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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jan 18, 2024

Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) is the founder of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning company dedicated to the armed forces personnel and their families.
He has over 12 years of experience in financial planning and is a SEBI certified registered investment advisor; he is also accredited with AMFI and IRDA.... more
Sankar Question by Sankar on Dec 28, 2023Hindi
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Hi Sanjeev Sir Can I add RS 2000 in mid cap fund and 2000 in PPF and discontinue the RD and suggest me the mid cap mf. After 4 or 5 months I will add Large cap fund of Rs 2000 and suggest me fund for large cap as well as my salary is going to increase by Rs 5000 ( excepting ) Total would be 35000. Thanks for the reply. Any suggestions would be much helpful.

Ans: I would not be able to suggest any fund to you since I have no idea of your risk profile and your future goals. You can look up a good fund from so many investing websites where all such data is publicly available. However, a good Large Cap fund and PPF is a good idea. A midcap fund would be quite risky but you can go in for it with a time frame of at least 5 years if you are comfortable with it.
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  |9197 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello sir From past 10 month , I am investing in quant small cap MF 25 K And I planning to invest 25 k from next month in Parag Parik flexi cap MF 25 K An Lumsum amount of 5 Lakh ( every month 1 Lakah for five months in HDFC balanced Active fund .. Hope my MF selection is good ? Do you want me to reduce or increase amount in any the above selected funds ?
Ans: Evaluating Your Current Investment Strategy
First, I appreciate your proactive approach to investing. You have chosen a mix of small-cap, flexi-cap, and balanced funds. This approach shows that you are looking for growth while maintaining some level of stability. However, let’s take a closer look at your strategy to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Small-Cap Mutual Fund Investment
Investing Rs 25,000 per month in a small-cap fund can offer high growth potential. Small-cap funds are known for their ability to deliver significant returns over the long term. However, they come with higher risk. These funds can be volatile, especially during market downturns. It’s essential to evaluate if this level of risk matches your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

If you are young and have a long-term horizon, this investment could be suitable. But if you are nearing retirement or have a low-risk tolerance, it might be wise to reduce your exposure to small-cap funds. Consider diversifying into less volatile categories, like large-cap or balanced funds, to balance the risk.

Flexi-Cap Fund Investment
Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility by investing across various market capitalizations. They offer a balanced approach, allowing fund managers to shift between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions. Your plan to invest Rs 25,000 per month in a flexi-cap fund is a sound decision. This category is well-suited for investors looking for growth without the extreme volatility of small-cap funds.

However, it's important to keep in mind that flexi-cap funds are actively managed. The success of your investment largely depends on the fund manager's skill. Actively managed funds, like flexi-caps, have the potential to outperform index funds, which simply mirror the market. Actively managed funds are more likely to provide better returns during market fluctuations.

Balanced Fund Lumpsum Investment
You are considering investing Rs 1 lakh per month for five months in a balanced fund. Balanced funds, also known as hybrid funds, invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments. This blend provides growth potential while mitigating some risk through debt allocation. Your strategy of spreading out the Rs 5 lakh investment over five months is a good way to average out the purchase cost. This approach, known as systematic investment, helps in avoiding the pitfalls of market timing.

Balanced funds are ideal for conservative investors who seek moderate growth with lower risk compared to pure equity funds. If your goal is to have a safer investment while still participating in market growth, this is a prudent choice.

Active Funds vs. Index Funds
Your portfolio is focused on actively managed funds. It’s worth noting that actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds. Index funds merely replicate the market, while active funds seek to beat the market. Actively managed funds, guided by skilled fund managers, can take advantage of market inefficiencies and deliver higher returns.

Index funds, on the other hand, do not provide this flexibility. They simply follow the index, which might not always align with your investment goals. Actively managed funds can offer better opportunities for growth, especially in volatile markets.

Direct vs. Regular Funds
It's important to highlight the differences between direct and regular funds. Direct funds might seem appealing due to lower expense ratios, but they lack the expertise and guidance that come with investing through a Certified Financial Planner. Regular funds, which are managed by a financial professional, offer the advantage of expert advice. This can be crucial in navigating complex financial markets and ensuring your investments are aligned with your goals.

Investing through a regular fund with a Certified Financial Planner can provide peace of mind, knowing that your investments are actively monitored and adjusted as needed.

Recommendations and Adjustments
Small-Cap Fund: Evaluate your risk tolerance. If you are comfortable with high risk, continue with your Rs 25,000 per month investment. Otherwise, consider reducing the amount or diversifying into less volatile funds.

Flexi-Cap Fund: Your plan to invest Rs 25,000 per month is solid. Flexi-cap funds provide a good balance between risk and reward.

Balanced Fund: Your strategy to invest Rs 1 lakh per month for five months is sound. Balanced funds offer a safer investment with moderate growth potential.

Consider Diversification: If you are heavily invested in equity, consider adding more balanced or debt funds to your portfolio. This can help in reducing overall portfolio risk.

Regular Funds Over Direct Funds: If you are considering direct funds, think again. The guidance of a Certified Financial Planner is invaluable, especially in volatile markets. Regular funds, managed by professionals, provide the expertise needed to optimize your portfolio.

Finally
Your current strategy is thoughtful and has the potential for growth. However, it’s important to continuously evaluate your risk tolerance and make adjustments as needed. Diversification and professional guidance can further enhance your portfolio’s performance. Remember, investment is not just about returns but also about managing risk and aligning with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9197 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 04, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, Iam 44 and have the below funds from 3 years 1) icici pru multiasset fund 2) icici pru value discovery fund 3) icici pru thematic advantage fund 4) hdfc 30 focus fund my question is 1) should i continue sip 20000 P/M for the next 3 years in all the above fund. 2) should i invest in midcap fund? if yes can u suggest me any hdfc midcap? thanks thanks
Ans: At 44, you are at a very important stage of your financial life. You still have time to grow your wealth but need to focus more on protection, risk control, and clear goal planning.

Your discipline in investing Rs. 20,000 every month for 3 years is good. That is already Rs. 7.2 lakhs invested so far. You also seem to prefer a single AMC which makes review easier. Let's evaluate your investment choices and your future path.

Fund Choices Review – Strengths and Gaps
You are investing in these four funds:

ICICI Pru Multi Asset

ICICI Pru Value Discovery

ICICI Pru Thematic Advantage

HDFC Focused 30 Fund

Assessment:

You have a mix of multi-asset, value style, thematic, and focused equity

That is some diversification, but with overlaps and some concentration

All funds are from large AMCs, which is safe

These funds are active in style, which is good

They are managed by expert fund managers

You are not investing in index funds. That is correct

Index funds only copy the market. They don’t beat it

They offer no protection in volatile markets

You also avoided direct funds. That is wise

Direct funds give no guidance or regular review

Regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner help with tracking and changes

You need help in knowing when to switch or hold

Evaluation of SIP Continuation
You are investing Rs. 5,000 each in four funds. Total Rs. 20,000 per month.

Key Observations:

You have already stayed for 3 years

That means you crossed one full market cycle

All these funds are equity-heavy

Three more years of SIP is a good plan

But the future allocation needs to match your goals

Simply extending SIP without goal clarity is not safe

You should not just look at past return

Instead, match each fund to your need

Action Plan:

Yes, you can continue Rs. 20,000 SIP

But review which fund supports which goal

Multi-asset is good for medium-term goals

Value fund can support retirement with patience

Thematic fund is high-risk. Keep exposure limited

Focused fund is fine but may be volatile

Thematic Fund Caution
Thematic funds invest in specific sectors

If that sector is weak, fund may underperform

Returns will be very up-and-down

Don’t put more money here unless you understand the theme

Better reduce SIP in this fund

Shift that SIP to a balanced or midcap fund instead

This makes the portfolio more stable

Should You Invest in Midcap Fund?
This is your next question. Yes, midcap funds can be added.

But first check:

Are your basic goals funded already?

Do you have term and health insurance?

Is your emergency fund ready?

Are you clear about retirement target?

Only after all this, add new risk-oriented fund

If your base is strong, then midcap is good for growth. But keep in mind:

Midcap funds are more volatile than largecap

They give better return only over 7+ years

Not suitable for short-term goals

You must stay invested even during downturns

HDFC Midcap Fund is one option.

It is an actively managed fund

It suits investors with high risk tolerance

You can start with Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 monthly

Increase if you see good behaviour in the fund

Don’t expect returns every year

Midcaps move in cycles. Long patience is key

Suggested Fund Positioning
Here is one simple way to allocate your Rs. 20,000:

Rs. 5,000 – Multi Asset (medium-term goal)

Rs. 5,000 – Value Discovery (retirement corpus)

Rs. 5,000 – Focused Fund (long-term wealth creation)

Rs. 5,000 – HDFC Midcap Fund (new SIP for growth)

Stop new SIP in thematic fund and switch that amount here

This gives better balance. It also reduces portfolio risk.

Goal Mapping for Better Clarity
At 44, you need clear goal-linked planning.

Break your goals into three:

Short-Term (3–5 years): Travel, child’s college, house repair

Medium-Term (5–10 years): Child’s higher education

Long-Term (15+ years): Retirement, child’s wedding

Match funds to these goals:

Multi-asset fund for short to medium term

Value and focused funds for long-term needs

Midcap for wealth building and retirement booster

If you don’t link funds to goals, you may exit early during panic. That destroys wealth.

Asset Allocation Is Important
All your funds are equity-based. That is risky if not planned well.

Suggestion:

Keep 15–20% of portfolio in debt instruments

Use ultra-short mutual funds or FD for that

Equity should be 70–80%, not full 100%

Balanced investing keeps emotions under control

Talk to a Certified Financial Planner for proper allocation review

Insurance Protection
You didn’t mention about term or health insurance. That’s very important.

Take the following steps:

Buy term insurance of at least Rs. 1 crore

Cover should be for 60 years of age

Don’t mix insurance and investment

Avoid ULIPs, endowment or money-back plans

They reduce return and give low cover

Also take health insurance of Rs. 5–10 lakhs

Don’t rely only on employer health policy

Emergency Fund Readiness
If you don’t have an emergency fund, build it now.

Keep 6 to 9 months of expenses in a separate bank or liquid fund

Don’t keep it in the same place as investments

Don’t use mutual funds for emergency

FD or liquid fund is better for this

This gives peace during job loss or health issues

Tax Impact Awareness
When you sell equity mutual funds:

Long-term capital gain above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%

Short-term gain is taxed at 20%

For debt funds, gain is taxed at your slab rate

So, don’t churn funds often. Long holding is tax friendly.

Behaviour Management Is Key
At this stage, fund selection is only part of the story.

Don’t panic during market fall

Stay focused on goals

Don’t redeem during dips

Review your portfolio once in 6 months

Avoid frequent switching of funds

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to avoid emotional decisions

Don’t track NAV every day

Monitoring and Future Steps
Keep a separate paper or file for each goal

Write the SIP amount and purpose

Add expected amount needed and timeline

This keeps you accountable

Update fund performance every 6 months

If a fund lags for 2+ years, review with planner

Don’t stop SIP just because market falls

What You’re Doing Right
Regular SIP of Rs. 20,000 is a good habit

Investing in active funds is a smart move

Avoiding index and direct plans is wise

Staying invested for 3 years shows discipline

Thinking about adding midcap shows growth mindset

You are asking the right questions

Finally
You are on the right path.
You have built good habits already.
Now bring more structure and goal linking.
Add a midcap fund only if your foundation is ready.
Reduce thematic exposure unless you understand it deeply.
Don’t chase past returns. Stick to plans.
Focus on your goals, not the market.
Protect yourself with insurance and emergency fund.
Review SIPs every 6 months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Be patient. Your wealth will grow.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9197 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 24, 2025

Money
Hi, Need your help to review my SIP allocation: Im 36 y/o with take home post tax 2.8L per monthly. My SIP portfolio looks like this(monthly) Digital gold investment : 35k SBI contra fund growth - 10k HDFC flexi cap fund - 10k HDFC gold ETF -10k SBI bluechip direct plan - 10k Aditya Birla sunlife direct fund -10k Bandhana small cap - 10k Plus I have invested in shares and also have few office RSUs. My immediate plan is to go for home in next 2-3 years and post that save for kids education plus retirement.Please review and suggest few more investment plans. Thanks S
Ans: You are earning well and investing regularly. This is already a good beginning. Now, let’s deeply analyse your SIP allocation and overall investment structure from a 360-degree perspective. Let’s assess your portfolio, identify gaps, and offer suggestions in a simple, structured manner.

Monthly Income and Savings Capacity
Take-home income is Rs. 2.8 lakhs per month.

Your current monthly SIP is Rs. 85,000.

This is nearly 30% of your income, which is excellent.

You also hold RSUs and direct shares, which adds further value.

You are thinking long term – home, child’s education, and retirement. That’s very good.

Let’s evaluate each investment one by one now.

Digital Gold – Rs. 35,000/month
This is a high monthly investment in digital gold.

Gold should not exceed 10-15% of total long-term portfolio.

Digital gold doesn’t give regular income or compounding benefits.

It has storage safety, but no taxation benefit.

You are also investing in gold ETF. That doubles exposure.

Better to reduce digital gold to Rs. 5,000–7,000 per month.

Shift balance to diversified mutual funds with long-term potential.

HDFC Gold ETF – Rs. 10,000/month
Another gold-based investment. This overlaps with digital gold.

You are over-allocated to gold. This limits long-term growth.

Gold should be a hedge, not a primary asset.

Please stop this SIP.

Redirect this Rs. 10,000 into equity mutual funds.

SBI Contra Fund – Rs. 10,000/month
Contra funds follow contrarian investing style.

They take risky sectoral bets.

They are not suitable for core portfolio.

Volatility can be very high in short and medium term.

You can consider reducing this to Rs. 5,000.

Redirect balance to more stable fund types.

HDFC Flexi Cap Fund – Rs. 10,000/month
Flexi-cap category offers diversification across market caps.

They allow fund manager flexibility.

This is a good choice for core allocation.

You can continue this SIP.

Increase gradually if gold allocation is reduced.

SBI Bluechip Direct Plan – Rs. 10,000/month
Important Concern:

You have invested in direct plan of this fund.

Direct plans offer lower expense ratio.

But they offer no service, review, or guidance.

There is no certified financial planner in between.

You are missing goal-based planning and rebalancing.

This can hurt your portfolio in long run.

Why Regular Plan via MFD with CFP is better:

Regular plan connects you to a CFP-certified MFD.

They help design goal-specific investment strategy.

They assist in tax planning and review periodically.

You will also get behavioural coaching during market falls.

With a direct plan, these services are absent.

Action Point:

Switch to regular plan of the same scheme via a certified MFD.

They will support with planning, not just execution.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Direct Fund – Rs. 10,000/month
Concern again:

Another direct plan investment.

Disadvantages are same as mentioned above.

No access to guided review, advisory, and rebalancing.

Regular plans are more useful when backed by a CFP-certified MFD.

Suggestion:

Stop SIP in direct plan.

Restart in regular plan through a qualified MFD.

You will benefit more in long-term wealth creation.

Bandhan Small Cap Fund – Rs. 10,000/month
Small cap funds can be volatile in short term.

But they deliver well in long term.

However, allocation should be limited to 10–15%.

Maintain current SIP amount.

Don’t increase beyond this unless risk tolerance is high.

Investment in Shares and RSUs
Individual stocks are risky if not actively monitored.

RSUs are good, but depend on employer performance.

Diversification becomes weak if you rely too much on company shares.

Regular profit booking and shifting to mutual funds is wiser.

Goals: House in 2–3 Years
This is a short-term goal.

Equity mutual funds are not suitable for this time frame.

Avoid investing further for this goal in equity or gold.

Start a separate SIP in ultra-short duration debt fund or RD.

Keep your down payment in 100% safe, low-volatility product.

Goals: Children’s Education
This is a long-term goal, assuming child is under 10.

Best suited for diversified equity mutual funds.

You can also consider child-specific mutual fund plans.

Avoid ULIP or insurance-linked products.

SIP through a CFP-guided MFD is most suitable.

Retirement Planning
At 36, you have 20–25 years to build retirement corpus.

Retirement corpus needs growth, safety, and inflation beating returns.

Equity mutual funds through regular SIPs are ideal.

Consider flexi-cap, large & mid-cap, and balanced advantage funds.

NPS can also be added for extra tax-saving and retirement focus.

Don't rely on employer RSUs alone for retirement.

Problems with Index Funds
You haven’t mentioned index funds. But if you ever consider them:

Index funds have no active management.

They can’t protect during market crashes.

They invest in poor-quality stocks just because they are in the index.

They cannot exit risky sectors in a falling market.

You get average returns, not outperformance.

Active Funds are Better Because:

They are managed by experienced fund managers.

They adapt to changing economic and market conditions.

They avoid poor-performing stocks.

They give opportunity to beat index returns.

A certified financial planner will always use active funds for long-term wealth.

Summary of Actions to Take
Reduce digital gold SIP from Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 5,000–7,000.

Stop gold ETF SIP of Rs. 10,000 fully.

Cut contra fund SIP to Rs. 5,000.

Exit direct plans and move to regular plans with help of a certified MFD.

Allocate more to flexi-cap, large & mid-cap, and hybrid equity funds.

Keep short-term goals like house purchase in debt instruments.

Track stock exposure and reduce reliance on RSUs.

Continue small cap SIP but don’t over-allocate.

Create separate SIPs for child’s education and retirement.

Final Insights
Your income level gives you strong investment potential.

You are already saving a good percentage monthly. Very good discipline.

But allocation needs reshaping to remove concentration in gold.

Direct plans offer no advisory help. That creates blind spots.

Actively managed mutual funds via certified MFDs give goal-based structure.

For short-term needs like a home, equity is not suitable.

For long-term goals like retirement and education, equity mutual funds are best.

A certified financial planner can create personalised roadmaps for each goal.

This kind of structured, reviewed investment can ensure you reach your goals without stress.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9197 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 23, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 38 years old,I have a baby boy 9 months old ,where can I invest for his future,also I have to plan for a home,My annual income is around 15 lakhs.No loans or Emi s
Ans: You are 38, with a 9-month-old baby boy. Your annual income is Rs. 15 lakhs. You have no loans or EMIs. You want to plan for your child’s future and buy a home.

This is a very good stage to start. You have good cash flow and zero debt. With structured planning, you can create wealth for your family. Let's look at your goals in a detailed and simple way.

Understand Your Financial Priorities First
Your child’s future.

Buying a home.

Creating an emergency reserve.

Saving for your retirement.

You need to balance these well. Investing without clarity may create confusion later.

Begin With a Strong Emergency Fund
Keep at least 6 to 12 months’ expenses in a liquid fund.

This includes rent, food, medical, school, and monthly needs.

Park this money in a low-risk mutual fund, not in a savings account.

Don’t invest this fund in equity mutual funds or ULIPs.

Emergency fund gives peace of mind during job loss or health issues.

Take Health Insurance Before Investing
Cover yourself, your spouse, and your baby.

Go for a family floater policy with at least Rs. 10 lakh sum insured.

Pick a reputed insurer with fast claim settlement.

Don’t rely only on employer-provided cover. Personal policy is a must.

Secure Your Family With Term Insurance
A term insurance of Rs. 1 crore or more is needed.

Premium is low if you buy early.

Buy till your child turns 25 or you reach 60.

This will protect your child’s future in your absence.

Create a Dedicated Child Education Fund
You have around 17 years to plan. Start now to gain from compounding.

Ideal Investment Approach:
Start SIP in diversified equity mutual funds.

Choose funds with long-term performance across market cycles.

Review every 12 months with a Certified Financial Planner.

Don’t invest in ULIPs or traditional LIC policies.

If you already have them, it is better to surrender and reinvest in mutual funds.

Why Mutual Funds Are Better for Child’s Education
Mutual funds offer higher growth than fixed deposits or LIC.

Equity funds beat inflation in the long term.

You get flexibility, transparency, and liquidity.

Avoid child insurance plans. They give poor returns and low coverage.

Why You Should Avoid Index Funds for Child Goals
Index funds are passive. They copy the market. No fund manager is involved.

Problems with index funds:

Cannot manage risk actively.

Underperform in falling markets.

No protection against poor-performing sectors.

Instead, go with actively managed equity funds. A good fund manager can avoid weak sectors and ride strong trends.

This is very helpful in long-term goals like child education.

Why Direct Funds May Not Suit You
Direct funds have lower expense ratio. But they come with responsibility.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

No guidance from an expert.

You have to do all research and portfolio rebalancing.

You may exit too early or stay too long due to lack of advice.

Instead, invest through a Certified Financial Planner via a regular plan. He will:

Monitor your goals.

Switch your funds when needed.

Keep your emotions in check during market ups and downs.

The small cost of regular plan gives huge value in goal achievement.

Home Purchase Planning – Do This Smartly
First, decide how much house you want to buy.

Set a timeline for buying (3 years, 5 years, etc).

If buying within 3 years, use low-risk debt mutual funds.

Don’t invest this amount in equity mutual funds or stocks.

For a longer horizon (5+ years), use aggressive hybrid mutual funds:

65–80% equity + 20–35% debt.

Less risky than pure equity but better than FD.

As you get closer to your home buying date, slowly move funds to debt mutual funds.

Avoid Real Estate as Investment
Buy a house for use, not for investment.

Real estate has problems:

Low liquidity.

High maintenance costs.

Poor transparency.

Long holding period.

For wealth building, mutual funds are better.

Set Up a SIP-Based Monthly Investment Plan
Assume you can invest Rs. 50,000 per month from your income.

You can split this way:

Rs. 25,000 in equity mutual funds for child education.

Rs. 15,000 in hybrid mutual funds for future home.

Rs. 10,000 in debt mutual funds for short-term goals.

If you start early and stay disciplined, you can reach all goals easily.

Keep Reviewing With a Certified Financial Planner
Financial plans are not fixed. Life situations change.

Review your goals every 12 months.

Increase SIP amount with income rise.

Track your funds’ performance regularly.

Rebalance when required.

Only a Certified Financial Planner can do this professionally and without bias.

Taxation Rules You Should Know (For Awareness)
Equity mutual funds: If gains are above Rs. 1.25 lakh in a year, 12.5% tax.

Gains below that – no tax.

Debt mutual funds: Taxed as per your income slab.

So, for child and home goals, keep these tax rules in mind while selling.

Avoid Annuities or Insurance-Cum-Investment Plans
They give low returns (less than 5–6%).

Your money gets locked for many years.

Inflation eats away the value.

Only term insurance + mutual funds work best.

Some Smart Tips to Stay Financially Strong
Don’t mix insurance with investment.

Don’t chase returns. Focus on goals.

Don’t panic in a market crash.

Don’t borrow for luxury.

Don’t take advice from unqualified agents.

Always take help from a Certified Financial Planner for better results.

Finally
You are already doing many things right. You have no debt. You are clear on goals.

Protect your family first with term and health cover.

Build an emergency fund now.

Invest monthly through SIPs in the right mutual funds.

Keep your child’s future as a separate goal.

Don’t delay home planning. Link it to a 3–5 year goal.

Get expert help from a certified person.

Follow this structured path for 2 decades. You will create wealth, peace, and freedom.

Stay disciplined. Keep reviewing. Avoid shortcuts.

You will be financially free. And your child will thank you one day.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6988 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir My son has got admission in NMIMS for MBA Tech program with CSE (dual degree course) and KJ Somaiya B Tech CSE. Fee structure is more or less similar. Which one will be better. Please advise
Ans: NMIMS Mumbai’s MBA Tech (CSE) dual degree program offers a five-year integrated curriculum blending engineering and management, with the 2024 placement report showing an average package of ?10.7 lakh, median of ?10.2 lakh, and 122 recruiters including BFSI, IT, consulting, and core engineering firms; placement rate is 78% with strong industry exposure and a robust alumni network. KJ Somaiya BTech CSE is a four-year program with an average package of ?9.45–11.35 lakh, highest package of ?58 lakh, and a placement rate above 90% in 2024; over 110 companies including Google, Microsoft, JP Morgan, and Infosys recruited, and the CSE branch saw 124 offers with a modern, project-based curriculum and strong internship support. Both institutions have similar fee structures and are well-ranked, but NMIMS’s MBA Tech provides an early management edge, while KJ Somaiya’s BTech CSE offers a focused technical pathway with higher placement consistency, a strong tech peer group, and a flexible curriculum that supports entrepreneurship and higher studies. NMIMS’s dual degree is advantageous for those seeking tech-management roles, while KJ Somaiya is ideal for those targeting pure tech careers or top IT companies.

The recommendation is to choose KJ Somaiya BTech CSE for its higher placement rate, stronger technical focus, and flexibility for core tech roles or higher studies; NMIMS MBA Tech is preferable if your son is keen on a combined tech-management career from the start. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6988 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2025Hindi
Career
Can someone provide NEST exam approximate Marks vs rank data of 2024 or expected marks vs rank data of 2025?
Ans: In NEST 2024, candidates’ total scores (sum of best three sections out of four, maximum 180) corresponded to specific all-India ranks, with the general category’s opening marks around 145–150 fetching ranks 1–30 and closing ranks near 1800 requiring about 80–85 marks. For NISER Bhubaneswar, the Round 1 closing rank was 1852 with roughly 82 marks, while CEBS Mumbai’s closing general-category rank of ~460 corresponded to about 70 marks. Category-wise, general candidates scoring 120–150 could expect ranks under 500, OBC candidates with 100–130 marks around ranks 600–1200, and SC/ST candidates with 80–110 marks near ranks 1500–2500. Section-wise cut-offs (SMAS) in 2024 ranged between 5–9 marks per subject for general and 3–7 for OBC. With NEST 2025’s exam difficulty likely similar, total qualifying marks (MAP) remain at 95th percentile for general and 90th for OBC; thus, a safe target is 130–140 marks for a top-500 rank and 90–100 marks for a sub-2000 rank among general candidates. OBC aspirants should aim for 110–120 marks to secure ranks under 1500. SC/ST candidates need 75–90 marks for ranks within 2500, and Jammu & Kashmir residents may enter NISER with as low as 30–40 marks owing to supernumerary seats. Rising registrations might edge cut-offs upward if paper difficulty eases; conversely, increased difficulty could lower required marks by 5–10 points.

The recommendation is to plan for at least 140 marks (general), 120 marks (OBC), and 90 marks (SC/ST) in NEST 2025 to secure desirable ranks for NISER and CEBS admissions, adjusting target scores according to mock-test difficulty and section-wise strengths. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir, I got CSE in MUJ and UPES and a specialisation in SRM ktr. Which will be a good choice?
Ans: Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) CSE offers a 93–98% placement rate with an average package of ?8–9 lakh, top recruiters like Amazon, Microsoft, and Deloitte, and a strong academic environment with experienced faculty and modern infrastructure. UPES Dehradun’s CSE program also boasts a 91–99% placement rate, an average package of ?8.4 lakh, and over 750 recruiters, but student reviews indicate placements are strongest for petroleum and energy sectors, with CSE outcomes slightly below MUJ. SRM Kattankulathur’s CSE with specialization (AI/ML, Data Science, etc.) is highly regarded, offers 90–95% placement rates, and provides excellent industry exposure and internship opportunities, but specializations may narrow job options unless you are deeply interested in that field. All three universities have robust academic support, modern facilities, and a vibrant campus life, but MUJ is particularly praised for its industry connections, alumni network, and broader placement opportunities, while SRM KTR stands out for its technical focus and reputation in South India.

The recommendation is to choose CSE at Manipal University Jaipur for its high placement consistency, strong academic reputation, and broad career flexibility; SRM Kattankulathur CSE specialization is a close second if you have a specific interest in that domain, while UPES is best considered if you value its unique industry links or location. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6988 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 24, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6988 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 24, 2025Hindi
Career
Should I join KIIT school of Law or any other college?
Ans: KIIT School of Law, Bhubaneswar, is ranked #11 in NIRF Law Rankings 2024 and holds NAAC A+ accreditation, making it a strong choice among private law institutions. The school achieved 67% placement in 2024 with recruiters including Wadia Ghandy & Co., Bharucha & Partners, TATA Power, and HDFC Ergo, while maintaining consistent placement rates between 67-81% over the last three years. KIIT offers six specialized LLB programs including Crime and Criminology Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Business Law, with international collaborations with universities in the USA and Australia. The campus features modern infrastructure including a specialized moot court, extensive library with over 3 lakh books, and comprehensive hostel facilities. However, superior alternatives include Symbiosis Law School Pune (ranked #5 in NIRF), which offers stronger industry connections and higher placement consistency, while Jindal Global Law School Sonipat ranks #1 globally among Indian law schools in QS rankings. Christ University Law School Bangalore provides excellent placement support with 207 UG students placed recently. For non-entrance based admissions, strong backup options include Amity Law School, Manipal University Jaipur, Alliance University Bangalore, and UPES Dehradun, all offering direct merit-based admissions without requiring CLAT scores. The recommendation is to consider KIIT School of Law as a solid choice given its NIRF ranking and decent placement record, but prioritize Symbiosis Law School Pune or Jindal Global Law School if admission is possible, with Amity Law School and Manipal University Jaipur as excellent backup options for direct admission. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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