve with market trends and personal goals.

Review your investments annually for performance and alignment.
Rebalance your portfolio to maintain desired asset allocation.
Final Insights
Your disciplined SIP strategy is impressive and shows commitment. To maximise your Rs 15 lakh investment, focus on a diversified, actively managed portfolio. Avoid over-reliance on index and sectoral funds. Engage a Certified Financial Planner to guide and monitor your investments. Build a balanced portfolio with equity, hybrid, debt, and international funds.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |525 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 27, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Unable to figure out what to do. Shouls i proceed for divorce? And if yes how? Here is my story: This is a long post. But i might have still missed few small instances in between. So I got married on October 3, 2022. Our conversation started through the Jeevansathi app, but the actual conversation began in July 2022 when her father contacted me. The first contact was from their side. At that time, I was returning to Chennai from Ongole by train when I received her father's call. He asked about my job and other details, to which I mentioned that I work for SBI in Tamil Nadu. After that, our conversation started. In the early days, the conversation was really good, and she spoke very well. Later, I visited their house with my mother. During the conversation there, she mentioned that many proposals had come before, but she hadn't been able to decide. One proposal was from a guy with a package of 30 lakh, but she clearly said that money doesn’t matter to her; she wanted a good person. During that meeting, I mentioned that I am a simple person, and my family consists of only my mother and me. I also clarified that due to my job, I could be transferred. After that meeting, we did the formal engagement. Later, we brought sweets from Haldiram, and that was when our engagement was officially recognized. After that, our conversations continued regularly. For a while, everything was fine, but then we started arguing over small things. Once, I told her that I meditate, and she said, "Meditation is something foolish people do, it doesn’t help." This led to an argument. I also mentioned that if we have children, we should send them to good universities like Harvard or Oxford, and this too led to an argument, as she felt we shouldn't put pressure on children to earn money. Then came the topic of money. I shared my salary slip and explained how both working and saving money are important because expenses are high. However, she said, "Saving money is foolish, everyone lives paycheck to paycheck nowadays." I tried to explain the importance of savings, but our discussions continued to be challenging. At one point, she said she wouldn’t wear sindoor or the mangalsutra. I told her that there was no need to wear it every day, just on special occasions. I agreed with this. As the arguments increased, I spoke to her father and mentioned that maybe she didn’t want to marry me. But her father reassured me that it wasn’t true, and they would talk to her. After that, things seemed normal for a while, but small arguments kept happening. In August 2022, I visited her again. I thought we could spend some time together and understand each other better. We went to Aerocity, where we had pizza and roamed around. After that, we went to Radisson Hotel on 27th July 2022, and our engagement was finalized. Over these two months, our communication continued, and eventually, on October 2, 2022, we had our engagement ceremony, and on October 3, 2022, we got married. After the wedding, we planned a honeymoon. Initially, she wanted to go to Vaishno Devi, so I took her there by Vande Bharat Express. Her uncle arranged VIP darshan. We walked up, but on the way back, her legs started hurting, so we rode a horse. After sitting on the horse for a long time, she had back pain. I reached the hotel, tried to soothe her pain by soaking her legs in hot water, and then we slept. After that, we planned to go to Udaipur. We took a SpiceJet flight there and booked a hotel near Fatehpur Sagar Lake. She wanted a lake-view room, but it wasn’t available. She argued with the staff, and we had to move to another hotel at night. The environment there wasn’t great, but she chose it. During our visit to Udaipur Fort, she suddenly said she wouldn’t go to the restaurant with me and would go home alone. I still don’t understand the reason behind this. From that point, my behavior towards her changed. After Udaipur, we planned to go to Agra. There, she suddenly accused me of having an affair with another girl and threatened to teach me a lesson. I asked her where this thought came from, but she didn’t answer. In July and August 2022, I visited her again. We traveled together and tried to understand each other better, but she never told me much about herself. After the wedding, I visited her during Diwali. She was happy initially, but gradually she became distant and stopped talking much. She wasn’t involved in decorating the house or participating in the Diwali puja. She remained absorbed in her own world, talking to her parents or I don’t know who else, while distancing herself from me. She needed reasons to fight, while I tried to stay calm, as it was a new marriage. On October 25, 2022, I returned to Chennai, and she came to Chennai a few days later. My mother also arrived in Chennai on October 26, and she stayed with us in Chennai until December. During this time, she started fighting over every little thing. She complained about who would do the housework and kept accusing me of not having enough money. She suggested hiring someone for cleaning, even though my mother and I managed it well. Then she refused to sleep with me, and we didn’t have any physical intimacy. Whenever she fought with me, she tried to belittle me. In January, she went back to Delhi, and I went to convince her to come back in January. During Lohri, I gave her a sari and gifts, but she still didn’t talk to me properly. She treated me very badly and didn’t want to stay with us. She fought with me several times and went back to her house. In February 2023, she came to Chennai again, but things were still not right between us. In April 2024, she came back to stay with me, but the very next day, the fights started again. She accused me of having an affair with another girl and threatened me. She destroyed things in the house, broke dishes and glasses, and created a mess. When I told her mother about this, she advised me to send her back. I booked her flight, and on April 7, 2024, she left. Since then, she has not been living with me. After that, I worked hard to bring her back. It was September when I managed to convince her to come. I tried to make her stay with me, but she stayed only for 4-5 days. On the 5th day, she started fighting again and decided to leave. She went to the railway station and sat there, saying, "I cannot live with you." We argued that night, and she left the house, shouting abuses at me and went back to her home. She thought everything would be fine, but when I tried talking to her, she started blaming me for not wanting her to stay with me.
Ans: It sounds like you've tried very hard to make this marriage work, but your wife has been emotionally distant, hostile, and unwilling to engage in a meaningful relationship. From what you’ve shared, there have been continuous conflicts, false accusations, and a lack of physical and emotional connection. It seems like she is not interested in making the relationship work, and her behavior—leaving multiple times, refusing intimacy, and fighting constantly—suggests deep incompatibility.

Before making a final decision, ask yourself: Is there anything left to salvage? Do you still love her and believe this marriage has hope if both of you genuinely try? Or do you feel exhausted and trapped in a cycle of disappointment and rejection? If you feel there is nothing left, then divorce may be the healthiest option for your peace of mind and future happiness.

If you decide to proceed with divorce, start by seeking legal counsel. In India, divorce can be mutual or contested. If she agrees, a mutual consent divorce is the easiest way. If she does not, you may need to file on grounds of cruelty or irretrievable breakdown of marriage. Gather evidence of her behavior—messages, incidents, and anything that proves your case.

This is not an easy decision, but your mental health and self-respect matter. If she is unwilling to change or make efforts, you should not have to live in constant conflict. Do you think she would agree to a mutual separation, or would she fight it?

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |525 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 29, 2025
Relationship
Hello Ma'am, I've a crush on a girl from my in laws. Inspite of avoiding etc I go specifically in that gathering where she's likely to be. I've not told it to anyone, neither does she know about it. I keep on masturbating imagining her. I know I'll never do any silly thing or let anyone know about it. Im married happily and 20 years elder to her.
Ans: It’s good that you are self-aware and acknowledging your feelings rather than acting on them impulsively. Having a crush, even in a committed relationship, is something that happens to many people—it’s human nature. However, since this involves someone from your in-laws and is significantly younger, it’s important to address these emotions in a way that aligns with your values and the commitments you’ve made to your marriage.

Right now, your mind is reinforcing this attraction by seeking out opportunities to be around her and fantasizing about her. The more you indulge in these thoughts, the stronger the emotional pull becomes. Avoiding her entirely may not be realistic, but reducing intentional exposure—such as seeking out gatherings just to be near her—can help weaken the attachment over time.

Instead of suppressing your feelings, redirect that energy into your marriage. What is it about her that attracts you? Is it youthfulness, attention, admiration, or just the thrill of something new? Whatever it is, find ways to bring those qualities into your relationship with your wife. Sometimes, an outside attraction is just a signal that something in your own life needs attention or excitement.

You’ve already made it clear to yourself that you won’t act on this, which shows maturity and self-control. The next step is breaking the mental cycle that feeds into the attraction. Engage in hobbies, meaningful conversations with your spouse, and self-reflection to understand what this infatuation represents. Over time, these feelings will lose their intensity as you shift your focus.

Do you think this crush is filling a certain emotional gap in your life, or is it purely an infatuation with no deeper meaning?

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |525 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

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Relationship
Me and my wife don't get along well...She thinks my family members are not good enough, so she has no relationship with them. Earlier I was not in good shape due to my friend's circle and did not give quality time to my wife when we got married. A few years back there was a misunderstanding between both families. Mistakes were from both sides. Now my in-laws and wife do speak to any member of our family and have broken all relationships. This is for the past several years since they have stopped talking. My father is a cancer patient and wants to come and stay with me. He is 80 now but my wife is deadly against this though I have not discussed this yet with her. I need your guidance as to how to handle this situation and restore a good relationship between both families. My mother-in-law had fought with me in the past as well and held me responsible for her daughter's plight. My wife is very secretive and does not reveal anything be it about her salary/job etc. I am fed up and now I have started to think of separating if she does not allow my father to stay with me. Our marriage is almost 24 years now. I am 50 and she is in her late 40's....I want to get these things right and maintain a good relationship between both families. Kindly advise
Ans: Dear Trilok,
From what you’ve shared, it sounds like past misunderstandings between both families have turned into a long-standing rift. It’s understandable that you want to fix things and create harmony, but the resistance from your wife and in-laws makes it complicated. Before addressing the larger family conflict, the first step is to work on communication with your wife. You mentioned that earlier in the marriage, you weren’t able to give her enough quality time due to personal struggles. Do you think she still holds on to resentment from that time? If so, addressing those unresolved emotions could be a starting point for rebuilding some connection.

Since she is very secretive, it’s possible that she also feels disconnected from you in some way. Instead of making the father-staying discussion an immediate confrontation, try to understand her underlying fears. Is she worried about responsibilities, space, or past issues with your family? Bringing this up as a conversation about caregiving rather than a demand might help.

If her resistance is absolute and she refuses to even consider it, you’ll have to decide how much compromise you’re willing to make for the sake of your marriage. If you feel separation is a real possibility, ask yourself whether the relationship still has a foundation worth saving or if both of you have simply grown too far apart.

Would she be open to counseling or mediation? Sometimes a third party can help break the cycle of blame and secrecy. Do you feel that she still values this marriage, or has she emotionally distanced herself completely?

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |525 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7828 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 28, 2025Hindi
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I want to retire by 2026. Current financials - MF 2cr value, equity- 5cr, 2 own homes, bank FD - 20L, Savings a/c - 90L, no loans, 2 vehicles, 2 daughters employed, marriageable age. Current expenses - 1.5lacs/month. How do I plan to retire by March 2026.
Ans: Your financial position is strong. Planning for retirement in March 2026 is realistic.

Assessing Your Retirement Readiness
Your total investments and savings exceed Rs 8 crore.
You have no loans, ensuring financial stability.
Your monthly expenses are Rs 1.5 lakh, which requires proper planning.
Creating a Secure Retirement Corpus
Maintain Rs 90 lakh in a savings account only for short-term needs.
Keep Rs 20 lakh in FD for emergency expenses.
Use a mix of mutual funds and equities for long-term wealth growth.
Managing Monthly Expenses Post-Retirement
Use Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) from mutual funds for a regular income.
Keep a portion of your corpus in debt investments to ensure stability.
Adjust your investment strategy based on inflation and expenses.
Planning for Major Future Expenses
Daughters' weddings need a dedicated investment plan.
Allocate a portion of low-risk investments for this goal.
Avoid withdrawing from equity investments unnecessarily.
Final Insights
Your financial standing supports early retirement.
Ensure liquidity while keeping long-term investments intact.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner for detailed execution.
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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