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Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2498 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Samraat Jadhav is the founder of Prosperity Wealth Adviser.
He is a SEBI-registered investment and research analyst and has over 18 years of experience in managing high-end portfolios.
A management graduate from XLRI-Jamshedpur, Jadhav specialises in portfolio management, investment banking, financial planning, derivatives, equities and capital markets.... more
Suresh Question by Suresh on May 26, 2025
Money

sir plz suggest me good MF to bit FDR ROI and get approx. Return around 9-10% for next 2-3 year investment , i want to invest around 10-20K per month and want to withdrawal after 2-3 years (around 1.5L per year)

Ans: any balanced fund with 35% allocation to equity will work
Asked on - Jun 03, 2025 | Answered on Jun 05, 2025
can you plz suggest any fund?
Ans: HDFC Hybrid
Asked on - Jun 06, 2025 | Answered on Jun 09, 2025
Scheme Name SIP AMOUNT Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund (G) 2500 Axis ELSS Tax Saver Fund - Growth SIP STOP Bajaj Finserv Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 1500 Groww Nifty 500 Momentum 50 ETF FOF - Direct Plan - Growth 500 Groww Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund - Direct Plan - Growth 1000 HDFC Business Cycle Fund - Regular Plan (G) 1000 HDFC Manufacturing Fund - Regular Plan - Growth SIP STOP ICICI Prudential Energy Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 2000 Kotak Emerging Equity Scheme - Regular Plan (G) 2000 Kotak Tax Saver - Regular Plan (G) SIP STOP Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund - Growth 2500 Motilal Oswal Flexi Cap Fund - Direct Plan (G) 3000 Motilal Oswal Large and Midcap Fund - Regular Plan (G) 4000 Nippon India Small Cap Fund (G) 2000 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - Direct Plan (G) 2000 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan (G) 5000 WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap Fund - Regular Plan - (G) 1000 total sip 30000/- pm , current market value is 791000/- , plz suggest its ok or need any change?
Ans: in 30k SIP you have brought lots of Schemes, while its diversified well but would suggest to reduce some schemes or merge with the same type of schemes.
Asked on - Aug 16, 2025 | Answered on Aug 18, 2025
Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund (G) 2500 Motilal Oswal Flexi Cap Fund - Direct Plan (G) 5000 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan (G) 5000 HDFC Balance Advantage Fund - Direct plan- Growth 2000 Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund - Growth 4000 Motilal Oswal Large and Midcap Fund - Regular Plan (G) 4000 Kotak Emerging Equity Scheme - Regular Plan (G) 2000 WhiteOak Capital Mid Cap Fund - Regular Plan - (G) 1000 Nippon India Small Cap Fund (G) 2500 HDFC Business Cycle Fund - Regular Plan (G) 1000 ICICI Prudential Energy Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 2000 sir i have changed my portfolio with merge and stoped some of sip's, now plz see and tell me its ok or still need any change?
Ans: now this looks good.
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 Jun 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 03, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir, which MF is best for one time safe investment to get maximum return?
Ans: Choosing the Best Mutual Fund for One-Time Safe Investment

Understanding the goal of a one-time safe investment is essential. You want a balance of safety and maximum returns. It’s great that you’re considering mutual funds for this purpose. Let’s dive into the details.

Importance of Investment Goals

Your investment goal influences the type of mutual fund suitable for you. Understanding whether your goal is wealth preservation, moderate growth, or aggressive growth helps in selecting the right fund. Each goal requires a different approach and fund type.

Types of Mutual Funds

Mutual funds come in various types, each with its risk and return profile. It’s essential to understand these types before making an investment decision.

Debt Funds

Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and treasury bills. They are considered safer than equity funds and provide regular income. They suit conservative investors who prioritise capital preservation over high returns.

Balanced Funds

Balanced funds, also known as hybrid funds, invest in a mix of equities and debt. They offer a balance between safety and growth. These funds are suitable for investors looking for moderate risk and moderate returns.

Equity Funds

Equity funds invest in stocks and aim for higher returns. They carry higher risk compared to debt and balanced funds. They are suitable for investors with a higher risk appetite and a long-term investment horizon.

Choosing Safety with Debt Funds

For one-time safe investment, debt funds are often recommended. They offer stability and lower risk compared to equity funds. Debt funds come in various categories, each with different risk and return profiles.

Liquid Funds

Liquid funds invest in short-term instruments like treasury bills and commercial papers. They offer high liquidity and safety, making them suitable for short-term goals. They provide moderate returns with low risk.

Short-Term Debt Funds

Short-term debt funds invest in securities with a maturity of one to three years. They offer slightly higher returns than liquid funds but come with slightly higher risk. They are suitable for investors with a medium-term horizon.

Dynamic Bond Funds

Dynamic bond funds invest in debt instruments with varying maturities. Fund managers actively manage the portfolio based on interest rate movements. These funds offer potentially higher returns but come with moderate risk.

Analysing Returns and Risk

When choosing a debt fund, it’s crucial to analyse historical returns and risk. Look for funds with consistent performance over different market cycles. Lower volatility and stable returns are indicators of a good debt fund.

Role of Credit Rating

Credit rating of the securities in which a debt fund invests is vital. Higher credit-rated securities offer more safety but may provide lower returns. Balancing credit rating with returns helps in selecting the right debt fund.

Benefits of Actively Managed Debt Funds

Actively managed debt funds can adapt to market conditions. Fund managers can switch between securities to optimise returns and manage risk. This active management can lead to better performance compared to passive debt funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds track a specific index and cannot outperform it. They lack flexibility and adaptability to market changes. This limitation makes them less suitable for achieving maximum returns with safety.

Advantages of Regular Funds

Regular funds offer the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner. Investing through regular funds ensures professional management and personalised advice. This guidance helps in aligning your investments with your financial goals.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds may have lower expense ratios but lack professional guidance. Without expert advice, managing investments can be challenging. Regular funds provide the added benefit of expert advice and better alignment with goals.

Tax Efficiency in Debt Funds

Debt funds are tax-efficient compared to traditional fixed deposits. Long-term capital gains from debt funds are taxed at a lower rate after three years. This tax efficiency can enhance the net returns from your investment.

Importance of Investment Horizon

The investment horizon is critical in selecting the right mutual fund. For short-term goals, liquid funds and short-term debt funds are suitable. For medium to long-term goals, dynamic bond funds offer better potential returns.

Periodic Review and Rebalancing

Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your investment portfolio ensures alignment with goals. Market conditions and personal circumstances change over time. Periodic review helps in making necessary adjustments to optimise returns.

Understanding Expense Ratios

Expense ratio is the fee charged by mutual funds for managing your investment. Lower expense ratios mean higher net returns. However, it's essential to balance cost with the benefits of professional management.

Selecting a Reputable Fund House

Choose mutual funds from reputable fund houses with a proven track record. Reputable fund houses offer better management and governance. They ensure your investment is managed with high standards of professionalism.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity

Maintaining an emergency fund separate from your investment is vital. It ensures liquidity for unforeseen expenses without disrupting your investment. Liquid funds can also serve as a part of your emergency fund due to their high liquidity.

Risk Assessment and Diversification

Assessing your risk tolerance is crucial before investing. Diversification within debt funds can spread risk and enhance returns. A well-diversified portfolio balances safety with potential for higher returns.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner can provide personalised advice based on your financial situation. They help in selecting the right mutual funds that align with your goals. Professional guidance ensures that your investment strategy is effective and efficient.

Conclusion

Investing in mutual funds for one-time safe investment requires careful analysis. Debt funds offer a balance of safety and returns. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner ensures that your investment aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

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 22, 2024

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Money
Hi sir right now 22 I want to invest in MF around 2500 per month for next 28 years suggest some best MF
Ans: Investing in mutual funds is a smart decision. It's a great way to build wealth over time. Starting at 22 gives you a long investment horizon, which is advantageous.

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Spreading risk across various assets.
Professional Management: Managed by experienced fund managers.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell.
Convenience: Suitable for different financial goals.
Evaluating Investment Options
Avoid index funds. They often track market indices passively. This means lower returns compared to actively managed funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Lower Flexibility: Limited to the index performance.
No Active Management: No adjustments based on market conditions.
Potential for Mediocre Returns: Follows the average market performance.
Instead, consider actively managed funds. They aim to outperform the market. Professional fund managers adjust the portfolio based on market trends.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Higher Return Potential: Aims to beat the market.
Professional Management: Fund managers actively monitor and adjust the portfolio.
Flexibility: Can adapt to market changes.
Regular Funds vs Direct Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) has distinct advantages over direct funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of Professional Guidance: No expert advice.
Time-Consuming: Requires constant monitoring.
Higher Risk: Without professional insights, the risk increases.
Benefits of Regular Funds with CFP:

Professional Advice: Access to expert insights.
Better Decision Making: Informed investment choices.
Regular Monitoring: Constant portfolio reviews and adjustments.
Risk Management: Strategies to mitigate potential risks.
Recommended Strategy
Diversified Portfolio: Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Invest Rs 2500 monthly via SIP.
Long-term Horizon: Continue investing for the next 28 years for optimal returns.
Steps to Start
Choose a Reliable Fund House: Ensure credibility and good track record.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: Get personalized advice.

Start SIP: Automate your monthly investments.

Review Regularly: Monitor and adjust based on performance.

Final Insights
Starting early with mutual funds is commendable. By avoiding index funds and opting for actively managed funds, you can aim for better returns. Investing through a CFP provides professional guidance, ensuring informed decisions and effective risk management. Keep investing consistently, review periodically, and stay focused on your long-term 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 Jan 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 11, 2025Hindi
Money
Want approx Rs. 10000/month as return for withdrawal towards investments so how much amt need to invest and which MF will be good to invest and can give return to me, plz guide
Ans: Your goal to withdraw Rs. 10,000 monthly from investments is achievable with proper planning. This requires a combination of systematic investment and disciplined withdrawals. Below is a detailed assessment and plan.

Key Considerations
1. Expected Return on Investment

Mutual funds can deliver an annual return of 8%-12% over the long term.
For a regular monthly withdrawal, balanced or hybrid funds can provide stability.
2. Withdrawal Strategy

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) are ideal for regular withdrawals.
They offer consistent cash flow without disrupting investments.
3. Investment Corpus Requirement

To withdraw Rs. 10,000 monthly, an estimated corpus of Rs. 15-20 lakh is needed.
The exact amount depends on fund performance and withdrawal duration.
Selecting the Right Mutual Funds
1. Balanced Advantage Funds

These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt.
They provide stable returns and minimise market volatility.
Ideal for generating regular income with moderate risk.
2. Hybrid Funds (Aggressive)

These funds invest predominantly in equity and some debt.
They offer growth potential with partial downside protection.
Suitable for long-term withdrawals with higher returns.
3. Equity Income Funds

These funds focus on dividend-paying stocks and equity instruments.
They generate regular income and capital appreciation over time.
Best for moderate risk-takers with a long horizon.
4. Debt-Oriented Funds

These funds invest primarily in fixed-income securities.
They ensure low risk but lower returns compared to equity-heavy funds.
Suitable if stability is a higher priority than growth.
Recommendations for SWP Strategy
1. Diversified Allocation

Allocate funds across equity, hybrid, and debt categories.
This reduces risk and ensures consistent withdrawals.
2. SIPs for Corpus Building

If corpus is not yet ready, invest through SIPs in hybrid funds.
SIPs average out cost and build the desired corpus systematically.
3. Monitor Fund Performance

Review fund performance every six months.
Exit funds consistently underperforming their benchmark.
4. Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

SWP redemptions from equity funds are taxed as per LTCG/STCG rules.
Plan withdrawals to minimise tax impact.
Steps to Implement the Plan
1. Assess Current Investments

Check existing investments for overlap and performance.
Consolidate into funds aligning with your withdrawal goals.
2. Start with Hybrid Funds

Begin investing in balanced or aggressive hybrid funds.
Ensure funds have a proven track record of delivering consistent returns.
3. Plan Withdrawal Amount and Frequency

Use an SWP to withdraw Rs. 10,000 monthly.
Start withdrawals only after the corpus reaches the required size.
4. Consider Inflation Adjustment

Plan for increasing monthly withdrawals in the future.
Ensure the corpus grows to sustain inflation-adjusted withdrawals.
Taxation Awareness
1. Equity Fund Withdrawals

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG is taxed at 20%.
2. Debt Fund Withdrawals

Gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Plan withdrawals to minimise overall tax liability.
Final Insights
A corpus of Rs. 15-20 lakh is necessary to withdraw Rs. 10,000 monthly.

Invest in a mix of balanced advantage, hybrid, and equity income funds.

Start with SIPs if you need to build the corpus gradually.

Opt for SWPs to ensure consistent and tax-efficient withdrawals.

Review fund performance regularly and adjust investments as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Want to invest monthly 1000 for 5-6 yrs in MF
Ans: Starting early is always a smart decision.

Investing Rs.1000 monthly for 5-6 years may look small. But it’s a solid beginning.

Let us build your strategy step-by-step. Keeping it simple, practical, and fully 360-degree.

Here’s a detailed plan:

? Understand Your Investment Goal

– Ask yourself why you are investing this money.
– Is it for travel, child’s education, or just wealth growth?
– Time horizon of 5–6 years is good, but goal clarity brings focus.
– Equity funds are best for long-term. For 5–6 years, hybrid funds work better.
– If you need money in less than 3 years, consider low-risk funds.

? Type of Fund Suitable for You

– For 5–6 years, consider balanced advantage or hybrid funds.
– They invest in both equity and debt. So risk is lower than pure equity.
– These funds shift between stocks and bonds based on market.
– They protect you better during market falls.
– Active management adds value here.

? Avoid Index Funds for Your Case

– Index funds copy the index and have no active manager.
– In a 5–6 year window, market fluctuations hurt more.
– Index funds fall fully during crashes.
– No expert steps in to manage downside.
– Actively managed funds try to limit this damage.
– They adjust between equity and debt.
– You need that flexibility in shorter timeframes.

? Regular Plan vs Direct Plan – Which is Better?

– Direct plans skip distributor commission. So expense ratio is low.
– But that’s not always better.
– No guidance, no handholding, no support in direct plans.
– With regular plans, a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) supports your journey.
– Especially during volatility or redemption decisions, professional advice matters.
– For new investors, regular plans with CFP guidance offer peace and control.
– Think beyond expense ratio; think about outcomes.

? Which Category of Fund Works Best?

– Balanced Advantage Funds – automatically shift between equity and debt.
– Conservative Hybrid Funds – more debt, less equity. Safer option.
– Equity Savings Funds – use equity, arbitrage, and debt to balance returns.
– Multi Asset Funds – invest in equity, debt, gold. Broadly diversified.

Choose only one or two funds to begin with.

Too many funds dilute returns and increase tracking headaches.

? SIP or Lumpsum – Monthly Strategy Works Well

– SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is your best choice.
– Rs.1000 per month for 5-6 years is Rs.60,000–72,000 total.
– SIP ensures you invest through ups and downs.
– Market low? You buy more units.
– Market high? You gain from past units.
– Over time, SIP smoothens your entry points.

? Set Up SIP with These Basics

– Open a folio with any AMC or through a trusted CFP/MFD.
– Set ECS or bank auto debit for Rs.1000 monthly.
– Choose monthly date carefully. Prefer post salary credit.
– Track SIP regularly, once every 6 months.

? Review and Rebalance Periodically

– Markets change. Goals evolve. So should your investments.
– Review fund performance every year.
– Check if the fund is consistent. Avoid chasing returns.
– Stay invested for the full 5–6 years. Avoid temptation to exit early.
– After 3 years, check if asset mix still fits your timeline.
– Take help of a CFP to rebalance if needed.

? Taxation Angle for Mutual Funds

– If you stay for full 5 years, you may face long-term capital gains (LTCG).
– LTCG from equity funds above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– If sold before 1 year, short-term gains taxed at 20%.
– For hybrid funds with more debt, gains taxed as per your income slab.
– To minimise tax, exit after 3 years or stagger redemptions.

? Exit Strategy – Don’t Wait Till Last Month

– Don’t withdraw the full amount in one go.
– Begin withdrawal 6–12 months before goal.
– Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) if needed.
– This protects gains and avoids market shock.
– Plan your exits with professional guidance.

? Behavioural Discipline – Key to Success

– Even Rs.1000 per month needs consistency.
– Never pause SIP during market fall.
– Avoid timing the market.
– Don’t switch funds frequently.
– Trust the plan. Trust the process.

? Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Skipping SIP when other expenses increase.
– Choosing 3–4 funds for Rs.1000 SIP – this splits the power.
– Taking direct plans and then panicking in market fall.
– Exiting funds due to 1–2 months poor performance.
– Ignoring reviews and rebalancing.

? Benefits You Get by Staying the Course

– You learn financial discipline.
– You create a savings habit.
– You experience market behaviour slowly and safely.
– You build confidence for larger investments in future.
– You generate tax-efficient long-term wealth.

? Final Insights

– Starting with Rs.1000/month is a bold first step.
– For 5–6 years, hybrid or balanced advantage funds are right.
– Choose regular plan and work with a CFP-backed MFD.
– Avoid index funds and direct funds for your case.
– Review your fund every year with a professional.
– Exit slowly and smartly. Avoid lump sum withdrawals.
– Stick with the plan. Stay consistent. You will succeed.

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

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