Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 06, 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
Rohit Question by Rohit on Apr 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Sbi ka sabse acha fund konsa hai

Ans: Selecting the best SBI fund depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. SBI Mutual Fund offers a variety of funds catering to different needs, including equity, debt, hybrid, and sectoral funds. Below are some popular options:

SBI Bluechip Fund
Overview
The SBI Bluechip Fund is an equity fund that primarily invests in large-cap companies. It is suitable for investors seeking long-term capital appreciation with relatively lower risk compared to mid and small-cap funds.

Key Features
Focuses on large-cap companies with strong market positions.
Aims to provide consistent returns over the long term.
Ideal for investors with a moderate risk appetite.
SBI Small Cap Fund
Overview
The SBI Small Cap Fund invests predominantly in small-cap companies, offering higher growth potential but with higher risk. It is suitable for aggressive investors with a long-term investment horizon.

Key Features
Invests in small-cap companies with significant growth potential.
Higher risk but potentially higher returns compared to large-cap funds.
Suitable for long-term investors willing to accept market volatility.
SBI Magnum Midcap Fund
Overview
The SBI Magnum Midcap Fund focuses on mid-cap companies, providing a balance between the growth potential of small-cap stocks and the stability of large-cap stocks.

Key Features
Invests in mid-cap companies with growth potential.
Offers a balance of risk and return.
Suitable for investors with a medium to high-risk appetite.
SBI Equity Hybrid Fund
Overview
The SBI Equity Hybrid Fund is a balanced fund that invests in a mix of equities and debt. This fund is suitable for investors seeking a combination of growth and income.

Key Features
Diversified portfolio with equity and debt investments.
Aims to reduce risk while providing growth potential.
Suitable for conservative investors seeking stable returns.
SBI Debt Fund
Overview
For those seeking lower risk, SBI Debt Funds invest in fixed-income securities like government bonds, corporate bonds, and money market instruments. These funds are suitable for investors looking for stable income with lower risk.

Key Features
Focus on fixed-income securities.
Lower risk compared to equity funds.
Suitable for conservative investors looking for stable returns.
SBI Magnum Multi Cap Fund
Overview
The SBI Magnum Multi Cap Fund invests across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, offering a diversified portfolio with balanced risk and return.

Key Features
Diversified investment across market capitalizations.
Aims for long-term capital appreciation.
Suitable for investors with a moderate risk appetite seeking diversified exposure.
Choosing the Right Fund
When choosing the right SBI fund, consider the following factors:

Investment Goals: Determine your financial goals, whether it's long-term growth, stable income, or a mix of both.

Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance. Equity funds are riskier but offer higher returns, while debt funds are safer but with lower returns.

Investment Horizon: Your time horizon plays a crucial role. Equity funds are suitable for long-term investments, while debt funds are better for short-term needs.

Diversification: Consider diversifying your investments across different asset classes to spread risk.

Performance Track Record: Review the historical performance of the fund, keeping in mind that past performance does not guarantee future returns.

Final Thoughts
Each SBI fund has its strengths and is designed to meet different investment needs. By assessing your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon, you can select the best fund that aligns with your investment strategy. If you are unsure, consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice to help you make an informed decision.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 18, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir mujhe Sip shuru karni h per ye samaj nahi aa raha h ke kis Fund ya kis company me apni SIP ki shuruvat karu m Monthly 15k tak save karna chahta hu
Ans: SIP stands for Systematic Investment Plan. It allows you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. SIPs help in disciplined investing and building wealth over time.

SIPs let you invest small amounts periodically. This makes it easier to handle market volatility. The power of compounding in SIPs can grow your wealth significantly over time.

Your aim is to save Rs. 15,000 monthly through SIPs. This is a good decision for long-term wealth creation. Now, let's explore how to choose the right SIPs for your needs.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds come in various categories. Each has its own risk and return profile. Understanding these categories will help you make better decisions.

Equity Funds
Equity funds invest in stocks. They can be high-risk but offer high returns. There are subcategories like large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and multi-cap.

Large-cap funds invest in big companies. They are relatively stable.
Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies. They offer higher growth potential but come with more risk.
Small-cap funds invest in small companies. They can provide high returns but are very volatile.
Multi-cap funds invest in companies of all sizes. They provide a balanced risk-reward ratio.
Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities. They are less risky than equity funds. Debt funds include liquid funds, short-term funds, and long-term funds.

Liquid funds invest in short-term instruments. They offer quick liquidity and low risk.
Short-term funds invest in short to medium-term securities. They offer moderate returns with low risk.
Long-term funds invest in long-term securities. They offer higher returns with slightly higher risk than short-term funds.
Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt instruments. They provide a balance of risk and return.

Aggressive hybrid funds have a higher equity component. They offer higher returns but with more risk.
Conservative hybrid funds have a higher debt component. They offer stability with moderate returns.
Choosing the Right SIPs
To select the best SIPs, consider your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. Here's a guide to help you:

Assess Your Risk Tolerance
Understand your risk tolerance. If you can handle market volatility, consider equity funds. If you prefer stability, opt for debt or conservative hybrid funds.

Define Your Investment Horizon
Your investment horizon impacts your fund choice. For long-term goals (5+ years), equity funds are suitable. For short-term goals (1-3 years), choose debt funds or liquid funds.

Align with Financial Goals
Match your SIPs with your financial goals. For example, if you're saving for retirement, consider equity funds for higher growth. For a child's education in the near future, debt funds might be better.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Mutual funds offer many benefits:

Diversification
Mutual funds diversify your investments across various assets. This reduces risk.

Professional Management
Mutual funds are managed by experts. This ensures better investment decisions.

Liquidity
Mutual funds provide easy access to your money. You can redeem your units anytime.

Transparency
Mutual funds disclose their portfolio regularly. This ensures transparency.

Tax Efficiency
Certain mutual funds offer tax benefits. For example, ELSS funds provide tax deductions under Section 80C.

Power of Compounding
Compounding means earning returns on your returns. In SIPs, compounding works wonders. The longer you invest, the more your money grows.

For example, investing Rs. 15,000 monthly for 20 years can accumulate substantial wealth. The power of compounding accelerates your returns over time.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Actively managed funds are managed by fund managers. They aim to outperform the market. Index funds, on the other hand, track a market index.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds mirror the market. They do not outperform it. In volatile markets, actively managed funds can perform better.

Actively managed funds offer better returns in the long run. Fund managers use their expertise to make strategic investments. This can lead to higher growth compared to index funds.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct funds are bought directly from the mutual fund house. They have lower expense ratios but lack advisory services. Regular funds are bought through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They come with advisory support.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds do not offer professional advice. Without guidance, you might make poor investment decisions.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Regular funds provide access to a CFP. A CFP can help you choose the right funds, monitor your portfolio, and make adjustments as needed. This ensures better financial planning and investment management.

Building a Balanced Portfolio
A balanced portfolio is key to successful investing. Here’s how to build one:

Diversify Across Asset Classes
Invest in a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds. This spreads your risk and enhances returns.

Review Your Portfolio Regularly
Monitor your investments periodically. Adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and financial goals.

Stay Invested for the Long Term
Long-term investing maximizes the benefits of compounding. Avoid frequent switching between funds.

Genuine Compliments and Empathy
Your decision to start SIPs shows financial wisdom. It's a great step towards wealth creation. I understand the confusion in choosing the right funds. With the right guidance, you can achieve your financial goals.

Final Insights
Starting SIPs is a smart move for building wealth. Assess your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals to choose the right funds. Consider the benefits of actively managed funds and regular funds with a CFP’s support.

Mutual funds offer diversification, professional management, and liquidity. The power of compounding in SIPs can significantly grow your wealth over time.

Stay disciplined and invest for the long term. Regularly review your portfolio and adjust as needed. Your financial journey is unique, and with the right approach, you can achieve your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 28, 2024

Listen
Money
ICICI Bank m.fund tun Exit hone ka time hai ka
Ans: deciding when to exit a mutual fund is a critical financial move. Here, let’s carefully assess how you can make the best decision to maximise gains, manage taxes, and maintain portfolio stability.

Analysing Mutual Fund Performance
Evaluate your mutual fund’s performance over the past three to five years. Compare it with similar funds in the same category.

Consistently underperforming funds may need an exit to reinvest in higher-performing options.

Actively managed funds often outperform index funds, as they can adapt to market trends. If your mutual fund is under active management, ensure it aligns with your goals.

Direct funds may seem to save on fees, but investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers regular fund management. This approach helps make informed exit and entry decisions.

Aligning with Financial Goals
If this investment was tied to a specific goal, consider whether you have achieved your target or are close to it.

Exiting without a clear reason can disrupt your financial goals. Only exit if the fund no longer supports your objectives.

For long-term goals, let your money grow. Mutual funds typically yield better results when held longer due to compounding.

Tax Implications on Exiting Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds: For gains exceeding Rs 1.25 lakh in a year, the LTCG tax is now 12.5%.

Short-term equity gains are taxed at 20%. Avoid high-frequency exits, as this increases tax liability.

Debt Mutual Funds: All gains from debt mutual funds are taxed according to your income tax slab. Plan exits to avoid pushing yourself into a higher tax bracket.

Exiting at a lower-growth year reduces tax impact. Consider exiting in a tax-efficient manner by consulting a CFP.

Reinvesting for Long-Term Growth
When exiting, reinvest in mutual funds that meet your risk profile and goals. Use active mutual funds to benefit from expert management, particularly in dynamic markets.

Avoid reinvesting in index funds, as they are limited in scope and adaptability. Actively managed funds offer better growth potential.

Mutual fund reinvestment should align with your time horizon. Short-term funds can provide liquidity, while equity funds yield growth over the long term.

Assessing Market Conditions
Exiting during a downturn can lead to losses. If your mutual fund is temporarily underperforming, it may rebound with time.

Stay invested during market volatility if your fund is fundamentally sound. Monitor quarterly reports for signs of improvement.

Consult with a CFP for timely insights on market trends. Exiting without understanding market timing can lead to lower-than-expected returns.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A CFP can help assess the right time to exit or hold, based on market trends and personal goals.

Investing through a CFP also supports regular rebalancing. This helps you take advantage of market growth while securing gains.

Final Insights
Exiting a mutual fund requires careful evaluation, tax consideration, and alignment with your financial objectives. By assessing your fund's performance and the broader market, you can make a smart exit decision. Reinvesting into actively managed funds through a CFP enhances your portfolio’s potential, ensuring it remains strong and growth-oriented.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Maine SBI ka smart fortune builder plan liya hai 1 lac per annum after 5 year kitna fund taiyar ho jayega
Ans: The SBI Life Smart Fortune Builder is a Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP). It combines life insurance coverage with market-linked investments. Your final fund value after 5 years depends on several factors:

Factors Affecting Your Fund Value
Investment Allocation

The returns depend on the funds you select (equity, debt, or balanced).
Equity-oriented funds offer higher growth potential but come with risks.
Debt funds offer stability but may have lower returns.
Charges Deducted

Premium Allocation Charges: Deducted upfront from each premium.
Policy Administration Charges: Monthly deductions from your fund value.
Fund Management Charges: A percentage of the fund value is deducted annually.
These charges can significantly impact your returns.
Market Performance

ULIP returns are market-dependent. If markets perform well, equity funds can provide good returns.
However, market downturns can reduce fund growth.
Sum Assured Deduction

Mortality charges for the life cover reduce your investment value.
Approximate Projection
Assuming moderate returns of 8%-10% annually from equity-oriented funds:

Fund Value After 5 Years: Around Rs. 4.6 lakhs to Rs. 4.8 lakhs after charges.
If you choose debt-oriented funds with conservative returns of 5%-6%:

Fund Value After 5 Years: Around Rs. 4.2 lakhs to Rs. 4.4 lakhs after charges.
Is This Plan Right for You?
ULIPs often have high charges, reducing returns compared to mutual funds.
For wealth creation, a mutual fund SIP is more efficient and transparent.
Recommendation
If your focus is on wealth creation, consider surrendering the policy after 5 years (lock-in period).
Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds for better returns and flexibility.
For a personalised strategy, consult a Certified Financial Planner to align your investments with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x