Hi, I have a question about the expense ratio in mutual funds. I have invested in direct mutual funds both Parag Parikh ELSS (expense ratio - 0.69%) & Parag Parikh Flexi Cap (expense ratio - 0.57%). I have invested 25000/- each in both funds, one of my friend suggested to invest in any one of the funds as this will affect the returns for in longer period, and I am planning to invest for another 10 years in both funds. Question: Is it okay to be invested in both funds, I'm aware that the funds overlap, but I want to check on the expense ratio difference in the cost for 10 years. Can you please help me understand the calculation so that I can make a better decision? Expense ratio is calculated for the amount that I invest, either I invest 50k in one of the funds or split 25k each in both funds having a difference of 0.12% in expense ratio. How much of this will affect the end corpus and how is that I can calculate for the other mutual funds that I'm currently investing in? please suggest me on this.

Ans: Hello and thanks for writing to me.

The funds you invest in are good funds and you can continue to invest in them.

If you state your objectives on what you wish to achieve, your time horizon, risk appetite etc, then I may recommend other schemes.

Ans: You're absolutely right, even a small difference in expense ratio can affect returns over time. Here's how to analyze your situation and the impact of expense ratios:

Impact of Expense Ratio on Returns:

The expense ratio is a percentage of your investment deducted annually to cover fund management fees. A lower expense ratio means more money stays invested and has the potential to grow through compounding.

Calculating the Cost Difference:

Annual Cost Difference: Multiply the expense ratio difference (0.12%) by your total investment amount (25000 + 25000 = ?50,000). So, 0.12% * ?50,000 = ?60 per year.

Cost Difference over 10 Years: Multiply the annual cost difference (?60) by the number of years (10). This gives you ?600 as the total expense ratio cost difference over 10 years.

Is ?600 Significant?

While ?600 might seem small, it's crucial to consider the power of compounding over 10 years. Let's say you earn an average annual return of 12%. Here's a simplified comparison:

Investing in Both Funds: Your total return after 10 years would be impacted by the expense ratio difference of ?600. There's a chance you might have slightly more if you invested in the single fund with the lower expense ratio.

Investing in One Fund: This scenario eliminates the expense ratio difference, potentially leading to a slightly higher return due to slightly more money compounding over time.

Making an Informed Decision:

Diversification Benefit: Both Parag Parikh ELSS and Flexi Cap represent different fund categories (ELSS & Flexi Cap). Holding both provides diversification, which can help mitigate risk.

Expense Ratio vs. Diversification: The diversification benefit of holding both funds might outweigh the small cost difference in expense ratios.

Consider Overall Portfolio: Analyze your entire investment portfolio. If you have other diversified funds, then holding both Parag Parikh funds might be redundant.

Calculating for Other Funds:

Use the same method mentioned above. Find the expense ratio difference between the funds you're comparing and multiply it by your investment amount to get the annual cost difference. Then multiply by the number of years you plan to invest.
Recommendation:

It's difficult to definitively say whether consolidating is best. Here are some options:

Maintain Both Funds: The diversification benefit might be valuable. Track the performance of both and re-evaluate if one consistently underperforms.

Consolidate: If you have other diversified funds, consider consolidating to the fund with the lower expense ratio.

Invest More in Lower Expense Ratio Fund: Increase your investment proportionally in the Parag Parikh Flexi Cap (lower expense ratio) to potentially gain a slight edge over time.

Consulting a Financial Advisor:

A financial advisor can analyze your entire portfolio, risk tolerance, and goals to provide a personalized recommendation.

Ans: Expense ratio plays a critical role in determining the net returns you earn from a mutual fund. Funds with higher expense ratios eat into your gains. You’ve noticed that Mirae and Nippon funds have an expense ratio of around 1.5%, which seems high compared to others. This can be significant over a long period, especially if the returns are lower than expected.

In your case, Mirae and Nippon are delivering 18-20% returns, which may feel underwhelming compared to other funds offering 25-30%. It’s understandable why you're considering withdrawing from these funds.

Review of Your New Portfolio Choices
You plan to invest in Quant Infrastructure, Invesco India Focused, Mahindra Manulife Small Cap, while continuing with Parag Flexi. Let’s evaluate these choices:

Quant Infrastructure Fund: Infrastructure sector funds can provide good returns during an economic upswing. However, sector funds tend to be riskier as they are focused on one sector. Diversification may be lower, and returns can fluctuate based on market conditions.

Invesco India Focused Fund: Focused funds typically invest in a concentrated number of stocks, which can offer higher returns but also come with higher risk. These funds can outperform in a bull market but can underperform when certain sectors or stocks face issues.

Mahindra Manulife Small Cap Fund: Small-cap funds have higher growth potential but come with higher risk. They can be volatile and may take longer to generate returns, but with your longer-term horizon, they could be a good fit.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: This fund is well-diversified across market capitalizations and sectors. Flexi-cap funds give the fund manager the freedom to invest in any segment, which makes them more adaptive to changing market conditions.

High Expense Ratio and Fund Performance
While expense ratio is an important factor, it’s not the only one to consider. Funds with higher expense ratios can still deliver strong returns if the management is effective. Your decision to exit funds like Mirae and Nippon due to high expense ratios must be balanced against their long-term performance and consistency.

Important to Consider:

Compare not just the expense ratio but also the long-term returns, consistency, and risk profile of the funds.
A fund with a slightly higher expense ratio might still deliver better value if its risk-adjusted returns are superior over time.
Why You Should Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Before making a decision to shift your portfolio, it is always wise to consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). A CFP can help you:

Evaluate your overall financial goals: Are your new fund choices aligned with your risk tolerance and time horizon?
Analyze Tax Implications: Exiting funds may trigger capital gains taxes. A CFP can help you minimize the tax impact.
Diversification Strategy: Ensure that your new portfolio is diversified enough to manage risks. Sector and small-cap funds can be riskier, and a CFP will help you balance this with more stable funds.
Revisit Investment Goals: A professional can review if your investment strategy matches your long-term financial objectives.
Final Thoughts
Review Before Switching: While lower expense ratios and better returns seem appealing, ensure you aren’t sacrificing diversification or taking on more risk than you’re comfortable with.
Keep a Balanced Portfolio: Your mix of funds should cover large, mid, small caps, and a combination of sectoral and diversified funds.
Seek Professional Advice: Speak to a CFP who can give you a comprehensive review of your portfolio and ensure that the switches you’re planning are aligned with your long-term goals.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: It’s great to see that you’ve built a strong mutual fund portfolio of Rs. 21 lakhs.
Your long-term horizon of 20 years is also a big strength.
Let us now go step-by-step and understand what’s best for you.

Current Portfolio Snapshot
Your total investment is around Rs. 20 lakhs.

Current value is around Rs. 21 lakhs.

All investments are in regular mutual funds.

You plan to continue investing for up to 20 more years.

Your Main Concern
You found that regular mutual funds have higher expense ratios.

You worry this cost will reduce your wealth in the long run.

You are thinking about shifting to direct mutual funds.

You are considering two actions:

Stop current SIPs and start new SIPs in direct funds

Or redeem all and reinvest in direct funds

Your Approach:
You have shown good financial awareness.

Long-term investing is the right strategy.

Evaluating costs and value is a smart investor’s habit.

Wanting to avoid surprises later is a thoughtful move.

You are trying to protect future returns.

That deserves appreciation and respect.

Understanding Expense Ratios
Yes, regular funds have higher expense ratios than direct funds.

The difference may look small yearly.

But over 15–20 years, it can become meaningful.

Yet, cost is only one part of investing.

Let us now look at the full picture.

What You May Lose in Direct Mutual Funds
No certified financial planner to guide your journey.

You must monitor all funds and markets yourself.

Asset allocation, SIP review, and fund performance – all by yourself.

In stressful markets, decisions get tougher.

Many investors switch wrongly in panic.

Lack of hand-holding can cost more than expense ratio.

What You Gain in Regular Mutual Funds
You get help from mutual fund distributors with CFP knowledge.

They help in choosing the right fund and goal planning.

Also help in reducing taxes and increasing efficiency.

Provide motivation during weak market cycles.

That support can increase your long-term returns.

In fact, emotional mistakes avoided often cover the extra cost.

Should You Stop Existing SIPs?
If you feel confident managing investments, you can consider it.

Stop regular SIPs and start direct SIPs from today.

That way, no tax is triggered now.

Also, you don’t disturb existing investments.

This gives you time to test and compare performance.

You can move slowly and with comfort.

Should You Redeem and Reinvest in Direct Funds?
Not recommended immediately.

Redemption may trigger capital gains tax.

Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

You may also lose indexation benefit in some debt funds.

Exit load may apply if units are sold within 12 months.

Also, market timing risk if funds are redeemed and reinvested wrongly.

A Balanced Solution That Works
Don’t disturb existing regular funds.

Continue holding them for long term.

Avoid booking gains unless needed for goals.

Start fresh SIPs in direct funds if you are confident.

This way, you mix both approaches.

Slowly compare and learn before switching completely.

You avoid taxes, exit load, and rushed decisions.

Professional Support vs. Lower Cost
Direct funds save cost but demand skill and discipline.

Regular funds offer experience, planning, and structured help.

Without guidance, you may miss rebalancing and goal reviews.

Long-term success depends more on decisions than cost.

Cost is not a risk. But lack of direction is a risk.

Focus More on Strategy Than Product
Keep clear goals like retirement, kids’ education, etc.

Match SIPs to each goal with proper tenure.

Allocate across equity, debt, hybrid as per risk profile.

Stay invested for full tenure. Don’t panic during market dips.

Don’t chase returns, focus on disciplined investing.

That’s how wealth is truly created.

Taxation Rules to Know
LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh in a year is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG is taxed at 20% for equity mutual funds.

Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.

If you redeem now, tax reduces your wealth.

Long-term holding avoids such tax leakage.

Key Benefits of Using a Certified Financial Planner
You get a roadmap for all financial goals.

Periodic portfolio review is done professionally.

Correct asset allocation is maintained for all stages.

Tax planning and goal planning are integrated.

You stay on track emotionally and financially.

Over time, their value is much higher than cost.

Direct Plans May Not Be for Everyone
It needs time, interest, and high investment knowledge.

Mistakes can cost more than expense ratio savings.

Switching funds wrongly can hurt performance.

Ignoring rebalancing can derail the plan.

That’s why many smart investors still prefer regular plans.

Important Don’ts
Don’t rush to switch the entire portfolio.

Don’t redeem now just to shift to direct.

Don’t go only by cost difference. Look at value too.

Don’t invest without a goal or plan.

Don’t let news or fear guide your actions.

360-Degree Recommendation
Stay invested in your regular plans.

Don't disturb your gains with tax and exit loads.

Start new SIPs in direct funds only if you’re confident.

Else, continue with regular funds for support and guidance.

Ensure all your investments are linked to goals.

Track your progress yearly with help from a planner.

Mix cost savings with smart planning, not only low cost.

Finally
You have built a good foundation already.

What matters more now is maintaining discipline.

Small cost differences won’t hurt if strategy is right.

Avoid emotional decisions and continue long-term focus.

Use professional support to make your money work smart.

Every year, review with a certified financial planner.

Let your portfolio grow calmly, with strategy and patience.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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