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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 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
Dipak Question by Dipak on Nov 08, 2023Hindi
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Hi Samraat, ( My goal - 1 CR in next 10-15 year) As a beginner, I have been making SIP's since last 5 months in ( Parag P Flexi 2k Pm, Axis Small cap 2.5kPm, Motilal oswal midcap 1.5K, ICICI Pru Value Discovery 1 K ) total @7000 per month. returns are reasonable and good. (step up 30% every year). (Thanks for your earlier advice on these) . Going forward, >> Now for lumpsum I have identified 1. Nippon India power and Infra , ( as i want to invest in Power sectoral funds) 2. Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity fund ( Direct Growth @ 10000 initially) , I plan to add 5k Quarterly ntil i reach a reasonable lumpsum amount. Please share your valuable suggestions on my plan. Thanks,

Ans: Assessment of Current SIPs:

Your SIP portfolio is well-diversified across different categories like flexi cap, small cap, mid cap, and value discovery funds. It's commendable that you've started your SIP journey, and the step-up strategy of increasing investments by 30% annually demonstrates a disciplined approach towards wealth accumulation.

Proposed Lump Sum Investments:

Nippon India Power and Infra Fund:

Investing in sectoral funds like power and infrastructure can offer growth opportunities, especially if you believe in the long-term prospects of this sector.
However, it's essential to note that sectoral funds can be volatile and carry higher risk compared to diversified equity funds.
Ensure that your investment horizon aligns with the inherent volatility of the power sector, and consider diversifying across other sectors for risk mitigation.
Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund (Direct Growth):

Opting for a blue-chip equity fund is a prudent choice for investors seeking stability and consistent returns.
Blue-chip funds typically invest in large-cap stocks with strong fundamentals, making them relatively safer than mid and small-cap funds.
Your strategy of initially investing a lump sum followed by quarterly additions is a systematic way to build wealth over time.
Overall Recommendations:

Diversification:

While your selection of funds seems reasonable, consider further diversification across different asset classes like debt, gold, and international funds to mitigate risk.
Diversification helps in spreading risk and optimizing returns, especially during market uncertainties.
Regular Review:

It's essential to review your portfolio periodically, preferably annually or bi-annually, to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Rebalancing your portfolio based on changing market conditions and your investment objectives is crucial for long-term wealth creation.
Risk Management:

As you progress towards your goal of accumulating Rs. 1 crore in the next 10-15 years, consider your risk appetite and adjust your investment strategy accordingly.
Ensure that your asset allocation reflects your risk tolerance and investment horizon to achieve a balance between growth and stability.
In conclusion, your investment plan demonstrates a proactive approach towards wealth creation. However, remember to stay informed about market developments and seek professional advice whenever necessary to make informed investment decisions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

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Hello Sir, I am 24 Years old, My goal - 1 CR in next 10-15 year. As a beginner, I have been making SIP's since last 5 months in ( Parag P Flexi 2k Pm, Axis Small cap 2.5kPm, Motilal oswal midcap 1.5Kpm, ICICI Pru Value Discovery 1 K ) total @7000 per month. (step up 30% every year) . Going forward, >> Now for lumpsum I have identified 1. Nippon India power and Infra , ( as i want to invest in Power sectoral funds) 2. Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity fund OR Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund ( Direct Growth @ 10000 initially) , I plan to add 5k Quarterly until i reach a reasonable lumpsum amount. Please share your valuable suggestions on my plan. and addition or deletion to any funds. Thanks, Dipak
Ans: Your commitment to investing at such a young age is commendable. Achieving Rs 1 crore in the next 10-15 years is a realistic goal with your disciplined approach.

Current SIP Strategy

You have started SIPs in four diversified funds, totaling Rs 7,000 per month. This strategy, combined with a 30% annual step-up, is a strong foundation for growth.

Evaluating Your Fund Selection

Your chosen funds cover flexi-cap, small-cap, mid-cap, and value categories. This diversification is prudent, spreading risk and capturing growth across different market segments.

Lump Sum Investment Strategy

You plan to invest in sectoral and large-cap funds. These choices can add stability and sector-specific growth to your portfolio. Diversifying across sectors reduces risk and enhances potential returns.

Sectoral Fund Considerations

Investing in sectoral funds like power and infrastructure can be rewarding. However, these funds are highly volatile. Ensure they constitute a smaller portion of your portfolio to manage risk.

Large-Cap Fund Choices

Choosing between Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity and Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund is wise. Both funds are known for stability and steady growth. Allocating your lump sum and quarterly investments in these funds balances your portfolio.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds offer professional management, adapting to market changes. This flexibility can result in higher returns compared to passive index funds, which simply track the market.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds mimic market indices and may not perform well in downturns. They lack the adaptability and professional oversight of actively managed funds, limiting potential returns.

Benefits of Investing Through a Certified Financial Planner

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures tailored advice and professional management. They can help you make informed decisions and optimise your investment strategy.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds have lower expense ratios but lack professional guidance. Investing through a certified planner provides expert oversight, ensuring your portfolio aligns with your goals.

Periodic Review and Rebalancing

Regularly review your portfolio's performance. Rebalancing ensures your investments stay aligned with your financial goals and market conditions. This approach optimises returns and manages risks effectively.

Creating a Comprehensive Financial Plan

In addition to mutual funds, consider other financial aspects like emergency funds, insurance, and tax planning. A holistic financial plan ensures a secure and well-rounded approach to wealth creation.

Monitoring Market Trends

Stay informed about market trends and economic factors. This knowledge helps you make timely adjustments to your investments, maximising returns and mitigating risks.

Conclusion

Your disciplined investment strategy and diversified portfolio are commendable. With regular review and professional guidance, you can achieve your goal of Rs 1 crore in the next 10-15 years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Moneywize

Moneywize   | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on May 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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I am 22 today and I would like to build a corpus of Rs 1 cr in next 8 to 10 years. I have been investing in SIPs since last 8 months in: * Motilal oswal midcap 2K * ICICI Pru Value Discovery 2K * Parag P Flexi 2k * Axis Small cap 2k I plan to step up b 30 per cent every year going forward in the above funds. Are these funds identified by me good for lump sum investment of Rs 20,000? * Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity fund * Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund * Nippon India power and Infra Looking forward to your valuable suggestions. Thanks
Ans: The funds you have chosen for your SIPs have a good mix of mid-cap and flexi-cap exposure, which can be suitable for a long-term investment horizon like yours (8-10 years). Here's a breakdown of your questions:

Suitability of existing SIP funds for lump sum investment:

While your SIP funds focus on mid-cap and flexi-cap, the lump sum investment options you've chosen lean more towards large-cap. This creates a more balanced portfolio across market capitalisations. However, directly suggesting specific funds for a lump sum investment is difficult due to regulatory restrictions.

Here's what you can do:

• Maintain asset allocation: Consider the overall asset allocation you want for your portfolio (mid-cap, large-cap weightage). Look for funds within those categories that complement your existing SIP choices.
• Research the new funds: Do your research on the Canara Robeco Bluechip Equity Fund, Mirae Asset Large Cap Fund, and Nippon India Power and Infra Fund. Check their past performance, investment philosophy, expense ratio etc.

Stepping up SIPs by 30%:

This is a good strategy to increase your investment amount gradually and benefit from rupee-cost averaging. It helps you invest more when the market is low and potentially less when it's high.

Additional tips:

• Stay Invested: Don't panic and redeem your investments based on market fluctuations. Focus on the long term.
• Review Portfolio: Regularly review your portfolio performance (once a year) and rebalance if needed to maintain your desired asset allocation.

Please remember that this is not financial advice. It's crucial to do your research and potentially consult a registered financial advisor for personalised investment plans.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10017 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 18, 2024

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Hello Sir, I have 40 Lakhs that I want to invest in lumpsum and then around 1 lakh SIP/month.I choose the below MF's to invest considering my risk appetite. [Moderate to high] HDFC Flexicap Direct plan Growth Nippon Multicap Fund Direct Growth Bandhan Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Edelweiss Midcap Direct Plan Growth SBI Contra Direct Plan Growth My Plan for Lumpsum: Invest 20 lakhs distributing it in above 5 funds (4 lakh each) Use another 20 Lakhs, put it in liquid fund and do STP to the above MF Hold for 10 years Plan for SIP of 1 Lakh: Hdfc Flexicap Direct plan Growth- 15K Nippon Multicap Fund Direct Growth- 15K Sbi Contra Direct Plan Growth -15K Quant Active Fund direct growth- 15K Bandhan Small Cap Fund Direct Growth- 20K Edelweiss Midcap Direct Plan Growth- 20K Question: Please help review the above plan for lumpsum and SIP and guide if there is any major flaw in it or need changes.
Ans: Your plan shows thoughtful diversification and allocation across categories. Let’s review the lumpsum, SIP, and fund selection strategies in detail.

Lumpsum Investment Plan
Diversification Across Categories: Your allocation of Rs 20 lakhs among large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and contra funds ensures good diversification.

Strategic Use of STP: Allocating Rs 20 lakhs into a liquid fund and initiating a systematic transfer plan (STP) is a prudent move. It reduces the risk of market volatility and ensures disciplined deployment of funds over time.

Room for Refinement: Ensure you align the STP duration with your risk appetite. A 6-12 month STP works for moderate-to-high risk investors. For a conservative approach, consider extending this to 18 months.

SIP Investment Plan
Balanced SIP Allocations: The monthly SIP of Rs 1 lakh is well-distributed across different fund categories. Allocating more to mid-cap and small-cap funds (20% each) aligns with your moderate-to-high risk profile.

Long-Term Focus: SIPs over 10 years will help you average market fluctuations. This approach aligns well with wealth-building goals.

Scope for Fine-Tuning: Consider reducing overlap in fund strategies. Some of your funds may invest in similar sectors or companies, leading to portfolio redundancy.

Evaluation of Fund Categories
1. Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds provide exposure to large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
They adjust dynamically based on market opportunities, balancing risk and returns.
2. Multicap Funds
Multicap funds must maintain a minimum of 25% allocation in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
This ensures exposure to various market segments while limiting extreme risks.
3. Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds
These funds offer higher growth potential but come with greater volatility.
Ideal for long-term goals, but monitor performance every 1-2 years.
4. Contra Funds
Contra funds follow a contrarian investment strategy, focusing on undervalued stocks.
While offering unique opportunities, they require patience for results.
Key Areas for Improvement
Review Overlap in Portfolio:

Check the overlap between the flexi cap, multi-cap, and contra funds.
Too much overlap might dilute diversification benefits.
Add a Debt Component:

A small debt fund allocation, beyond the liquid fund, can help balance your portfolio.
This acts as a cushion during equity market corrections.
Active Fund Management:

Since you’ve chosen direct funds, ensure regular monitoring.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures ongoing guidance and portfolio review.
Tax Implications
Lumpsum and STP Gains:

Any gains from the liquid fund during STP are subject to your income tax slab.
Ensure you plan for tax liabilities while making withdrawals.
Equity Mutual Funds:

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Tax Efficiency with SIPs:

Each SIP instalment has its own holding period. This means gains are taxed individually.
Risk Management
Volatility in Small- and Mid-Cap Funds:

While these categories offer higher returns, they also have greater volatility.
Avoid reallocating funds during market corrections to maximise compounding benefits.
Regular Reviews:

Perform yearly reviews of fund performance and category suitability.
Replace funds that consistently underperform benchmarks over 3-4 years.
Final Insights
Your investment plan is robust, aligning well with your risk appetite and long-term goals. The use of lumpsum and STP is commendable, and the SIP allocations show a focus on disciplined investing.

However, focus on reducing portfolio overlap and adding a debt component for better risk management. Monitor fund performance regularly, and consider engaging a CFP for periodic reviews to ensure your portfolio stays aligned with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9744 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Career
Sir my JEE Mains 2025 percentile is 93.40 and my rank is 98264. I am male of general category from Rajasthan. Please recommend some good colleges that I can get in csab counselling
Ans: Vidit, With a 93.40 percentile (General, Rajasthan Home State) and a JEE Main rank of 98,264, your realistic CSAB counselling targets include lower-demand NITs, IIITs, and GFTIs where closing ranks for engineering branches often extend beyond 90,000. In the Home State quota for Rajasthan, consider NIT Uttarakhand and NIT Meghalaya for branches like Civil, Mechanical, and Electronics. Among IIITs, IIITDM Kurnool, IIIT Sri City, and IIIT Nagpur regularly admit General candidates with ranks up to 100,000 in non-CSE branches. GFTIs such as IIIT Delhi (second-tier seats), School of Planning and Architecture, Bhopal, and IIIT Kota also fill seats in lower-demand streams. Additionally, Rajasthan’s own GFTI, Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, may open spot rounds for core branches at higher ranks. These institutes meet the five critical benchmarks—AICTE/NBA accreditation, qualified faculty, modern labs and infrastructure, strong industry links, and transparent placement processes—with placement rates ranging 60–85% across engineering programs and median packages reflective of branch demand. Pursuing any of these colleges for branches aligned with your interest (e.g., ECE, IT-Allied, Civil) will ensure a credible technical education and balanced campus experience under the Rajasthan Home State quota.

RECOMMENDATION: In CSAB rounds, prioritize NIT Uttarakhand and NIT Meghalaya for robust campus environments and accredited programs, then target IIITDM Kurnool and IIIT Sri City for specialized IT-Allied branches, followed by GFTIs like SPA Bhopal, ensuring you secure a solid engineering education aligned with your percentile and domicile. Have 2-3 back-ups for Private Engineering Colleges also if CSAB does not work out for you, based on your expectations. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9744 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2025Hindi
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Hello I'm 35 years old i hv 15months old baby. I have completed my mbbs course from abroad and not clear fmge exam yet. Difficult to focused on preparing for fmge exam handling baby husband and join family. I get frustrated depressed anger comes all the time.ibeck then I was ambitious girl but now lack of confidence lack in everything. So what carrier to choose from now? Can I restart with any course or what to do very confusing. My life is over now. There's no respect those who don't earn. Pl give me good advice so that I can bring better future for my baby
Ans: Many doctors who have completed their MBBS abroad but have not cleared the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) in India face similar dilemmas, especially when balancing family responsibilities, emotional well-being, and career aspirations at a later stage. The FMGE pass rate is low, and the exam can be overwhelming for mothers with young children and household responsibilities, often leading to frustration or self-doubt. However, your medical background is valuable and opens diverse pathways beyond clinical practice in India. Alternate options include enrolling in online or hybrid post-graduate diploma or certificate courses in medical writing, clinical research, pharmacovigilance, public health (MPH), hospital administration (MHA), or health informatics. These courses—offered through institutions like the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), Indian Institute of Clinical Research (ICRI), Medvarsity, and Symbiosis—generally require minimal entrance barriers, flexible timings, and often blend self-paced study with project work or internships. Roles in medical content writing, clinical research, health insurance, hospital and healthcare management, medical coding, pharmaceuticals, and telemedicine are accessible to foreign MBBS graduates and in high demand. Careers in public health, NGOs, digital health startups, and medical counseling are also viable, with NGOs and research bodies valuing your education, communication skills, and empathy. Registered health consultants, healthcare IT specialists, nutritionists, wellness program managers, and educators for pre-medical entrance coaching are in demand, and some private hospitals and health-tech companies employ graduates for junior management, documentation, process quality, or outreach roles. Upskilling through shorter, certified programs (3–12 months) either digitally or through nearby centers can build confidence and reignite professional engagement. Look for institutions that provide recognized certifications, industry-accredited faculty, robust academic support, project-based learning, and established placement assistance—essentials for sustainable career progression and personal development.

Building a new career may seem daunting, but your foundational knowledge, life experience, maturity, and resilience are assets that bring credibility and empathy in many healthcare-adjacent and academic roles. If you choose to reskill, your medical education will remain an advantage as you transition into roles that offer both professional fulfillment and a better work-life balance suited for mothers. Take small, actionable steps—start with a focused short-term course or consider part-time/remote roles initially to gain confidence and practical exposure. Positive and self-compassionate thinking, coupled with steady professional upgrades, will influence your family and child, modeling resilience and lifelong learning.

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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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