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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8220 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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 - May 07, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi Sir I’m 39 Male. I’m investing in MF from start of this year for buying a house and for retirement. I’m planning to invest long for next 15-20 yrs. Also I have 3-4 loans which will get finished next year 2025 end. So I’m planning to start increase my MF amount considerably. Please review my portfolio and let me know if I have to remove, add or make any changes Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 fund direct growth 1500 PM UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund 1000 PM ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct Growth 1000 PM HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Growth 1000 PM HDFC Midcap Oppurtunities Fund Direct Plan Growth 1000 PM AXIS Small Cap Fund Direct Growth 1000 PM JM Value Fund Direct Growth 1000 PM Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Direct 1000 PM Nippon India Corporate Bond Fund Direct Growth plan 1000 PM P2P investment 3500 PM for 3 yrs at 15% fixed return

Ans: It's excellent to see your commitment towards investing for both short-term goals like buying a house and long-term goals like retirement. Let's review your portfolio and suggest any adjustments:
1. Motilal Oswal Nasdaq 100 Fund Direct Growth: This fund provides exposure to the top 100 companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange, offering diversification and growth potential in the global tech sector. It can be a suitable addition for long-term wealth accumulation.
2. UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund: Investing in an index fund like UTI Nifty 50 offers exposure to the top 50 companies in the Indian equity market. It provides stability and diversification, complementing your other equity investments.
3. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct Growth: Bluechip funds focus on large-cap stocks with strong fundamentals, making them relatively less volatile. It's a prudent choice for stability and capital preservation.
4. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct Growth: This fund dynamically manages its equity exposure based on market conditions, offering a blend of growth and downside protection. It can be suitable for investors seeking a balanced approach.
5. HDFC Midcap Opportunities Fund Direct Plan Growth and AXIS Small Cap Fund Direct Growth: These funds provide exposure to mid-cap and small-cap segments, respectively, offering growth potential but with higher volatility. Ensure you're comfortable with the risk associated with these segments.
6. JM Value Fund Direct Growth and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Direct: Both these funds follow value investing principles and focus on investing in fundamentally sound companies at reasonable valuations. They can be suitable for long-term wealth creation.
7. Nippon India Corporate Bond Fund Direct Growth: Investing in a corporate bond fund provides stability and income generation through fixed-income securities. It's a prudent choice for diversification and managing risk.
8. P2P Investment: Peer-to-peer lending can offer attractive returns but comes with higher risk compared to traditional investments. Ensure you've assessed the risk-reward profile and have a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks.
Index Funds:
• Index funds offer broad market exposure by tracking a specific index, such as the Nifty 50 or the Nasdaq 100. They provide diversification and low-cost access to the market, making them suitable for long-term investors.
• However, index funds are passively managed, meaning they aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index rather than outperforming it. While this reduces management fees and turnover costs, it also limits the potential for alpha generation.
• As a result, index funds may not capture opportunities for outperformance during market upswings or provide downside protection during downturns. Investors seeking higher returns may prefer actively managed funds that aim to outperform the market through strategic stock selection and portfolio management.
Direct Funds:
• Direct funds allow investors to purchase mutual fund units directly from the asset management company, bypassing intermediaries like distributors or brokers. This can result in lower expense ratios compared to regular funds, as there are no distributor commissions involved.
• However, direct fund investors are responsible for conducting their own research, selecting suitable funds, and monitoring their investments. This requires a certain level of financial literacy and investment expertise to make informed decisions.
• On the other hand, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who holds the necessary credentials and expertise can provide valuable guidance and support. A CFP can help investors navigate the complexities of the financial markets, select appropriate investment strategies, and optimize their portfolio allocations based on individual goals and risk tolerance.
Considering your investment portfolio, it's essential to evaluate the role of both index funds and direct funds in achieving your financial objectives. While index funds offer cost-effective market exposure, direct funds provide the potential for active management and outperformance.
As a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), I recommend a balanced approach that incorporates both index funds and direct funds based on your risk profile and investment goals. Periodic reviews of your portfolio and ongoing guidance from a CFP can help ensure that your investment strategy remains aligned with your evolving needs and objectives.
Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay informed, stay disciplined, and seek professional guidance when needed. With the right approach and support, you can navigate the financial markets with confidence and work towards achieving your long-term financial goals.
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  |8220 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

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Hi Sir I am 34 years old earning aroung 70k/m 16 k savings /month Could you please review my MF portfolio should i make any changes ET money high growth 5k/m started this year DSP Tax saver- started May 2017 3k/m CanRob Tax saver Jan 2021 2k/m PPFFAS Flexi Started Jan 2021- 2k/m DSP small - lumpsum 160000 DSP quant - lumpsum 105000 Quant small cap 2k/m Motilal Oswal Nasdag 100 FOF 1k/m SBI Bluechip 1k/m UTI Mid - July2021 1k/m Stopped DSP Mid - July 2021 1k/m Stopped UTI Flexi - July2021 1k/m stopped PPF 500/m
Ans: Assessment of Your Mutual Fund Portfolio:

Your Current Holdings:

You've shown commendable discipline in your investment journey with a monthly surplus of Rs. 16,000.
Your portfolio demonstrates a diversified mix of mutual funds across various categories, indicating a thoughtful approach towards wealth accumulation.
It's evident that you've been investing systematically, which is a prudent strategy for long-term wealth creation.
Your allocation to tax-saving funds is strategically aligned with your financial goals, ensuring tax efficiency while building wealth.
Areas of Consideration:

While your portfolio appears well-structured, it's crucial to periodically review and rebalance to align with your evolving financial objectives and market conditions.
The decision to halt investments in certain funds in July 2021 indicates a proactive stance towards optimizing your portfolio.
Lumpsum investments in specific funds indicate confidence in their potential, but it's essential to monitor their performance regularly.
The absence of index funds in your portfolio raises the question of whether you've explored their benefits adequately.
Recommendations:

Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and rebalancing it in line with your financial goals is imperative.
Consider diversifying into index funds to harness the benefits of low-cost, passive investing, especially in segments where actively managed funds may underperform.
Direct funds offer lower expense ratios, but investing through a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice and ongoing support, enhancing the overall value of your investments.
In conclusion, your portfolio reflects a disciplined and diversified approach towards wealth creation. However, exploring the benefits of index funds and leveraging the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner could further optimize your investment strategy.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8220 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
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Sir,pls review my MF portfolio and give your review and advice. I have in my portfolio 5 L in Baroda pnd paribas multi asset,2 L sbi balanced advantage,2 HDFC manufacturing fund,2 bandhan innovation MF,1 sbi psu fund,1 sbi next 50 index fund,2 L HDFC multicap,3000sip in sbi 250small cap index fund,3000 sip in ICICI bluechip fund,3000 sip in motilal oswal midcap fund.
Ans: Review of Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Let's assess your current mutual fund portfolio and provide suggestions to optimize it.

Current Portfolio Breakdown
Baroda BNP Paribas Multi Asset: Rs 5,00,000
SBI Balanced Advantage: Rs 2,00,000
HDFC Manufacturing Fund: Rs 2,00,000
Bandhan Innovation Mutual Fund: Rs 2,00,000
SBI PSU Fund: Rs 1,00,000
SBI Next 50 Index Fund: Rs 1,00,000
HDFC Multicap Fund: Rs 2,00,000
SIP in SBI 250 Small Cap Index Fund: Rs 3,000 per month
SIP in ICICI Bluechip Fund: Rs 3,000 per month
SIP in Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund: Rs 3,000 per month
Analysis and Evaluation
Diversification:

Your portfolio includes a mix of equity, balanced, and sector funds.
This diversification helps in risk management.
Sector Funds:

HDFC Manufacturing Fund and SBI PSU Fund are sector-specific.
Sector funds can be risky due to lack of diversification.
Index Funds:

SBI Next 50 Index Fund and SBI 250 Small Cap Index Fund are passive investments.
Index funds do not outperform the market and lack active management.
Balanced Advantage Fund:

SBI Balanced Advantage Fund balances equity and debt.
This provides stability during market volatility.
Multicap Funds:

HDFC Multicap Fund offers diversification across large, mid, and small caps.
This reduces concentration risk.
Recommendations
Reduce Sector Exposure:

Consider reducing your investment in sector funds like HDFC Manufacturing and SBI PSU Fund.
These funds are less diversified and can be volatile.
Shift from Index Funds to Actively Managed Funds:

Index funds like SBI Next 50 and SBI 250 Small Cap Index Fund lack active management.
Actively managed funds can potentially offer better returns.
Increase Exposure to Actively Managed Funds:

Increase investment in actively managed funds such as multicap, large-cap, and mid-cap funds.
These funds are managed by professionals who can make informed investment decisions.
SIP in Balanced and Multicap Funds:

Continue your SIP in ICICI Bluechip and Motilal Oswal Midcap funds.
Consider adding more SIPs in balanced advantage or multicap funds.
Diversify Across Asset Classes:

Continue investing in multi-asset funds like Baroda BNP Paribas Multi Asset.
These funds offer a mix of equity, debt, and other assets for better diversification.
Suggested Portfolio Allocation
Equity Funds:

Large Cap Funds: 30% of your portfolio.
Mid Cap Funds: 20% of your portfolio.
Multicap Funds: 25% of your portfolio.
Reduce sector funds to 10% of your portfolio.
Balanced Funds:

Balanced Advantage Funds: 15% of your portfolio.
Multi-Asset Funds:

Continue with Baroda BNP Paribas Multi Asset.
Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-diversified but can be optimized by reducing sector-specific and index funds. Increase allocation to actively managed large, mid, and multicap funds. This strategy will potentially enhance returns and manage risks better. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |1157 Answers  |Ask -

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8220 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 25, 2025

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Please review my MF portfolio. My monthly SIP is 18000/- per month. Current portfolio value is 1.5 Lakh. 1. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund - 4000 2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - 4000 3. Nippon India small cap - 4000 4. HDFC balanced advantage fund- 2000 5. Motilal oswal Midcap fund - 2000 6. JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund - 1000 7. Bandhan Nifty Alpha Low Volatility 30 Index - 1000 (NFO) Traditional investments are as follows, and the current value is 15 Lakh. 1. EPF - 44000/- per month 2. NPS - 22000/- per month 3. RD - 20000/- Per month to build an emergency fund. I am planning to increase my SIP from 18000 to 60000 every month. Please let me know if I need any changes in my portfolio. I am planning to build a portfolio of 5 crore in the next 15 years. Currently, I am 35 years and planning to retire by the age of 50 years.
Ans: Your financial plan is well-structured, and your investment discipline is strong. You have a clear retirement goal and an aggressive investment approach. However, there are areas where you can optimize your portfolio for better returns and lower risk.

Let’s analyze your portfolio from a 360-degree perspective.

1. Strengths of Your Current Portfolio
Your investment approach is well-planned. Here’s what you are doing right:

Disciplined SIP investment – You have a regular SIP plan in equity mutual funds.

Diversified portfolio – You have exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, and hybrid funds.

Strong traditional investments – EPF and NPS provide stability in retirement.

Emergency fund planning – Your recurring deposit ensures liquidity for unexpected expenses.

Increasing SIPs – Scaling up SIPs from Rs 18,000 to Rs 60,000 will help wealth creation.

Your financial discipline will help you reach your Rs 5 crore target.

2. Issues in Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
While your portfolio is diversified, some adjustments can improve performance.

Over-Diversification
You have too many funds across categories.

Too many funds dilute returns and make tracking difficult.

Having 4-5 well-chosen funds is better than 7-8 average funds.

Index Fund Exposure
One of your funds is an index fund.

Index funds cannot beat the market, while actively managed funds can.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps select the best actively managed funds.

Hybrid Funds and Overlapping Categories
You hold two hybrid funds, which can limit aggressive growth.

These funds are not necessary when you have EPF and NPS.

Adjusting these issues will enhance your returns.

3. Optimizing Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Here’s how you can make your portfolio more efficient:

Reduce the Number of Funds
Keep 4-5 funds for focused wealth creation.

Large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds provide balanced exposure.

Avoid hybrid funds as EPF and NPS already offer stability.

Exit Index Fund
Actively managed funds provide better long-term returns.

Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions.

An index fund will not protect during market corrections.

Adjust Your Portfolio Allocation
Large-cap fund – 30% allocation for stability.

Flexi-cap fund – 30% allocation for fund manager flexibility.

Mid-cap fund – 20% allocation for higher growth potential.

Small-cap fund – 20% allocation for aggressive wealth creation.

This will balance risk and return effectively.

4. Optimizing Traditional Investments
Your traditional investments are strong, but they can be more efficient.

EPF Contribution
EPF is a safe investment with tax benefits.

However, it provides lower returns compared to equity.

Consider redirecting a small portion towards equity SIPs for higher growth.

NPS Contribution
NPS is a good tax-saving tool but has withdrawal restrictions.

You can keep investing but ensure a higher allocation in equity within NPS.

Recurring Deposit for Emergency Fund
RDs are good for liquidity but offer low returns.

Instead, keep emergency funds in a liquid mutual fund for better returns.

A balanced approach between safety and growth is necessary.

5. Increasing SIPs from Rs 18,000 to Rs 60,000
Your plan to increase SIPs is excellent. However, proper allocation is required.

Large-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000.

Flexi-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000.

Mid-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.

Small-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000.

Liquid fund – Allocate Rs 10,000 for short-term needs.

This ensures strong wealth creation while maintaining liquidity.

6. Expected Growth and Retirement Planning
With disciplined investing, you can achieve your Rs 5 crore goal.

Equity SIPs – Higher allocation ensures compounding benefits.

Traditional investments – EPF and NPS provide stability.

Emergency fund – Ensures liquidity for unexpected needs.

Your current path is excellent. Minor adjustments will enhance your wealth creation journey.

Finally
You are on the right track towards financial freedom. Your disciplined investment approach is commendable. However, some refinements will optimize your returns.

Reduce over-diversification and exit underperforming funds.

Replace index funds with actively managed funds for better returns.

Allocate SIPs strategically for better risk-reward balance.

Re-evaluate traditional investments to maximize efficiency.

Ensure liquidity through a liquid fund instead of an RD.

With these adjustments, you can achieve your Rs 5 crore target confidently.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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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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