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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 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 - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Dear sir, I have following sip Hdfc defence 5000 Hdfc multicap 10000 Hdfc small cap 10000nippon small cap 15000 Sbi large and mid cap 5000 Hdfc balanced advantage fund lump sum 25000 Hdfc focused 30 fund lump sum 25000 Hdfc manufacturing fund lump sum 50000 Sbi conta fund lumpsum 1200000 Sbi psu fund lump sum 500000 Sbi energy opportunity fund lump sum 200000 Please advice

Ans: It's clear you've taken a proactive approach to investing, and you've built a diverse portfolio across various mutual funds. Let's assess your current holdings and provide some guidance.

Your SIPs in HDFC Defence, HDFC Multicap, HDFC Small Cap, Nippon Small Cap, and SBI Large and Mid Cap demonstrate a blend of large, mid, and small-cap exposure, which is commendable for diversification.

However, having multiple funds within the same fund house, such as HDFC, may lead to overlapping holdings and concentration risk. Consider diversifying across different fund houses to spread risk more effectively.

Your lump sum investments in HDFC Balanced Advantage, HDFC Focused 30, HDFC Manufacturing, SBI Contra, SBI PSU, and SBI Energy Opportunity Funds provide additional diversification across different investment themes and strategies.

While lump sum investments can be beneficial, especially during market downturns, it's essential to review your investment rationale for each fund and ensure they align with your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance.

Given the size of your lump sum investments, consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to assess if your portfolio is appropriately diversified and if any adjustments are needed to optimize returns while managing risk.

Additionally, periodically review your portfolio's performance and make necessary adjustments to stay aligned with your financial objectives and market conditions.

In conclusion, while your current investments showcase a diverse portfolio, consider diversifying across fund houses and regularly reviewing your holdings to ensure they remain aligned with your long-term financial goals.

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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

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Hii i am investing in SIP since 1 year in ICICI prudential commodities Fund direct growth Rs200 monthly, Tata digital India und direct growth Rs150 Monthly, HDFC Technology Fund direct growth Rs100 monthly, ICICI prudential Technology direct plan growth Rs100 monthly, Nippon India Pharma fund direct growth Rs300 monthly, Nippon India small cap fund direct growth Rs300 monthly, axis nifty IT index fund direct growth Rs1000 monthly, ICICI prudential bluechip fund direct growth Rs250 monthly, Aditya Birla Sun Life digital India fund direct growth Rs100 monthly, ICICI prudential NASDAQ 100index fund direct growth Rs300 monthly, HDFC transportation and logistics fund direct growth Rs200 monthly so I invested in above SIPs Total monthly i invest Rs3000 so please give me some suggestions or modifications if required
Ans: Your Current SIP Portfolio
You have been investing ?3,000 monthly across various SIPs for a year. Your chosen funds focus on technology, healthcare, commodities, and other sectors. This shows a good start towards disciplined investing.

Concentration in Technology Sector
A significant portion of your investments is in technology-focused funds. Technology funds can offer high returns but also come with high volatility.

Sector-Specific Funds
You also have investments in healthcare, commodities, and logistics funds. Sector-specific funds can be very volatile as they depend on the performance of their respective sectors.

Diversification
Your portfolio lacks diversification. Investing too much in a single sector increases risk. Diversification helps in balancing risk and returns.

Importance of Broad Market Exposure
Diversifying across different market segments reduces risk. Balanced exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds is crucial. This strategy ensures you are not overly dependent on one sector's performance.

Adding Stability with Debt Funds
Including debt funds can provide stability. Debt funds offer regular returns and reduce the overall risk in your portfolio. This balance is vital for long-term growth.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds due to professional management. Fund managers actively select stocks to maximize returns. This can be advantageous, especially in volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds mirror the market index and do not aim to outperform it. They lack flexibility in changing market conditions. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, adapt to market changes, providing better growth potential.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios but require thorough research and monitoring. Regular funds, through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), offer professional guidance and management. This can be valuable for optimizing returns and managing risks effectively.

Suggested Modifications
Reduce Sector-Specific Overweight

Reduce the number of technology and sector-specific funds. This will help in balancing the portfolio and reducing sector-specific risks.

Increase Broad Market Exposure

Allocate more funds to diversified equity funds. Large-cap and multi-cap funds provide stable returns and reduce overall risk.

Include Debt Funds for Stability

Add debt or hybrid funds to your portfolio. This will provide regular returns and reduce the volatility of your overall investment.

Suggested Allocation
Technology Funds: Choose one or two funds to maintain some exposure but reduce concentration.
Broad Market Funds: Increase investment in large-cap and multi-cap funds for stable growth.
Debt Funds: Allocate a portion to debt funds for stability.
Regular Monitoring and Review
Monitor your investments regularly. Review fund performance annually and adjust your portfolio based on your financial goals and market conditions.

Conclusion
Your dedication to investing through SIPs is commendable. With a few adjustments, you can achieve a balanced and diversified portfolio. This will help you meet your long-term financial goals with reduced risk.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I have been doing SIP under following MF's : Axis Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 5,000.00 Bandhan Core Equity Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 3,000.00 DSP Mid Cap Fund - Regular Plan 2,500.00 HSBC Value Fund - Regular Plan 2,500.00 ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund 2,500.00 Kotak Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 2,000.00 Quant Active Fund 5,000.00 SBI Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 2,500.00 SBI Small Cap Fund - Regular Plan 10,000.00 UTI Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 5,000.00 HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund - Regular Plan 3,000.00 Aditya Birla Sun Life Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan - Growth 5,000.00 HDFC Focused 30 Fund - Regular Plan 2,000.00 Also i have lump-sum investment in following MF schemes - HDFC Top 100 RP (G) 51,998.45 HDFC Gold RP (G) 1,43,997.00 ICICI Prudential Multi-Asset Fund 3,79,511.11 ICICI Prudential US Bluechip Equity Fund - Regular 99,800.95 Kotak Flexi Cap Fund - Regular Plan 1,14,995.00 In addition to above, i am investing regularly in PPF & have an Share portfolio of about Rs. 6 Lacs & few Life Insurance policies (LIC). I am in need of about Rs. 25 Lacs. Kindly advise which funds to exit and if any other rebalancing of MF is required. Thanks
Ans: You've built a diverse portfolio with a mix of systematic investment plans (SIPs), lump-sum investments, and other financial instruments, showcasing your commitment to long-term wealth creation. Let's review your current holdings and make strategic adjustments to align with your financial goals:
1. SIP Review:
• Evaluate the performance and suitability of each SIP based on your investment objectives and risk tolerance.
• Consider consolidating or exiting SIPs with underperforming funds or overlapping strategies to streamline your portfolio.
2. Lump-Sum Investments:
• Assess the performance and outlook of your lump-sum investments to ensure they complement your overall investment strategy.
• Consider rebalancing or exiting investments that no longer align with your investment goals or risk profile.
3. Portfolio Rebalancing:
• Rebalance your portfolio to maintain an optimal asset allocation and manage risk effectively.
• Consider reallocating funds from underperforming or overweight sectors/funds to sectors/funds with better growth potential.
4. Exit Strategy:
• Identify funds or investments that are not performing as expected or do not align with your investment strategy.
• Develop an exit strategy to liquidate such investments gradually while minimizing any potential impact on your overall portfolio returns.
5. Alternative Investments:
• Explore alternative investment options such as debt instruments, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or international funds to diversify your portfolio further.
• Consider adding exposure to sectors or asset classes that offer growth potential while mitigating downside risks.
6. Risk Management:
• Review your risk management strategy to ensure adequate protection against market volatility and unforeseen events.
• Consider enhancing your insurance coverage, particularly health and life insurance, to safeguard your financial well-being and protect your loved ones.
7. Financial Planning:
• Continuously monitor your financial plan and make necessary adjustments based on changes in your life circumstances, financial goals, and market conditions.
• Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to receive personalized advice and guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and objectives.
Remember, investing is a dynamic process, and periodic review and adjustment are essential to stay on track towards achieving your financial goals. By taking a proactive approach and making informed decisions, you can optimize your investment portfolio and work towards building long-term wealth and financial security.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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