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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8500 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 27, 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 - Feb 04, 2024Hindi
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My salary is 75k, I have started 50k sip (30 quant multi asset fund +5k largemidcap 250 zerodha index fund +5k smallcap 50 axis index fund+ 5k microcap motilal index fund + 5k kotak nasdaq 100 index fund) Also I have 9L in icici short term fund for additional mf buying. My age is 32 and want retire with 1Cr after 10 years. Is my plan is on correct way ?

Ans: Your proactive approach towards investing is commendable, and your SIP allocations reflect a diversified strategy. Let's review your plan:

SIP Allocation: You've diversified your SIP across different asset classes, including multi-asset, large-mid cap, index funds, and international exposure. This diversification can help manage risk and capture growth opportunities across various market segments.
Additional Funds for MF Buying: Holding 9 lakhs in ICICI Short Term Fund for additional MF buying provides liquidity and flexibility to capitalize on investment opportunities as they arise. It's a prudent strategy to have funds readily available for investment.
Retirement Goal: Your aim to accumulate 1 crore for retirement after 10 years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined saving and investment. However, it's essential to periodically review and adjust your investment strategy to ensure you stay on track towards your goal.
Consultation with a Financial Advisor: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance. They can provide personalized guidance and help optimize your portfolio for maximum growth potential.
Overall, your investment plan appears well-structured, but regular monitoring and adjustments may be necessary to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement objectives. Keep up the disciplined approach, and you're on the right path towards achieving financial independence.
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  |8500 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 2024

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I am 45 Year old and and expecting atleast 1 Cr in MF in 5 year, I have started a SIP of 40,000-p.m with 10k each in following : Quant Large Caps, JM Mid Cap Fund, Mahindra Small cap fund and Kotak Manufacture in India. Request to kindly advise if this good plan or i need to do some thing more.
Ans: Your current SIP allocation seems diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and sectoral funds, which is a good strategy for potential growth. However, achieving a corpus of 1 crore in 5 years with a monthly SIP of 40,000 may be challenging, especially considering market volatility and other factors.

Here are some considerations and potential adjustments you could make:

Realistic Expectations: Ensure your goal of reaching 1 crore in 5 years is achievable based on your current SIP amount and market conditions. Consider revising your target or extending your investment horizon if needed.

Review Fund Selection: Evaluate the performance and consistency of the funds you've chosen. Ensure they align with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. You may consider adding funds with a proven track record of delivering consistent returns.

Asset Allocation: Review your asset allocation strategy to ensure it matches your risk profile and investment objectives. Depending on your risk tolerance, you may adjust the allocation between equity and debt funds to mitigate market volatility.

Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor the performance of your funds and review your investment strategy periodically. Stay informed about market trends and economic indicators that may impact your portfolio.

Consult a Financial Advisor: Consider seeking advice from a financial advisor who can assess your financial situation holistically and provide personalized recommendations based on your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.

Additional Investments: If feasible, consider increasing your monthly SIP amount or making lump-sum investments periodically to accelerate wealth accumulation and achieve your target corpus.

Remember that investing involves market risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. It's essential to stay disciplined, remain focused on your long-term goals, and make informed decisions based on thorough research and professional advice.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8500 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

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I am 43 and want to get retire with at least 1.5cr through mf sip starting today. Total 10k per month for next 15 years as 2k in parag parikh flexi fund, 2k in canara robecco bluechip, 2k in quant active fund, 2k in mirae asset large midcap fund, 1k in motilal oswal focused fund and 1k in sbi focused equity fund. Is this good to have the above investment?
Ans: Starting your retirement planning at 43 with a clear goal of Rs. 1.5 crore is a great decision! Your choice of SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is a smart way to invest regularly. Let's see how your chosen funds can help you reach your target.

Strengths of Your Plan:

Diversification: Your selection includes flexi-cap, blue-chip, large & mid-cap, and focused funds, offering diversification across market capitalizations and investment styles.
Long-Term Focus: A 15-year investment horizon allows you to benefit from the potential of equity markets for long-term growth.
Regular Investment: SIP ensures disciplined investing and benefits from rupee-cost averaging.
Points to Consider:

Target Achievement: Reaching Rs. 1.5 crore depends on market performance. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market, but past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Asset Allocation: Review the percentage allocation across each fund category to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance.
Benefits of a CFP

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can provide a more personalized assessment. They can help you:

Calculate Retirement Corpus: Determine the total investment amount needed for your desired retirement lifestyle.
Refine Asset Allocation: Ensure your chosen mix of funds matches your risk tolerance and goals.
Monitor & Rebalance: Track your portfolio performance and rebalance periodically to maintain your asset allocation.
Regular Plan vs Direct Plan

Regular plans with a CFP professional can offer some advantages over direct plans. A CFP can:

Minimize Costs: Help you potentially find ways to reduce investment expenses.
Stay on Track: Guide you through market volatility and keep you invested for the long term.
Remember:

Market fluctuations can impact your returns. However, your diversified approach, long-term focus, and SIP strategy are positive steps towards your Rs. 1.5 crore goal.

Next Steps:

Consider consulting a CFP professional for a detailed analysis of your plan.
Regularly monitor your portfolio performance and rebalance as needed.
Keep saving and investing for a happy retirement!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8500 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 20, 2024Hindi
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Hi, I am 31 years old. I am planning to retire at the age between 45 to 48. I want to generate wealth of at least 10Cr by the time I retire. As of today, I have MF corpus of 28L(17.5L/10.4L) with monthly SIPs of 42500. Current ongoing SIPs in 1. Quant Active Fund - 5k 2. Axis Midcap Fund - 5k 3. Mirae Asset ELSS - 5k 4. SBI Small Cap - 5k 5. Nippon India US Equity Opp. Fund - 2.5k 6. DSP ELSS Tax Saver - 1k 7. Mirae Asset Large & Mid Cap - 5k 8. Nippon India Small Cap - 5k 9. Quant Mid Cap - 3k 10. Quant Small Cap - 3k 11. Quant Flexi Cap - 3k There are 3 Stopped SIPs 1. Axis Bluechip Fund - 1.5L Invested / 2.07L valuation 2. Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver - 94k invested / 2.06L valuation 3. Aditya Birla SL ELSS Tax Saver - 94k invested / 1.64L Valuation Please suggest if I need to change my strategy in investing MF with above ongoing and stopped SIPs. Also, on top of MF investment, I have, PF corpus 11.5L with expected 8% YoY contribution. NPS corpus 11L with expected 8% YoY contribution. 30L in FDs with 9% compounding interest rate and treating same as emergency fund. 6.25L in stocks. Investing in individual stocks and via smallcase baskets(Enery, Banking and Metal Tracker) with 20-25k on quartely basis. PPF corpus of approx. 5L with 5k per month contribution with 9 years remaining. HDFC SL ProGrowth Plus with Sum Assured 12L with pending 8 premius of 60k per year. Me and my wife don't have any term or health insurance. Both of us are relying on corporate health insurance for family. I have home loan of 1.2Cr with EMI of 80k which is a biggest chunk of in hand salary. Household and personal expenses are around 20k per month. So, looking at above details how should I plan my financials for kid's(no kid yet) education/marriage and post retirement life ?
Ans: Your Current Financial Situation
Let’s review your current situation. You have a diverse portfolio with SIPs, mutual funds, stocks, FDs, and more.

Investments
Mutual Fund Corpus: Rs 28 lakhs
Monthly SIPs: Rs 42,500
Provident Fund: Rs 11.5 lakhs
NPS: Rs 11 lakhs
Fixed Deposits: Rs 30 lakhs
Stocks: Rs 6.25 lakhs
PPF: Rs 5 lakhs
HDFC SL ProGrowth Plus: Sum Assured Rs 12 lakhs
Liabilities
Home Loan: Rs 1.2 crores with an EMI of Rs 80,000 per month
Expenses: Rs 20,000 per month
Insurance
Corporate Health Insurance: Only relying on this for health coverage
Investment Strategy Evaluation
You have a robust and diversified investment strategy. Let’s refine it further.

Mutual Funds
You have a wide variety of mutual funds, including equity, ELSS, and international funds.

Active vs. Stopped SIPs
Active SIPs: Quant Active Fund, Axis Midcap Fund, Mirae Asset ELSS, SBI Small Cap, Nippon India US Equity Opp. Fund, DSP ELSS Tax Saver, Mirae Asset Large & Mid Cap, Nippon India Small Cap, Quant Mid Cap, Quant Small Cap, Quant Flexi Cap

Stopped SIPs: Axis Bluechip Fund, Nippon India ELSS Tax Saver, Aditya Birla SL ELSS Tax Saver

Recommendations for Mutual Funds
Consolidation: Reduce the number of funds. This simplifies management and avoids overlap.

Focus on Performance: Keep funds with consistent performance.

Direct vs. Regular Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds: Lack professional guidance. Regular funds offer better management through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Additional Investment Suggestions
Debt Instruments
PPF and NPS: Continue contributions. They offer stability and tax benefits.
Stocks and Smallcases
Stock Investments: Keep investing quarterly. Diversify across sectors for balanced growth.
Fixed Deposits
Emergency Fund: Maintain Rs 30 lakhs in FDs. Ensure easy access for emergencies.
Insurance Needs
Health Insurance
Individual Health Insurance: Get a separate health insurance plan. Corporate plans may not be sufficient.
Term Insurance
Life Cover: Get a term insurance plan for adequate life cover. This secures your family’s future.
Loan Management
Home Loan
Prepayment: Consider prepaying the home loan with surplus funds. This reduces interest burden and tenure.
Child’s Education and Marriage Planning
Systematic Investments
SIPs for Education: Start SIPs dedicated to your future child's education. Aim for growth-oriented funds.

Marriage Fund: Similarly, allocate funds for marriage expenses.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
For Girl Child: If you have a girl child, consider investing in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for her future.
Retirement Planning
Retirement Corpus
Target: Aim for a retirement corpus of Rs 10 crores by age 45-48.
Strategy
Increase SIPs Annually: Increase your SIPs by 15% every year. This leverages compounding effectively.

Balanced Portfolio: Maintain a balanced portfolio with equity, debt, and other instruments.

Professional Management
Certified Financial Planner: Work with a CFP for personalized advice. They help manage and optimize your investments.
Final Insights
You have a strong investment base. Simplify your mutual fund portfolio and focus on high-performing funds. Get adequate health and life insurance. Prepay your home loan to reduce the burden. Plan systematically for your child's education and marriage. Work with a Certified Financial Planner to achieve your retirement goal of Rs 10 crores.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8500 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2024Hindi
Money
My Age is 43. my monthly salary is 75K. My home loan EMI is Rs. 15000/- per month (Loan Amt: Rs. 20 Lakhs for 20 Yrs) . I have started SIP's of Rs. 12000 per month since 1.5 yrs. My Goal is for 3 Crores in next 10-15 yrs. My SIP fund details are: 1. TATA SMALL CAP FUND- RS. 2000 2. Quant Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 2500 3. Canara Robeco Small Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 1000 4. Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2500 5. ICICI Blue chip Fund Growth - Regular - Rs. 2000 6. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund - Growth - Rs. 2000 Kindly guide to achieve the expected target within the 10-15 yrs. Thank you
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Position
You are 43 years old with a monthly salary of Rs. 75,000. You have a home loan EMI of Rs. 15,000 per month, which is a significant commitment. Your SIPs of Rs. 12,000 per month, started 1.5 years ago, is a positive step towards wealth creation. Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 3 crores in the next 10 to 15 years. This is achievable with careful planning and disciplined investment.

Reviewing Your SIP Portfolio
Your current SIPs are diversified across various funds. However, it’s important to ensure that they align with your financial goals. Here’s an evaluation of your portfolio:

TATA Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2000:
Small-cap funds have high growth potential but come with higher risk. Given your age, this should be balanced with more stable options.

Quant Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 2500:
Mid-cap funds offer a good balance of growth and risk. This is a suitable choice, but keep an eye on the performance.

Canara Robeco Small Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 1000:
This fund adds further exposure to the mid-cap and small-cap segment. However, you may want to diversify beyond mid and small caps.

Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2500:
Like the TATA Small Cap Fund, this carries higher risk. At your age, consider reducing exposure to small caps.

ICICI Blue Chip Fund Growth - Regular - Rs. 2000:
Blue-chip funds are relatively safer, focusing on large, well-established companies. This adds stability to your portfolio.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund - Growth - Rs. 2000:
The fund you mentioned likely has a mix of equities and debt. Ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance.

Diversification and Risk Management
Your portfolio is heavily weighted towards small-cap and mid-cap funds. While these funds have the potential for high returns, they also come with significant risk. At 43, it’s crucial to balance your portfolio with funds that offer more stability.

Increase Exposure to Large-Cap Funds:
Large-cap funds provide more stability and are less volatile than small-cap and mid-cap funds. Consider increasing your allocation here.

Consider Balanced or Hybrid Funds:
Balanced funds offer a mix of equity and debt. This can reduce risk while providing steady growth.

Reduce Small-Cap Exposure:
Given your goal and timeframe, you may want to reduce your allocation to small-cap funds. They are more volatile and may not align with your risk tolerance.

Maximising Returns with Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds, especially in the Indian market. Your portfolio already includes actively managed funds, which is a smart move.

Avoid Index Funds:
Index funds simply track the market and may not provide the superior returns you need to meet your Rs. 3 crore goal.

Focus on Fund Performance:
Regularly review the performance of your actively managed funds. If a fund underperforms consistently, consider switching to a better-performing fund.

The Role of SIPs in Achieving Your Goal
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined way to build wealth over time. They help you take advantage of market fluctuations through rupee cost averaging. However, to reach your goal of Rs. 3 crores, you may need to increase your SIP contributions over time.

Increase SIP Contributions:
Consider increasing your SIP amount by 10-15% every year. This will help you accumulate a larger corpus over time.

Step-Up SIPs:
Some mutual funds offer a step-up SIP option, where your contribution increases automatically each year. This is a hassle-free way to boost your investments.

Additional Investments to Strengthen Your Portfolio
While SIPs are a great tool, you may need to explore other investment avenues to meet your Rs. 3 crore target.

Public Provident Fund (PPF):
Consider investing in PPF for its tax-free returns and safety. It’s a good option for long-term wealth building.

National Pension System (NPS):
NPS offers a mix of equity, debt, and government securities. It’s a good option for retirement planning with tax benefits.

Fixed Deposits (FDs) and Debt Funds:
Allocate a portion of your portfolio to debt instruments like FDs or debt mutual funds. This adds stability and reduces overall portfolio risk.

Managing Your Home Loan
Your home loan EMI is Rs. 15,000 per month, which is manageable given your income. However, it’s important to consider how this affects your ability to invest towards your Rs. 3 crore goal.

Prepay Your Loan:
If you receive a bonus or windfall, consider using a portion to prepay your loan. This reduces your interest burden and frees up more money for investments.

Balance EMI and SIPs:
Ensure that your EMI and SIP contributions are balanced. Avoid stretching yourself too thin, as this can lead to financial stress.

Tax Planning and Efficient Investing
Efficient tax planning is crucial to maximize your returns and achieve your financial goals.

Utilize Section 80C:
Ensure that your investments, such as PPF, ELSS, and life insurance premiums, fully utilize the Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction under Section 80C.

Consider Tax-Efficient Funds:
Invest in funds that offer tax efficiency, like ELSS, which provides tax benefits along with potential for growth.

Planning for Retirement
Retirement planning should be a key component of your financial strategy, especially as you approach your 50s.

Set Up a Retirement Fund:
Consider starting a dedicated retirement fund, separate from your other investments. This could include NPS, PPF, or a retirement-specific mutual fund.

Review Your Retirement Corpus:
Assess whether your current savings and investments will be sufficient for your retirement needs. Adjust your savings rate if necessary.

Final Insights
To achieve your Rs. 3 crore goal in 10-15 years, you need a balanced approach. Reevaluate your SIP portfolio, increase your contributions, and consider diversifying into more stable investments. Managing your home loan effectively and optimizing tax benefits will also contribute to your goal. Stay disciplined, review your portfolio regularly, and adjust your strategy as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4914 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 23, 2025
Career
Hello sir , I got 87.6 percentile in JEE mains .What NITs can I expect
Ans: Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main/Advanced Results – A Step-by-Step Guide

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.
Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Have some other options also as back-ups instead of relying only on JEE/JoSAA.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions and a bright 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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