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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 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 - Nov 23, 2023Hindi
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Sir I am planning for sip of ?2000 per month I will redeem @the age of 60years Now I am having 20 years Suggest me a best return mf

Ans: Investing in mutual funds through SIPs is a wise decision for long-term wealth creation. Since you have a 20-year investment horizon and plan to redeem the investments at the age of 60, you have a considerable time frame to benefit from compounding returns.

Considering your investment horizon and the goal of maximizing returns, you may consider investing in equity mutual funds. Equity funds have historically offered higher returns over the long term compared to debt funds, making them suitable for long-term wealth creation goals.

You can opt for diversified equity funds like large-cap, multi-cap, or flexi-cap funds, which invest in stocks across market capitalizations. These funds provide exposure to a diversified portfolio of stocks, reducing the risk associated with investing in individual stocks.

However, it's essential to remember that equity investments are subject to market risks, and the returns can fluctuate over the investment period. Therefore, it's crucial to stay invested for the long term and maintain a disciplined approach towards your SIP investments.

Before finalizing your investment decision, consider consulting with a certified financial planner who can assess your risk tolerance, investment objectives, and financial situation to provide personalized investment advice. Additionally, conduct thorough research and analysis of different mutual fund options to select the ones that align with your investment goals and risk profile.
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 27, 2024Hindi
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I am. 42 years , i m reguler sip last 5 years rs. 3000/- per month i know after 60 years maturity amount
Ans: Investing in SIPs for the last 5 years is an excellent start towards building your retirement corpus. At 42 years old, you still have plenty of time to grow your investments and achieve your financial goals. Let's explore how you can continue on this path and ensure a comfortable retirement at 60.

Understanding Your Current Investment
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
You have been investing Rs. 3,000 per month in SIPs for the last 5 years. SIPs are a disciplined and effective way to invest in mutual funds.

Consistency: Regular investments help in averaging the cost of purchase.
Compounding: Long-term investments benefit from the power of compounding.
Projecting Future Value
Estimating Returns
Assuming an average annual return of 12%, we can estimate the future value of your SIPs. Over the next 18 years, your investments will continue to grow significantly.

Future Value: The maturity amount can be substantial if the investments are consistent.
Assumptions: This projection is based on an estimated annual return and historical market performance.
Strategies to Enhance Your Retirement Corpus
Increase SIP Amounts
Consider increasing your SIP contributions gradually. This will significantly enhance your retirement corpus over time.

Step-Up SIP: Increase the SIP amount by a fixed percentage annually.
Additional Investments: Invest any windfall gains, bonuses, or extra savings.
Diversification
Diversify your investments across different types of mutual funds to balance risk and return.

Equity Funds: Higher returns but with higher risk.
Debt Funds: Lower risk but with more stability.
Hybrid Funds: A mix of equity and debt for balanced growth.
Importance of Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Consult a CFP to tailor your investment strategy according to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Expert Advice: CFPs provide personalized advice and help in optimizing your investment portfolio.
Goal Alignment: Ensure that your investment strategy is aligned with your retirement goals.
Risk Management and Regular Review
Portfolio Review
Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it is on track to meet your goals.

Rebalancing: Adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and life changes.
Performance Monitoring: Keep track of the performance of your investments and make necessary changes.
Avoid Over-Reliance on Specific Investment Types
Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds often outperform index funds due to professional management and market research.

Flexibility: Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.
Potential Returns: Higher potential returns compared to passive index funds.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds simply track the market and do not offer active management benefits.

No Active Management: Lack of professional management can miss market opportunities.
Fixed Portfolio: The portfolio remains static, regardless of market conditions.
Supplementing Your SIPs
Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP)
Consider SWPs for regular income post-retirement. This will provide a steady income while keeping your principal invested.

Flexibility: Withdraw a fixed amount at regular intervals.
Tax Efficiency: More tax-efficient compared to lump sum withdrawals.
Avoid Annuities
Risks in Annuity Plans
Annuities provide fixed returns, which might not keep pace with inflation and have limited flexibility.

Low Returns: Fixed returns may not be sufficient in the long run.
Liquidity Issues: Annuities often lock in your money for a long period.
Conclusion
Your commitment to SIPs is commendable and sets a solid foundation for your retirement planning. By increasing your SIP contributions, diversifying your portfolio, and seeking professional guidance, you can achieve a comfortable retirement corpus. Regular reviews and adjustments will ensure that your investments remain aligned with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 2024

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I am 61 year old and want to open SIP for Rs 15000/-per month which is best SIP ,return wise
Ans: Investment Strategy for a 61-Year-Old
At the age of 61, it is essential to balance your investment portfolio to achieve decent returns while minimizing risks.

SIP Investment Approach
Starting a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) for Rs. 15,000 per month is a prudent choice. This approach helps in:

Rupee Cost Averaging: Reduces the impact of market volatility.
Discipline: Encourages regular investing and financial discipline.
Fund Selection Criteria
When selecting funds, consider:

Risk Tolerance: Lower risk tolerance due to age.
Investment Horizon: Likely to be shorter, necessitating stable returns.
Diversification: Balanced exposure across asset classes.
Recommended Funds
1. Balanced Advantage Funds:

Pros: These funds dynamically allocate between equity and debt based on market conditions, providing a balanced approach.
Examples: HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund, ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund.
2. Large Cap Funds:

Pros: Invest in well-established companies with stable performance, offering moderate growth with lower risk.
Examples: SBI Bluechip Fund, Axis Bluechip Fund.
3. Hybrid Funds:

Pros: Combine equity and debt in a fixed proportion, offering a blend of growth and stability.
Examples: HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund, Mirae Asset Hybrid Equity Fund.
4. Equity Savings Funds:

Pros: These funds invest in equity, debt, and arbitrage opportunities, aiming for steady returns with lower risk.
Examples: ICICI Prudential Equity Savings Fund, SBI Equity Savings Fund.
Professional Advice
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide:

Tailored Advice: Based on your specific financial goals and risk profile.
Portfolio Management: Regular monitoring and rebalancing of your investments.
Benefits of Regular Funds through MFD with CFP Credential
Investing through Mutual Fund Distributors (MFD) with CFP credential offers:

Expert Guidance: On fund selection and risk management.
Comprehensive Planning: Ensuring your investments align with your retirement goals.
Final Insights
Starting a SIP of Rs. 15,000 per month in a well-chosen mix of funds can help achieve stable returns with managed risk.

Balanced Advantage Funds: For dynamic allocation.
Large Cap Funds: For stability and moderate growth.
Hybrid Funds: For a blend of equity and debt.
Equity Savings Funds: For steady returns with lower risk.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir I am planning to invest Rs.2000/= per month in SIP and the duration will be 10 years. What will be the return on the due date
Ans: Investing Rs. 2000 per month in a SIP for 10 years is a wise decision. Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) provide disciplined and goal-oriented investing. Let’s assess your plan, its potential returns, and the key aspects of such investments.

Benefits of a 10-Year SIP
Power of Compounding
SIPs leverage compounding, helping your money grow faster over time. Starting early allows compounding to work better for you.

Market Volatility Management
SIPs mitigate risks of market volatility. They encourage purchasing more units when prices are low.

Affordable and Flexible
Starting with Rs. 2000 ensures affordability and consistency. Flexibility to increase contributions is an added benefit.

Wealth Accumulation Potential
A 10-year SIP can generate substantial wealth. Equity-based funds generally outperform other investments over the long term.

Expected Returns from Your SIP
Equity mutual funds typically yield 10-12% annual returns over the long term. With Rs. 2000 monthly, you could accumulate Rs. 4-5 lakh in 10 years.

Debt funds yield lower returns, around 6-8%. These funds are safer but less suitable for long-term goals.

Balanced funds blend equity and debt. They balance risk and return, yielding 8-10% annually.

Your choice of fund type affects your returns. Selecting the right fund category is crucial.

Factors Influencing Returns
Fund Selection
Actively managed funds often outperform index funds. Professional fund managers optimise portfolios for better performance.

Market Conditions
Equity market performance directly impacts returns. Long-term investments reduce the risk of short-term volatility.

Tax Implications
Equity fund gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh attract 12.5% tax. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. Understanding taxation helps in planning redemptions.

Expense Ratios
Funds charge fees for managing investments. Actively managed funds have slightly higher costs than index funds. Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensure professional advice for these costs.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds lack flexibility. They mimic indices and cannot capitalise on market opportunities.

They do not protect against downside risk during market crashes. Actively managed funds can adjust to such scenarios.

Active funds offer higher returns when managed well. Professional management adds value to your investment.

Why Regular Funds with CFP Guidance?
Direct funds save costs but lack personalised advice. A Certified Financial Planner offers tailored strategies for your goals.

Regular funds through an MFD with CFP credentials ensure professional monitoring. They also simplify documentation and compliance.

How to Proceed
Set Clear Goals
Define your financial goal for this SIP. Is it for wealth creation, education, or retirement?

Assess Risk Appetite
Choose funds aligning with your comfort level. Equity funds are ideal for higher returns but come with risks.

Review Performance
Select funds with consistent track records over five to ten years.

Diversify Investments
Consider investing in different categories for balanced risk and returns.

Review Periodically
Assess performance annually. Switch funds if they consistently underperform.

Insights on SIP Taxation
Gains on equity mutual funds held for over a year qualify as LTCG. Only gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Debt fund gains are taxed as per your slab rate.

Consider these rules while planning withdrawals. Tax-efficient withdrawals maximise returns.

SIP Advantages Over Other Investments
SIPs outperform fixed deposits and traditional insurance plans. They offer better liquidity and inflation-beating returns.

Real estate requires significant upfront capital and involves illiquidity. SIPs are more flexible and accessible.

Gold investments lack the potential for high returns compared to equity funds.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Delaying Investments
Starting early maximises compounding benefits.

Stopping SIPs During Market Lows
Continue investments even during market downturns. They offer opportunities to buy units at lower prices.

Ignoring Goal Alignment
Match your SIPs with specific financial goals.

Final Insights
Investing Rs. 2000 per month for 10 years through SIPs is a smart choice. It can help you achieve long-term goals and build wealth steadily.

Focus on selecting funds aligned with your objectives. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio for optimal performance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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