Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help

Investing in 9 different funds: Is this a smart strategy for my daughter's long-term education?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8104 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 12, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 07, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money

I am planning to invest monthly 10,000 in nifty ETF, 10,000Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 ETF, 8000 in Axis Midcap fund, 6,000 in Tata small cap Fund, 3,000 in SBI innovation Fund, 3000 in Tata consumer fund, 3,000 in Tata nifty 200 alpha 30 fund and 2,000 in Motilal oswal nifty 500 momentum 50 fund. I am planning to invest for next 25 years for my daughter's education and marriage. My risk appetite is high. Is above strategy or funds are good for maximum return? I am planning to deploy more whenever market corrects and hold investment for 25 years, will it work for maximize portfolio return over long run?

Ans: Your long-term investment plan is well-structured. It is good to see a disciplined approach.

Investing for 25 years can generate significant wealth. But fund selection and strategy must be optimized.

Let’s analyse your portfolio.

Investment Horizon and Risk Appetite
You plan to invest for 25 years. This is ideal for wealth creation.
Your risk appetite is high. This allows you to invest aggressively.
Long-term investing reduces market volatility impact.
Staying invested through market cycles is key.
Issues with ETF Investments
You plan to invest in Nifty and Nasdaq ETFs.
ETFs follow an index and lack active management.
No fund manager works to generate extra returns.
Active funds can outperform during different market cycles.
ETFs do not adjust to changing market conditions.
Expense ratio is low, but returns are also market-linked.
Actively managed funds have delivered better long-term returns in India.
Fund Selection Analysis
Your portfolio has midcap, small-cap, innovation, consumer, and factor-based funds.
Midcap and small-cap funds provide high growth. But they are volatile.
Innovation and sectoral funds focus on specific themes. These funds carry high risk.
Factor-based funds follow a strategy like momentum or alpha. Performance varies in different market conditions.
Portfolio lacks a strong large-cap or flexi-cap fund. These provide stability.
Diversification and Balance
Portfolio is highly tilted towards high-risk funds.
Lack of a flexi-cap fund may impact risk-adjusted returns.
Large-cap funds give stability in market downturns.
A mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds creates a balanced portfolio.
Too many thematic and factor-based funds increase unpredictability.
Market Timing Strategy
Deploying more in corrections can increase returns.
But market corrections are unpredictable.
Staggered investments through SIPs and STPs work better.
Avoid lump sum investments unless valuations are very attractive.
Portfolio Optimisation Recommendations
Reduce exposure to index ETFs. Shift to actively managed large-cap or flexi-cap funds.
Keep midcap and small-cap allocation but balance with a flexi-cap fund.
Reduce allocation to thematic and factor-based funds. These should be only 10-15% of your portfolio.
Ensure a strong large-cap or flexi-cap presence for stability.
Maintain liquidity for market corrections, but do not try to time the market aggressively.
Final Insights
Your investment horizon and discipline are strengths.
Portfolio needs better balance between growth and stability.
Actively managed funds can generate better long-term returns than index ETFs.
Midcap and small-cap exposure should be paired with large-cap stability.
Market timing should be done cautiously to avoid overexposure in corrections.


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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8104 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 07, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 07, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
I am planning to invest monthly 10,000 in nifty ETF, 10,000Motilal Oswal NASDAQ 100 ETF, 8000 in Axis Midcap fund, 6,000 in Tata small cap Fund, 3,000 in SBI innovation Fund, 3000 in Tata consumer fund, 3,000 in Tata nifty 200 alpha 30 fund and 2,000 in Motilal oswal nifty 500 momentum 50 fund. I am planning to invest for next 25 years for my daughter's education and marriage. My risk appetite is high. Is above strategy or funds are good for maximum return? I am planning to deploy more whenever market corrects and hold investment for 25 years, will it work for maximize portfolio return?
Ans: Your long-term investment plan is well-structured and shows a strong commitment. Since your goal is to maximize returns for your daughter’s education and marriage, let’s evaluate your approach from multiple angles.

Investment Horizon and Discipline
A 25-year investment horizon is a strong advantage.
Staying invested through market cycles can help compound your wealth.
Adding more funds during market corrections is a smart approach.
Avoid panic selling during market downturns.
Disadvantages of Index ETFs
Index ETFs do not aim to beat the market.
They follow a fixed set of stocks, limiting growth potential.
Active funds adjust portfolios to maximize returns.
ETFs do not benefit from expert fund management.
Some ETFs struggle with liquidity and tracking errors.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Fund managers select high-growth stocks.
They adjust portfolios based on market conditions.
Active funds can outperform indices over long periods.
Well-managed funds can deliver higher alpha.
Diversification within active funds helps reduce risk.
Portfolio Diversification
Your investments cover large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments.
Exposure to international markets adds diversification.
Including thematic and sectoral funds increases risk but can yield high returns.
A balanced mix of growth and stability is important.
Potential Portfolio Improvements
Reducing ETF allocation can improve long-term returns.
A mix of flexi-cap and focused funds can enhance growth.
Too many funds can dilute portfolio performance.
Reducing overlapping funds may improve efficiency.
Mid and small-cap allocation should align with your risk profile.
Investment Through a Certified Financial Planner
Direct plans lack expert guidance.
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps in fund selection.
Portfolio rebalancing is crucial for maximizing returns.
Regular funds through a CFP provide structured wealth management.
Risk Management and Market Corrections
Market downturns are opportunities, not threats.
Investing extra during dips can boost returns.
Avoid over-concentration in a single asset type.
Ensure an emergency fund before deploying surplus.
Taxation Impact on Mutual Fund Returns
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
International fund taxation differs from domestic equity funds.
Reviewing tax implications can optimize post-tax returns.
Inflation and Future Planning
Education costs will rise significantly over 25 years.
Inflation-adjusted returns matter more than absolute returns.
Staying invested in high-growth funds helps beat inflation.
Regular portfolio reviews ensure alignment with goals.
Final Insights
Your plan is strong but needs fine-tuning.
Reducing ETF exposure can improve long-term gains.
Active fund management provides better growth potential.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures structured wealth building.
Market corrections should be used strategically for additional investments.
Periodic review and rebalancing will keep your portfolio on track.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1440 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2025

Listen
Career
My daughter is completed her 1 PUC and has started with 2nd PUC. In college they have started with CET coaching. She is a good swimmer and want to pursue water Polo and wants to go coaching in the morning. She tells 'I don't want to write CET. I don't want to pursue Engineering. I want to take up Marine Biology. I don't neet CET for that. I will study only for Board exam and pursue Swimming classes in the morning' We wanted her to take up CET to keep Engg as an option as Marine Biology is a niche field and might be difficult to land on a job as we have less scope in India She has made it clear if you force me i will not read and write exam without reading. Actually she is capable of writing CET, but she do not want to and she is not reading. Her focus is only on swimming
Ans: Hello Aruna.
If your daughter is passionate about swimming and water polo, encourage her to continue. Support her participation in national and international competitions. If she excels in these sports and obtains a valid certificate, she may secure a government job directly after graduation in the respective field. IIT Madras has even reserved two seats for sports candidates, meaning there is no need to take the JEE (Advanced). For more details, please visit the website: ugadmissions.iitm.ac.in/scope.
As a parent, your concerns are valid. If she fails to excel in her passion, what will happen to her future? It would be wise to suggest that she attempt the state-level CET entrance examination, even without preparation. Just ask her to submit the answer sheet with random answers. Even if she scores the minimum marks, she can still gain admission to a reputable engineering college through the management quota. If she is not willing to listen to you, it may be beneficial to take her for personal counseling. It raises the question of what she is doing with the remaining hours after spending one, two, or three hours swimming. If she is hesitant to join classes, consider hiring personal tutors to keep her engaged with the syllabus and studies. While a career in sports is possible, for many, it remains just a dream. The journey is quite challenging, and in most cases, strong political connections are needed to advance in sports. Your daughter might be unaware of this reality at a young age. It is advisable to explain these truths to her so that she understands the challenges ahead. Thank you.
Follow me if you like the reply.
Thanks

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |974 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2025

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1557 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 17, 2025

Listen
Relationship
My age is 25 years and my boyfriend age is 29 years. I have boyfriend and we are dating for around 2 years, we are thinking about marriage. My family members love him and his family members love me. But the situation is like this that, my elder sister is getting divorce so it will take time atleast 4 years. But we can't wait for 4 years because my boyfriend is from gujarat. So in Gujarat, families dont wait for long but in my case my boyfriend and his family members waited for 2 years. Because my family members are saying when my elder sister will get married then after my marriage will come. and my family members are brain washing me and my boyfriend saying that first elder sister should get married if it takes times 6 years still u have to wait. My family members are pressurizing me alot. Infact I discuss and my boyfriend discuss with my family members about the situation but my family is not understanding and they are just pressurizing me alot and making my life hell. Even my elder sister is saying to me that my colleagues are not getting married why u have to get married soon. But my point is that I m not kid I m 25 years old and because of her I m suffering alot because if she cant get married I cant get married this wrong. And because of taht me and boyfriend are arguing alot in this. Like If i waited for my elder sister divorce plus her marriage it will take around 4 years. But I dont think so this is right because of my elder sister I m facing issues and thats wrong. Because i dont know whether after divorce she will get married or not. So because of her I m suffering alot. And the divorce procedure will take 4 - 6 years. Because we dont know that how much time will it take for my elder sisters divorce because she is not doing normal one she has cased a file against jiju so thats why it huge procedure. So that's why we think that we will do court marriage in next month. We both have a support from his family members. His family members are saying that do court marriage without knowing any ones relatives and once your family agrees within this year then its fine but if not then you come here next year and we will do marriage for both of you. So this is right?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You need to make a decision for yourself after looking at all the pros and cons. How are you going to be able to handle your parents once you make the decision to go ahead with the marriage?
Also, on your part, you are right in asking, how long do you need to wait?
Before making a decision, always think far ahead as to how your environment will react and how you are going to handle all of it.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x