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How Can I Make 1 Crore in 20 Years for Retirement?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 03, 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 - Sep 28, 2024Hindi
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Sir, This side Pulakesh Akhuli is here now ,I want to make 1 crore in 20 years for my retirement life. Please suggest my how and where to invest ??

Ans: Pulakesh, it’s great that you have set a specific goal for your retirement. Accumulating Rs 1 crore in 20 years is achievable with disciplined investments. Let’s break it down to guide you step by step.

Assessing Investment Options
You should focus on investments that generate inflation-beating returns over the long term. For a 20-year horizon, equity mutual funds are a good choice. Equity tends to outperform other asset classes in the long run.

Here are the broad investment options to consider:

Equity Mutual Funds: These provide higher returns by investing in stocks. Historically, they’ve given an average of 12%-15% over the long term. Actively managed funds can give an edge over index funds because they are designed to outperform the market.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan): It’s ideal to invest monthly in mutual funds through SIPs. This helps in averaging out market volatility over time and keeps your investment consistent.

Balanced Funds: These funds invest in a mix of equities and debt. This balance helps reduce risk and gives you stable returns while protecting capital.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): You can also continue investing in PPF for the tax benefits. Though returns are lower compared to equities, it's a safe option and helps diversify your portfolio.

Estimating Your Monthly Investment
For a target of Rs 1 crore in 20 years, you need to calculate how much to invest every month. Since equity mutual funds may generate around 12%-15% returns annually, you can start a SIP based on this expected return.

An approximate monthly SIP of Rs 8,000–10,000 in good mutual funds can help you reach your goal. Since SIPs allow you to increase your investment every year, you can step up your SIPs by 5%-10% yearly to stay on track.

Fund Allocation
Here’s how you can structure your investments:

Equity Large Cap Funds: Allocate 40% to these funds for stability and steady growth.

Mid and Small Cap Funds: Allocate 40% to these funds for higher growth potential. These tend to outperform large-cap funds over the long term.

Balanced Funds or Hybrid Funds: Allocate 20% to these funds for lower risk. This provides a cushion against market volatility.

Why Actively Managed Funds?
Avoid index funds for now. Actively managed funds tend to give better returns than index funds in the Indian market, where fund managers have more opportunities to outperform benchmarks.

Review and Adjust Regularly
Your investment journey will require regular monitoring. Every year, assess the performance of your mutual funds. If a particular fund is underperforming, consider switching to a better one. Working with a Certified Financial Planner ensures you get expert advice in line with your changing financial situation.

Risk Management
Emergency Fund: Keep at least 6-12 months’ worth of living expenses aside in liquid funds or a fixed deposit.

Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance to protect your financial future.

Final Insights
Your Rs 1 crore goal is achievable with proper planning and consistent investments. Starting with Rs 8,000-10,000 per month in equity mutual funds should set you on the right path. Regularly stepping up your SIPs will help you keep pace with inflation and rising costs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

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I am 36 year old, I earn 80000/ month , I am investing 10000 sip in mutual fund from last1.5 year. Want to make 1 crore in 10 year. Please suggest me how to invest in proper way.
Ans: You are 36 years old and earn Rs 80,000 per month. You have been investing Rs 10,000 monthly in mutual funds for the past 1.5 years. Your goal is to accumulate Rs 1 crore in 10 years. Let’s explore how to achieve this goal with a structured investment plan.

Understanding Your Goal
Achieving Rs 1 crore in 10 years requires a strategic approach. Your current SIP of Rs 10,000 per month is a great start. However, reaching Rs 1 crore will require adjusting your investments and possibly increasing your monthly contribution over time.

Assessing Your Current Investment
Your Rs 10,000 SIP in mutual funds is a wise choice. Mutual funds offer growth potential through diversified equity investments. They are suitable for long-term goals due to their potential for high returns.

Projecting Future Growth
To reach Rs 1 crore in 10 years, your investments need to grow at a certain rate. Here’s a plan to optimize your investments:

Increase SIP Amount
Consider increasing your SIP amount gradually. Start by increasing it by a manageable amount, say Rs 2,000 every year. This approach leverages the power of compounding and helps in achieving your target faster.

Diversify Mutual Fund Portfolio
Diversify your investments across different mutual fund categories:

Large-Cap Funds: These funds invest in established companies with stable growth.

Mid-Cap Funds: These funds invest in mid-sized companies with higher growth potential.

Small-Cap Funds: These funds invest in smaller companies with higher risk but potential for high returns.

Multi-Cap Funds: These funds invest across various market capitalizations, providing balanced growth.

Opt for Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds due to professional management. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help select the best funds tailored to your risk profile and goals.

Regularly Monitor and Review Investments
Regularly reviewing your investments ensures they are on track to meet your goals. Here’s how to do it:

Quarterly Review
Review your portfolio every quarter. Check the performance of your mutual funds and make adjustments if needed.

Annual Rebalancing
Rebalance your portfolio annually. Ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. A CFP can assist in this process.

Tax Planning and Efficiency
Efficient tax planning can enhance your returns. Here are some strategies:

Use Tax-Saving Mutual Funds
Invest in Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS). They offer tax benefits under Section 80C and have the potential for high returns.

Long-Term Capital Gains
Long-term investments in mutual funds enjoy favorable tax treatment. Hold your investments for the long term to benefit from lower capital gains tax.

Managing Risk
Balancing risk and return is crucial. Here’s how to manage risk effectively:

Diversification
Diversify across various asset classes and mutual fund categories. This spreads risk and enhances potential returns.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of living expenses. This ensures financial stability during unforeseen circumstances.

Leveraging Incremental Increases
As your income grows, increase your SIP contributions. Incremental increases can significantly impact your investment corpus over time.

Seeking Professional Guidance
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized advice. They can help in selecting the right funds, monitoring performance, and making necessary adjustments.

Conclusion
Reaching Rs 1 crore in 10 years is achievable with disciplined investing. Increase your SIP contributions, diversify your portfolio, and regularly review your investments. Efficient tax planning and risk management will further enhance your returns. Professional guidance from a CFP can ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial 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 Jun 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 03, 2024Hindi
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I want to make 1 croreby 2029..current portfolio fund value is around 50 lacs
Ans: Reaching a target of Rs 1 crore by 2029 is an achievable goal. Your current portfolio value of Rs 50 lakhs is a strong starting point. Let's explore how to grow this to Rs 1 crore over the next five years.

Understanding the Goal
Your goal requires doubling your current portfolio in five years. This translates to an annual growth rate of approximately 14.87%. It's essential to have a clear understanding of the required growth rate.

Assessing Your Current Portfolio
First, analyse your current portfolio. Understand the allocation across different asset classes. Review the performance of each asset class and consider rebalancing if necessary.

Importance of Diversification
Diversification helps in risk management. Ensure your portfolio is diversified across various asset classes such as equities, fixed income, and mutual funds. This strategy reduces risk while aiming for high returns.

Equity Investments
Equities can offer higher returns, but they come with higher risk. Consider investing in high-growth sectors. Diversify your equity investments to reduce risks associated with market volatility.

Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are managed by professionals who aim to achieve better returns than the market. Choose funds with a strong track record. Actively managed funds can potentially outperform index funds.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Regular funds, managed by Certified Financial Planners (CFPs), offer several advantages. CFPs provide expert advice and continuous monitoring. They help in adjusting your portfolio based on market conditions, which can be crucial for achieving your goal.

Fixed Income Investments
Fixed income investments provide stability to your portfolio. Consider high-quality bonds and debentures. These investments offer regular interest income and lower risk compared to equities.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly. This method helps in averaging the purchase cost and reduces the impact of market volatility. It also inculcates a disciplined investment habit.

Rebalancing the Portfolio
Regular portfolio rebalancing is crucial. Market conditions change, and so should your portfolio. Rebalancing helps in maintaining the desired risk-return profile. It ensures your investments align with your financial goals.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover unforeseen expenses. This fund should be easily accessible and separate from your investment portfolio. It ensures that you don’t have to liquidate your investments during emergencies.

Tax Planning
Tax planning is integral to maximize returns. Consider tax-efficient investment options. Utilize available deductions and exemptions to reduce your tax liability. Efficient tax planning increases your net returns.

Reviewing Financial Goals
Periodically review your financial goals. Changes in personal circumstances may affect your financial objectives. Regular reviews ensure that your investment strategy remains aligned with your goals.

Importance of Professional Guidance
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide valuable guidance. They offer personalized advice based on your financial situation and goals. Their expertise can help in making informed investment decisions.

Benefits of Active Fund Management
Active fund management aims to outperform the market. Fund managers use their expertise to select high-performing stocks. This can result in better returns compared to passive investments like index funds.

Risk Management
Identify and manage risks associated with your investments. Diversify your portfolio to mitigate specific risks. Regularly review and adjust your investments based on risk tolerance and market conditions.

Importance of Patience and Discipline
Investing requires patience and discipline. Market fluctuations are common, but staying invested for the long term is key to achieving your goals. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements.

Conclusion
Achieving Rs 1 crore by 2029 is feasible with a strategic approach. Diversify your investments, manage risks, and seek professional advice. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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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'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 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.

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