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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 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
Sidha Question by Sidha on Dec 07, 2023Hindi
Money

I have the following SIP investments in the below Mutual Fund plans . Please advise if I should change any ? Also ,Please advise where can I put an additional 20k per month for more investment?[SA] Quant MIdCap Direct growth Fund 5025 Quant Large and Midcap Direct Fund Growth 2025 SBI Magnum Midcap Direct Plan Growth 3001 Quant Active Direct Fund Growth 4001 Axis Nift Smallcap 50 index direct plan growth 3501 HDFC Small cap direct Plan growth 2501 ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF Direct Plan growth 5003 SBI Large and Midcap direct plan growth 3004 Nippon india Small cap Direct plan growth 5006 Quant small plan direct plan growth 3010 Quant multi assest direct plan growth 2010 ICICI Prudential Bluechip Direct plan Growth 2110

Ans: You have taken significant steps towards securing your financial future with a diversified SIP portfolio. Your commitment to regular investing is commendable.

Review of Existing SIP Investments:

Let’s analyze your current mutual fund investments to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Quant MidCap Direct Growth Fund:

This fund focuses on mid-cap stocks, which offer high growth potential but come with higher volatility.

Quant Large and Midcap Direct Fund Growth:

A balanced mix of large and mid-cap stocks, providing a blend of stability and growth.

SBI Magnum Midcap Direct Plan Growth:

Another mid-cap fund adding diversity within the mid-cap segment.

Quant Active Direct Fund Growth:

A diversified equity fund that invests across various sectors and market capitalizations.

Axis Nifty Smallcap 50 Index Direct Plan Growth:

An index fund focused on small-cap stocks, offering potential high returns with higher risk.

HDFC Small Cap Direct Plan Growth:

A small-cap fund that focuses on companies with high growth potential.

ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF Direct Plan Growth:

A fund of funds investing in the Bharat 22 ETF, providing exposure to a diversified portfolio of public sector companies.

SBI Large and Midcap Direct Plan Growth:

Invests in both large and mid-cap stocks, providing a balance between growth and stability.

Nippon India Small Cap Direct Plan Growth:

A small-cap fund known for aggressive growth strategies.

Quant Small Cap Direct Plan Growth:

Another small-cap fund, adding to the exposure in the small-cap segment.

Quant Multi Asset Direct Plan Growth:

Invests across multiple asset classes, providing diversification and reducing risk.

ICICI Prudential Bluechip Direct Plan Growth:

A large-cap fund that offers stability and consistent returns.

Recommendations for Portfolio Optimization
Diversification and Overlap:

Your portfolio has a heavy allocation towards small-cap and mid-cap funds. While these can provide high returns, they also come with higher risk.

Reducing Overlap:

Consider reducing the number of small-cap funds to avoid excessive overlap and potential volatility.

Balancing with Large-Cap Funds:

Increase allocation in large-cap funds for stability and consistent returns.

Suggested Changes
Retain:

Quant MidCap Direct Growth Fund
Quant Large and Midcap Direct Fund Growth
ICICI Prudential Bluechip Direct Plan Growth
Consider Replacing or Reducing:

Nippon India Small Cap Direct Plan Growth: Consider reducing allocation due to significant overlap with other small-cap funds.
Quant Small Cap Direct Plan Growth: Similar to above, reduce or replace to minimize risk.
Balanced Funds:

Introduce balanced funds or hybrid funds to achieve a mix of equity and debt, providing growth with reduced volatility.

New Investment Recommendations
Additional Rs. 20,000 Allocation:

Here’s how you can allocate your additional Rs. 20,000 per month for optimal returns.

Diversified Equity Funds:

Invest in diversified equity funds with a proven track record for stable growth.

Large-Cap and Bluechip Funds:

Increase allocation in large-cap funds for stability.

Balanced or Hybrid Funds:

Introduce balanced funds for a mix of equity and debt, providing growth with lower risk.

Creating a Stable Portfolio
Balanced Allocation:

Ensure a balanced allocation between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Regular Review and Rebalancing:

Review your portfolio regularly and rebalance annually to maintain desired asset allocation.

Risk Management:

Ensure your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Perils of Direct Investing
Market Volatility:

Direct investing in the stock market can expose you to significant market volatility. Prices can fluctuate widely, affecting the value of your investments.

Lack of Diversification:

Investing in individual stocks may lead to a lack of diversification. This increases risk as your investment is concentrated in fewer securities.

Research and Knowledge:

Direct investing requires extensive research and market knowledge. Without proper understanding, you may make uninformed decisions leading to losses.

Emotional Investing:

Investors often make emotional decisions based on market movements, leading to buying high and selling low, which can erode returns.

Time-Consuming:

Managing a portfolio of individual stocks is time-consuming. It requires continuous monitoring and adjustment based on market conditions.

Benefits of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential:

Professional Management:

Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) and Mutual Fund Distributors (MFDs) provide professional management, ensuring your investments are well-researched and diversified.

Holistic Financial Planning:

CFPs offer holistic financial planning, aligning your investments with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing:

Professionals regularly monitor and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.

Reduced Emotional Bias:

Professional management helps in reducing emotional bias, making investment decisions based on logic and analysis.

Suggested Mutual Fund Allocation
Equity Funds:

Large-Cap Funds: 40%
Mid-Cap Funds: 30%
Small-Cap Funds: 20%
Balanced/Hybrid Funds:

Balanced Funds: 10%
Summary
Compliment and Encouragement:

Your commitment to regular investing and seeking advice shows your dedication to achieving financial goals. Keep up the excellent work.

Action Plan:

Review and adjust your current SIPs to reduce overlap.
Increase allocation in large-cap and balanced funds.
Allocate additional Rs. 20,000 to diversified and balanced funds for stability and growth.
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  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I have the following SIP investments in the below Mutual Fund plans . Please advise if I should change any ? Also ,Please advise where can I put an additional 20k per month for more investment?[SA] Quant MIdCap Direct growth Fund 5025 Quant Large and Midcap Direct Fund Growth 2025 SBI Magnum Midcap Direct Plan Growth 3001 Quant Active Direct Fund Growth 4001 Axis Nift Smallcap 50 index direct plan growth 3501 HDFC Small cap direct Plan growth 2501 ICICI Prudential BHARAT 22 FOF Direct Plan growth 5003 SBI Large and Midcap direct plan growth 3004 Nippon india Small cap Direct plan growth 5006 Quant small plan direct plan growth 3010 Quant multi assest direct plan growth 2010 ICICI Prudential Bluechip Direct plan Growth 2110
Ans: Optimizing Your SIP Investments for Long-Term Growth
With a diverse portfolio of SIP investments, it's essential to periodically review and adjust your holdings to ensure they remain aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Let's evaluate your current SIP investments and explore opportunities for additional investment to enhance your portfolio's growth potential.

Reviewing Current SIP Investments
Your current SIP investments cover a wide range of fund categories, including mid-cap, large-cap, small-cap, and multi-asset funds. This diversification is beneficial for spreading risk and capturing growth opportunities across different market segments.

Analyzing Fund Performance and Suitability
While each fund serves a specific purpose in your portfolio, it's essential to evaluate their performance relative to their benchmarks and peer group. Consider factors such as historical returns, expense ratios, and fund manager expertise when assessing their suitability for your investment objectives.

Identifying Potential Changes
Based on your investment horizon, risk tolerance, and financial goals, consider the following factors when determining whether to make changes to your SIP investments:

Underperforming Funds: Review funds that consistently underperform their benchmarks or fail to meet your expectations. Consider replacing them with better-performing alternatives.

Overlapping Holdings: Identify any overlapping holdings across funds and consolidate your investments to avoid duplication and streamline your portfolio.

Risk Management: Assess the overall risk profile of your portfolio and make adjustments to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Exploring Additional Investment Opportunities
With a surplus of Rs. 20,000 per month available for investment, consider allocating these funds to further diversify your portfolio and capitalize on growth opportunities. Explore the following options for additional investment:

Sector-Specific Funds: Consider investing in sector-specific funds to capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities in specific industries or sectors.

International Funds: Diversify your portfolio geographically by investing in international funds that provide exposure to global markets and currencies.

Debt Funds: Balance your portfolio by investing in debt funds, which offer stable returns and act as a hedge against market volatility.

Seeking Professional Advice
Given the complexity of portfolio management and the dynamic nature of financial markets, consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to receive personalized advice tailored to your specific financial situation and goals. A professional can help you optimize your portfolio, identify suitable investment options, and navigate market uncertainties effectively.

Conclusion
Girish, by reviewing your current SIP investments, identifying potential changes, and exploring additional investment opportunities, you can optimize your portfolio for long-term growth and wealth accumulation. With guidance from a Certified Financial Planner, you can navigate the investment landscape with confidence and work towards achieving your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 12, 2024Hindi
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Hi Sir Kindly suggest for any modification if required as per my current investments in SIP. Currently I am investing 2.5k in each funds in below mentioned SIP. 1. Axis focused fund regular growth 2.Invesco Small cap Regular 3.Canara Robeco Small cap Regular 4.Mirae asset large cap Regular growth 5.Nippon India index fund Nifty 5. Parat parikh flexi cap fund
Ans: You're investing Rs 2.5k in six different SIPs. These funds cover a mix of large-cap, small-cap, focused, and flexi-cap categories. This diversified approach is a good starting point for balancing risk and returns. However, it's essential to assess each fund's role in your portfolio.

Fund Categorization and Allocation

Large-Cap Funds:

Large-cap funds offer stability. They focus on established companies with strong market presence.
Small-Cap Funds:

Small-cap funds provide growth potential but carry higher risk. These funds invest in emerging companies that may not be as stable.
Focused and Flexi-Cap Funds:

Focused funds invest in a limited number of stocks. This approach allows concentrated growth but with increased risk.
Flexi-cap funds provide flexibility by investing across market caps. This diversification can reduce risk.
Index Fund Consideration

You've included an index fund in your portfolio. While index funds have low management fees, they also lack the potential for outperforming the market. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can provide higher returns, especially in volatile markets. A Certified Financial Planner can help identify funds that might outperform the index, offering better growth opportunities.

Benefits of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds

Regular funds come with the advantage of professional guidance. A Certified Financial Planner can help tailor your investments to your goals. Direct funds might save on commissions, but without expert advice, the risk of underperformance increases. The expertise of a CFP ensures your portfolio is aligned with your financial objectives.

Diversification and Risk Management

Your current portfolio is diversified across various fund categories, which helps spread risk. However, too much overlap in fund types, like small-cap funds, can increase risk unnecessarily. It's crucial to maintain a balanced allocation that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Investment Horizon and Goals

Understanding your investment horizon is key. If you're investing for long-term goals like retirement, a mix of equity-oriented funds is suitable. For medium-term goals, consider reducing exposure to high-risk funds and adding more balanced or debt funds.

Final Insights

Review Overlap: Evaluate the overlap in your small-cap funds. Diversify across other categories for better balance.

Reconsider Index Fund: Actively managed funds may provide better growth potential. A CFP can guide you in selecting suitable alternatives.

Seek Professional Guidance: The benefits of regular funds, with expert advice, outweigh the savings from direct funds. A Certified Financial Planner can help maximize returns and manage risk.

Adjust for Goals: Align your portfolio with your financial goals. Adjust your fund allocation based on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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A bit long story I'm 21 student preparing for medical competative entrance exam for past 3 years (21-24).2 year ago this phase I was in a long distance relationship for 4 months with a girl I met in my class .But it didn't last long due to the problems created due to distance as she couldn't understand myself and I couldn't understand herself.so there was a misunderstanding and I couldn't hold on as I was in heavy pressure by exams and financial problems.so I couldn't handle and I felt like too early and broke up with her by losing my mind.she was completely disappointed as I didn't speak to her for more than an year due to one more year preparation.i missed her very much but I didnt tell her.I missed govt seat in border mark and the same year she got into a relationship with another guy in her class.i don't blame her. But I feel like my entire life is shattered and I couldn't move on from that girl till now.I couldn't concentrate on my career too.im kind of person who is always confident in all aspects but I have totally lost my mind .I can see that in an danger situation as age is running and family pressure, everyone of my classmates are far ahead of me I couldn't withstand this situation and couldn't make proper decision in any aspect. Mam please help me out.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your concerns. The first step is to focus on moving on; she has, and you should too. Prioritize your career, your family, and your future. Next, what has happened to your career progress has already happened. It's unfortunate, but there's no way to change that. But give yourself a second chance; work harder and achieve greater things than you even imagined before. Trust me, you are not the only person who is standing in a situation like this. Many have, and many more will. But the ones who have passed this time will give you the same advice that I did.

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |682 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

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My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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