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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 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
ANIL Question by ANIL on Jan 11, 2024Hindi
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I have SIP of Rs. 1,000/- p.m. in Canara Robeco Blue Chip Equity Fund and Axis Midcap Fund and SIP of Rs.2000/- pm in SBI Small Cap Fund for last one year. Please advice whether I shud continue in these funds or do I need to change the funds?

Ans: Your current SIPs seem to be diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds, which is a good strategy for long-term growth. However, whether to continue with these funds or make changes depends on various factors:

Performance: Check the performance of these funds against their benchmarks and peers. Consistently underperforming funds might be a concern.
Fund Manager: Ensure the fund manager has a good track record and is experienced in managing the type of fund you're investing in.
Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios can significantly impact your returns over the long term. Ensure you're not paying too much in fees.
Fund Strategy: Understand the investment strategy of the funds. Make sure it aligns with your risk profile and investment goals.
Market Conditions: Market conditions can influence the performance of different types of funds differently. Diversification helps, but sometimes a market shift might warrant a change in strategy.
Given that you've been investing for just a year, it might be premature to judge the funds solely based on performance. However, regular review is essential. If you find that these funds are not performing as expected or if there are changes in your financial goals or risk appetite, consider consulting a financial advisor to help you make informed decisions. Remember, investing is a long-term game, and patience is often rewarded.
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  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am investing in following funds through SIP 1. HDFC top 200 Regular Growth since 2010 Rs. 3000 2. ICICI PRUDENTIAL LARGE & MIDCAP FUND GROWTH SINCE 2014 Rs. 2000 3. BANDHAN FLEXICAP FUND-GROWTH SINCE 2011 Rs. 2000 4. BSL FRONTLINE EQUITY FUND - GROWTH SINCE 2010 Rs. 3000 (STOPPED SIP IN 2020) 5. MIRAE ASSET BLUECHIP FUND - GROWTH SINCE 2021 Rs. 2500 6. HDFC FLEXI CAP - GROWTH SINCE 2022 Rs. 5500 PLEASE ADVICE ME WHETHER I SHOULD CONTINUE WITH THESE FUNDS OR EXIT. I FURTHER WANT TO INVEST Rs. 15000 MORE. PLEASE SUGGEST WHETHER I SHOULD INCREASE SIP AMOUNT IN THESE FUNDS OR START SIP IN NEW FUND
Ans: Assessing Your Mutual Fund Investments and Planning for the Future

Your portfolio demonstrates a disciplined approach to mutual fund investing over the years. Let's evaluate your current holdings and chart a course for future investments.

Analyzing Existing SIPs

HDFC Top 200, ICICI Prudential Large & Midcap, and Bandhan Flexicap Funds have been part of your investment journey for several years. These funds offer exposure to different market segments, providing diversification benefits.

BSL Frontline Equity Fund, while stopped in 2020, has a long track record of performance. It's essential to review the reasons for discontinuing this SIP and assess whether it aligns with your current investment strategy.

Mirae Asset Bluechip Fund and HDFC Flexi Cap Fund, initiated more recently, contribute to diversification and may offer growth potential.

Evaluating Performance and Suitability

Review the performance of each fund relative to its benchmark and peer group. Assess whether the fund manager's investment approach and strategy align with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Consider the consistency of returns, risk-adjusted performance, and fund management quality. Additionally, evaluate the fund's expense ratio and turnover ratio to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Deciding Whether to Continue or Exit

Continue SIPs in funds with consistent performance, robust fundamentals, and alignment with your investment goals.

Consider exiting funds that consistently underperform their benchmarks or peers, have experienced significant changes in fund management, or deviate from your risk profile.

Planning Additional Investments

Given your intention to invest an additional Rs. 15,000, consider the following options:

Increase SIP amounts in existing funds with proven track records and growth potential. This approach maintains continuity and capitalizes on the strengths of your current portfolio.

Explore new funds that complement your existing holdings and provide exposure to underrepresented sectors or asset classes. Conduct thorough research and seek professional advice to identify suitable options.

Seeking Professional Guidance

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend conducting a comprehensive portfolio review to ensure alignment with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Regular monitoring and periodic adjustments are essential to optimize your investment outcomes.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2024Hindi
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I have SIP in following funds since one year, should I continue or switch: 1. SBI PSU fund - 3000 2. SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund - 3000 3. SBI Contra Fund - 5000 4. Quant Small Cap Fund - 4000 5. Quant Mid Cap Fund - 2000 6. Nippon India Small Cap Fund - 4000 Should I continue or switch - please advise.
Ans: Evaluating Your Investment Portfolio: Should You Continue or Switch?
Understanding Your Current Portfolio
Your current investment portfolio consists of a mix of actively managed mutual funds across various categories. Let's delve into each fund and evaluate its performance and potential.

Assessing Fund Performance
SBI PSU Fund: This fund invests primarily in stocks of public sector undertakings. Over the past year, its performance may have been affected by market conditions and the performance of PSU stocks.
SBI Healthcare Opportunities Fund: Focused on the healthcare sector, this fund may have seen fluctuations due to sector-specific factors and market dynamics.
SBI Contra Fund: As a contrarian fund, it aims to invest in undervalued stocks. Its performance depends on the fund manager's ability to identify such opportunities.
Quant Small Cap Fund & Quant Mid Cap Fund: These funds target small and mid-cap stocks, which can be volatile but offer growth potential.
Nippon India Small Cap Fund: Similar to the Quant funds, this one focuses on small-cap stocks, which carry higher risk but can deliver higher returns over the long term.
Considering Switching Options
Switching investments should be driven by changes in your financial goals, risk tolerance, and the performance of your current funds. Here are some considerations:

Performance Comparison: Evaluate the performance of your funds against their benchmarks and peers. Consistent underperformance might warrant a switch.
Diversification: Assess the diversification of your portfolio across sectors and market caps. Switching may be considered to achieve better diversification.
Expense Ratio: Actively managed funds typically have higher expense ratios compared to index funds. However, they may offer the potential for outperformance, which needs to be weighed against the higher costs.
Decision Making
Review Your Goals: Reflect on your financial goals and investment horizon. Ensure that your investment choices align with your objectives.
Risk Tolerance: Consider your risk tolerance and whether you are comfortable with the volatility associated with certain sectors or market segments.
Consultation: Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to continue or switch your investments depends on various factors including performance, diversification, and alignment with your financial goals. A thorough evaluation of each fund's performance and your investment objectives is crucial in making an informed decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

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I am having following 6 regular SIPs in mutual funds 1. SBI Contra Fund Rs 2,000/- 2. SBI Small Cap Fund ,000/- 3. SBI Retirement Benefit Fund Aggressive Growth Rs 2,000/- 4. SBI PSU Fund lumpsum Rs 11000/- 5. Quant Small Cap Fund Rs 1000/- 6. ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Growth Fund 500/- Please advise whether I should continue with these funds or exit. Aloke
Ans: Review and Recommendations for Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Overview of Your Current Investments
You have a diversified portfolio with the following SIPs and a lump sum investment:

SBI Contra Fund: ?2,000/- per month
SBI Small Cap Fund: ?2,000/- per month
SBI Retirement Benefit Fund Aggressive Growth: ?2,000/- per month
SBI PSU Fund: Lump sum ?11,000/-
Quant Small Cap Fund: ?1,000/- per month
ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Growth Fund: ?500/- per month
Compliments on Your Investment Strategy
Your disciplined approach to investing through regular SIPs is commendable. Investing in a variety of funds shows your understanding of diversification. This strategy helps mitigate risks and enhances the potential for growth.

Analytical Review of Your Portfolio
SBI Contra Fund:

Contra funds invest in undervalued stocks, anticipating future growth.
These funds can offer high returns but come with increased risk.
Consider if this aligns with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.
SBI Small Cap Fund:

Small cap funds can generate significant growth over time but are highly volatile.
Ensure this fund aligns with your risk appetite and long-term goals.
SBI Retirement Benefit Fund Aggressive Growth:

This fund focuses on long-term growth for retirement.
It's a good choice for aggressive investors aiming for high returns over time.
SBI PSU Fund:

Investing in Public Sector Units can be beneficial but is sector-specific and carries concentration risk.
Regularly review this fund's performance and the overall sector outlook.
Quant Small Cap Fund:

Like the SBI Small Cap Fund, this fund offers high growth potential with high risk.
Diversifying within the small cap segment might not be necessary.
ICICI Prudential Infrastructure Growth Fund:

Infrastructure funds invest in infrastructure-related companies.
These funds can provide good returns during economic growth periods but are sector-specific and volatile.
Recommendations for Portfolio Improvement
Diversify Across Market Caps and Sectors:

Your portfolio has a significant focus on small cap and sector-specific funds.
Consider adding a large cap or a diversified equity fund to balance risk and stability.
Consolidate Small Cap Investments:

Holding multiple small cap funds may not be necessary.
You can consolidate into one fund to avoid overlap and simplify management.
Review Sector-Specific Funds:

Sector-specific funds like PSU and Infrastructure can be volatile.
Regularly monitor their performance and consider switching to more diversified funds if needed.
Consider Professional Management:

Direct funds have lower expenses but require active monitoring.
Investing through a certified financial planner can provide professional management and potentially better returns.
Steps for Continued Success
Regular Portfolio Reviews:

Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals and market conditions.
Make adjustments as needed to stay on track.
Increase SIP Amounts Gradually:

As your income grows, consider increasing your SIP amounts.
This will help you build a larger corpus over time.
Maintain an Emergency Fund:

Ensure you have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses.
This prevents the need to withdraw from your investments prematurely.
Stay Informed and Educated:

Stay updated on market trends and financial news.
Continuous learning will help you make informed investment decisions.
Conclusion
Your current portfolio is well-diversified but has a significant focus on small cap and sector-specific funds. Consider balancing it with more stable large cap or diversified equity funds. Regularly review and adjust your investments to align with your goals and risk tolerance. Your disciplined investment strategy and thoughtful planning are commendable. With consistent efforts and regular reviews, you are well on your way to achieving your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |633 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 12, 2024Hindi
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I am 40 year old with 1.5 lac salary and 1 crore in FD. Have a 8 year old son. Currently I don't have any EMI but I wish to buy new house of 2 crore with appx loan of 1 cr and remaining 1 cr by selling current house. Also I invest 60k in mutual funds. What can I do if I wish to retire at 45 years and still be able to pay emi using swp and FD income.
Ans: Hello;

General Comments:
People nowadays get carried away by FIRE(Financial independence retire early) fads on social media and go by thumb rules provided on SM for retirement corpus calculation.

Please consult a certified financial planner or a retirement advisor who can guide you on these matters professionally.

Specific comments:
Do your math. If you retire at 45 you have 35 years in retirement considering life expectancy of 80. What corpus would you need to fund:

1. Your inflation indexed retirement income
2. Impact on retirement income due to home loan EMI.
3. Separate provision for higher education of son

If doing 3% SWP can meet your monthly income requirements post-tax it is okay but If you are increasing SWP rate beyond 3% you run the risk of eating into your corpus during periods of flat or negative returns by your fund.

Also pure equity funds for SWP in retirement are a strict NO.

Only hybrid mutual funds such as equity savings or conservative hybrid funds may be suitable with moderate risk.

If your regular expenses are 50 K today they will be 90 K in 10 years, 1.6 L in 20 years time considering modest 6% inflation.

Your 60 K monthly sip if continued for 5 years may yield you a corpus of 50 L assuming modest return of 12% from pure equity mutual funds which could be earmarked for higher education of your son.

Do you have any EPF/NPS corpus?

Please confirm.

Thanks;

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7029 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 15, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I had purchased kotak premier endowment plan in 2020. SI is 2.82 lakhs and annual premium is 32k. Premium payment term is 10 yrs and maturity term is 17 yrs. After having paid premium for 4 years, i am thinking to surrender the policy as it doesn't convince me anymore with its benefits. However, after paying Rs. 1.28 lakh premium over 4 years, surrender value is coming to Rs. 82k only. Should i continue with this policy or surrender and invest the amount anywhere else. Pls advise. Thanks
Ans: You purchased the Kotak Premier Endowment Plan in 2020. This plan combines insurance with savings. The sum assured is Rs. 2.82 lakhs, and the annual premium is Rs. 32,000.

You’ve already paid Rs. 1.28 lakhs over four years. The premium payment term is 10 years, and the maturity term is 17 years. The surrender value is currently Rs. 82,000, meaning a loss of Rs. 46,000.

Now, you are contemplating whether to continue with this plan or surrender and invest elsewhere.

Evaluating Endowment Plans
Endowment plans typically offer low returns compared to other investment options.
Most endowment plans have a return rate of 4-6%.
The main benefit is insurance coverage, which is often inadequate.
By continuing with this plan, your money may not grow significantly. It also locks your funds for a long period.

Advantages of Surrendering
By surrendering, you free up Rs. 82,000.
You stop further premium payments, avoiding additional allocation to a low-return product.
You can reallocate the funds to better-performing investment options.
Drawbacks of Surrendering
You lose Rs. 46,000 from the premiums paid so far.
Early surrender often results in reduced returns.
The plan’s long-term guaranteed returns will no longer apply.
Alternative Investments
If you surrender, the next step is reinvesting wisely.

Equity Mutual Funds: Offers long-term wealth creation. These funds outperform endowment plans in the long run.
Small-Cap Funds: For higher risk appetite, this can provide superior returns.
Debt Mutual Funds: Suitable for lower risk tolerance. Ideal for stable and predictable returns.
PPF (Public Provident Fund): A safe and tax-efficient option for long-term goals.
Benefits of Actively Managed Mutual Funds
Active funds often outperform benchmarks.
Professional fund managers actively monitor market opportunities.
You benefit from diversification and risk management.
Avoid direct funds unless you’re a seasoned investor. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or mutual fund distributor ensures better guidance.

Why Insurance Should Be Separate
Insurance-cum-investment plans like endowment are not ideal.
Term insurance offers high coverage at low costs.
Use the money saved from premiums for pure investments.
Tax Implications
Surrendering may have tax implications. Check if your premiums qualified for Section 80C.
New gains from investments may attract taxation. For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
360-Degree Financial Assessment
Financial Goals: Align investments with your goals (e.g., retirement, children’s education).
Risk Appetite: Choose investments matching your comfort level with risk.
Emergency Fund: Maintain liquid funds to handle financial emergencies.
Debt Management: Clear high-interest liabilities before investing.
Portfolio Review: Balance investments between equity, debt, and fixed income.
Final Insights
The decision depends on your long-term goals. Surrendering is better if the plan does not align with your financial strategy. Reallocate wisely to maximize returns. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

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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