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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Durga Question by Durga on Jul 15, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi sir my name is raju 29 years, married and have 3 years kid(boy). My salary is 125000 per month I want to invest money for my chaild education and our retirement also I am thinking to invest 20 to 30k in mutual funds is this below funds are good please let me know and I also taken health insurance and term insurance also for that per year 45k I will pay yearly 60k in nps and we have savings 30lacks to buy house or land in coming months my wife was earning 30k per month. Parag parikh Nifty 50 BEes Nifty Next (optional) SBI contra

Ans: You're earning well and already thinking long-term, which is great. Let’s look at your financial goals, savings, and plan from all angles.

? Income and Household Financial Standing
– Your monthly salary is Rs. 1,25,000.
– Your wife earns Rs. 30,000 monthly.
– Your total monthly family income is Rs. 1,55,000.
– You are aged 29, married, with one child.
– You’ve already taken term and health insurance. Well done.
– Your annual premium of Rs. 45,000 is well justified.
– These protections reduce risk in emergencies.
– You save around Rs. 60,000 yearly in NPS.
– You have Rs. 30 lakhs savings for home or land.

? Existing Asset Strategy
– Rs. 30 lakh savings is a big milestone.
– Don’t rush into buying property.
– Real estate gives low returns, high costs, and poor liquidity.
– It locks up money for long and needs extra cash to maintain.
– Avoid using this full amount for a house.
– Consider investing part in mutual funds for better returns.
– Always check whether buying or renting suits your goals.
– Flexibility, liquidity, and simplicity matter in financial planning.

? Investment Approach You’re Considering
– You plan to invest Rs. 20,000–30,000 per month in mutual funds.
– This is a strong start for wealth creation.
– You mentioned some index funds and one contra fund.
– Let's review and guide you based on financial goals.

? Disadvantages of Index Funds You Mentioned
– Index funds copy the market, nothing more.
– They don’t try to beat the market.
– They offer no downside protection during crashes.
– Index funds don’t adapt to changing market cycles.
– Active funds are managed by skilled fund managers.
– Managers in active funds aim for better returns than index.
– Index funds offer no help in bad markets.
– They follow blindly without discretion.
– Avoid index funds if you want active management.
– Your mentioned funds like Nifty 50 Bees and Nifty Next fall here.
– Instead, choose actively managed diversified funds.
– These funds perform better over time with lower risk.
– They help adjust based on sectors, economy, and valuation.

? Long-term Goals to Focus On
– Your two main goals are child education and your retirement.
– Both are long-term goals and need early planning.
– Equity mutual funds are best for these goals.
– Start with Rs. 25,000 monthly in SIPs.
– Allocate Rs. 15,000 for child education fund.
– Allocate Rs. 10,000 for your retirement fund.
– Use actively managed funds guided by a CFP.
– Don’t invest in direct mutual fund plans.

? Why Avoid Direct Funds
– Direct plans offer no personal advice or periodic review.
– It’s like driving without a map.
– Many investors make mistakes without proper help.
– Wrong fund choice, emotional exits, or overexposure are common.
– Regular plans through MFD with CFP support avoid these issues.
– They offer coaching, guidance, and behavioural discipline.
– Performance reviews and course corrections are done on time.
– Long-term investing is more about staying invested than just choosing funds.
– A certified financial planner helps with that clarity and accountability.

? Child Education Planning – First Goal
– Your son is 3 years old now.
– You have 14–15 years to build a good fund.
– Education costs double every 7–8 years.
– Start SIP of Rs. 15,000 monthly in growth-oriented equity funds.
– Don’t choose child insurance policies or ULIPs.
– They underperform and are not flexible.
– Actively managed diversified funds give better growth over time.
– Review your investments every year.
– Increase SIP amount every year when income increases.
– Use goal-based approach. Don’t mix short-term needs.

? Retirement Planning – Second Goal
– You’re 29 now. Retirement is 30 years away.
– Time is your best friend here.
– You already invest Rs. 60,000 yearly in NPS.
– NPS gives tax benefit under Sec 80CCD(1B).
– But NPS alone is not enough.
– Add mutual fund SIP of Rs. 10,000 monthly for this goal.
– Choose actively managed hybrid and large cap funds.
– These give long-term wealth creation and inflation beating growth.
– Avoid ULIP pension plans or annuities.
– They are rigid, low-return and not liquid.
– Mutual funds give flexibility and smart asset allocation.

? Health and Life Insurance
– You are already paying Rs. 45,000 yearly for health and term insurance.
– This is essential and correctly placed.
– Make sure health cover is Rs. 10 lakh or more.
– Include family in one family floater plan.
– Review sum insured every 3–4 years.
– Life cover should be 15–20 times your annual income.
– You can increase term insurance later if needed.

? Emergency Fund – Maintain Liquidity
– Emergency fund is important.
– Keep 6 months of expenses in savings or liquid funds.
– Don’t mix this money with investment money.
– This gives confidence to invest aggressively elsewhere.
– Emergency fund prevents loan dependency during crisis.

? Property Planning – Use Caution
– Rs. 30 lakh savings can buy land or flat.
– But don’t use full amount for it.
– Property is illiquid and needs maintenance and registration costs.
– It doesn’t give regular income unless rented.
– Focus on mutual fund investments first.
– Let your capital grow and become flexible.
– If you still buy, don’t borrow heavily for it.

? Tax Planning Strategy
– You already save Rs. 60,000 in NPS.
– That gives you benefit under 80CCD(1B).
– Term insurance premium covers part of 80C.
– Use balance of 80C for ELSS mutual fund SIP.
– ELSS gives tax saving and equity growth.
– Avoid traditional policies like LIC or endowment plans.
– They give low returns and lock money.
– Mutual funds give higher tax-adjusted returns.
– LTCG on equity mutual funds above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual funds are taxed as per income slab.

? SIP Execution and Monitoring
– Don’t invest in many mutual funds.
– Choose 3 or 4 funds based on risk profile.
– Track SIPs once in 6 months or yearly.
– Avoid changing funds too often.
– SIPs work best when continued for long.
– Use MFD channel with CFP for execution.
– Regular review, rebalancing, and guidance are important.

? Behavioural Discipline Matters
– Markets go up and down.
– Don’t stop SIPs during correction.
– That is when you accumulate more units.
– Keep calm and stick to the plan.
– Long-term success needs patience and trust in the process.
– Stay invested and don’t react emotionally.
– A CFP gives behavioural support during tough times.

? Family Financial Planning
– Involve your wife in financial discussions.
– Keep joint goals for future.
– Plan for child’s education, travel, retirement and healthcare.
– Write a will or basic nomination now itself.
– Keep all investments in joint or nominee mode.

? Asset Allocation Balance
– Don’t invest in only one asset type.
– Use equity, hybrid, liquid and EPF in right mix.
– Overexposure to land or gold limits flexibility.
– Equity mutual funds grow capital.
– Debt and liquid funds give short-term stability.
– Review asset mix yearly.

? Final Insights
– You are taking the right steps early.
– Your goals are clear and achievable.
– Avoid index and direct mutual fund options.
– Use actively managed funds via a MFD with CFP.
– Don’t get stuck in illiquid property assets.
– Keep investing regularly and review yearly.
– Focus on discipline, guidance, and simplicity.
– You are on the right path to build wealth.
– Stay consistent and take help when needed.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 07, 2023Hindi
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Hello Sir/Madam, I am 44-year-old man working in a private sector. My wife is 39 years old, and she is a homemaker. We have one daughter aged 7 years. My take home salary is INR 1.25 lacs per month, and I get a bonus around 3 lacs yearly. I would like to invest for retirement in MF for next 15 years. Currently I am only investing in NPS – 5000 per month. SSY for daughter – 5000 per month MF - Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund Direct Growth – 3000 per month. PPF is around 14 lacs. I am planning to increase NPS and SSY to 10000 per month; and I can invest around 30000 to 40000 in MF monthly. Please suggest long term mutual funds for 15 years. Regards, SA
Ans: Retirement Planning Through Mutual Fund Investments

Assessment of Current Financial Situation

Your commitment to securing your retirement deserves commendation. Let's delve into your financial landscape:

Income Stability: Your monthly take-home salary of Rs. 1.25 lakhs, supplemented by an annual bonus of Rs. 3 lakhs, provides a stable financial footing.
Existing Investments: Presently, your investment portfolio includes contributions to the National Pension System (NPS), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) for your daughter, and investments in mutual funds (MFs).
PPF Holding: Your Public Provident Fund (PPF) investment stands at approximately Rs. 14 lakhs.
Understanding Retirement Goals

Your aspiration for financial freedom post-retirement is both practical and forward-thinking:

Timeframe: Planning for retirement over the next 15 years indicates a proactive approach to long-term financial security.
Financial Commitment: Your willingness to increase contributions to NPS and SSY demonstrates a dedicated effort to build a robust retirement corpus.
Investment Strategy

Crafting an investment strategy tailored to your objectives and risk tolerance is paramount:

Equity Mutual Funds: Allocating a significant portion of your monthly investment towards equity mutual funds ensures potential for long-term wealth accumulation. These funds offer exposure to a diversified portfolio of stocks across sectors and market capitalizations.
Balanced Funds: Considering investments in balanced funds strikes a balance between growth and stability, crucial for retirement planning. These funds typically invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments, offering downside protection during market downturns.
Debt Funds: Dedicating a portion of your investment to debt funds provides stability and capital preservation. These funds primarily invest in fixed-income securities like government bonds and corporate debentures, offering steady returns with lower volatility.
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Continuing with SIPs ensures disciplined investing, enabling you to benefit from rupee cost averaging and mitigate the impact of market volatility over time.
Benefits of Mutual Fund Investments

Mutual funds offer several advantages conducive to retirement planning:

Professional Management: Managed by seasoned fund managers, mutual funds provide expert oversight and strategic asset allocation, optimizing returns within predefined risk parameters.
Diversification: Investing in mutual funds offers diversification benefits, mitigating concentration risk associated with individual stock selection. A diversified portfolio spreads risk across various asset classes and investment avenues.
Liquidity: Mutual funds provide liquidity, allowing investors to redeem units as per their financial needs. This flexibility is crucial during retirement to meet unforeseen expenses or capitalize on investment opportunities.
Monitoring and Review

Regular monitoring and review of your investment portfolio are essential for staying on track with your retirement goals:

Periodic Reviews: Conducting periodic reviews enables you to assess the performance of your mutual fund investments and make informed decisions based on market dynamics and evolving financial objectives.
Rebalancing: Rebalancing your portfolio periodically ensures alignment with changing market conditions and risk preferences. This process involves adjusting asset allocations to maintain desired risk-return profiles.
Conclusion

By adopting a disciplined investment approach and harnessing the benefits of mutual fund investments, you can lay a solid foundation for your retirement journey. Stay committed to your long-term financial objectives and seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice tailored to your unique circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 10, 2024Hindi
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I am 34yrs old, I am investing 16,000/month in NPS, I want to invest in these mutual funds 1. Bandhan ELSS tax saver fund direct growth(12, 500) 2. Parag parikh flexi cap fund direct growth (7, 000) 3. Quant small cap fund growth (5,000) 4. Axis small cap fund growth (5, 000) 5. Axis banking and PSU debt fund growth (1500) 6. PGIM India equity savings fund growth (1500) I am planning to invest for 15-20yrs , and I also increase my investment 5% annually Pls suggest these funds? are good for my portfolio and how much corpus I reach
Ans: Your selection covers a range of fund types, which is good for diversification. Here's a brief assessment:

ELSS: Bandhan ELSS is a good tax-saving option, but ensure you're comfortable with the lock-in period.
Flexi-cap: Parag Parikh offers flexibility across market caps, good for long-term growth.
Small-cap: Both Quant and Axis small-cap funds can offer higher returns but come with higher volatility. Make sure you're comfortable with the risk.
Debt Funds: Axis banking and PSU debt fund is a relatively safer option, suitable for diversifying equity-heavy portfolios.
Equity Savings: PGIM India equity savings fund is a balanced fund with equity, debt, and arbitrage components, adding stability.
Corpus Estimation:
Assuming an average annual return of 10%:

Yearly Increment: 5%
Investment Period: 15-20 years
With these assumptions, you can accumulate a significant corpus. For a precise estimation, using a SIP calculator can help, but you're on a good path with these selections for long-term growth. Regularly review and adjust based on performance and market conditions.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 05, 2024Hindi
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Hi,Sir . Iam currently having Salary of 1 Lac per month. So far I have started my investments into PPF, NPS, Term Life, Health Insurance of both Parents and self. So far having expenses arround 40000. I initially planned to invest in chits but due to frauds I am scared hence looking for Mutual funds as an option.
Ans: It's great to hear that you're actively planning your investments and considering options like mutual funds. Given your monthly salary of Rs. 1 lakh and existing investments in PPF, NPS, and insurance, let's explore how mutual funds can complement your financial strategy.

Mitigating Risks with Mutual Funds:

Considering recent incidents with chits, it's understandable to seek safer investment avenues. Mutual funds offer professional management and regulatory oversight, reducing the risk of fraud or mismanagement.

Diversification and Risk Management:

Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other assets. This diversification helps spread risk and potentially enhances returns compared to individual investments.

Types of Mutual Funds:

Equity Funds: These funds invest primarily in stocks, offering growth potential over the long term. They suit investors with a higher risk tolerance and longer investment horizon.

Debt Funds: Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities such as bonds and government securities. They provide stability and regular income, making them suitable for conservative investors.

Hybrid Funds: Hybrid or balanced funds invest in a mix of equities and debt instruments. They offer a balanced risk-return profile, catering to investors seeking both growth and income.

Investment Considerations:

Risk Appetite: Assess your risk tolerance and investment goals to determine the most suitable mutual fund categories for your portfolio.

Investment Horizon: Mutual funds are ideal for long-term wealth creation. Determine your investment horizon and choose funds aligned with your time horizon.

Expense Management: Mutual funds charge management fees, known as expense ratios. Compare expense ratios and opt for funds with competitive fees to maximize returns.

Tax Efficiency: Consider tax implications when selecting mutual funds. Equity funds held for over one year qualify for long-term capital gains tax benefits, while debt funds are subject to different tax rules.

Consultation and Research:

Before investing, conduct thorough research on different mutual funds, considering factors such as fund performance, track record, and fund manager expertise. Additionally, seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investment strategy to your financial goals and risk profile.

Conclusion:

Mutual funds offer a transparent, regulated, and diversified investment avenue suitable for investors of varying risk profiles. By aligning your investments with your financial objectives and risk tolerance, you can build a robust portfolio for long-term wealth accumulation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
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Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

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Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
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Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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