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Jinal

Jinal Mehta  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Feb 25, 2024

Jinal Mehta is a qualified certified financial professional certified by FPSB India. She has 10 years of experience in the field of personal finance.
She is the founder of Beyond Learning Finance, an authorised education provider for the CFP certification programme in India.
In addition, she manages a family office organisation, where she handles investment planning, tax planning, insurance planning and estate planning.
Jinal has a bachelor's degree in management studies. She also has a diploma in in financial management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
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Asked by Anonymous - Feb 15, 2024Hindi
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Hi, pls review my MF portfolio, all Direct Growth option, 25K/m in all. I am 42yrs & working in Pvt Sector. 1. Quant ELSS Tax Saver (2000/m) 2. SBI Long Term ELSS (4500/m) 3. Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver (2000/m) 4. PPFAS ELSS Tax Saver (1500/m) 5. Quant Small Cap (3500/m) 6. Quant Flexi Cap (2000/m) 7. Quant BFSI Fund (5000/m) 8. Axis NPS (E)38%-(C)24%-(G)38% (4170/m). I am also a regular contributor to EPF (2 lakh+ current balance). I am OK with High- Very high risks as I don't have any liquidity commitment in next 6 yrs. From 7th Yr my daughter's Higher Education starts and by 15 yrs from now, her marriage. Also, I want to achieve a corpus of 2 Cr in next 15 yrs. I am planning a "stepup" of 5k/m every year. Please review my financial plan whether I am on right track and suggest accordingly.

Ans: You need to evaluate your goals vis-a-vis your income , expenses and other parameter. we would recommend that you approach a qualified professional to achieve your objective as its difficult to evaluate your financial health with inadequate information.
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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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 15, 2023

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Hi Sir I am 34 years old earning aroung 70k/m 16 k savings /month Could you please review my MF portfolio should i make any changes ET money high growth 5k/m started this year DSP Tax saver- started May 2017 3k/m CanRob Tax saver Jan 2021 2k/m quant tax PPFFAS Flexi Started Jan 2021- 2k/m DSP small - lumpsum 160000 DSP quant - lumpsum 105000 Quant small cap 1k/m Motilal Oswal Nasdag 100 FOF 1k/m Motilal Oswal Midcap 1k/m started this year PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund Direct-Growth 1k/m started this year SBI Bluechip lumpsum 10000 UTI Mid - July2021 1k/m Stopped DSP Mid - July 2021 1k/m Stopped UTI Flexi - July2021 1k/m stopped PPF 500/m i am planning to stop CanRob Tax saver and start Quant Tax Plan Direct-Growth and start below MFs as well SBI Contra Direct Plan-Growth Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF FoF Direct - Growth
Ans: As per the data provided by you, I feel that:-

1. You have over diversified your portfolio by investing in so many funds. There seems to be a lot of overlapping in your portfolio. Ultimately equity funds invest in stocks and if your funds are investing in similar stocks, you are not achieving any diversification which you may think you are doing.

2. You also hold multiple ELSS fund which are used for tax benefit purpose and come with lock in for 3 years. If you are solely investing under this for the tax saving then we suggest you to have only one good fund.

Regarding your funds:-

1. DSP Tax Saver Fund, Canara Robeco Tax Saver Fund and Quant Tax plan: These funds have a decent track record in their category. Having one tax saver fund is enough.

2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: The scheme is not bound by any market capitalisation. It also has the freedom to invest in stocks listed overseas. Therefore, I would suggest you to continue with this fund.

4. DSP Small Cap & Quant Small Cap : The lump sum investment in this fund indicates a concentrated bet on small-cap stocks. Small-cap funds can be volatile, but they also offer growth potential. Monitor its performance closely and be prepared for potential fluctuations in returns. We recommend you to hold one fund in this category to get the exposure of small cap which is risky in nature as compared to large & mid cap category.

5. DSP Quant Fund: Similar to DSP Small Cap, this fund focuses on quant-based strategies based on macro and micro factors. Evaluate its performance and consider your risk tolerance before making any decisions.

7. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 FOF: The fund invests in international companies and sectors that helps in eliminating the concentration risk. Continue with this fund.

8. Motilal Oswal Midcap, UTI Mid Cap fund, DSP Mid Cap Fund and PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund: I recommend you to hold just one fund in this category to get the exposure of mid cap which is risky in nature as compared to large cap category.

9. SBI Bluechip Fund: This lump sum investment in a large-cap fund can provide stability to your portfolio. Continue with it and continue monitoring its performance relative to its benchmark.

10. UTI Flexi Cap Fund: Similar to DSP Mid, assess its performance and alignment with your investment goals, especially since you've stopped investing in it. I recommend you to redeem from this fund once the exit load period is over.

11. PPF: Contributing to PPF is a good long-term savings option due to its tax benefits and guaranteed returns. It's wise to continue investing in it unless you have specific financial goals or liquidity needs but if you have a goal of your retirement then we would suggest you to invest in NPS (National Pension Scheme) instead of this.

Regarding your plan to add SBI Contra and Mirae Asset NYSE FANG+ ETF FoF, it's important to evaluate these funds based on their historical performance, expense ratios, and risk factors. Make sure they align with your investment strategy and risk tolerance before adding them to your portfolio.

I do not recommend you to add more funds in your portfolio as you already have too many funds which you need to cut down on.

Disclaimer:
• I have just no idea about your age, future financial goals, your risk profile, other investments and whether you would have the nerves to not get unduly perturbed if stock markets go temporarily down.
• Hence, please note that I am answering your question in absolute isolation to other parameters which should definitely be considered when answering a question of this type.
• I recommend you to also consult a good financial advisor who would look at your complete profile in totality before you act on this advice given by me.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 25, 2025

Money
Please review my MF portfolio. My monthly SIP is 18000/- per month. Current portfolio value is 1.5 Lakh. 1. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund - 4000 2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - 4000 3. Nippon India small cap - 4000 4. HDFC balanced advantage fund- 2000 5. Motilal oswal Midcap fund - 2000 6. JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund - 1000 7. Bandhan Nifty Alpha Low Volatility 30 Index - 1000 (NFO) Traditional investments are as follows, and the current value is 15 Lakh. 1. EPF - 44000/- per month 2. NPS - 22000/- per month 3. RD - 20000/- Per month to build an emergency fund. I am planning to increase my SIP from 18000 to 60000 every month. Please let me know if I need any changes in my portfolio. I am planning to build a portfolio of 5 crore in the next 15 years. Currently, I am 35 years and planning to retire by the age of 50 years.
Ans: Your financial plan is well-structured, and your investment discipline is strong. You have a clear retirement goal and an aggressive investment approach. However, there are areas where you can optimize your portfolio for better returns and lower risk.

Let’s analyze your portfolio from a 360-degree perspective.

1. Strengths of Your Current Portfolio
Your investment approach is well-planned. Here’s what you are doing right:

Disciplined SIP investment – You have a regular SIP plan in equity mutual funds.

Diversified portfolio – You have exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, and hybrid funds.

Strong traditional investments – EPF and NPS provide stability in retirement.

Emergency fund planning – Your recurring deposit ensures liquidity for unexpected expenses.

Increasing SIPs – Scaling up SIPs from Rs 18,000 to Rs 60,000 will help wealth creation.

Your financial discipline will help you reach your Rs 5 crore target.

2. Issues in Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
While your portfolio is diversified, some adjustments can improve performance.

Over-Diversification
You have too many funds across categories.

Too many funds dilute returns and make tracking difficult.

Having 4-5 well-chosen funds is better than 7-8 average funds.

Index Fund Exposure
One of your funds is an index fund.

Index funds cannot beat the market, while actively managed funds can.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps select the best actively managed funds.

Hybrid Funds and Overlapping Categories
You hold two hybrid funds, which can limit aggressive growth.

These funds are not necessary when you have EPF and NPS.

Adjusting these issues will enhance your returns.

3. Optimizing Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Here’s how you can make your portfolio more efficient:

Reduce the Number of Funds
Keep 4-5 funds for focused wealth creation.

Large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds provide balanced exposure.

Avoid hybrid funds as EPF and NPS already offer stability.

Exit Index Fund
Actively managed funds provide better long-term returns.

Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions.

An index fund will not protect during market corrections.

Adjust Your Portfolio Allocation
Large-cap fund – 30% allocation for stability.

Flexi-cap fund – 30% allocation for fund manager flexibility.

Mid-cap fund – 20% allocation for higher growth potential.

Small-cap fund – 20% allocation for aggressive wealth creation.

This will balance risk and return effectively.

4. Optimizing Traditional Investments
Your traditional investments are strong, but they can be more efficient.

EPF Contribution
EPF is a safe investment with tax benefits.

However, it provides lower returns compared to equity.

Consider redirecting a small portion towards equity SIPs for higher growth.

NPS Contribution
NPS is a good tax-saving tool but has withdrawal restrictions.

You can keep investing but ensure a higher allocation in equity within NPS.

Recurring Deposit for Emergency Fund
RDs are good for liquidity but offer low returns.

Instead, keep emergency funds in a liquid mutual fund for better returns.

A balanced approach between safety and growth is necessary.

5. Increasing SIPs from Rs 18,000 to Rs 60,000
Your plan to increase SIPs is excellent. However, proper allocation is required.

Large-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000.

Flexi-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000.

Mid-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.

Small-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000.

Liquid fund – Allocate Rs 10,000 for short-term needs.

This ensures strong wealth creation while maintaining liquidity.

6. Expected Growth and Retirement Planning
With disciplined investing, you can achieve your Rs 5 crore goal.

Equity SIPs – Higher allocation ensures compounding benefits.

Traditional investments – EPF and NPS provide stability.

Emergency fund – Ensures liquidity for unexpected needs.

Your current path is excellent. Minor adjustments will enhance your wealth creation journey.

Finally
You are on the right track towards financial freedom. Your disciplined investment approach is commendable. However, some refinements will optimize your returns.

Reduce over-diversification and exit underperforming funds.

Replace index funds with actively managed funds for better returns.

Allocate SIPs strategically for better risk-reward balance.

Re-evaluate traditional investments to maximize efficiency.

Ensure liquidity through a liquid fund instead of an RD.

With these adjustments, you can achieve your Rs 5 crore target confidently.

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 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 23, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir,kindly review my MF portfolio-- Parag parikh flexicap,Sbi Contra,Hdfc small cap,Nippon midcap,Icici large and midcap.Current value is 5.5 lacs,Want to collect 1.5cr in next 15 years.Please suggest if need to change any funds or these looks good.All are direct plans.
Ans: You have chosen a good mix of mutual funds. Your selection shows careful thought and awareness. It reflects your interest in wealth creation through equity funds. A portfolio of Rs 5.5 lakhs growing to Rs 1.5 crore in 15 years is a bold and achievable goal. With discipline and smart allocation, you can surely reach it. Let us assess your present portfolio and see if any refinement can enhance results.

» Appreciation of your efforts

You have made a good start by investing early. Choosing diversified equity categories shows clarity of vision. Each fund type you have selected serves a unique role. This helps spread risk and increase long-term growth potential. Your commitment towards long-term investing is the real strength here. Staying invested for 15 years gives time for compounding to work beautifully.

Also, investing through direct plans shows that you have taken charge of your money. You are taking initiative, and that is admirable. Many investors hesitate to even start. You have already done the hard part by beginning and choosing a diversified portfolio.

» Portfolio overview

Your portfolio includes funds from various segments – flexicap, contra, small cap, mid cap, and large & mid cap. This is a good combination for diversification. You have exposure across market caps and investing styles. The flexicap brings balance and adaptability. The contra fund adds a contrarian approach that can work well during market cycles. The mid and small caps bring higher growth potential. The large & mid cap fund offers stability and moderate returns.

So, your portfolio covers almost all essential categories for long-term wealth building. However, it may slightly tilt towards the aggressive side due to small and midcap exposure. For a 15-year goal, that is still fine. But you must manage it actively and review once a year.

» Assessment of current allocation

Right now, your funds are equity-heavy. That means higher volatility but also higher reward. Since your goal is long-term, this is acceptable. But small and midcap funds can fluctuate widely. You need to stay calm during market corrections. Avoid panic selling. The flexicap and large & mid cap parts will help balance the ride.

Over the next few years, as your corpus grows, consider slowly shifting a small part towards less volatile categories. This can protect gains when your goal nears. But for the first 10 years, staying with equity-oriented allocation is ideal.

» Evaluating diversification and overlap

Sometimes investors hold too many similar funds unknowingly. You have five funds covering different categories. But inside these funds, some stocks may overlap. For example, your flexicap and large & mid cap fund may hold common top companies. The overlap may slightly reduce diversification benefit.

A Certified Financial Planner can study the stock overlap percentage for you. If overlap is above 40%, a few adjustments may help. However, if the overlap is moderate, you can continue. Avoid having too many funds; four to five are enough. You are already within that range.

» Understanding risk-return balance

Each category you hold has a different risk profile. The flexicap fund provides flexible allocation and smoother performance. The contra fund follows a value approach and can do well in sideways markets. The midcap and small cap funds are more volatile but give strong returns in bullish cycles. The large & mid cap fund provides balance between growth and stability.

Together, these funds create a blend of stability, growth, and value. However, do not expect all funds to perform at the same time. Their cycles differ. When small caps fall, flexicap or contra may perform better. Patience and diversification will even out results over time.

» Assessing the suitability for 15-year wealth goal

To reach Rs 1.5 crore in 15 years, you will need consistent investments. Your existing corpus is a strong base. But to reach such a target, regular monthly SIPs are necessary. Equity funds perform best with SIPs. Market volatility helps through rupee cost averaging.

You already have a 15-year time horizon. That gives enough time to absorb short-term fluctuations. Continue your SIPs with yearly increases, even by 10–15%. This alone can make a big difference. Compounding works best with time and discipline.

» Insight on direct plans

You mentioned that all your funds are direct plans. While direct plans look cheaper due to lower expense ratio, they come with hidden drawbacks. Managing a portfolio alone can be stressful. Markets keep changing. Rebalancing, reviewing overlap, and tracking tax rules require time and skill.

Direct plans do not give you personalised guidance. If you miss rebalancing at the right time, returns can fall. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP qualification provides expert monitoring. They help you stay aligned with your goals, manage risk, and make timely course corrections.

Regular plans, though slightly costlier, include this guidance. The fee difference is small compared to the value of proper planning and behavioural support. Many investors lose more by taking wrong actions than by paying advisory charges. Hence, regular plans through a qualified CFP often give better long-term results.

» Tax efficiency and new rules

As per the new capital gains rule, when you sell equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. So, try to keep your holding period above one year to get lower tax rate.

Since your goal is 15 years away, most of your gains will be long-term. You can plan redemptions smartly to optimise tax. Avoid frequent switching between funds. It creates short-term gains and unnecessary tax.

» Monitoring and reviewing your portfolio

Even the best portfolio needs regular reviews. Once a year is ideal. Check if each fund is still performing above its category average. If any fund consistently lags for 3 years, consider replacing it. Do not react to short-term underperformance.

Also, review your asset allocation yearly. If small caps become too large a portion after big rallies, rebalance slightly towards balanced categories. This ensures steady risk levels.

You should also track changes in fund management and strategy. A fund that changes its manager or investment style may behave differently later. Stay updated.

» Behavioural discipline in investing

The biggest factor in reaching Rs 1.5 crore is not the market but your discipline. Do not stop SIPs when markets fall. That is when you buy more units cheaply. Avoid checking NAVs daily. Market volatility is normal.

Have faith in your chosen funds and your time horizon. The key is patience. Even an average portfolio gives great results when held with consistency.

» Importance of increasing SIP amount

If your income rises every year, increase your SIP amount. This is called a step-up SIP. A small 10% yearly increase can multiply your final corpus. It helps you stay ahead of inflation and build wealth faster.

Make this increase automatic if possible. Most platforms allow it now. This single habit can help you comfortably reach Rs 1.5 crore or even more.

» Role of goal clarity

You mentioned a target of Rs 1.5 crore in 15 years. Define what this goal is for—retirement, child education, or financial freedom. When the goal is clear, planning becomes easy. It helps you decide the right asset allocation and withdrawal strategy later.

You can also plan sub-goals within 15 years. For example, after 10 years, check progress and decide if adjustments are needed. Periodic milestone reviews give motivation and control.

» Inflation and real return understanding

Always remember, inflation reduces purchasing power. So, while Rs 1.5 crore sounds large today, after 15 years its value will be lower. That’s why equity funds are essential. They are the best defence against inflation over long periods.

Your current fund categories are suitable to beat inflation comfortably. Keep your focus on real returns, not just nominal figures.

» Emergency and liquidity planning

While focusing on wealth creation, don’t ignore safety. Keep some money outside mutual funds as an emergency reserve. About 6 months’ expenses in a liquid fund or savings account is fine. This ensures you never need to redeem your equity funds during market downturns.

Liquidity support gives confidence to stay invested long-term. It protects your growth plan during uncertain periods.

» Role of insurance

A 15-year goal is long-term, so protect your income first. Have term life insurance to secure your family’s future. Avoid ULIPs or investment-cum-insurance policies. They give low returns and high costs. Term insurance plus mutual funds always work better.

Also, have health insurance separate from your employer cover. Medical costs can eat into investments otherwise.

» Planning the withdrawal strategy

When you near your goal, say around year 13 or 14, begin shifting gradually to safer categories. You can move some funds to balanced or short-duration debt funds over 1–2 years. This reduces the risk of a sudden market fall just before goal time.

A phased withdrawal is better than lump sum redemption. It ensures smoother realisation of your final target.

» Power of staying guided by a Certified Financial Planner

Working with a Certified Financial Planner helps you align all aspects—investments, risk cover, taxes, and goals. A CFP looks at your full financial picture. They guide you through market ups and downs, tax changes, and asset allocation reviews.

They also give unbiased advice based on your profile, not product commissions. They ensure you remain goal-focused and avoid emotional decisions. Regular plans through a CFP thus combine expert monitoring and disciplined approach.

» Common mistakes to avoid

– Do not redeem or switch funds based on short-term performance.
– Avoid adding too many funds. Five to six are enough.
– Never stop SIPs when markets fall.
– Don’t chase top-performing funds every year.
– Avoid using direct plans if you can’t review and rebalance yourself.
– Keep emotions away from money decisions.

Following these points alone can help you reach your Rs 1.5 crore target comfortably.

» Finally

Your mutual fund portfolio already has a strong base. It is diversified and growth-oriented. With regular monitoring, timely reviews, and systematic SIP increases, your goal looks achievable. Keep your patience intact during market volatility.

Shift to regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner for ongoing support, monitoring, and periodic rebalancing. This will bring more discipline and peace of mind.

You are already on the right path. Just keep walking consistently, and your financial future will grow bright and strong.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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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.

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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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