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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 05, 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
Ajit Question by Ajit on Dec 16, 2023Hindi
Listen
Money

I want to do sip of rs. 10000 for 20 years with a target corpus 1cr.currently I have sip for rs.4000/- in kotak flexi cap & 2000/- in SBI banking and financial fund. Remaining 4000/- I am purchasing additionly as per Market conditions between these two funds. Is it ok for me???I think I should invest this 4000/- in small cap fund in quant small cap or Nippon small cap.. please guide.

Ans: Given your current SIP investments in Kotak Flexi Cap and SBI Banking and Financial Fund, it's important to diversify your portfolio further. Since SBI Banking and Financial Fund carries high risk as a sectoral fund, you may consider stopping investments in it. consider reallocating those funds to a different category, such as a small-cap fund. Small-cap funds offer potential for higher returns over the long term but also come with increased risk. Before deciding, assess your risk tolerance and consult with a financial advisor for personalized guidance tailored to your financial goals and situation.
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Hi sir i am investing in SIP mode, 1 Nippon largecap 2 Icici multicap 3 absl frontline equity 4 miare mid and large cap 5 axis mid cap all 5 1.5 k each and Hdfc 1k each.. feo past 3-5 years... pls advise your view ..also want to add more 10k for 5-10year horizon in quant floxi and nifty 50 index fund pla advise bestbone in infex fund and its ok to add quant flexi fund 5k sip
Ans: It's great to see your commitment to SIP investing over the past few years. Let's discuss your current portfolio and future investment plans:
• Your SIP portfolio comprises a mix of large-cap, multi-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds, providing diversification across market segments.
• Nippon, ICICI, ABSL, Mirae, and Axis are reputable fund houses with strong track records, which is a plus for your portfolio.
• Adding HDFC funds adds further diversification, contributing to a well-rounded investment strategy.
Regarding your plan to add more funds:
• Investing an additional 10k for a 5-10 year horizon is a smart move, especially if you're aiming for long-term growth.
• Considering Quant flexi and Nifty 50 index funds is a good idea. Index funds offer low-cost exposure to the broader market, which can complement actively managed funds in your portfolio.
A few considerations:
• Ensure that the new additions align with your risk tolerance and investment goals.
• Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it remains diversified and aligned with your financial objectives.
• Keep an eye on the performance of each fund and consider making adjustments if needed.
Overall, your investment approach seems well-structured, and adding more funds for long-term growth is a step in the right direction. Remember, investing is a journey, and staying committed to your financial goals will yield fruitful results over time. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out. Happy investing!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 04, 2024

Money
Sir i am doing SIP OF RS 10000 EACH IN ICICI BLUE CHIP AND CANARA ROBECO BLUE CHIP FUND. RS 5000 IN PPFAS FLEX CAP FUND. I WANT TO START SIP FORCRS 10000 MORE. KINDLY SUGGEST WHETHER MY SIP ARE CORRECT AND FUNDS TO START NEW SIP. HORIZON IS ABT 10 YRS.
Ans: your commitment to regular SIPs is highly commendable and forms a strong foundation for wealth creation over the next decade. Let's evaluate your current fund choices and explore additional options to ensure a balanced portfolio for long-term growth. Below is a comprehensive assessment of your investments.

Reviewing Your Existing SIPs
Current Equity Focus: You are currently investing Rs 10,000 each in two blue-chip funds. Blue-chip funds focus on large-cap companies, offering stability and potential for steady growth. With a 10-year horizon, this choice is generally aligned with long-term goals, as large-cap funds can provide consistency and moderate growth over time.

Flexi Cap Investment: Your Rs 5,000 SIP in a flexi-cap fund brings exposure across large-, mid-, and small-cap segments. This is beneficial, as it allows the fund manager flexibility to allocate between different market caps, potentially boosting returns through strategic diversification.

Long-Term Potential: Both blue-chip and flexi-cap categories align well with a 10-year goal. The large-cap focus provides stability, while the flexi-cap allocation enhances growth potential. This combination balances risk and return, creating a solid base for wealth accumulation.

Considering Portfolio Diversification
Diversification Beyond Large Cap: Your portfolio is currently weighted towards large-cap funds. For a 10-year horizon, adding exposure to mid- or small-cap funds could enhance returns. Mid-cap funds, for instance, have historically outperformed large caps over longer periods due to their growth potential, though they carry slightly higher volatility.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: For a focused long-term strategy, sectoral or thematic funds are another option. These funds invest in specific sectors like technology or healthcare, capturing sector-specific growth. However, sectoral funds are volatile and may require periodic review, as they depend on sector performance. They should form only a small part of your portfolio due to their concentrated risk.

Balancing Risk with Multi-Cap Allocation: Multi-cap funds are ideal for diversification. These funds distribute investments across market segments and are actively managed to maximise growth opportunities. A multi-cap fund could serve as a middle ground, reducing risk compared to small-cap funds while potentially outperforming large-cap-only funds.

Tax Efficiency and Investment Structure
Capital Gains Taxation on Mutual Funds: With equity funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. For short-term gains, the rate is 20%. Given the long investment horizon, focusing on tax efficiency through long-term holdings is advisable to optimise net returns.

Benefits of Investing in Regular Mutual Funds via MFDs: Direct mutual funds may appear cost-effective due to lower expense ratios. However, regular funds offer expert advice and portfolio management by Certified Financial Planners (CFPs) and MFDs. The guidance of professionals ensures proper fund selection and rebalancing based on market conditions and your goals. This support can add value beyond mere expense savings.

Recommendations for Additional SIP Investment Options
To maximise your portfolio’s growth potential and address any gaps, consider these fund types for your new Rs 10,000 SIP allocation.

Mid-Cap Funds: Adding a mid-cap fund can offer higher growth potential. Mid-caps have room for expansion and often outperform large-caps over longer periods. However, they can be volatile in the short term. Allocating Rs 5,000 to a mid-cap fund could provide a growth boost while balancing risk with your existing large-cap investments.

Multi-Cap Funds: A multi-cap fund with Rs 5,000 would offer diversification across all market caps. Multi-caps adjust their allocation dynamically, capturing growth from all segments. This approach reduces dependency on a single segment, helping your portfolio perform well across varying market cycles.

Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF): For stability, consider adding a balanced advantage fund. These funds adjust between equity and debt based on market conditions, offering both growth and capital protection. With a portion in BAF, you could enjoy equity-linked returns with reduced volatility, which complements pure equity holdings.

Strategic Allocation for Long-Term Wealth Creation
Staggering Investments: Since you’re looking at a 10-year horizon, consider a staggered SIP approach for new investments. This will help you capture market volatility to your advantage through rupee-cost averaging, reducing the impact of short-term market fluctuations.

Review and Rebalance Periodically: Set a review frequency—ideally once a year. During this review, assess fund performance, portfolio composition, and alignment with goals. Rebalancing ensures that your portfolio remains aligned with your risk tolerance and growth objectives as markets evolve.

Setting Growth Expectations: It’s important to have realistic growth expectations, especially with a diversified portfolio. While mid- and small-cap funds can outperform, they also bring higher volatility. Balancing these funds with blue-chip and balanced advantage funds can stabilise returns over time.

Final Insights
Your current investments lay a solid foundation with stability from blue-chip funds and growth flexibility through a flexi-cap fund.

By adding mid-cap, multi-cap, and possibly a balanced advantage fund, you diversify across market caps and asset classes, optimising for growth with moderated risk.

A Certified Financial Planner’s guidance ensures that your portfolio adapts to market shifts, which is vital over a 10-year horizon. This professional advice will help in balancing cost-efficiency and tailored fund management, which is crucial in optimising long-term growth.

Regular reviews and rebalancing, supported by an MFD with CFP credentials, will enhance your portfolio’s performance and alignment with your 10-year goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2025
Money
Dear Sir, I am 55 and I am a stage 4 cancer patient for the past 5 years. Presently working with a salary of Rs.30 LPA. I have Rs.75 L in SB account. Rs.25 L in shares out of which Rs.12 L is loss. Rs.12 L in mutual funds. Rs.3 L in EPF. No commitments or liabilities. I need to know how I can get Rs. 70 K per month in case I lose my job. Kindly advise.
Ans: I truly appreciate your courage and clarity even in the face of health challenges. With your current financial resources and the need to secure a monthly income of Rs. 70,000, a detailed and careful plan is very much possible.

Let me give you a full 360-degree solution below, step-by-step.

Understanding Your Present Financial Picture
You are 55 years old and have been living with stage 4 cancer for 5 years.

You are still employed and drawing a salary of Rs. 30 lakhs per year.

You have Rs. 75 lakhs in your savings bank account.

You hold Rs. 25 lakhs in shares, with Rs. 12 lakhs in losses.

You have Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Rs. 3 lakhs is in your EPF account.

You have no loans or financial commitments.

Your main concern is to receive Rs. 70,000 every month if the job stops.

You are not looking to take risks.

You want regular, reliable income without physical involvement.

Step 1: Emergency Medical and Health Fund
Health comes first. Keep money aside just for medical needs.

This fund should cover two years of your full household and medical costs.

Keep Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs aside for this purpose.

This money should be in ultra-safe places.

Prefer a savings bank account and liquid mutual funds.

This should remain untouched unless truly needed.

This emergency buffer gives peace and avoids panic in tough times.

Step 2: Generate Rs. 70,000 Monthly Income
Rs. 70,000 monthly means Rs. 8.4 lakhs needed per year.

Aim for post-tax cash flow from your investments.

Break your funds into income generation buckets.

Use your Rs. 75 lakhs from savings bank as the core capital.

Avoid keeping the full amount idle in SB account.

Allocate funds into low-risk, stable return instruments.

Prefer investment avenues offering quarterly or monthly payouts.

Choose options where you can withdraw in parts if needed.

Step 3: Structured Investment Allocation
Short-Term Bucket: 1 to 2 Years

Set aside Rs. 18 to 20 lakhs for short-term needs.

Put this money into highly liquid options.

Use only those that protect capital and give fixed income.

These funds will generate stable income for the next two years.

Prefer options offering monthly or quarterly payouts.

This will help replace your salary if job stops.

You don’t need to sell any shares or mutual funds right away.

You get time to think clearly, plan calmly.

Medium-Term Bucket: 3 to 5 Years

Keep around Rs. 25 to 30 lakhs here.

Invest in actively managed hybrid mutual funds.

Choose regular plans through a mutual fund distributor with CFP credentials.

Do not go for direct funds.

Direct plans do not come with personalised guidance.

There is no one to help you rebalance, switch or review.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner offer ongoing support.

With hybrid funds, risk is moderate and returns are better than FDs.

Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) to get monthly income.

You can set up SWP of Rs. 40,000 to 50,000 from this bucket.

These funds will last for years while also growing gradually.

Long-Term Bucket: 5+ Years

Keep Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs for the long-term.

This is not for current income, but for inflation beating growth.

Invest in actively managed large cap or balanced advantage funds.

Again, use regular plans with Certified Financial Planner.

These funds will build wealth for later stages.

You can shift gains to the medium bucket after 5 years.

Step 4: Shareholding Review and Action Plan
You have Rs. 25 lakhs in shares.

Out of this, Rs. 12 lakhs are in losses.

Do not sell them in a hurry.

Some may recover if you wait patiently.

First, make a list of all companies and their quality.

Exit poor-quality stocks even at a loss.

Retain good quality stocks with strong future.

If the whole portfolio is confusing, take help from a Certified Financial Planner.

You can harvest the loss now to set off gains later.

Book losses smartly to reduce future capital gains tax.

After cleaning up, move the proceeds to your medium bucket.

Step 5: Mutual Fund Review
You hold Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Find out the type of each fund.

If these are equity funds, hold them long-term.

If returns are low or risk is high, shift to hybrid funds.

Avoid investing in index funds.

Index funds cannot protect capital in falling markets.

They simply copy the market blindly.

Actively managed funds are safer.

Professional fund managers take timely actions.

They reduce your risk and improve consistency.

Step 6: EPF Strategy
You have Rs. 3 lakhs in EPF.

EPF earns stable tax-free interest.

Do not withdraw unless it’s urgent.

Keep it as part of your long-term reserve.

Step 7: Monthly Income Setup
Use short-term and medium-term buckets to get income.

Start SWP from mutual funds for Rs. 40,000 monthly.

Use fixed income tools for Rs. 30,000 more.

Review this every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust amounts if needed based on inflation.

Step 8: Tax Planning and Awareness
Income from mutual funds is taxable.

Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per your slab.

Plan redemptions to avoid tax shocks.

Harvest profits in a planned manner.

Step 9: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Do not invest in real estate.

It is illiquid and needs physical handling.

Do not buy annuities.

They give poor returns and lock your money.

Do not fall for insurance + investment combos.

If you already hold such policies, review them.

Consider surrender if return is poor.

Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds.

Step 10: Use a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner gives structured and unbiased advice.

They help you with fund selection, SWP setup, rebalancing.

They guide you with tax-saving and risk control.

Their ongoing service is crucial at your life stage.

Choose someone with experience and clear credentials.

Finally
You are in a better financial position than many.

You have no loans, no dependents, and have built good savings.

With a calm and simple plan, you can replace your income safely.

You do not need to take risky steps now.

You have already shown strength by managing your life and job for 5 years.

Now your money should serve you with peace and stability.

Break your capital into buckets.

Get monthly income through safe withdrawals.

Review regularly with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid unnecessary complexity or noise.

You deserve a peaceful financial life.

Your health is precious. Let money be your quiet support.

Invest safe. Withdraw smart. Sleep well.

You are already doing well. Just add clarity and structure.

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.

Close  

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

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

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

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

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

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x