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Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2024 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Jun 03, 2024

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
Sadik Haidry Question by Sadik Haidry on Jun 01, 2024Hindi
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Sir my port folio consist of (shares/rupees)BEL 50/183, Kalyan jewellers 50/364, IND HOTEL 50/572, TVS MOTORS 22/1917, RVNL100/223, IRCON 55/ 183, TATA MOTERS 50/ 901, HIMADARI SPL CHEMICAL80/350, IOCL 50/158, NTPC50/364, L&T 10/3370, HCL 51/1431, APOLLO TYRES 60/474, BANK OF MAHARASHTRA 200/59.31 PLZ REVIEW SIR ...NEED ANY CHANGES AS PLAN TO KEEP FOR LONG TERM

Ans: other than Kalyan jewelers, all are good for long term
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  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 28, 2024Hindi
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I am 27 year old, have been earning money since 2017 but didn’t save any or used all the money. Now since a year I’ve started saving , my current portfolio/plan is 2286 : tata sampoorn life insurance 750000 (rop) 40 years 3180 : aditya birla capital guarantee solution pay 5 year stay invested 20 years 3000 : bajaj goal assure pay 20 y invest 20 y 2000 : tata fortune pro pay 5 invested 15 y Sips ::::::: 4000 : nippon small cap 2000 : quant small cap -G 2000 : hdfc infrastructure-G 2000 : icici pru infrastructure-G 2000 : icici pru bharat 22 fof-G 2000 : icici pru equity and debt - idcwy 1000 : kotak equity hybrid reg-G 1000 : quant focused -G Health insurance with no return. I can not stop the policy plans, can only change sips Does this portflio looks healthy to you, or j need to shuffle / add/ remove something. Plz suggest
Ans: Your commitment to saving and investing is commendable, especially after recognizing the need for financial planning. Let’s evaluate your portfolio and suggest improvements for a healthier financial future.

Current Portfolio Assessment
Insurance Policies
You have allocated significant funds to various insurance-cum-investment products. These plans often offer low returns compared to other investment options. However, since you cannot stop these policies, it's crucial to focus on optimizing your other investments.

SIP Investments
Your SIP investments are diversified across small cap, infrastructure, and hybrid funds. Small cap funds can provide high returns but come with higher risk. Infrastructure funds are sector-specific and can be volatile. A mix of equity and debt funds is good, but let's refine it further.

Diversification and Risk Management
Diversification is vital for risk management. While you have diversified across various funds, it's important to balance high-risk and low-risk investments. Ensure you have a mix of large cap, mid cap, and small cap funds. This will help in balancing the risk and returns.

High-Risk Investments
Small Cap Funds: These can yield high returns but are also risky. Limit exposure to these funds to manage risk.

Sector-Specific Funds: Infrastructure funds can be volatile. Consider reducing exposure to these funds and reallocating to more stable options.

Moderate-Risk Investments
Equity Hybrid Funds: These funds balance between equity and debt, providing moderate risk and returns. Increasing allocation to such funds can stabilize your portfolio.
Low-Risk Investments
Debt Funds: Adding debt funds can provide stability and reduce overall portfolio risk. They offer lower returns but are safer.
Regular vs. Direct Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner can provide valuable guidance. Regular funds come with expert advice, helping you navigate market complexities. Direct funds might save on costs but lack professional guidance, which can be critical for long-term success.

Health Insurance
Your health insurance with no return is a prudent choice. It’s essential for financial protection against medical emergencies. Ensure the coverage is adequate for your needs.

Recommendations for Improvement
Rebalance SIP Investments

Reduce small cap and sector-specific fund exposure.

Increase allocation to equity hybrid funds for balanced growth.

Add debt funds for stability and risk reduction.

Emergency Fund

Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to six months of expenses. This should be in a liquid, low-risk investment.
Retirement Planning

Start a dedicated retirement fund if not already in place. This could be a mix of PPF, EPF, and equity funds.
Review and Adjust Regularly

Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Make adjustments as needed with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner.

Conclusion
Your initiative to save and invest is a great step towards financial security. By rebalancing your portfolio and managing risks, you can achieve a healthier financial future. Regular reviews and adjustments with professional guidance will ensure you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 07, 2024

Money
Dear Sir.. DPVN aged 43 investment in MF as follows 1. Kotak Multicap 5000pm since 2018 2. Canrobecco emerging equity 5000 pm since Jan 2022 3. DSP equity opportunity Rs 1000 pm since 2018 4. LIC large& Mid cap 2000 pm since 2018 5. LIC large cap Rs 2000 since 2018 6. SBI focussed equity 1000 pm 7. SBI blue chip 1000 pm 8 sbI magnum mid cap 1000 pm 9. SBI small & mid cap 1000 pm Last 4 years Should I review, continue? How would rate this folio. Please advice. DPVN 5
Ans: Dear DPVN,

Thank you for sharing the details of your mutual fund investments. I appreciate your commitment to securing your financial future. Let's carefully review your portfolio and explore opportunities for improvement. Your dedication to investing consistently is commendable and shows a strong commitment to your financial goals.

Reviewing Your Current Portfolio

Your portfolio includes a diverse mix of mutual funds. These funds span various categories, such as multicap, large cap, mid cap, and focused equity funds. This diversity helps spread risk across different market segments.

Here's a summary of your current investments:

Kotak Multicap Fund: Rs 5000 per month since 2018
Canara Robeco Emerging Equity Fund: Rs 5000 per month since January 2022
DSP Equity Opportunity Fund: Rs 1000 per month since 2018
LIC Large & Mid Cap Fund: Rs 2000 per month since 2018
LIC Large Cap Fund: Rs 2000 per month since 2018
SBI Focused Equity Fund: Rs 1000 per month
SBI Blue Chip Fund: Rs 1000 per month
SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund: Rs 1000 per month
SBI Small & Mid Cap Fund: Rs 1000 per month
Diversification and Overlap

Your portfolio demonstrates good diversification across different fund categories. However, it's essential to assess if there's any overlap in the underlying assets. Having too many funds within the same category can lead to redundancy, which may not provide additional diversification benefits.

For example, your investments in multiple large cap and mid cap funds could result in overlapping holdings. Evaluating each fund's portfolio can help determine if they're holding similar stocks. If significant overlap is found, consolidating these investments might simplify your portfolio without compromising diversification.

Performance Evaluation

Regularly reviewing the performance of your investments is crucial. Let's look at the historical performance of these funds since you started investing. Consistently underperforming funds should be reassessed.

Kotak Multicap Fund: Multicap funds offer flexibility to invest across market capitalizations. Reviewing its performance relative to its benchmark and peers will provide insights.
Canara Robeco Emerging Equity Fund: Emerging equity funds can be volatile but offer growth potential. Since you started in 2022, it's essential to monitor its performance closely.
DSP Equity Opportunity Fund: This fund's performance since 2018 should be reviewed. Equity opportunity funds aim for growth by investing in companies with potential.
LIC Large & Mid Cap Fund and LIC Large Cap Fund: Large and mid cap funds balance growth and stability. Reviewing their returns will indicate their performance.
SBI Focused Equity Fund: Focused funds hold a limited number of stocks, aiming for higher returns. Assess its performance for consistency.
SBI Blue Chip Fund: Blue chip funds invest in established companies. Evaluate its performance against other large cap funds.
SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund and SBI Small & Mid Cap Fund: Mid and small cap funds can offer high growth but are riskier. Review their performance since inception.
Risk Assessment

Each fund category carries different levels of risk. Large cap funds tend to be more stable, while mid and small cap funds are more volatile but offer higher growth potential. Your portfolio's risk profile should align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Given your age (43), you likely have a mix of medium and long-term financial goals. Balancing risk and growth is key. Assess if your current mix aligns with your risk tolerance. If any funds seem too risky, consider reallocating to more stable options.

Expense Ratios and Fund Management

Expense ratios impact your returns. Lower expense ratios mean more of your money is working for you. Comparing the expense ratios of your funds with peers can identify cost-efficient options.

Actively managed funds, like those in your portfolio, involve fund managers making investment decisions. Evaluating the fund managers' track records can provide insights into their performance consistency.

Tax Efficiency

Tax efficiency is another important factor. Long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) applies to equity mutual funds held for over a year. Monitoring your portfolio's tax efficiency ensures you're optimizing returns while minimizing tax liabilities.

Benefits of Active Management

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through strategic stock selection. While they come with higher fees compared to index funds, they offer potential for higher returns. Active fund managers can navigate market volatility, making informed decisions based on research and analysis.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds track a market index and aim to match its performance. While they have lower fees, they also limit the potential for outperformance. They can't adapt to market changes or economic shifts. For investors seeking higher returns, actively managed funds offer better opportunities, despite higher costs.

Assessing Direct vs. Regular Funds

Direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios as they don't involve intermediaries. However, regular funds, invested through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), provide professional guidance. This advice can help in selecting the right funds and managing your portfolio effectively.

Direct funds may seem cost-effective, but the expertise of a CFP can lead to better-informed decisions. Regular funds ensure your investments are aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. The additional cost of regular funds is justified by the personalized advice and management.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Periodic rebalancing aligns your portfolio with your investment strategy. Over time, some funds may perform better than others, skewing your allocation. Rebalancing ensures you're not overly exposed to any particular asset class.

Review your investments annually or semi-annually. This helps in making necessary adjustments based on market conditions and your financial goals. Selling overperforming assets and reinvesting in underperforming ones can help maintain your desired risk level.

Investment Strategy Moving Forward

To optimize your portfolio, consider the following steps:

Performance Review: Regularly review the performance of each fund. Replace consistently underperforming funds with better alternatives.

Reduce Overlap: Consolidate funds with significant overlap. This simplifies management and ensures better diversification.

Risk Alignment: Ensure your portfolio's risk profile aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Adjust allocations if necessary.

Expense Ratios: Compare expense ratios and opt for cost-efficient funds. Lower expenses contribute to higher net returns.

Professional Guidance: Leverage the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner for informed decisions and strategic planning.


It's understandable to feel overwhelmed with managing multiple investments. Your diligence in saving and investing is praiseworthy. A structured approach will simplify management and enhance returns. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio ensures you're on track to achieve your financial goals.

Final Insights

Your commitment to investing regularly in mutual funds is commendable. A strategic review and rebalancing of your portfolio will enhance its performance. Consolidating overlapping funds and ensuring alignment with your risk tolerance are key steps.

Regularly monitor your investments and seek professional guidance when needed. Your financial journey is unique, and tailored advice will help you navigate it effectively. With careful planning and periodic reviews, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial aspirations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |161 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 17, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir, I have another question: I have been investing in the Bajaj Allianz Life Goal Assurance Plan for the past five years, which is a combination of insurance and investment. The total premium payment duration is 10 years, with a SIP of ?10,000 per month, followed by a lock-in period of an additional 5 years So far, my monthly contributions of ?10,000 have grown to ?9.40 lakhs, with an approximate CAGR of 16%, although the insurance coverage remains at ?12 lakhs. Initially, I did not have much knowledge but continued investing due to the plan’s market-linked structure. For the first five years, my funds were allocated to Pure Stock II and Equity Growth funds basically large-cap. Recently, mid-cap and small-cap index funds were also added to their portfolio. Now that I’ve completed 5 years of investing in large-cap components, I am considering allocating the remaining 5 years to mid-cap and small-cap funds, without increasing the SIP. This would be done through a fund switch from large-cap to mid-cap and small-cap or by dividing the allocation equally—25% each across pure-stock, equity growth, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Would you recommend this strategy while allowing the large-cap corpurs from the first 5 years to grow at their own pace and remaining 5 years switched into mid-cap/small-cap. Since the policy will mature in 2034, this gives me ample time for the investment to grow, allowing the corpus to build significantly over the remaining years
Ans: Since you are looking for 10 year time horizon, I recommend you divide the allocation equally(25%) across pure stock, equity growth, midcap index and small cap quality index funds.

Happy Investing!!

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |892 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Career
I am bsc cbz(chemistry botany zoology) 2nd semester student in bikaner rajasthan and my age is 22 and general category and want to pursue research msc than phd but confused about the scope in india in research field i am from middle class family . I dont want to become a school/ coaching teacher but can look for assistant professor and i am not interested in doing msc in chemistry or physics want to do in biotechnology microbiology etc. please help me ????????
Ans: Hello APRK.
You can pursue an M.Sc. and aim to go for P.Hd. There is a lot of scope for research field in India. To become an assistant professor, you must have a minimum qualification of M.Sc. If you are not interested in M.Sc. Chemistry / Physics, then you can go with Biotechnology Microbiology. This is also a good option for you.
In my opinion, there is no point in diversifying yourself without any reason. The correct path is B.Sc. then M.Sc. and then P.Hd. Join as an assistant professor in any college and even though you don't want to join any school/college, you can join any big coaching center or start your coaching. Without any confusion at this stage, just focus on your B.Sc. and try to excel In it with a high %tile for a better future in PG and P.Hd. While pursuing a B.Sc., if possible join some computer courses related to AI, Website development, Mastering Excel, Business Automation, etc. to have an added advantage from a job placement point of view.

If you are dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
If satisfied, please like and follow me.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 19, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir. I am 46 looking for advice . I want to increase my 50 L to 1 crore mf portfolio in next one year and my end goal is to achieve 5 to 7 crore by 10 years . I will invest Sip 12 lakh per year for next 5 years . I am getting 32 lakhs cash in next 6 to 9 manths. I am thinking to invest 8 laksh every quarter additional lumpsum by distributing to different mf. I have mf portfolio as large cap 3 including 1 index fund 23% . Midcap 3 23% and small cap 3 23% and flexicap 2 8% and sectorial 2 10% hybrid 2 13%. Based on overlapping fund I see large cap as potential to balance as it's 54% overlapping stocks ,other funds are 0verlapping is 8 to 14%. For each areas . I would like to know is my strategy right to distributing lumpsum quarterly wise right ? . I will be mostly distributing same % ? . Please let me know any other method to achieve the goal. Also all mfs iam keeping are 5 or 4 rated funds with consistent return of 15 to 20% with alpha more than 1 . I am reducing investment on 3 rated funds below alpha 1 funds. Please confirm the approach and Your guidance will be really appreciated
Ans: At 46, you are in a strong financial position with Rs. 50 lakh in mutual funds. Your goal is to grow this to Rs. 1 crore within a year and Rs. 5 to 7 crore in the next 10 years. You plan to invest Rs. 12 lakh per year through SIPs for the next five years, and you will also receive Rs. 32 lakh in cash in the next 6 to 9 months, which you plan to invest in a staggered manner. Your current mutual fund portfolio includes a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, sectoral, and hybrid funds.

Now, let's evaluate and assess your strategy from all angles to ensure it is aligned with your financial goals.

Evaluating Your Portfolio Composition
Current Allocation: Your portfolio includes a diverse range of mutual funds. You have 23% in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, 8% in flexi-cap, 10% in sectoral, and 13% in hybrid funds.

Large-Cap Overlap: You mentioned that 54% of your large-cap funds overlap, which indicates some redundancy. Reducing overlap will streamline your portfolio and improve diversification.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Allocation: With 23% allocated to mid-cap and small-cap funds, you are well-positioned to benefit from higher growth potential. However, this also comes with higher volatility, which we will discuss in a later section.

Sectoral Funds: Sectoral funds make up 10% of your portfolio. These funds can be risky as they are dependent on the performance of specific sectors. Limiting exposure here is wise.

Hybrid Funds: Hybrid funds, at 13%, provide a mix of equity and debt, which adds a layer of stability. This is a balanced approach and complements your aggressive equity investments.

Lumpsum Strategy: Quarterly Distribution
Your Plan: You plan to distribute Rs. 8 lakh every quarter from your Rs. 32 lakh cash inflow, over the next year. Distributing lumpsum investments quarterly is a prudent way to mitigate market timing risks.

Staggered Approach: By staggering your lumpsum investment, you can take advantage of rupee cost averaging. This reduces the impact of market volatility, which is particularly important given the uncertain nature of markets.

Potential Risks: One concern with lump sum investments is the temptation to invest during market highs. Timing the market is difficult, and a disciplined staggered approach, as you’ve chosen, helps mitigate this risk.

SIPs for Consistent Growth
Annual SIP Commitment: You are investing Rs. 12 lakh annually in SIPs over the next five years. This is an excellent strategy, as SIPs benefit from market volatility. You are disciplined, which is crucial for long-term growth.

Rebalancing Strategy: You are reviewing funds based on their ratings and alpha. Reducing investments in 3-rated funds with lower alpha and focusing on 4- and 5-rated funds is smart. It is essential to continuously monitor fund performance, but avoid making impulsive changes based on short-term fluctuations.

Overlap in Large-Cap Funds
Issue of Overlap: You observed a 54% overlap in your large-cap funds, which is quite high. This can limit your exposure to new opportunities and reduce diversification. It is worth considering consolidation of your large-cap holdings to reduce this overlap.

Action Plan: You can replace some of the overlapping large-cap funds with high-quality actively managed funds. Actively managed funds can provide better opportunities for returns compared to index funds, as fund managers can take advantage of market inefficiencies.

Avoid Index Funds: While index funds can provide low-cost exposure, they often mirror market indices and cannot outperform them. Since you are aiming for a higher growth rate, actively managed funds are likely to be more beneficial. Index funds also lack flexibility in adjusting to changing market conditions, which is essential for achieving higher returns.

Flexi-Cap Funds: Adaptive and Flexible
Flexi-Cap Allocation: Your allocation of 8% to flexi-cap funds is solid. Flexi-cap funds offer the advantage of flexibility in investing across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments based on market opportunities.

Balancing Act: These funds can adapt to market conditions, providing a more balanced risk-return profile. Increasing your allocation to flexi-cap funds could further enhance the flexibility of your portfolio. These funds can help reduce the impact of volatility while still capitalizing on growth opportunities.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds: Growth with Volatility
Growth Potential: Mid-cap and small-cap funds provide significant growth potential. However, they are also more volatile compared to large-cap funds.

Current Allocation: Your allocation of 23% each to mid-cap and small-cap funds indicates a high-risk appetite. While these funds can deliver high returns, they can also experience sharp declines in the short term.

Risk Management: Since you are aiming for long-term growth, holding these funds makes sense. However, it’s essential to ensure that your portfolio is not overly concentrated in these high-risk categories. You may want to consider reducing your exposure slightly to mitigate risk, particularly as you approach retirement.

Sectoral Funds: Strategic but Risky
Sectoral Allocation: Sectoral funds can deliver outsized returns, but they are also highly risky as they depend on the performance of specific sectors.

Limiting Exposure: Keeping sectoral funds at 10% of your portfolio is reasonable. However, be cautious about increasing this allocation further, as these funds are more vulnerable to sector-specific downturns.

Hybrid Funds: Stability and Safety
Hybrid Allocation: Your 13% allocation to hybrid funds is a good way to balance your portfolio. Hybrid funds combine equity and debt, providing a safety net during market downturns.

Importance of Stability: These funds offer lower returns compared to pure equity funds, but they also provide stability, especially during market corrections. It’s a good idea to retain this allocation to hybrid funds as part of your overall strategy.

Monitoring Fund Ratings and Alpha
Fund Selection: You are making fund selections based on ratings and alpha. This approach is effective as it helps filter out underperforming funds.

Consistent Review: Continuously monitoring the performance of your funds is crucial. However, avoid making frequent changes based on short-term performance. Focus on long-term consistency and the overall trajectory of the funds.

Reducing 3-Rated Funds: You are reducing your investment in 3-rated funds with an alpha below 1. This is a sound decision as these funds are underperforming. Focus on high-quality funds that have consistently delivered strong returns.

Achieving Your 5 to 7 Crore Goal
Targeting 5 to 7 Crore: Your target of achieving Rs. 5 to 7 crore in 10 years is ambitious but achievable. With disciplined SIPs, a staggered lumpsum approach, and strategic fund selection, you are well on track.

Strategic Rebalancing: It’s important to regularly rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals. Focus on actively managed funds, reduce overlap, and avoid index funds to maximize your growth potential.

Consistency: The key to achieving your goal will be consistency. Stick to your SIP schedule, invest your lumpsum funds wisely, and avoid chasing short-term gains.

Final Insights
Your Strategy Is Strong: Overall, your strategy is solid. You have diversified your portfolio across different types of funds, and your disciplined approach to SIPs and lumpsum investments is commendable.

Focus on Large-Cap Overlap: Reducing the overlap in your large-cap funds will improve diversification and provide new growth opportunities.

Continue Monitoring Performance: Keep reviewing your fund performance, but avoid making hasty changes based on short-term trends. Focus on long-term growth.

Stay Disciplined: The key to success is discipline. Stick to your investment plan, and you will be well on your way to achieving your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6340 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Money
Mr Vivek Lala, Good Morning. Can you please tell me , 1) where all the places we can invest in SWPs. 2) Is there any age limit for SWP. 3) Is there SWP facility in NPS also?.4) Any upper ceiling limit to invest in SWP?. Thank you.
Ans: A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) is a facility offered by many mutual funds. It allows investors to withdraw a fixed sum from their investments at regular intervals. Let’s dive into each part of your query to provide detailed insights.

1. Investment Options for SWPs

SWPs are primarily associated with mutual funds. Here are the various options where you can invest through SWPs:

Debt Mutual Funds: These are one of the most popular options for SWPs. They provide stability, with low-risk returns.

Equity Mutual Funds: SWPs can also be done in equity mutual funds. This option is riskier, but it can offer better returns in the long term.

Hybrid Mutual Funds: These funds combine equity and debt, offering balanced risk and returns. SWPs in hybrid funds can help diversify risk.

Balanced Advantage Funds: These are dynamic funds that shift between equity and debt based on market conditions. SWPs in these funds could provide more stability.

Notably, SWPs are not available in direct equity, bonds, or other such traditional investments. They are mainly associated with mutual funds. It’s a simple and flexible option for generating regular income.

2. Age Limit for SWPs

There is no age limit for investing in an SWP. Whether you are young and looking to generate additional income, or you are in retirement, anyone can opt for SWPs. You can start an SWP at any stage in your life, as long as you have a mutual fund investment.

For young investors, it can be used to fund specific needs like education, travel, or other personal expenses. For retirees, it acts as a regular source of income to meet living expenses.

3. SWP in National Pension System (NPS)

Unfortunately, there is no SWP facility available in the NPS. The NPS is structured differently from mutual funds. It is a pension scheme meant for long-term retirement savings. The withdrawals from NPS are governed by specific rules, and it doesn’t offer the flexibility that SWPs do.

NPS provides partial withdrawal options, but these are limited. Upon maturity, you can withdraw 60% of your corpus, but the remaining 40% must be used to purchase an annuity. So, NPS does not have the same withdrawal flexibility as SWPs in mutual funds.

4. Upper Ceiling Limit for SWPs

There is no upper ceiling limit for investing in SWPs. You can invest as much as you want in mutual funds and set up an SWP accordingly. Your SWP amount depends on the size of your corpus and the returns it generates.

However, it’s crucial to be cautious. Withdrawing more than the returns can eat into your capital. Therefore, it is advisable to carefully calculate how much you wish to withdraw through SWP to ensure that your capital lasts for the desired period.

Advantages of SWPs

Here are the key advantages of opting for SWPs:

Regular Income: SWPs provide a steady and regular stream of income.

Tax Efficiency: SWPs in equity and hybrid funds are more tax-efficient compared to traditional income sources like Fixed Deposits.

Customisation: SWPs allow you to customize the withdrawal amount and frequency.

Flexibility: You can start or stop an SWP anytime. You can also increase or decrease the amount as needed.

Capital Protection: SWPs allow you to withdraw just the returns, protecting your capital.

Disadvantages of SWPs

Despite the advantages, there are a few downsides to SWPs:

Capital Erosion: If your withdrawals exceed the returns, your capital could reduce over time.

Market Risks: In equity-based SWPs, market fluctuations can impact returns, especially if you’re withdrawing regularly.

Lower Returns in Debt Funds: Debt funds provide stability but generally have lower returns compared to equity funds.

Comparison: SWPs vs Direct Investments

Some investors prefer direct mutual fund investments. However, direct plans, while having lower expense ratios, lack professional advice. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) have extensive market experience and can tailor investments according to your goals and risk appetite.

Direct funds are usually opted by those who understand markets well. However, many investors lose potential returns by making emotional or uninformed decisions. That’s where regular funds managed by an MFD with CFP credentials can provide significant benefits. The guidance of a professional can ensure that your investments stay aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Why Actively Managed Funds are Better than Index Funds

If you’re considering mutual funds for SWPs, actively managed funds are a better option compared to index funds. Here’s why:

Market-Beating Potential: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, while index funds can only mirror the market returns.

Professional Management: Actively managed funds are run by experienced fund managers who actively adjust portfolios to seize opportunities and mitigate risks.

Customisation and Flexibility: Active funds allow fund managers to customize portfolios according to changing market conditions, unlike index funds which are rigid.

While index funds offer low-cost investments, they don’t offer the flexibility and potential growth that actively managed funds do.

No Ceiling on SWP Investments

As mentioned earlier, there is no ceiling on the amount you can invest in SWPs. However, you must consider how much you are withdrawing monthly. Over-withdrawing can erode your capital.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you plan an optimal withdrawal amount. They will ensure that your corpus is not depleted quickly while generating consistent returns.

Final Insights

SWPs are an excellent way to generate regular income, especially for retirees or those looking for a steady cash flow. The flexibility and tax benefits make it an attractive option for many investors.

You should remember, though, that SWPs in equity funds carry market risks, while debt funds offer stability with lower returns. A balance between the two, or opting for hybrid funds, may offer a safer bet for long-term withdrawal plans.

Lastly, avoid direct and index funds if you prefer peace of mind and professional management. By investing through a Certified Financial Planner, you can make sure your investments are aligned with your long-term financial goals, especially if you are considering SWPs.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |612 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 18, 2024Hindi
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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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