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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 20, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 04, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi Ramalingam sir, i have started SIP of 50k each since January 2024 in Kotak emerging equity fund (growth), Nippon small cap fund (growth) and Nippon large cap fund (growth). I wish to continue this for 5 years and i would be retiring at the end of 2028. What would be likely of this investment at the end of 2028? Please let me know if it would be worth keeping the money and don't withdraw .. me expenses post retirement could be covered by PF & PPF. Is Parag Parikh Flexi cap fund good for investing for 5 years?

Ans: Your SIPs in Kotak Emerging Equity Fund (Growth), Nippon Small Cap Fund (Growth), and Nippon Large Cap Fund (Growth) reflect a balanced approach. Investing Rs 50,000 each per month demonstrates a strong commitment towards building wealth. Here is an analysis of these funds and their potential outcomes:

Kotak Emerging Equity Fund focuses on mid-cap companies. It can offer high returns but carries moderate risk.

Nippon Small Cap Fund invests in smaller companies. These funds usually deliver higher returns over a long period, but they are volatile.

Nippon Large Cap Fund is relatively safer. It invests in large, established companies and provides stability to your portfolio.

If you continue this investment for five years until 2028, the portfolio could grow significantly. Equity investments typically outperform other assets in the long run. However, market volatility is natural, and patience is key.

Growth Estimation for 2024–2028
Assuming a moderate annual return of 12–15% (historical average for equity mutual funds), your portfolio value at the end of five years could range between Rs 1.6 crore to Rs 1.8 crore.

Small Cap and Mid Cap Funds: These can drive higher growth in a bull market. However, they may be volatile during downturns.

Large Cap Funds: These add stability and provide consistent returns, even in uncertain markets.

Continuing the SIPs will help you benefit from rupee cost averaging, which smoothens market volatility. This disciplined approach ensures long-term wealth creation.

Should You Withdraw After Five Years?
Based on your plan to retire in 2028, it is worth keeping the investments and not withdrawing unless absolutely necessary. Here’s why:

Compounding Effect: Equity investments grow exponentially with time. Redeeming early interrupts compounding.

Post-Retirement Use: Your PF and PPF will cover expenses, so you won’t need to withdraw. Allow the portfolio to grow for a few more years.

Volatility Consideration: Markets may fluctuate in the short term. Holding the investment longer reduces this risk.

Is Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Suitable for Five Years?
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is a popular option among investors, but let’s assess its suitability for your five-year horizon:

Positives: This fund invests across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, offering diversification. It has a history of stable returns and lower risk compared to pure small-cap or mid-cap funds.

Risks for 5 Years: While flexi cap funds are less volatile, five years is still considered a medium-term horizon. Equity investments, including flexi cap funds, perform better with longer horizons (7–10 years).

If your goal is strictly five years, you may consider a balanced advantage fund or a mix of equity and debt funds for lower risk.

Recommendations for Your Investments
Continue Existing SIPs: Keep investing Rs 1.5 lakh monthly in your current funds. They are aligned with your goals.

Avoid Parag Parikh Fund for 5 Years: While it is a good fund, a 5-year horizon is too short for aggressive equity investments. Stick to your current portfolio.

Avoid Direct Plans: Direct funds require expertise. Stick to regular funds and consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for guidance.

Plan Withdrawal Strategically: As retirement approaches, shift some funds to debt instruments for stability. This will reduce the impact of equity market volatility.

Tax Considerations for Equity Mutual Funds
Keep in mind the new mutual fund capital gains taxation rules:

LTCG Tax: Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
STCG Tax: Gains are taxed at 20% for withdrawals before one year.
Plan your withdrawals accordingly to minimise tax liability.

Post-Retirement Planning
With PF and PPF covering your expenses, your equity portfolio can remain untouched. Focus on the following:

Emergency Fund: Maintain 12–18 months of expenses in a liquid fund or fixed deposit.

Health Insurance: Ensure sufficient coverage to handle medical emergencies.

Debt Allocation: Gradually increase debt allocation post-retirement to safeguard your capital.

Key Suggestions for a 360-Degree Approach
Diversify: Your portfolio is equity-heavy. Add some debt mutual funds or hybrid funds for balance.

Review Regularly: Monitor your portfolio performance every 6 months with a CFP.

Avoid Real Estate: Real estate may lock funds and reduce liquidity. Stick to mutual funds for flexibility.

Stay Patient: Short-term volatility is natural. Stay invested for long-term wealth creation.

Retirement Corpus: Let your equity investments grow after retirement. Use them only for big expenses.

Final Insights
You have a well-structured financial plan and a strong saving habit. Your SIPs, coupled with PF and PPF, provide a solid base for a secure retirement. Stay disciplined and avoid unnecessary withdrawals. Consult a CFP to fine-tune your strategy and make informed decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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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Hello Sir, greetings, I have been investigating in the below funds. Please let me know whether I should continue my SIP of 40K in these below funds for next 10,15,20 years. Investing since Apr 2023. Age 33, goals: retirement, children education and marriage. Funds: 1. Axis growth opportunities direct fund. 2. DSP Value fund direct. 3. SBI multi cap direct fund. 4. PPFAS flexi cap direct fund. 5. Quant tax saver fund direct. Reason to choose these funds to get diversified categories as well as international exposure. Adding more, like each funds strategies are different from each other. Looking forward to your answers.
Ans: It's great to see that you're proactively planning for your financial future by investing in mutual funds. Let's assess the suitability of your current fund selection for your long-term goals:

Axis Growth Opportunities Direct Fund: This fund focuses on investing in high-growth potential companies across market capitalizations. It can provide exposure to companies with strong growth prospects, which aligns with your long-term goals. Consider its performance and consistency over time.
DSP Value Fund Direct: As a value-oriented fund, DSP Value Fund seeks to invest in undervalued stocks with the potential for capital appreciation over the long term. This can complement your growth-oriented investments and provide stability to your portfolio.
SBI Multicap Direct Fund: SBI Multicap Fund offers diversification across market segments and flexibility to invest in companies across market capitalizations. Its multicap approach can provide resilience to market fluctuations and capture opportunities across sectors.
PPFAS Flexi Cap Direct Fund: PPFAS Flexi Cap Fund follows a flexible investment strategy, allowing the fund manager to invest across market caps and sectors based on valuation and growth prospects. Its international exposure can add diversification benefits to your portfolio.
Quant Tax Saver Fund Direct: This ELSS fund offers tax-saving benefits along with the potential for long-term wealth creation. Its quantitative investment approach may provide a unique investment proposition, but ensure to review its performance and risk characteristics.
Considering your goals of retirement, children's education, and marriage, it's essential to maintain a balanced and diversified portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Review the performance of your current funds periodically and assess if they continue to meet your investment objectives.

Additionally, consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your investment strategy remains optimal for achieving your long-term financial goals. They can provide personalized advice and help you navigate market dynamics effectively.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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Hello Sir, greetings, I have been investigating in the below funds. Please let me know whether I should continue my SIP of 40K in these below funds for next 10,15,20 years. Investing since Apr 2023. Age 33, goals: retirement, children education and marriage. Funds: 1. Axis growth opportunities direct fund. 2. DSP Value fund direct. 3. SBI multi cap direct fund. 4. PPFAS flexi cap direct fund. 5. Quant tax saver fund direct. Reason to choose these funds to get diversified categories as well as international exposure. Adding more, like each funds strategies are different from each other.
Ans: It's great to see your commitment to long-term financial planning! Your chosen funds indeed offer a well-rounded portfolio catering to various investment objectives. Each fund's distinct strategy enhances diversification, mitigating risk and maximizing returns over time.

Axis Growth Opportunities fund provides exposure to high-growth potential companies, aligning with long-term wealth accumulation goals. DSP Value fund, focusing on undervalued stocks, adds stability to your portfolio, crucial for achieving financial milestones like children's education and marriage.

SBI Multi Cap fund's flexibility in investing across market caps ensures adaptability to market dynamics, essential for sustained growth. PPFAS Flexi Cap fund's international exposure offers a hedge against domestic market volatility, fostering global wealth creation opportunities.

Quant Tax Saver fund not only aids in tax efficiency but also provides a unique investment approach, complementing the other funds' strategies. However, it's vital to monitor fund performance periodically and rebalance if necessary to stay aligned with your goals.

There are some advantages to consider direct funds, and the cost savings can be significant in the long run. However, there are some potential benefits to using a regular MFD:
Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):
• Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
• Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
• Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.


Remember, investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay disciplined, and trust the process. Your dedication to systematic investment will yield significant results over the years, securing a comfortable future for you and your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Hello Jinal, greetings, I have been investigating in the below funds. Please let me know whether I should continue my SIP of 40K in these below funds for next 10,15,20 years. Investing since Apr 2023. Age 33, goals: retirement, children education and marriage. Funds: 1. Axis growth opportunities direct fund. 2. DSP Value fund direct. 3. SBI multi cap direct fund. 4. PPFAS flexi cap direct fund. 5. Quant tax saver fund direct. Reason to choose these funds to get diversified categories as well as international exposure. Adding more, like each funds strategies are different from each other.
Ans: It's great to see your commitment to long-term financial planning! Your chosen funds indeed offer a well-rounded portfolio catering to various investment objectives. Each fund's distinct strategy enhances diversification, mitigating risk and maximizing returns over time.

Axis Growth Opportunities fund provides exposure to high-growth potential companies, aligning with long-term wealth accumulation goals. DSP Value fund, focusing on undervalued stocks, adds stability to your portfolio, crucial for achieving financial milestones like children's education and marriage.

SBI Multi Cap fund's flexibility in investing across market caps ensures adaptability to market dynamics, essential for sustained growth. PPFAS Flexi Cap fund's international exposure offers a hedge against domestic market volatility, fostering global wealth creation opportunities.

Quant Tax Saver fund not only aids in tax efficiency but also provides a unique investment approach, complementing the other funds' strategies. However, it's vital to monitor fund performance periodically and rebalance if necessary to stay aligned with your goals.

There are some advantages to consider direct funds, and the cost savings can be significant in the long run. However, there are some potential benefits to using a regular MFD:
Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):
• Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
• Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
• Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.


Remember, investing is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay disciplined, and trust the process. Your dedication to systematic investment will yield significant results over the years, securing a comfortable future for you and your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 37 years old and a govt servant.i just recently started sip in four funds 1.Mirae asset large and midcap fund direct growth. _1k 2.quant large and mid cap fund direct growth_1k 3.kotak equity opportunities fund direct growth_1k 4.icici prudential retirement fund pure equity plan direct growth -5k Is it good for a term like 10 years?and if i want to invest 5k more then where should i invest for a term of 15 to 20 years.please advice .thank you
Ans: As a government servant at 37, planning for the future is crucial. Starting SIPs in mutual funds is a wise step, but evaluating and refining your strategy can optimize your returns. This analysis will guide you through your current investments and suggest additional avenues for a long-term horizon.

Current SIP Analysis

You've begun SIPs in four mutual funds with a 10-year perspective:

Mirae Asset Large and Midcap Fund
Quant Large and Midcap Fund
Kotak Equity Opportunities Fund
ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund Pure Equity Plan
Your current allocation in these funds is commendable. Let's evaluate the benefits and potential improvements.

1. Mirae Asset Large and Midcap Fund

This fund invests in both large and midcap stocks. It offers growth potential from midcaps and stability from large caps. This balanced approach can yield good returns over the long term.

2. Quant Large and Midcap Fund

Similar to the Mirae Asset Fund, this fund also diversifies between large and midcap stocks. Diversification is a key strategy to mitigate risk while aiming for growth.

3. Kotak Equity Opportunities Fund

This fund focuses on equity opportunities across market caps. It's known for good management and consistent performance. It adds diversity to your portfolio.

4. ICICI Prudential Retirement Fund Pure Equity Plan

This fund is designed for long-term goals like retirement. It invests primarily in equities, which can offer higher returns over an extended period.

Your portfolio currently has a good mix of large-cap stability and mid-cap growth potential. However, since you're considering a long-term investment horizon of 15-20 years, let's explore where you can invest an additional Rs 5,000 per month.

Evaluating Direct Funds vs Regular Funds

You've invested in direct plans, which typically have lower expense ratios. However, regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) have their advantages. A CFP provides personalized advice, timely reviews, and adjustments to your portfolio. These services can potentially enhance your investment performance, justifying the slightly higher expense ratios.

Long-term Investment Strategy

For a long-term investment horizon of 15-20 years, consider the following factors:

Diversification: Spread investments across different asset classes and sectors.
Risk Tolerance: Understand your risk appetite and invest accordingly.
Consistent Review: Regularly review and adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and personal goals.
Recommended Investment Avenues

To invest an additional Rs 5,000 per month, here are some funds and strategies to consider:

1. Flexi Cap Funds

Flexi cap funds invest in stocks across market capitalizations. They offer flexibility to shift investments between large, mid, and small caps based on market conditions. This dynamic allocation can capture opportunities across the spectrum and provide robust returns over the long term.

2. Mid Cap Funds

Mid cap funds focus on medium-sized companies with high growth potential. These companies often grow faster than large caps and can offer higher returns. However, they come with higher risk, suitable for a long-term horizon.

3. Sectoral or Thematic Funds

These funds invest in specific sectors like technology, healthcare, or financial services. Investing in a growing sector can yield substantial returns. However, they are riskier and require careful selection and timing. For example, the healthcare sector in India is poised for significant growth due to increasing health awareness and spending.

4. International Funds

Investing in international funds provides exposure to global markets. This diversification can reduce risk associated with the Indian market. It also allows you to capitalize on the growth of developed economies and emerging markets. For instance, a fund investing in US technology stocks can offer high growth potential.

5. Balanced or Hybrid Funds

Balanced funds invest in both equity and debt instruments. They provide growth potential with equity and stability with debt. This mix can be suitable for moderate risk tolerance and long-term investment. These funds can provide a cushion during market volatility, ensuring smoother returns.

6. Multi-Asset Funds

Multi-asset funds diversify across various asset classes, including equity, debt, and gold. This diversification reduces risk and can provide steady returns. Investing in multiple assets helps in balancing the portfolio against market fluctuations.

The Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

While index funds passively track market indices, actively managed funds have fund managers making strategic decisions. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market, providing higher returns. They adjust portfolios based on market trends, economic conditions, and company performance. This active management justifies the slightly higher expense ratios, as it can potentially lead to better returns than passive funds.

Implementing the Strategy

Based on the analysis, here's a suggested allocation for your additional Rs 5,000 investment:

Flexi Cap Fund: Rs 1,500
Mid Cap Fund: Rs 1,000
Sectoral/Thematic Fund: Rs 1,000
International Fund: Rs 1,000
Multi-Asset Fund: Rs 500
This allocation provides a balanced mix of growth potential and risk mitigation.

Regular Review and Adjustment

Investing is not a one-time activity. Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. A Certified Financial Planner can assist in this process, providing insights and adjustments based on market trends and your evolving financial situation.

Final Insights

Investing for the long term requires a strategic approach. Your current SIPs are a good start, and with the additional Rs 5,000 investment, you can further strengthen your portfolio. Diversification across different asset classes and sectors is key to maximizing returns and minimizing risk.

Consider the benefits of regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner. While they have higher expense ratios, the personalized advice and active management can enhance your investment performance.

Focus on a balanced mix of flexi cap, mid cap, sectoral/thematic, international, and multi-asset funds. This diversified approach can capture growth opportunities across markets and sectors, ensuring a robust and resilient portfolio.

Regularly review your investments, adjust based on performance and market conditions, and stay committed to your long-term goals. With careful planning and strategic investments, you can build a substantial corpus for your future needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Hi Sir, My son is trying EC in NITK Surathkal, but i told him to try EC or CS in RVC Bangalore, which is Better Plz suggest us He got 98.82% in JEEE, 1891 Rank in CETK
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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

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Which college should my daughter prefer if there if choice between IIIT Pune, IGDTUW, DAIICT,COEP Pune only CS & related branches
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I have scored 96 percentile in MHT-CET. Can someone pls guide me about colleges? I live in chhattisgarh
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Money
Hello, I am 36 years old and would like to retire by 46 years of age. I have no loans/debts and I am earning 90k per month. My current portfolio is as below, 1. First SIP: I am investing 5000 SIP in last 6.5 years, current investment is 390000 and total return 690000 with 17.5% CAGR. 2. 2nd SIP: Investing 3000 SIP in last 5 years, current investment is 177000 and total return 271000 with 17.65% CAGR 3. 3rd SIP: Investing 5000 SIP in last 2.2 years, current investment is 130000 and total return 151000 with 15.8% CAGR 4. 4th SIP: Investing 8000 SIP in last 4.5 years, current investment is 432000 and total return 531000 with 12.15% CAGR 5. 5th SIP: Investing 33000 SIP in last 1.5 years, current investment is 589000 and total return 621000 with 8.56% CAGR 6. 1000 Rs SIP in PPF 7. 2000 Rs SIP in SSY 8. 4000 Rs SIP in NPS tier-1 9. 140000 Rs in Liquid fund 10. 280000 Rs in Direct stocks my current monthly expense is around 26000. I have two kids, one studying 1st standard. I expect My Retirement corpus at age 46 is 2.5 Cr. Is it possible? Can i achieve this goal at my age 46 with continuing my current SIP?. or can i add more SIP to achieve this goal? Kindly review my portfolio, and if anything i need to change please let me know.
Ans: You’ve already built a solid foundation. At 36, aiming to retire by 46 is an ambitious goal. It is not impossible, but it needs strong planning. Let’s assess from all angles and offer you a full-circle solution.

Your Income and Savings Pattern

Your income of Rs. 90,000 per month is being managed well.

Your household expense of Rs. 26,000 is modest.

That gives you high savings potential.

This reflects great discipline. Very few maintain this ratio.

Your SIPs and savings are using your surplus effectively.

Continue to avoid loans. That gives your savings strong power.

Review of Your Mutual Fund SIPs

You have 5 SIPs running. Let’s look at them one by one.

First SIP of Rs. 5000 has completed 6.5 years.

Very strong CAGR of 17.5%.

You must continue this. Long-term compounding is helping you here.

Second SIP of Rs. 3000 for 5 years.

17.65% return. Very healthy.

Maintain this SIP without changes.

Third SIP of Rs. 5000 for 2.2 years.

Return of 15.8%. Acceptable for this tenure.

You must give it time to perform.

Fourth SIP of Rs. 8000 for 4.5 years.

CAGR of 12.15% is decent.

Slightly low, but still okay for mid-term horizon.

Fifth SIP of Rs. 33,000 for 1.5 years.

Return of 8.56% is below expectation.

This is short tenure. Stay invested. Don't judge it early.

Avoid switching or stopping now.

All these SIPs are in growth mode. Your discipline is excellent. The only issue is fund selection. You may be investing in direct funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds

If your funds are “Direct”, there are some concerns.

No ongoing review by Certified Financial Planner.

You may miss fund rating downgrades.

Risk-reward alignment may not be proper.

Fund may underperform and you won't know when to exit.

No guidance for portfolio rebalancing.

You must consider shifting to regular plans. Choose an MFD backed by a Certified Financial Planner. Regular plans give ongoing support. Guidance will be personalised.

Why to Avoid Index Funds

Though index funds sound attractive, there are key drawbacks.

They blindly follow index stocks. No flexibility.

In market fall, index funds fall equally. No downside protection.

Fund manager cannot shift to better sectors.

Index funds don’t have any active risk control.

Past 1-year index return is high, but not consistent.

Your current funds have delivered better return than most index funds. Continue with actively managed funds. Stay with good fund managers. Do not shift to index-based investing.

PPF, SSY, and NPS Contributions

Rs. 1000 SIP in PPF is fine.

Safe and tax-free. Continue for long term.

Rs. 2000 in SSY is helpful for daughter’s education or marriage.

Rs. 4000 in NPS Tier 1 helps save tax.

But, NPS has limited flexibility.

Withdrawals are partially locked till 60.

You can reduce NPS if early retirement is your target.

These 3 are low-risk. But, NPS restricts early access. If retiring at 46, NPS won’t help you fully. Consider shifting part to mutual funds over time.

Liquid Fund and Stock Holdings

Rs. 1.4 lakh in liquid fund gives you safety.

Maintain 6 months of expense as emergency.

You are on right path. This shows good planning.

Rs. 2.8 lakh in direct stocks.

Stock selection needs active monitoring.

Stocks are risky without deep research.

Prefer actively managed equity funds over stocks.

Equity mutual funds will give better diversification. Fund managers can handle the risk better.

Expense Management and Lifestyle Planning

Rs. 26,000 as monthly expense is very good.

You should build a buffer for future increase in expenses.

With 2 kids, school and college costs will rise sharply.

Plan for child’s education goals separately from retirement.

Allocate at least one SIP for that future cost.

Can You Reach Rs. 2.5 Crores by Age 46?

Let’s understand some key points.

You are investing Rs. 54,000 per month in SIPs.

Already accumulated Rs. 22 lakh in equity and liquid funds.

Retirement goal in 10 years is Rs. 2.5 crores.

With 12–13% return assumption, it can be possible. But, you need to:

Continue all SIPs without fail.

Increase SIPs by 10–12% yearly.

Avoid withdrawing from mutual funds before 46.

Review your portfolio every year.

Align SIPs to long-term funds with good past record.

You have strong habits. Stick to this path. Add more SIP as your income grows.

Things to Improve Immediately

Rebalance portfolio. Avoid overlapping in schemes.

Avoid having too many funds. 4 to 5 funds are enough.

Invest only in regular plans through Certified Financial Planner.

Don’t rely on online platforms alone. You need personalised advice.

Exit direct stocks gradually and reinvest in mutual funds.

Build a clear plan for child’s college cost.

Prepare a corpus drawdown plan for retirement at 46.

Don’t Ignore MF Tax Rules

You must be aware of latest mutual fund taxation:

For equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

For debt mutual funds:

Both LTCG and STCG taxed as per income slab.

Track holding periods and fund types. Proper exit plan helps save tax.

Insurance and Protection Check

You didn’t mention any insurance. That is important.

Take term insurance of at least 15–20 times of annual income.

Buy personal health insurance too. Don’t rely only on company cover.

Any medical emergency can damage your investments.

Insurance is not investment. But protection is essential for early retirement.

Are You On Right Track?

Yes. You are on right path. But need fine-tuning. Some gaps to cover:

Direct fund exposure needs to be shifted to regular.

Stock investment risk needs to be lowered.

NPS flexibility issue must be addressed.

Retirement drawdown plan must be built now itself.

Keep lifestyle inflation in mind. That can reduce real return.

Final Insights

You have the potential to reach your Rs. 2.5 crore target.

But it needs strict discipline and smart adjustments.

Increase SIP slowly every year with income rise.

Track fund performance every 6 months.

Remove low-performing schemes regularly.

Engage with a Certified Financial Planner. That brings better accountability.

Protect your goals with proper term and health insurance.

By doing all these, early retirement is possible. And peaceful too.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8269 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Sir, At 76800 ranking (94.89 percentile) in JEE Mains what is best option for me in CSAB round? Please also suggest best private college in this rank for B.Tech. in CSE. Thank you.
Ans: Prashant, With a JEE Main percentile of 94.89 (approximate All-India rank ~76,800), you qualify for Computer Science seats in several NITs/GFTIs during CSAB special rounds where closing ranks extend beyond 70,000. Institutions with 100% admission likelihood include NIT Mizoram CSE (OS closing ~81,277), NIT Uttarakhand CSE via extended rounds (OS closing ~100,172), NIT Goa CSE (OS closing ~60,264 with likely extension), and NIT Arunachal Pradesh CSE (OS closing ~42,376 now further rounds may go up to ~70,000). Among GFTIs, IIIT Una CSE and IIIT Jabalpur CSE typically close around 70–80 k in later rounds.

Top ten private engineering colleges in Northern India accommodating your rank include Amity University Noida (CSE cutoff ≤95th percentile), Chandigarh University (CUCET/JEE Main flexible policy), Galgotias College Greater Noida (CSE closing AI quota ~78,995), Sharda University Greater Noida (CSE cutoff ~60–80 k), O.P. Jindal University, Haryana (CSE cutoff ~50–70 k), Bennett University Noida (CSE cutoff ~50–75 k), BML Munjal University Gurugram, Manipal University Jaipur (CSE core), Lovely Professional University Jalandhar (CSE cutoff ~70–90 k), and VIT Bhopal (CSE cutoff ~50–80 k). All these institutes are AICTE-approved, hold relevant NBA/NAAC accreditations, feature modern computing labs, active industry partnerships for internships, and maintain consistent 80–95% placement support over the last three years.

Given assured CSAB admission and strong national branding, recommendation is to join NIT Mizoram CSE for core?NIT credentials and a reliable placement pipeline. As a private?college alternative with robust infrastructure and flexible entry policy, recommendation shifts to Amity University Noida CSE. For balanced academics, industry tie-ups and student life in Delhi NCR, consider Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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