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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 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
Asked by Anonymous - May 18, 2024Hindi
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Hi...I am planning to invest in SIP through Groww app..need some inputs on how reliable and advisable it is to invest through app since SIPs typically run for long term(15-20 yrs). This tomorrow if this app goes away then how would I manage my SIPs (top ups or withdraw etc..).. Thanks in advance!!!

Ans: Evaluating the Reliability of Investing Through Groww App
Investing through mobile apps like Groww has its advantages, but it's crucial to consider the potential drawbacks, especially for long-term investments like SIPs.

Convenience vs. Reliability
Accessibility and Convenience
Apps like Groww offer unparalleled convenience, allowing you to invest anytime, anywhere, with just a few clicks.

Reliability Concerns
However, relying solely on app-based platforms for long-term investments may pose risks, particularly if the app faces technical issues or ceases operations in the future.

Safeguards and Contingency Plans
Regulatory Compliance
While Groww may comply with regulatory requirements, the absence of a physical presence may make it challenging to address issues promptly.

Contingency Plans
Investors should develop contingency plans to manage their SIPs effectively in case the app becomes inaccessible or shuts down unexpectedly.

Portfolio Management and Monitoring
Long-Term Commitment
Managing SIPs for 15-20 years requires consistent monitoring and strategic adjustments, which may be challenging through app-based platforms alone.

Professional Guidance
Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) with CFP credentials offer personalized advice and ongoing support, ensuring that your investment strategy remains aligned with your long-term goals.

Disadvantages of App-based Investing
Dependency on Technology
Relying solely on app-based platforms exposes investors to the risk of technological glitches or disruptions, potentially impacting their investment journey.

Limited Support
While apps like Groww may offer customer support, it may not match the level of assistance and expertise provided by MFDs.

Benefits of Regular Funds through MFDs
Personalized Guidance
MFDs offer personalized guidance tailored to your financial objectives, ensuring that your investment strategy remains on track.

Flexibility and Accessibility
Investors can access a wide range of investment options and receive timely assistance from MFDs, enhancing their investment experience.

Conclusion
While app-based platforms like Groww offer convenience, it's essential to recognize the limitations and risks associated with long-term investments like SIPs. Partnering with a Certified Financial Planner and leveraging the expertise of Mutual Fund Distributors can provide the necessary support and guidance to navigate the complexities of long-term investing effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - May 19, 2024 | Answered on May 20, 2024
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Thanks so much for the detailed advise and suggestion..just one last information that I would request...in case I use Groww app as investment medium..how can I redeem my investment later in case the app is obsolete. I know that my investments would be registered with SEBI, AMFI and other regulated mutual funds authorities but redemption of the funds is something unclear to me..assuming that I would have invested in different SIPs like Kotak,SBI,HDFC etc...Thanks in advance!!
Ans: Redemption Process (Even Without Groww App):

Contact AMC (Asset Management Company) Directly: Each mutual fund you've invested in (Kotak, SBI, HDFC) has its own AMC. You can directly contact their customer care or visit their website to initiate redemption.

Offline Redemption: You can also submit a redemption request offline by filling out a physical form obtained from the AMC branch.

Another Platform: You can open an account with a MFD brokerage platform.

Things to Consider:

Exit Load: Check if your mutual funds have any exit loads (fees charged for redemption within a specific period).
Processing Time: The redemption process might take 3-4 business days for the funds to reflect in your bank account.
Remember, SEBI and AMFI ensure the safety and ease of transactions in your mutual fund investments, irrespective of the platform you use.
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  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

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Hi I have started SIP through GROWW from December 2023 with ICICI prudential commodities fund direct growth 1000 Rs ICICI prudential bluechip fund direct growth 500 Rs Nippon India multicap fund direct growth 100 Rs and SBI long term equity fund 500 per month.currently I m 45 and am retiring at age of 60 from govt services .is this selection right for long-term wealth creation or needs modification. Regards Manzar
Ans: Your choice of SIPs through GROWW reflects a proactive step towards wealth creation for your retirement. However, considering the long-term horizon until your retirement at age 60, a few adjustments may be beneficial for optimal results:

Diversification: While your selected funds cover different market segments, you may consider diversifying further across asset classes like debt or international funds to spread risk.
Professional Guidance: Engaging with a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) in a regular plan can offer personalized advice and emotional support, particularly for long-term goals like retirement planning.
Review and Monitoring: Regularly review your portfolio's performance and align it with changing market conditions and your evolving financial goals. Periodic rebalancing may be necessary to maintain optimal asset allocation.
Risk Assessment: Evaluate the risk profile of each fund in your portfolio and ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.
Retirement Corpus Calculation: Consider estimating the desired corpus required for your retirement lifestyle and adjust your SIP contributions accordingly to meet this goal.
Tax Planning: Factor in tax implications on your investments and explore tax-efficient options like Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) for potential tax savings.
Professional Consultation: Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner or Mutual Fund Distributor for a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your retirement aspirations and financial situation.
Remember, investing is a long-term journey, and periodic review and adjustments are essential to stay on track towards achieving your financial goals.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 17, 2024Hindi
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Question on Financial Planning: I am 53 years old and took retirement in 2023, a year ago. I have a corpus of approximately ?20 crores allocated as follows: ?6.5 crores in stocks ?5 crores in mutual funds ?5 crores in debt instruments ?2 crores in gold ?1.8 crores in a savings bank account** (to cover the next 12 years of household expenses). My monthly expenses are approximately ?1 lakh, and I receive: ?70,000 per month as house rent (?8.4 lakhs annually) ?10 lakhs annually as dividends from stocks. I have allocated ?5 crores in debt instruments to fund the higher education of my two sons (expenses will arise after 1 year and after 4 years). My goal is to grow my equity portfolio over the next 12 years since I do not depend on it for my current monthly expenses. Additionally: I have adequate health insurance. I own properties worth ?7.5 crores. I have no liabilities. My query: Is my financial planning on track, or do you see any areas for improvement or correction? I am open to suggestions for optimizing my investments, especially considering my goals of equity growth, funding my sons' education, and maintaining a comfortable retirement.
Ans: Your financial planning reflects strong foresight and effective resource allocation. With a corpus of Rs. 20 crores and no liabilities, your position is financially stable. Let us evaluate your financial setup from a 360-degree perspective and suggest areas for optimisation.

Assessment of Current Allocations
Equity Portfolio: Stocks (Rs. 6.5 Crores)
Your equity allocation reflects a growth-oriented approach.
A diversified stock portfolio is ideal for long-term growth.
Ensure the portfolio is well-balanced across sectors and market capitalisations.
Mutual Funds (Rs. 5 Crores)
Mutual funds provide diversification and professional management.
Review the fund categories to maintain a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.
Regular performance reviews are essential to optimise returns.
Debt Instruments (Rs. 5 Crores)
Allocating Rs. 5 crores for your sons’ education is prudent.
Ensure the debt investments are in low-risk instruments like bonds or fixed deposits.
Laddering maturity dates aligns well with your sons’ educational timelines.
Gold (Rs. 2 Crores)
Gold provides stability during market volatility.
Keep it as a hedge against inflation but avoid further allocation to this asset.
Savings Account (Rs. 1.8 Crores)
Holding Rs. 1.8 crores for 12 years of expenses is a cautious approach.
Move a part of this amount into liquid funds for better returns with liquidity.
Income and Monthly Expenses
Rental Income (Rs. 8.4 Lakhs Annually)
Rental income covers 70% of your monthly expenses.
Ensure the rental property is well-maintained to sustain consistent returns.
Dividends (Rs. 10 Lakhs Annually)
Dividend income provides an additional safety net.
Reinvest surplus dividends into mutual funds for compounded growth.
Monthly Expenses (Rs. 1 Lakh)
Your monthly expenses are comfortably managed.
Maintain a contingency fund of at least Rs. 20-25 lakhs for unexpected costs.
Recommendations for Optimising Equity Portfolio
Focus on Quality Stocks

Prioritise stocks of companies with strong fundamentals and consistent earnings.
Avoid overexposure to any single sector or company.
Systematic Equity Investments

Add to your equity portfolio gradually through Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs).
This reduces market timing risks.
Regular Portfolio Review

Review the equity portfolio annually.
Exit underperforming stocks and reallocate to high-growth opportunities.
Enhancing Mutual Fund Returns
Diversify Fund Selection

Include funds with different strategies to maximise returns.
A Certified Financial Planner can help identify high-performing funds.
Avoid Direct Mutual Funds

Regular funds offer advisory support for timely rebalancing.
This helps navigate market volatility effectively.
Utilise Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

Plan withdrawals systematically to reduce tax liability on capital gains.
Debt Instruments: Securing Educational Goals
Low-Risk Instruments for Predictable Returns

Allocate funds to secure options like government bonds, fixed deposits, or debt mutual funds.
Match the maturity timelines with educational milestones.
Avoid Premature Withdrawals

Breaking long-term debt investments can reduce returns.
Use other funds for emergencies to protect this allocation.
Optimising Gold Allocation
Retain as a Hedge

Gold should form no more than 10% of your portfolio.
Avoid further investments unless there are specific requirements.
Leverage Gold for Liquidity

Gold-backed loans can provide temporary liquidity if needed.
Savings Account Allocation
Move Funds to Liquid Investments

Savings account returns are suboptimal for such a large balance.
Move funds into liquid funds for higher returns and liquidity.
Emergency Fund Segregation

Retain Rs. 50 lakhs for immediate emergencies.
Invest the rest in short-term debt instruments or liquid funds.
Maintaining a Comfortable Retirement
Healthcare Planning

Ensure health insurance policies are adequate for critical illnesses.
Maintain a separate corpus for medical emergencies.
Contingency Fund Maintenance

Keep Rs. 20-25 lakhs readily accessible for unforeseen expenses.
Review this fund periodically to adjust for inflation.
Estate Planning

Draft a will to avoid disputes and ensure smooth wealth transfer.
Assign nominees for all investments and properties.
Taxation Considerations
Equity Taxation

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Debt Taxation

Debt instruments are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Choose tax-efficient options like tax-free bonds if needed.
Dividend Income

Dividends are taxed at your marginal income tax rate.
Reinvest dividends for tax-efficient growth.
Final Insights
Your financial plan is well-structured and aligns with your goals. However, optimising your equity and mutual fund allocations can enhance growth potential. Move idle funds from your savings account into liquid investments for better returns. Review and rebalance your portfolio periodically with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. Your current strategy provides a secure foundation for funding education, retirement, and wealth growth.

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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