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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 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
Mukesh Question by Mukesh on May 01, 2024Hindi
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Money

My Mutual Funds have grown by 30L. Should I withdraw the growth and buy Units of same or different fund for increasing my base? Is this a wise strategy?

Ans: Congratulations on the growth of your mutual funds! It's a testament to your commitment to financial planning. Now, the decision to withdraw the growth and reinvest is a pivotal one. Consider the philosophical aspect—growth signifies progress, but is it wiser to reinvest and nurture this growth or cash out and potentially lose momentum? As a Certified Financial Planner, I urge you to reflect on your long-term goals and risk tolerance. Reinvesting the growth could amplify your base, potentially accelerating your journey towards financial freedom. However, it's crucial to weigh this against the risk of market fluctuations and the need for diversification. Let's explore together—balancing appreciation for your achievements with prudent financial decisions is key to securing your financial future.
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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 07, 2024

Money
I have invested in regular Mutual fund they are HDFC MID CAP OPPORTUNITY FUND Regular Growth Invested-2.91L Portfolio-11.36L XIRR-22%, Franklin India smaller companies Investment-2.15L,Portfolio-8.15L,XIRR-21%,Aditya Birla Sunlife frontline Equity Fund Investment-2.15, Portfolio-5.76L,XIRR-15%,Mira Asset Large & mid Cap Investment-1.31L Portfolio-3.73L,XIRR-21% & ICIC PRUDENTIAL ELSS Tax saver fund Investment-1.50L, Portfolio-4.24L,XIRR-15%. I have stoped all above investment. After understanding mutual fund I have started my own and getting XIRR-24% in Mirea Asset ELSS& 30%,Axis Small cap. Pls suggest may I switch to direct and what is better way to grow my regular Mutual funds.
Ans: You've made significant strides in your investment journey, achieving good returns. Your investments in regular mutual funds have delivered an XIRR between 15% to 22%, which is commendable. This indicates that your fund selection strategy has worked well.

The XIRR of 22% in HDFC Mid Cap and 21% in Franklin Smaller Companies shows a strong performance in mid and small-cap funds.

Aditya Birla Sunlife Frontline Equity and ICICI Prudential ELSS are more conservative, delivering around 15% returns, which are still decent, given the nature of large-cap and tax-saving funds.

The Mirae Asset Large & Mid Cap fund is balanced and performing well, with an XIRR of 21%.

Shifting from regular funds to direct funds is a natural thought, especially when you see higher returns in some of your self-selected investments. Let’s discuss this in detail.

Regular vs Direct Funds: Advantages of Staying in Regular Funds
It’s tempting to switch to direct mutual funds as they offer lower expense ratios, which can lead to slightly higher returns. However, you must weigh the pros and cons carefully.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional Guidance: Regular funds come with the support of an MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor) with CFP credentials. This ensures professional management of your portfolio, aligning your investments with long-term goals like retirement, education, or other life events.

Rebalancing Advice: A certified financial planner can provide valuable input on rebalancing your portfolio. They help ensure you don't get overexposed to high-risk sectors or underperforming funds.

Tax Efficiency: CFPs can offer advice on the tax implications of redeeming your funds, ensuring you don’t end up paying unnecessary taxes.

Behavioral Support: It is easy to get swayed by market volatility or make emotional decisions. With a CFP, you get disciplined investing and objective advice to prevent such pitfalls.

Drawbacks of Direct Funds
Self-Management: You must monitor and manage your investments yourself. This requires constant attention to market trends and portfolio performance.

Tax Complications: Managing tax efficiency and understanding the implications of every redemption becomes your responsibility.

Time-Consuming: If you are handling everything yourself, you may need to spend hours tracking the market and researching funds, which might be difficult considering your work or personal commitments.

Hidden Costs: While direct funds may have lower expense ratios, you could end up losing out due to lack of expert advice. Missed opportunities for rebalancing, avoiding taxes, or market corrections can cost you more than the 0.5%-1% saved on expenses.

Conclusion on Switching to Direct Funds
It’s clear that while direct funds may appear more cost-effective, the added value of professional advice and financial planning with regular funds can outweigh the small cost differences. The disciplined and guided approach will help you achieve higher returns over time and reduce risks from market volatility.

Enhancing Your Regular Mutual Fund Portfolio
Since you've already stopped investing in these funds, let's explore how you can grow your portfolio.

Review Existing Investments
Mid and Small-Cap Funds: These have done well for you with an XIRR of over 20%. Consider keeping your mid-cap and small-cap exposure intact, but periodically review fund performance.

Large-Cap and ELSS Funds: While large-cap funds like Aditya Birla Sunlife Frontline have delivered lower returns, they are stable. ELSS funds have given decent tax-saving benefits alongside reasonable returns. You might want to continue holding these, but avoid adding fresh investments into underperforming funds.

Asset Allocation Strategy
A well-diversified portfolio can balance risks and rewards. Here's how you can improve your asset allocation:

Increase Small-Cap and Mid-Cap Allocation: Given your experience, you may want to increase your exposure to mid-cap and small-cap funds. These funds provide high-growth potential, but with increased volatility. Allocating 30-40% of your equity investments to this sector can help capture growth opportunities over the long term.

Balance with Large-Cap and Multi-Cap Funds: Continue with a moderate allocation to large-cap and multi-cap funds to provide stability. These funds offer less volatility, especially in a turbulent market. A 20-30% allocation in these funds is recommended for steady long-term growth.

Add Hybrid Funds for Stability: Hybrid funds can balance risk and return by investing in both equity and debt. Consider adding balanced hybrid funds to smooth out market volatility, especially as markets fluctuate.

Tax Efficiency and Strategic Withdrawals
You must also consider the tax implications of your investments:

Capital Gains on Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%. Plan withdrawals strategically to optimize tax impact. Avoid selling large chunks that result in high taxes.

Tax-Saving ELSS: Keep using ELSS funds for tax-saving purposes. If you hold them for the mandatory lock-in period of three years, you will also avoid short-term capital gains tax.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio
You’ve done well with your regular mutual funds, but rebalancing is key. Consider the following:

Periodic Reviews: Regularly review the performance of your funds with the help of a CFP. If a fund is underperforming for a prolonged period, it might be time to switch.

Lock-in Strategy: Don’t be hasty in exiting funds that are temporarily underperforming. Many funds go through rough phases, but long-term trends are more important than short-term hiccups.

Partial Redemption: If a fund is overexposed or giving high returns, consider redeeming partially to lock in profits. Reinvest those profits in new opportunities.

Investing in Tax Saver ELSS Funds
You've seen great results from the Mirae Asset ELSS with 24% XIRR, and the Axis Small Cap with 30% XIRR. These numbers indicate that your choice of funds is excellent.

Continue Investing in ELSS: These tax-saving funds are effective in not only reducing your tax liability but also generating strong returns. They have a three-year lock-in, which encourages disciplined long-term investing.

Small-Cap Focus: You have already tasted success with small-cap funds like Axis Small Cap. Consider increasing your small-cap allocation. But remember that small-cap investments are high risk, high reward. Avoid putting more than 30% of your total portfolio into small caps.

Systematic Withdrawal and Fresh Investments
Switch Gradually: If you decide to move to direct funds (though I recommend staying in regular funds), switch gradually. A phased approach minimizes the impact of market fluctuations. Consider setting up a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) to redeem slowly and avoid large tax liabilities.

Fresh Investments: Any fresh investments should be directed towards funds that align with your long-term goals. Avoid adding more to underperforming funds.

Final Insights
You've shown an impressive understanding of the market and mutual funds. The transition from regular to direct funds might seem tempting but comes with added responsibilities and risks. I suggest you stay with regular funds under the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner.

Review and rebalance your portfolio regularly to keep it aligned with your financial goals. Keep a balance between high-growth small-cap funds and stable large-cap and multi-cap funds for long-term stability.

Use ELSS funds for tax-saving purposes and maintain tax efficiency in your investment strategy.

Keep a diversified portfolio that balances growth potential with risk management. Consider hybrid funds or balanced options for smoother returns.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 26, 2025

Money
I Have following mutual fund Canara Robeco Flexi Cap Fund Growth, Canara Robeco Large and Mid Cap Regular Growth, Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund Regular Growth, Aditya Birla Sun Life Small Cap Fund Growth, HDFC MNC Fund Regular Growth & Aditay Birla small cap fund Regular Growth. Rs 100000/- was invested in each of fund. should I sold this fund and reinvest is new fund or continue in same fund
Ans: You have built a good foundation with reputed fund houses. Investing Rs 1,00,000 each in these funds shows your interest in growing wealth through equities. You have already taken the right step by selecting diversified categories such as flexi cap, large and mid cap, large cap, small cap, and thematic MNC funds. Let us now assess them carefully and decide if any changes are needed.

» Portfolio Appreciation

Your mutual fund selection is strong in quality. You have chosen established fund houses with good track records. These funds are known for consistency and transparency. This shows your research and smart thinking. You already hold a balanced mix of different fund categories. That is an excellent start.

However, there is some overlap and scope for refinement. A few small adjustments will make your portfolio sharper and more effective for long-term growth.

» Fund Category Review

Your portfolio includes:
– One Flexi Cap Fund
– One Large & Mid Cap Fund
– One Large Cap Fund
– Two Small Cap Funds
– One MNC Fund (Thematic)

This structure gives exposure to all parts of the market, but also brings duplication in some areas. Two small cap funds may create overlap because they both invest in similar types of companies. Small caps are high-risk, high-return funds. Holding two small caps adds extra volatility without adding much diversification.

Having one small cap fund is enough to capture the growth potential of that category. You can continue the one that has shown stable long-term performance and disciplined risk management. The other can be redeemed and reallocated to strengthen core holdings.

Your flexi cap and large & mid cap funds already provide diversified coverage across market segments. These are strong as core holdings because fund managers here can shift between large, mid, and small caps based on market conditions. These two funds can be retained as part of your core equity portfolio.

Your large cap fund adds stability. It invests in top companies that bring steady growth. Keeping this is good for balancing risk.

Your MNC fund is a thematic one. It focuses on multinational companies which usually have strong balance sheets and governance. But thematic funds can underperform during certain cycles. It is fine to hold it in small proportion (around 10–15% of total equity).

» Overlap and Diversification

Too many funds often lead to portfolio overlap. For example, many large and mid cap funds hold similar stocks that also appear in flexi cap or large cap funds. This reduces the real benefit of diversification. Instead of managing six funds, having four well-chosen funds is more efficient. It simplifies monitoring and helps you stay consistent.

You can consider continuing with one flexi cap, one large & mid cap, one large cap, and one small cap fund. This structure gives you exposure to all market segments without duplication.

The MNC fund can be kept only if you wish to maintain a thematic exposure. Otherwise, you can exit it and add more to the existing diversified funds.

» Performance and Holding Period

Before taking any redemption decision, check your holding period. If these investments are less than one year old, redeeming now will attract short-term capital gains tax at 20%. If held for more than one year, the long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh in a year are taxed at 12.5%. So, plan redemptions carefully to minimise tax.

Also, mutual funds work best when held for long periods. Frequent switching does not help. If your funds have not completed at least 3 years, allow them more time. Good funds can underperform temporarily but perform strongly over longer cycles. Review after 3–4 years before making final decisions.

» Regular vs Direct Plans

If you are investing through regular plans linked with a Certified Financial Planner or mutual fund distributor, it is better to continue that way. Many investors think direct plans give higher returns because of lower cost, but they miss the professional guidance that comes with regular plans.

Regular plans give you ongoing support, portfolio monitoring, rebalancing advice, and behaviour management during volatile markets. These benefits lead to better long-term results than self-managed direct plans.

In direct plans, you must handle all reviews, changes, and documentation yourself. During market volatility, emotional reactions can lead to mistakes like panic selling or chasing returns. A Certified Financial Planner provides discipline, structure, and emotional stability. That value far exceeds the small cost difference.

Hence, continue through your Certified Financial Planner-linked channel. This ensures accountability and better overall performance.

» Market Volatility and Patience

Equity investing requires patience. Markets go through cycles. Sometimes, even good funds may look dull in short periods. Selling too early can harm long-term growth.

If your funds are fundamentally strong and belong to reputed fund houses with experienced managers, continue them. Avoid switching frequently based on short-term returns. Long-term compounding needs stability.

Remember, real wealth in mutual funds builds over time, not by jumping from one fund to another.

» Future Investments and Rebalancing

Going forward, you can channel your fresh investments or SIPs into fewer but stronger funds. Focus more on core categories like flexi cap and large & mid cap. Keep small cap allocation around 15–20% of total equity exposure.

Review the performance once every year. Remove consistent underperformers if they lag for over 3 years compared to their category average. Avoid frequent changes based on temporary movements.

If your goal horizon is less than 5 years, start gradually shifting that part of your corpus to debt funds. If your goals are long-term, continue with equity allocation.

Also, once every year, rebalance your portfolio if one category grows too much. For example, if small caps outperform, reduce slightly and shift gains to large caps or flexi caps. This keeps risk and return in balance.

» Tax Efficiency

Be aware of taxation while switching. The new rule states:
– Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh a year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

To minimise tax, you can stagger your redemptions over two financial years if gains are large. Also, reinvest redeemed money immediately into suitable funds to maintain compounding.

» Role of Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner not only suggests funds but also aligns them to your goals. This ensures each rupee invested works towards a clear purpose. A planner tracks your progress, reviews annually, and helps in rebalancing.

They also protect you from emotional investing mistakes. When markets rise or fall sharply, investors often make hasty decisions. Having a Certified Financial Planner ensures your portfolio stays disciplined and aligned.

Hence, rather than changing funds on your own, consult your Certified Financial Planner before switching. Their experience and data-driven analysis will help in deciding which funds to retain or exit.

» Practical Next Steps

– Keep 4–5 funds maximum. Too many reduce clarity.
– Retain one small cap, not both.
– Retain one flexi cap, one large & mid cap, one large cap.
– Keep MNC fund only if you want limited thematic exposure.
– Avoid frequent switches. Give funds at least 3–4 years.
– Use regular plans via Certified Financial Planner for guidance.
– Rebalance annually based on risk and goals.
– Plan redemptions considering tax rules.

This structure will give you a clean, manageable, and growth-oriented portfolio.

» Finally

Your fund selection already shows good thought and awareness. You are investing in quality funds across categories. The main improvement needed is simplification and proper proportioning.

Continue with core diversified funds, reduce duplication, and give them time to perform. Avoid chasing new funds or switching for short-term trends. With patience, consistency, and professional review, your portfolio can deliver strong long-term results.

Stay invested, stay disciplined, and let compounding do its work quietly.

Best Regards,

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

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

..Read more

Nitin

Nitin Narkhede  | Answer  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2025

Money
Hello gurus. Currently I am 36 years old. I have just started investing in mutual funds. (a) parag parekh flexi cap - 7500/- per month (B) GROWW nifty midcap 150 index fund -2500/- per month (C) mirae asset ELLS tax saver -5000/- (D) pGIM india mid cap opp. Fund -5000/- (E) quant infrastructure fund-3500/- (F) quant small cap fund -4000/- (G) qyant active fund -3500/- (H) quant absolute fund-5000/- Total i am investing 36000/- per month. I want to get 2 crore till 2035. Additionally i want to invest 1 lakh per annum So my questions is ARE THESE MUTUAL FUNDS ARE OK or I should change any fund and in case of change, which fund I should exit And where should I invest this additional 1 lkh rupee per annum. These all funds are direct growth funds.
Ans: Dear Rajesh,
At 36, you are investing ?36,000 per month across eight mutual funds, but your portfolio is cluttered and heavily tilted toward high-risk Quant schemes and mid/small caps. This reduces stability and creates unnecessary overlap. A cleaner, balanced structure will help you reach your ?2 crore target by 2035. Retain strong core funds like Parag Parikh Flexicap, Mirae Tax Saver, PGIM Midcap, and Nifty Midcap 150 Index. Exit Quant Infrastructure, Quant Active, and Quant Absolute, and reduce exposure to Quant Small Cap. Add stability through ICICI Balanced Advantage and a large-cap or flexicap fund such as ICICI Bluechip or Kotak Flexicap. Continue your SIP of ?36,000 but increase it by 10% annually to boost long-term compounding. The additional ?1 lakh per year can be invested in ICICI Balanced Advantage or Parag Parikh Flexicap to balance risk and growth. With disciplined allocation, controlled exposure to mid- and small-cap stocks, and systematic yearly SIP increases, achieving a ?2 crore corpus within the next 12 years is realistic and achievable. Regards, Nitin Narkhede -Founder, Prosperity Lifestyle Hub,
Free webinar https://bit.ly/PLH-Webinar

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |676 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
Relationship
My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

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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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