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Should I Stop SIPs at 50 and Move to Conservative Options?

Moneywize

Moneywize   |174 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Nov 03, 2024

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Asked by Anonymous - Oct 29, 2024Hindi
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I’m Arjun from Kolkata. I am 50 years old with two sons aged 20 and 18. I’ve been investing Rs 40,000 per month in mutual funds for the last decade, but I’m now considering stopping SIPs and moving to more conservative options. What is your advice for balancing growth and safety?

Ans: ‘It is painful to contest as an independent’

It was and it is very much painful for me. Because the reason behind (contesting as an independent candidate against a BJP candidate from Borivali Vidhan Sabha seat) it is the people were saying that if a man of your stature is not taking any decision against such happenings then who will take (such decisions). In the coming 50 years no one will take. So you have to take the decision.
You have to react against this (unfair) decision, which party has taken to nominate Sanjay Upadhyay from Borivali. Once again I'm not totally against any outsiders because if you don't have a strong candidate in a given assembly and if you have good candidates from other assembly constituency then party should field (an outsider from other place). But once, twice (is fine); thrice is much more. This is the fourth time this has happened (that the BJP fielded an outsider from Borivali).
First, Vinod Tawdeji contested; second time, Sunil Raneji contested, third time Piyush Goyalji contested in 2024 Lok Sabha election. Now in this assembly election Sanjay Upadhyay's name has been (announced).

On his decision to contest as an independent…
Let me make it very, very clear that I have not asked ticket from party to contest this election. Party workers suggested my name; in party’s survey from the public, my name had come forward.
It was discussed and party has taken decision to not field Sunil Raneji, the present MLA, again. The news was in media that Gopal Shetty will be given a chance (to contest from Borivali). It was not by party but it was by media. Yesterday, my party’s district president Ganesh Khandkar's name was in discussion in the morning. I don't know how far it was right or wrong but it was in public domain. (But when eve his name was not announced) party karyakartas (workers) approached me yesterday (on October 28) noon time. I had made very much clear to them (people who make the decision in BJP who distribute tickets) that if any party worker from whether it was from Borivali or Magathane (Borivali’s adjoining neighbourhood from where Ganesh Khandkar belongs) because there’s just a road (in between these two Vidhan Sabha constituencies) in the middle. It doesn't make any difference. So we should accept (Khandkar’s name). Because if (I were to take) any decision against that (Khandkar’s nomination) also then people would not have liked it. People have seen me; what I am and (in that spirit) we should support that new party worker, whom the party has nominated (and get him elected). I made all party workers to understand the situation. But suddenly sometime between 3 and 3:30 pm, TV channels broke the news came that Sanjay Upadhyay has been nominated from Borivali.
From morning (of October 28) I was with Piyush Goyalji. We filed the nomination of Vinod Shelar (who is contesting from Malad). We filed nomination of Yogesh Sagarji (who is contesting again from Charkop), of Manishatai Chowdhary (from Dahisar) and Prakash Surve (BJP ally Shiv Sena’s nominee from Magathane).
After filling all four nominations we went to party office at Kandivali. Piyush Goyalji was also with me. He told (me) that party has taken the decision (to field Sanjay Upadhyay from Borivali).
I told him at that moment only that this decision is not right (the decision that BJP has taken). People will not accept it. I told him yesterday (October 28) that I am going to file (my nomination) as an independent candidate tomorrow (October 29, the last date for filing nominations in Maharashtra).

On fighting against friends and family…
Friends are always friends. Piyush Goyalji is also ours. All Bharatiya Janta Party workers are mine. I am for them.
I have appealed not only to Bharatiya Janta Party workers but of all the political parties that they should stand behind me in this fight because this is not a political fight. This is the fight to give justice to the party workers and to the people of Borivali.
This particular subject (of not giving party ticket to loyalists) is not only (an issue limited) to Borivali. It is for the entire nation. I will say everywhere such things (loyal workers are not getting tickets to contest election) are happening. It should not happen.
Again I will say this that I am not 100% against any outsider coming and contesting. Let me make it very clear again and again. It's okay once or twice. But successively four times it is not acceptable. It is not acceptable.

‘I have not resigned from BJP’
Definitely it is wrong because the party workers are working day and night to build this party, to serve the people. And if anyone from anywhere comes and contests then what is the use of party and sanghatna (organisation)?
I have told yesterday only I have not resigned. I am not going to resign. I am not going to leave my party’s principles and ideologies. I am not going to contest this election by going to any other party. That's why I have chosen to fight as an independent candidate’ all are mine and I am for all.

On his supporters hounding Piyush Goyal…
I don't think any such thing has happened. But if it has happened (then) that it is wrong. I will say such things should not happen because we are one. We all are one. Piyush Goyalji is a cabinet minister elected from this constituency. And he's our leader. We should respect him. I will appeal to all the party workers.
(We must respect) not just Piyush Goyalji but even the small party workers. We are all. We all are one.
Such things should not happen again.

About having second thoughts while vacating his seat for Piyush Goyal
Never. Never. Never. Never. Let me make it very clear that North Mumbai constituency was not my father's property. It was party’s (prerogative to decide who gets to contest from where) and it should always be party’s decision to decide who gets to contest from where. That was not my personal property.
Party has given me opportunity seven times. I fought, I won.
When Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) decided that North Mumbai is a very safe constituency and Piyush Goyalji should constitute contest contact from there then it was my duty to fulfill the wish of my Prime Minister. I am proud he chose North Mumbai for that job.

On withdrawing his nomination if the Prime Minister calls him to do so...

I don't think that Prime Minister or any big other leaders will do such things to me. Because we all are of one thought and thinking, I don't think what I have done is wrong. No one can tell me that you are doing something wrong. If I had gone to some other party to fight election, and win election and go to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, that would have been wrong.
When I sought support from other political parties (to help me win this seat) also I have made it very clearly that I will not join any party and contest this election. This election is something different which I am contesting. I am hopeful that people of other party and sections will also support me.




Given your stage in life, shifting from high-growth equity mutual funds toward more balanced and conservative options is a wise choice. However, to preserve growth potential while adding safety, consider a gradual, diversified approach. Here are some strategies to help you balance growth and capital protection:
1. Hybrid Funds for Balanced Growth and Safety

• Balanced Advantage Funds (BAFs): These funds dynamically manage equity and debt exposure based on market conditions, offering both growth potential and downside protection. BAFs can adjust their equity exposure when markets are volatile, which helps reduce risks while maintaining moderate growth.
• Equity Savings Funds: These funds allocate a smaller percentage to equities, combined with debt and arbitrage opportunities. They offer steady returns with less volatility than pure equity funds, which makes them a good middle-ground option.
2. Debt Instruments for Stability

• Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs): With a set maturity date, FMPs invest in fixed-income instruments, aiming to deliver stable, predictable returns with minimal risk.
• Corporate Bond Funds and Short-Term Debt Funds: These funds focus on high-quality bonds and aim for returns slightly higher than traditional fixed deposits, with low to moderate risk. Short-term debt funds (duration up to 3 years) are less sensitive to interest rate changes, making them relatively stable.
• Target Maturity Funds: These funds are similar to bonds and hold securities until maturity, making them a safe bet for those nearing retirement. They offer predictable returns and are available with various time horizons.

3. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

• You might consider moving a portion of your mutual fund investments into a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in balanced or hybrid funds. This option allows you to receive regular payouts, which can act as an income stream while keeping your principal invested.

4. Consider Conservative Hybrid Funds

• These funds invest predominantly in debt and a smaller portion in equity, which helps in providing stable returns with a conservative approach. Over time, this strategy can offer some growth without the risks of a high equity allocation.

5. Diversify into Gold and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

• A small portion (e.g., 5-10%) of your portfolio can be allocated to assets like gold funds or REITs. Gold funds act as a hedge against inflation and market volatility, while REITs can provide passive income through real estate exposure without direct property investment.

6. National Pension System (NPS) for Retirement Security

• If you’re not already invested in the NPS, consider it as a tax-efficient option that offers both equity and debt exposure with a more conservative tilt. The NPS allows you to choose your asset allocation, balancing risk and return.

Suggested Allocation Example

• Equity (30%): Balanced Advantage Funds or Equity Savings Funds.
• Debt (60%): Corporate Bond Funds, Short-Term Debt Funds, and Target Maturity Funds.
• Alternative Assets (10%): Gold Funds, REITs, or NPS for a diversified approach.

This mix should help maintain some growth potential while providing increased stability as you approach retirement. Rebalancing your portfolio periodically and aligning your investments with your financial goals will help keep risk levels manageable while meeting your future needs.
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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I am Binoy working in UAE as a sales executive age 39. From kochin, Kerala. May I kindly get some advice for my mutual funds portfolio? I am doing below mutual funds SIP direct growth. & I stopped some SIPs and hold the funds. Now I am doing 96k SIP. Need to start & continue total 1 lakh SIP for the next 8 to 10 years. Now current total SIP value is around 27 lakhs. This SIP s are for my retirement monthly income 30 to 35k (all are current value) after 10 years, and for my 2 children’s education 35 lakhs lumpsum after 10 & 15 years respectively. I am thinking to stop ICICI pru blue chip & Birla frontline equity and to start Mirae large cap & one more Multi cap fund. I am moderate to little aggressive risk taker. What are the changes required? Should I hold the stopped funds or I need to redeem and deposit it to another funds? if to do so, in which funds I need to invest this lumpsum amounts? Please advise me for the necessary changes required to make a good portfolio to invest for the next 8-10 years. Looking forward to get your reply positively.  Fund name Catgory Star Rating Binoy Nair     LARGE CAPS & HYBRID     AXIS BLUE CHIP EQUITY Equity - Large Cap Funds: 5 ICICI BLUE CHIP EQUITY Equity - Thematic Funds: - Global 4 BIRLA FRONTLINE EQTY Equity - Large Cap Funds: 3 ICICI PRU DEBT& EQUITY Hybrid - Aggressive Hybrid Fund 3 MULTI CAPS     KOTAK STANDARD MULTCAP Equity - Multi Cap Funds: 3 AXIS MULTICAP Equity - Multi Cap Funds: 5 AXIS FOCUSED 25 Equity - Focused Funds: 5 Franklin India Focused Equity Equity - Focused Funds: 2 MIDCAP, LARGE & MIDCAP     AXIS MIDCAP Equity - Mid Cap Funds: 3 HDFC MIDCAP Equity - Mid Cap Funds: 2 MIRAE ASSET EMERGING BLUECHIP EQUITY Equity - Large & Mid Cap Fund 4 STOPPED SIPs     FRANKLIN SMALLER COMPANIES Equity - Small cap Fund 2 BIRLA FOCUSED EQUITY Equity - Focused Funds: 4 HDFC HYBRID EQUITY Hybrid - Aggressive Hybrid Fund 4
Ans: You may continue with the 5 & 4 rated funds; however for others better alternative is available

Equity - Large Cap Funds:

- LIC MF Large Cap Fund-Regular Plan-Growth

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Equity - Value Funds:Tata Equity P/E Fund Regular Plan -(Growth Option)

Equity - Focused Funds:

- Axis Focused 25 Fund - Regular Plan - Growth Option

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Equity - Large & Mid Cap Fund

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Moneywize

Moneywize   |174 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Oct 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
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I’m a working woman from Bhubaneswar. I’m 39, married with two kids aged 10 and 8. I’ve been saving Rs 30,000 a month in SIPs and another Rs 10,000 in a recurring deposit. Is this the right approach to balancing growth and safety in my portfolio?
Ans: Balancing growth and safety in your investment portfolio is crucial, especially with family responsibilities and future financial goals in mind. Let's break down your current approach and explore ways to optimize it for both growth and safety.

Current Investment Strategy

SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) – Rs 30,000/month

• Potential for Growth: SIPs typically invest in mutual funds, which can offer higher returns over the long term compared to traditional savings instruments.
• Risk Factor: The risk varies based on the type of mutual funds you choose. Equity funds are higher risk but offer greater growth potential, while debt funds are relatively safer with modest returns.

Recurring Deposit (RD) – Rs 10,000/month

• Safety: RDs are considered safe as they offer guaranteed returns and are not subject to market volatility.
• Lower Returns: The returns on RDs are generally lower compared to mutual funds, especially in a low-interest-rate environment.

Evaluating Your Strategy

Your current strategy shows a good mix of growth-oriented and safe investments. However, to further optimize the balance between growth and safety, consider the following aspects:

Diversification:

• Asset Allocation: Ensure your SIPs are diversified across different types of mutual funds (e.g., equity, debt, hybrid) to spread risk.
• Sector and Market Diversification: Invest in various sectors and consider funds that provide exposure to both large-cap and mid/small-cap stocks.

Emergency Fund:

• Liquidity: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund (typically 6-12 months of expenses) in a highly liquid and safe instrument like a savings account or liquid mutual funds. This protects you from unforeseen financial emergencies without needing to dip into your investments.

Insurance:

• Life and Health Insurance: Adequate insurance coverage is essential to protect your family’s financial future in case of unexpected events.

Retirement Planning:

• Long-Term Goals: At 39, it’s important to start or continue building a robust retirement corpus. Consider dedicated retirement funds or pension plans.

Potential Adjustments for Better Balance

Review and Rebalance Your SIPs:

• Fund Performance: Regularly review the performance of your mutual funds and ensure they align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
• Mix of Funds: You might consider a mix of equity mutual funds for growth and debt or hybrid funds for stability.

Increase Investment in Safety:

• Public Provident Fund (PPF): Offers tax benefits and relatively higher interest rates with a long-term horizon.
• National Savings Certificate (NSC) or other government-backed schemes: Provide safety with reasonable returns.

Explore Other Investment Avenues:

• Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS): These offer tax benefits along with growth potential.
• Real Estate or Gold: Depending on your interest and market conditions, diversifying into physical assets can add another layer of safety and growth.

Optimize Recurring Deposits:

• Interest Rates Comparison: Compare RD rates across different banks and NBFCs to ensure you’re getting the best possible returns for the safety.
• Alternative Fixed-Income Instruments: Consider fixed income mutual funds or debt ETFs for potentially better returns with similar safety profiles.

Final Recommendations

• Financial Goals Assessment: Clearly define your short-term and long-term financial goals (e.g., children's education, marriage, home purchase, retirement) and align your investment strategy accordingly.
• Regular Reviews: Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and adjust as necessary based on life changes or market conditions.
• Professional Advice: Consider consulting a certified financial planner who can provide personalized advice tailored to your specific situation and goals.

Conclusion

Your current approach of combining SIPs with a recurring deposit is a solid foundation for balancing growth and safety. By further diversifying your investments, regularly reviewing your portfolio, and ensuring adequate coverage for emergencies and insurance, you can enhance the effectiveness of your financial strategy. Always align your investments with your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial objectives to achieve a well-balanced and resilient portfolio.

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What are different types of annuity plans. Do we have plan which gives fixed income till I live and then principle is return to my nominee. If I have 3 Cr , what max return per month I can get ? And is this tax free ?
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He rejected me but still went to my class to see me one glance.Before Our last class I said him to meet with me I want to say you something.He came to meet with me but he was too late and our tiffin break time is over so I don't say anything to him. We just looking each other for some seconds.Then I said him if you want you can go .He don't go instantly.He looking at me for while and then go to his class.Whenever he sees me he start blushing and feel nervous.Many times I found him staring at me.He is a introvert guy .But still when we met with each other he making eye contact with me. My question is if he doesn't love me how can he maintain eye contact with me like this .He is not that handsome but he is really good student.I truly love him and Cried a lot for him but he don't know anything.I texted him sometimes but he don't look interested.But always I see him I feel like he have also feelings for me .His eyes tell me he love me but he rejected me .Why?. I can't able to forget him .I tried to my best to forget him but I failed . What should I do now?I really badly want to know his feelings for me because if he sees me only as a friend he doesn't go to my class to see me a glance.Why he blushing around me? How to know his true feelings?What should I do?How to forget or get him? I'm clueless.Please help me????????
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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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