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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 28, 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 - Apr 18, 2025
Money

Please review my portfolio for investment horizon till 2030 (130000 SIP pm). Should I expect 15 percent annualized return till 2030? What needs to be done to reach 3 Cr corpus by 2030? my current portfolio value is 35 Lacs. We are a couple, 41 Years and 37 years age respectively. Quant Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 15000 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 15000 JM Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth 20000 Motilal Oswal Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth 20000 Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct Growth 15000 Edelweiss Mid Cap Direct Plan Growth 15000 Tata Small Cup Fund Direct Growth 10000 Nippon India Small cap Fund Direct Growth 10000 Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 10000

Ans: Firstly, congratulations on building a strong SIP commitment of Rs. 1.3 lakh per month.

Your current portfolio value of Rs. 35 lakh shows good financial discipline and vision.

You have wisely allocated across flexi cap, mid cap, and small cap categories.

However, the spread can be fine-tuned for better diversification and lower overlap.

You both are at a good age (41 and 37 years) to pursue aggressive yet balanced growth.

Your time horizon till 2030 (around 5-6 years) needs a careful strategy now.

With a disciplined approach, Rs. 3 crore corpus is definitely achievable by 2030.

However, expecting 15% annualised return consistently till 2030 is ambitious.

It is safer to plan with 11%-12% CAGR to stay practical and realistic.

Stock market cycles may not give 15% every year, especially closer to your goal.

Some years can be very strong, but some years may have muted returns also.

Hence, building the right portfolio strategy now is extremely important.

Assessment of Current Fund Choices

Your SIPs are heavily invested in direct plans currently.

Direct plans look attractive due to lower expense ratios at first glance.

However, managing direct funds requires constant monitoring and rebalancing.

If wrong selections are made or changes are delayed, it can harm overall returns.

Regular plans invested through a trusted Certified Financial Planner are better.

CFPs help you align fund selection, asset allocation, and risk management better.

They also guide you during market volatility when emotions can disturb decision-making.

Therefore, shifting to regular plans via an experienced MFD+CFP is advisable.

Further, your current portfolio shows higher weight in mid and small caps.

Mid and small caps can give better returns but come with higher volatility.

Since the goal is medium term (5-6 years), large cap exposure should be strengthened.

Flexi cap funds are fine as they adjust allocation between large, mid, and small caps.

But relying heavily on mid and small cap funds at this stage is slightly risky.

You can still continue small allocation to mid and small cap funds for growth.

However, around 40%-50% portfolio should now lean towards large caps and flexi caps.

Evaluation of Portfolio Diversification

You are holding nine different schemes presently across three categories.

Many of the flexi cap and mid cap funds may have stock overlap.

Overlap leads to concentration risk and reduces real diversification benefits.

It is better to keep 5-6 carefully selected funds in the portfolio at maximum.

Having too many funds does not mean better diversification or higher returns.

Instead, it creates unnecessary tracking headache and inefficiency in performance.

Every fund you own should play a unique role in your portfolio.

One or two funds each from flexi cap, mid cap, and small cap are enough.

Balance your SIP amounts properly among these categories as per goal proximity.

Rebalancing Strategy for Rs. 3 Crore Target

To achieve Rs. 3 crore by 2030, right mix of risk and stability is needed.

Increase allocation towards large cap and flexi cap funds progressively every year.

Reduce mid cap and small cap exposure slowly from 2027 onwards.

By 2028-29, majority portfolio should be in large cap and balanced advantage funds.

This strategy protects your accumulated corpus from market crashes near goal.

Maintain an annual review schedule with a Certified Financial Planner every year.

Rebalancing your SIPs yearly based on market conditions will ensure smoother journey.

For example, if mid caps run up sharply, you can book some profits and move to flexi caps.

Also, avoid stopping SIPs during market downturns, continue without any gap.

Risk Management and Emotional Preparedness

Equity investing will always be volatile in short periods, that is normal.

You should mentally prepare for temporary drops of 20%-30% in tough markets.

Do not panic or redeem investments in such phases without discussing with your CFP.

Always remember that long term investors are rewarded for staying invested during tough times.

Having an emergency fund of 6-9 months expenses separately is also critical.

This emergency fund should be parked in safe liquid instruments like liquid mutual funds.

It ensures that you do not touch your equity portfolio for unexpected cash needs.

Also, maintain your term insurance and medical insurance without any compromise.

Asset Allocation Changes Over Time

In early years, you can afford to be more tilted towards equity investments.

As you move closer to 2028-29, reduce equity exposure gradually.

Build 20%-30% debt allocation by 2029 in safe hybrid funds or short term debt funds.

This protects your Rs. 3 crore target even if market gives negative returns suddenly.

Use Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs) to shift funds from equity to debt slowly.

Do not move large amounts at one go to avoid wrong timing risks.

Expectation Management for Returns

Hoping for 15% CAGR from today till 2030 is on higher side expectations.

Equities in India have given 12%-14% CAGR over very long periods historically.

In 5-6 years, achieving 11%-12% CAGR is more realistic and safer to plan.

If market gives better returns, it will be bonus, but planning should be conservative.

With Rs. 35 lakh corpus and Rs. 1.3 lakh SIP monthly, you are well positioned.

Even if you achieve around 11.5%-12% CAGR, Rs. 3 crore is a very possible target.

Staying disciplined, doing timely rebalancing and risk management will be the key.

Taxation Awareness and Planning

From April 2024, new mutual fund taxation rules are applicable.

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

Short term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

You should plan your fund redemptions smartly around these tax rules in 2030.

If you withdraw step by step across different financial years, tax impact can be lowered.

Your Certified Financial Planner can create the right withdrawal strategy at that time.

What Needs to be Done Immediately

Shift to regular plans via Certified Financial Planner after proper rebalancing.

Reduce number of funds to 5-6 carefully selected ones to avoid overlap.

Balance SIP amounts among flexi cap, large cap, mid cap, and small cap properly.

Start creating an emergency fund separately if not already built.

Set a disciplined annual portfolio review and rebalancing cycle till 2030.

Mentally accept 11%-12% CAGR as the working return estimate for goal planning.

Keep emotional patience during market corrections, continue SIPs without stopping.

Protect your investments by maintaining full insurance coverage for health and life.

Keep final 2 years (2028-2030) focused on protecting capital and not chasing returns.

Have a well-designed exit and withdrawal plan from 2029 onwards through STPs.

Finally

You have already built a strong foundation with SIPs and disciplined saving.

With minor adjustments and careful planning, your Rs. 3 crore goal is achievable.

Focus on maintaining right asset allocation and staying invested through cycles.

Right advice from Certified Financial Planner can optimise your journey further.

Financial freedom comes from patience, discipline, and smart rebalancing at right times.

Stay focused on the journey and not just the destination.

Your financial goals like marriage, home, vacation and other dreams will surely come true.

I sincerely appreciate your systematic approach and clarity at this stage itself.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
I am 47yrs, married and have a kid aged 15yrs, i am having exposure to Mutual fund as below ; Investment value as on date is : Rs.629968.00 Gain/Loss : Rs.222677.00 Total portfolio value : Rs.852645.00 (Breakup given below of the holdings) On going SIP monthly : ICICI Pru Tachnology-G Rs.1000 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Reg -G Rs.3000 One time Lumpsum Invested : Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Reg -G : 65000 ICICI Pru Bharat 22 FOF -G : 80000 Motilal Oswal Mid Cap Reg -G : 70000 Franklin India Focused Equity -G : 60000 (Matured and still holding) Canara Robeco Small Cap Reg-G : 75000 ICICI Pru Equity FOF-G : 70000 ICICI Pru Technoloigy -G : 65000 (Matured and still holding) ICICI Pru Balanced Advantage -G : 50000 (Matured and still holding) ICICI Pru MediumTerm Bond -G : 35000 (Matured and still holding) As i have don't have any fixed income, could not continue with the major SIP'S, but as an when i get lumpsum i add on to the funds and i am ony carrying on with monthly SIP of Rs.4000 as mentioned above. Can you please advice about my portfolio as to what will be the corpus by 2034 ( after 10yrs from now)
Ans: Assessment of Current Portfolio
Your current mutual fund portfolio is well-diversified. It includes technology, flexi cap, mid cap, small cap, and balanced funds. Here’s a detailed assessment:

Mutual Fund Investments
ICICI Pru Technology Fund: Monthly SIP of Rs. 1000. This fund focuses on the technology sector. It can offer high growth but comes with sector-specific risks.

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Monthly SIP of Rs. 3000 and a lump sum of Rs. 65000. This fund is diversified across large, mid, and small caps. It aims to achieve long-term growth.

ICICI Pru Bharat 22 FOF: Lump sum of Rs. 80000. This fund invests in the Bharat 22 Index, focusing on diversified sectors.

Motilal Oswal Mid Cap Fund: Lump sum of Rs. 70000. Mid cap funds can offer high returns but are more volatile than large cap funds.

Franklin India Focused Equity Fund: Lump sum of Rs. 60000. This matured fund is still held, focusing on a limited number of stocks.

Canara Robeco Small Cap Fund: Lump sum of Rs. 75000. Small cap funds have high growth potential but are very volatile.

ICICI Pru Equity FOF: Lump sum of Rs. 70000. This fund invests in other equity funds, offering diversified equity exposure.

ICICI Pru Balanced Advantage Fund: Lump sum of Rs. 50000. This fund balances between equity and debt, offering stability.

ICICI Pru Medium Term Bond Fund: Lump sum of Rs. 35000. This fund focuses on medium-term debt securities, providing steady returns with lower risk.

Portfolio Growth Potential
Current Portfolio Value: Rs. 8,52,645.

Gain/Loss: Rs. 2,22,677.

Strategic Recommendations
Increase Equity Exposure
Focus on Growth: Continue investing in equity mutual funds. They offer high growth potential over the long term.

Balanced Approach: Maintain a balance between large, mid, and small cap funds.

Reduce Sector-Specific Risk
Diversify Further: Avoid concentrating too much in one sector like technology. Spread investments across various sectors.
Regular Investments
SIPs and Lumpsums: Continue SIPs as much as possible. Invest lump sums when you receive them.

Consistency: Consistent investments help in rupee cost averaging and compounding.

Avoid Index Funds
Disadvantages: Index funds follow the market passively. They lack active management and can’t outperform the market.

Active Management Benefits: Actively managed funds have professional managers. They aim for higher returns by adapting to market conditions.

Drawbacks of Direct Funds
No Advisory Support: Direct funds lack guidance from certified planners. Regular funds offer professional advice.

Complex Management: Managing direct investments requires market knowledge. Regular funds managed by CFPs are more suitable.

Financial Goals and Liquidity
Goal Alignment
Long-Term Goals: Align your investments with your long-term goals. Focus on creating a corpus for your child’s education and your retirement.
Emergency Fund
Maintain Liquidity: Keep an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses. This should cover at least six months of expenses.
Health and Life Insurance
Personal Mediclaim
Buy Health Insurance: Purchase a personal health insurance policy. Ensure it covers critical illnesses and hospitalisation.
Life Insurance
Adequate Coverage: Ensure your term plan coverage is sufficient. This should meet your family’s needs in case of any eventuality.
Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-diversified and shows good growth potential. Focus on equity mutual funds for long-term growth. Avoid index and direct funds. Maintain consistency in SIPs and invest lumpsum amounts when possible. Align investments with long-term goals and ensure adequate insurance coverage.

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 Nov 26, 2024

Money
Hi Experts, I seek your guidance on my mutual fund portfolio. Below are the details: Total Portfolio Details: - Total Invested Amount: ?15,76,159 - Current Value: ?19,35,234 - Total Returns: ?3,59,075 (+22.78%) - XIRR: 20.75% Monthly SIP Contribution: ?1,18,000 Breakdown of monthly SIP contributions across funds: 1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth – ?30,000 2. SBI Large & Midcap Fund Direct Plan Growth – ?15,000 3. SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth – ?20,000 4. Nippon India Large Cap Fund Direct Growth – ?30,000 5. Nippon India Small Cap Fund Direct Growth – ?7,500 6. ICICI Prudential Technology Direct Plan Growth – ?10,000 7. Quant Small Cap Fund Direct Plan Growth – ?7,500 8. HSBC Small Cap Fund Direct Growth – ?5,000 9. Edelweiss US Technology Equity Fund of Funds Direct Growth – ?5,000 Can you suggest if I am on track to create 5 CR corpus in 10 years Thank you!
Ans: Your portfolio and SIP contributions demonstrate disciplined financial planning. Let’s review your current status and provide actionable recommendations to stay on track.

1. Review of Your Current Portfolio Performance
Total invested amount: Rs 15,76,159.
Current portfolio value: Rs 19,35,234.
Total returns: Rs 3,59,075 (+22.78%).
XIRR of 20.75% reflects impressive performance so far.
Your portfolio is generating excellent returns. It aligns with long-term wealth creation goals.

2. Assessing Your Goal to Achieve Rs 5 Crore
You have a 10-year horizon to create Rs 5 crore.
A disciplined Rs 1,18,000 SIP contribution is a solid start.
Assuming consistent performance, you are on track to achieve your goal.
However, fund selection, market performance, and taxation can affect final corpus.

3. Diversification and Allocation Insights
Your portfolio includes diverse categories, such as large caps, mid caps, small caps, technology funds, and international exposure.

Strengths in Your Portfolio
Good mix of growth-oriented funds like flexi cap and small-cap categories.
Exposure to international markets provides diversification benefits.
High SIP allocation ensures consistent investment.
Areas of Concern
High allocation to small-cap funds may increase portfolio volatility.
Technology funds carry sector-specific risks, especially during downturns.
Overlap between funds can lead to redundancy and reduced efficiency.
4. Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Why Relying Solely on Direct Funds May Not Be Ideal
Direct funds require active tracking and market knowledge.
Lack of expert guidance may lead to suboptimal fund choices.
Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner provide tailored advice.
Switching to regular plans ensures professional monitoring and better goal alignment.

5. Impact of Taxation on Your Portfolio
Equity Funds
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Debt-Oriented Funds
Gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Tax implications reduce the effective corpus if not planned wisely.

6. Recommendations to Strengthen Your Portfolio
Reduce Concentration in Small-Cap Funds
Small caps are high-risk and better suited for moderate allocation.
Shift a portion to balanced or large-cap funds for stability.
Limit Sector-Specific Exposure
Technology funds are subject to cyclical risks.
Rebalance to include broader thematic or diversified funds.
Consolidate Overlapping Funds
Too many funds increase complexity and overlap.
Streamline by reducing redundant schemes.
Focus on Active Fund Management
Actively managed funds tend to outperform in dynamic markets.
Certified Financial Planners can help optimise fund selection.
7. Strategy to Achieve Rs 5 Crore
Step 1: Increase SIP Gradually
Increase SIP contribution by 5–10% annually.
Align increases with salary hikes or bonuses.
Step 2: Stick to Asset Allocation
Maintain a balance between equity and debt based on risk tolerance.
Review allocation every 12–18 months.
Step 3: Reinvest for Compounding
Reinvest gains to maximise compounding benefits.
Avoid frequent withdrawals unless necessary.
Step 4: Regular Portfolio Review
Assess performance semi-annually or annually.
Adjust based on market conditions and goal progress.
8. Emergency Fund and Insurance Coverage
Maintain 6–12 months’ expenses as an emergency fund.
Ensure adequate health and life insurance coverage.
Avoid using mutual fund corpus for emergencies.
9. Long-Term Focus for Financial Independence
Stick to your SIP plan despite market fluctuations.
Focus on disciplined investing and goal alignment.
Seek professional advice to handle market uncertainties.
Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-structured and performing well. However, some adjustments can optimise returns and reduce risks. Focus on diversification, reduce overlapping funds, and seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner. With discipline and regular reviews, you are well on track to achieve Rs 5 crore in 10 years.

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

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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