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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 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
Upendra Question by Upendra on May 10, 2024Hindi
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Money

Sir my SIP - SBI contra fund-2000, SBI small cap-1000, SBI small 250 index -1000, Aditya Birla sun Light PSU -2000, Parag Parikh flexi cap-2000, Motilal Oswal mid cap-2000, quant active fund-2000, total SIPs is to Rs.12000 per month , How many returns to get after 10 years investment.

Ans: Let's assess your SIP investments and project the potential returns over a 10-year period, keeping in mind various factors that influence investment outcomes.

Current SIP Portfolio Overview
Allocation Breakdown
SBI Contra Fund: Rs. 2000
SBI Small Cap Fund: Rs. 1000
SBI Small Cap 250 Index Fund: Rs. 1000
Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund: Rs. 2000
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Rs. 2000
Motilal Oswal Mid Cap Fund: Rs. 2000
Quant Active Fund: Rs. 2000
Total Monthly SIP: Rs. 12000
Factors Affecting Returns
Fund Selection
Actively Managed Funds: Offer potential for higher returns but involve higher risk and management fees.
Index Funds: Lower fees but may have limitations in beating market benchmarks.
Market Performance
Equity Market Trends: Historical performance and future market conditions impact investment returns.
Economic Factors: Macroeconomic indicators influence market movements and fund performance.
Projected Returns Analysis
Historical Performance
Review historical performance of selected funds to gauge potential returns.
Consider past performance trends, fund manager expertise, and investment strategy.
Market Outlook
Analyze current market trends, economic indicators, and sectoral performance.
Evaluate growth prospects of sectors represented in your SIP portfolio.
Risk Assessment and Diversification
Risk Management
Diversification: Spread investments across different asset classes and sectors to manage risk.
Risk Appetite: Assess your risk tolerance to ensure investment choices align with your financial goals.
Regular Monitoring
Review SIP performance periodically to track progress and make informed adjustments.
Stay updated with market developments and fund performance reports.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
Based on the current investment allocation and market conditions, projecting precise returns over a 10-year period can be challenging. However, a diversified SIP portfolio across various asset classes and fund types is a prudent approach to long-term wealth creation.

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  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 2024

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My age 31 and I have invested on 1- quant small cap fund direct growth plan -4000,2- ICICI prudential commodities fund-4000,3- SBI psu direct growth plan -4000, 4- quant infrastructure -2000, 5- Aditya Birla psu-1000,5-NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP-2000 , TOTAL AMOUNT INVESTED IN SIP -15000 PER MONTH , THIS INVESTMENT ARE GOOD AND HOW MUCH I WILL GET AFTER 10 YEARS
Ans: Investing in mutual funds is a wise choice for building wealth over time. Your portfolio shows diversification across different sectors, which is commendable. However, let's assess it further.

Your investments in small-cap funds and sector-specific funds indicate an appetite for growth. These funds have potential but come with higher risk due to market volatility.

There are some advantages to consider direct funds, and the cost savings can be significant in the long run. However, there are some potential benefits to using a regular MFD:
Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):
• Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
• Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
• Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.


SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) are a disciplined approach, smoothing out market fluctuations. With a monthly investment of ?15,000, you're on the right track towards your financial goals.

In ten years, your investment can grow significantly, but it's crucial to manage expectations. Market performance is unpredictable. Hence, it's wise to periodically review and adjust your portfolio.

Regular monitoring with a Certified Financial Planner ensures alignment with your objectives. They offer personalized advice, optimizing your investments for better returns while mitigating risks.

Avoiding real estate is a prudent decision considering its illiquidity and high upfront costs. Additionally, annuities may not suit your investment strategy due to their limitations and potential fees.

Remember, patience and consistency are key in investment growth. Keep contributing and stay informed about market trends. Your dedication will likely yield fruitful results in the long run.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 25, 2024

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Hi myself Arun, age 39 years, monthly income 66k, I invested in mutual funds as monthly SIP.....2000 in quant smallcap, 3000 in quant multi asset fund, 2000 in axis midcap fund, 1000 in Nippon smallcap fund and last 2000 in kotak smallcap fund.....total 10000 monthly......how much return, can I get after 10 years and the choices of mutual funds are good right now.....
Ans: Arun! It's wonderful that you are investing systematically in mutual funds. Your disciplined approach to investing Rs 10,000 monthly is commendable. This shows your commitment to building a secure financial future.

Evaluating Your Mutual Fund Choices
You have diversified your SIPs across various funds:

Small-cap funds: Rs 2,000 in one fund, Rs 2,000 in another, and Rs 1,000 in a third

Multi-asset fund: Rs 3,000

Mid-cap fund: Rs 2,000

Benefits of Small-Cap Funds
Small-cap funds can offer high growth potential but come with higher risk. These funds invest in smaller companies with significant growth prospects. However, they can be volatile and require a longer investment horizon to mitigate risks.

Advantages of Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies that are in the growth phase. These companies have more stability compared to small-cap companies but still offer good growth potential. Mid-cap funds can balance risk and return in your portfolio.

Multi-Asset Fund Benefits
Multi-asset funds invest in a mix of asset classes like equity, debt, and gold. This diversification reduces risk and can provide more stable returns. Investing in a multi-asset fund helps balance the overall risk of your portfolio.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds, which track a market index, cannot outperform the market. They offer average market returns and lack flexibility in managing downturns. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market and provide better returns.

Importance of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds, managed by professional fund managers, seek to outperform the market. With expert management, these funds can provide higher returns by strategically selecting investments. This active management can be beneficial, especially in volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower fees but lack professional advice. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential ensures expert guidance. This helps in selecting funds that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Projecting Future Returns
Predicting exact returns is challenging due to market volatility. However, historically, equity mutual funds have delivered around 12-15% annual returns over the long term. This can vary based on market conditions and fund performance.

Balancing Risk and Return
Your portfolio is heavily tilted towards small-cap funds. While they offer high growth potential, they also carry higher risk. Consider diversifying further into large-cap or balanced funds to reduce overall risk.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
It's important to review your investments periodically. Market conditions change, and regular rebalancing ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your goals. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help optimise your investment strategy.

Conclusion
Your current investment strategy is solid, focusing on growth through diverse funds. However, balancing your portfolio to manage risk is crucial. Professional guidance can enhance your investment decisions and help achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 24, 2024

Money
Hello Sir namaskar Below is my monthly SIP. I want to continue it 4 10 yrs. What return can i get through this. Quant small cap-2500/- Pgim india small cap-2500/- Kotak small cap-5000/- Nippon india small cap- 1500/- Hdfc non cyclical consumer- 1500/- Quant mid cap - 1000/- Bandhan fin service-1000/-
Ans: Your current monthly SIP is well-structured, covering small-cap and mid-cap funds, as well as sectoral opportunities. The portfolio aims for high growth, but it also comes with some risk due to a high allocation to small-cap funds.

Key features of your portfolio include:

Focus on Small-Cap Funds: You have allocated Rs 11,500 to small-cap funds. Small-cap funds offer high potential for growth but come with volatility. They are better suited for long-term investors like you since you are investing for 10 years.

Diversification: The inclusion of sectoral and mid-cap funds adds some diversity, but it is still heavily skewed towards small-cap. This will give you more potential for high returns but with risks.

Risk and Volatility: Small-cap and mid-cap funds tend to be more volatile. You will see fluctuations in returns, especially in market downturns. However, over 10 years, these investments should stabilize and potentially yield significant returns.

Appreciating your dedication to a long-term investment approach, I must point out that while you can expect good returns, you will need to be prepared for market fluctuations.

Expected Returns and Risk Assessment
Though I won't name specific schemes, your portfolio leans towards aggressive growth. Based on historical trends:

Small-Cap Funds: Historically, small-cap funds have delivered returns between 12-15% over long periods. However, they can experience downturns, so expect some volatility.

Mid-Cap and Sectoral Funds: Mid-cap funds have the potential to provide returns of around 10-12% in the long run. Sectoral funds may vary depending on the industry’s performance but can deliver substantial gains in growth sectors.

Given your 10-year horizon, it is likely that you could achieve average annualized returns between 10-14%. Please remember that returns are not guaranteed and depend on market performance.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Since you are focused on small-cap and mid-cap funds, let me explain why actively managed funds can outperform index funds:

Active Management: Fund managers actively select stocks with high growth potential in small-cap and mid-cap spaces, often outperforming indices in the long term.

Flexibility: Actively managed funds can adjust their portfolio based on market conditions. This is especially important for small-cap funds, as market dynamics can change quickly.

Potential for Higher Returns: Small-cap and mid-cap funds managed by experienced fund managers can capitalize on opportunities that an index may miss.

In contrast, index funds or ETFs simply track a broad market and do not offer the same targeted growth potential as actively managed funds. By sticking to actively managed funds, you increase your chances of higher returns.

Importance of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
There are several reasons why investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential is beneficial:

Expert Guidance: Regular funds come with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner. This is particularly useful in managing risk, adjusting your portfolio, and optimizing returns.

Risk Management: As markets fluctuate, a CFP can help you rebalance your portfolio and reduce unnecessary risks.

Holistic Planning: Investing through an MFD ensures that you receive a comprehensive financial plan, which takes your entire financial situation into account, not just investments.

While direct funds may offer lower fees, you miss out on the professional support and planning that a Certified Financial Planner provides. In the long run, this guidance often results in better outcomes for investors.

Taxation Considerations on Mutual Funds
With the new taxation rules:

Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): For equity mutual funds, any gains over Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG): STCG is taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds: If you decide to include debt mutual funds in your portfolio later, note that both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Understanding the tax implications will help you better manage withdrawals and gains in the future.

Evaluating Your Investment Horizon
Your 10-year investment horizon is ideal for the current portfolio because small-cap and mid-cap funds perform best over the long term. During this period, you will:

Capture Full Market Cycles: Small-cap funds are prone to higher volatility but can deliver strong performance over complete market cycles. A 10-year horizon is perfect for this strategy.

Benefit from Compounding: Staying invested for 10 years allows your returns to compound, significantly growing your wealth over time.

However, you should periodically review your portfolio, especially in the last 3 years of your investment term, to assess if any rebalancing is needed.

Suggestions to Improve Your Portfolio
While your portfolio is strong, a few adjustments could enhance your risk-return balance:

Consider Large-Cap or Balanced Funds: Introducing large-cap or balanced funds can reduce volatility, especially if market conditions worsen. These funds provide stability and diversification.

Sectoral Allocation: Having a sectoral fund in your portfolio is a good move for high growth, but be cautious of overexposure to one sector. If the sector performs poorly, it can drag down returns.

Periodic Reviews: Although you have a long-term horizon, it’s important to conduct annual reviews. This will help you stay on track and adjust your investments if needed.

Importance of Having a Goal-Based Approach
It’s important to link your investments to specific financial goals. This will help you stay motivated and maintain focus during periods of market volatility. Consider setting the following goals:

Retirement: If this portfolio is aimed at retirement, calculate how much you need at the end of 10 years. Adjust your SIPs accordingly to ensure you meet your retirement goals.

Education: If you are saving for children’s education, time your withdrawals carefully to avoid high taxes.

Setting clear goals will help you plan better and adjust your strategy if needed.

Emergency Fund and Insurance Coverage
If you haven't already, make sure you have an emergency fund in place. Ideally, this should cover 6 to 12 months of your monthly expenses. Also, ensure you have adequate life and health insurance coverage to protect your family and your financial plan in case of unforeseen events.

Rebalancing and Flexibility
It’s essential to remain flexible in your approach:

Periodic Rebalancing: As you approach the end of your investment term, consider rebalancing your portfolio. Move part of your investments to safer options to protect your gains.

Stay Open to Adjustments: As your financial situation or market conditions change, be open to adjusting your SIPs, fund choices, or asset allocation.

Finally
Your dedication to long-term investing is commendable. Over the next 10 years, you can expect strong growth from your portfolio. However, remember that market volatility is a part of the journey, especially with small-cap funds. Stick to your plan, and review your portfolio regularly. With the right adjustments, you will likely achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4453 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 23, 2025
Career
My daughter 90percentile in jee mains 2025,and puc board exam 95.6 percentage and kcet is 101 marks we are obc ncl and catgory 1 reservation can we get nit surathkal college for admission or other top 3 college in bangalore and she want to take jee advance 2025 , which branchas scope and high package
Ans: As far as KCET is concerned,? here are the some approximate expected KCET opening and closing ranks for the OBC-NCL category across four top engineering colleges in Bengaluru:?

RV College of Engineering (RVCE)
Computer Science & Engineering: Opening – 2,000 | Closing – 3,000
Electronics & Communication Engineering: Opening – 2,500 | Closing – 3,500
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Opening – 3,000 | Closing – 4,500
Mechanical Engineering: Opening – 4,000 | Closing – 6,000
Civil Engineering: Opening – 5,000 | Closing – 7,000?

BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE)
Computer Science & Engineering: Opening – 2,500 | Closing – 4,000
Electronics & Communication Engineering: Opening – 3,000 | Closing – 5,000
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Opening – 4,500 | Closing – 6,500
Mechanical Engineering: Opening – 6,000 | Closing – 8,000
Civil Engineering: Opening – 7,000 | Closing – 9,000?

M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT)
Computer Science & Engineering: Opening – 2,200 | Closing – 3,800
Electronics & Communication Engineering: Opening – 3,500 | Closing – 5,500
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Opening – 5,000 | Closing – 7,000
Mechanical Engineering: Opening – 6,500 | Closing – 8,500
Civil Engineering: Opening – 7,500 | Closing – 9,500?

Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE)
Computer Science & Engineering: Opening – 3,000 | Closing – 5,000
Electronics & Communication Engineering: Opening – 4,500 | Closing – 6,500
Electrical & Electronics Engineering: Opening – 6,000 | Closing – 8,000
Mechanical Engineering: Opening – 7,500 | Closing – 9,500
Civil Engineering: Opening – 8,500 | Closing – 10,500?

Note: The above ranks are indicative and based on available data for the OBC-NCL category. Every year, actual cutoffs may vary based on factors like seat availability, reservation policies, and candidate preferences.

?Regarding the chances of getting seats through JEE/JoSAA Counselling, here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Daughter's Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Daughter's Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Her JEE Main percentile
Her category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Her Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Her Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If your daughter is open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select her Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your daughter's admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4453 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 23, 2025
Career
I got 98.02%ile in JEE MAINS session 2 . (EWS) Can I get TOP NIT (CSE) ?? EWS RANK 4146
Ans: Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories.
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2025

Money
Hello Sir. I currently have a home loan of 52 lakhs with 16 years remaining on the tenure. Following the recent RBI repo rate update, my interest rate has been reduced to 8%. I now have a lump sum of 5 lakhs available. Could you please advise whether it's more beneficial to use this amount to make a prepayment towards the principal of my home loan or to invest it in stocks or mutual funds? Which option would offer better financial returns in the long run - closing the loan early or investing for potential growth?
Ans: Many banks have marginally reduced home loan interest rates, and your current rate at 8% is already among the better ones in the market.

Now, let's evaluate your decision clearly and simply — whether to use the Rs. 5 lakh lump sum to prepay your home loan or invest it for long-term growth.

 

Understanding the Current Loan and Investment Scenario
You have a home loan of Rs. 52 lakh.

 

The remaining tenure is 16 years.

 

Current interest rate is 8% per annum.

 

You have Rs. 5 lakh available for use.

 

You are thinking whether to prepay or invest.

 

This is a common and important financial decision.

 

We must assess it from all angles before choosing.

 

The right decision depends on goal, emotion, tax, and future cash flows.

 

Emotional Perspective: Peace of Mind vs. Growth
Prepaying reduces debt. It gives mental peace.

 

You feel more in control. EMI burden reduces.

 

You sleep better with lower outstanding balance.

 

But it stops your money from growing faster.

 

Investing in mutual funds or stocks offers growth.

 

But it comes with risk and market ups and downs.

 

If peace matters more, prepaying makes sense.

 

If growth is your priority, investing is better.

 

Know what feels right to you emotionally first.

 

Loan Prepayment: What Happens Financially
Your interest rate is 8% now.

 

If you prepay Rs. 5 lakh, your total interest reduces.

 

Your tenure may reduce. Or EMI may reduce.

 

Prepayment early in the loan saves more interest.

 

It gives guaranteed return. No risk is involved.

 

The effective return is same as your loan rate.

 

So, prepayment offers you a risk-free 8% return.

 

There is no tax to pay for this gain.

 

It is also simple and stress-free to do.

 

But once paid, that money is locked.

 

You can’t use it again unless you refinance.

 

Prepaying also lowers your home loan tax benefits.

 

Home Loan Tax Benefits You Must Consider
You claim Rs. 2 lakh yearly deduction on interest.

 

You also claim Rs. 1.5 lakh under 80C for principal.

 

These benefits reduce your taxable income.

 

So, effective cost of loan is less than 8%.

 

If you prepay, these benefits reduce or stop.

 

That means you lose part of the tax advantage.

 

If your tax slab is 30%, loan cost is closer to 5.6%.

 

In this case, investing may be better long-term.

 

Investing That Rs. 5 Lakh: Pros and Potential
You can invest in mutual funds for long-term.

 

Equity mutual funds can deliver 10% to 12% annually.

 

Over 10 to 15 years, it may grow 3-4x.

 

You also maintain liquidity with this approach.

 

You can withdraw in emergencies if needed.

 

Mutual funds are flexible and diversified.

 

Choose actively managed mutual funds only.

 

Do not invest in index funds.

 

Index funds just follow the market. No expert help.

 

In falling markets, index funds fall sharply.

 

They do not protect downside risk.

 

Skilled fund managers in active funds manage risks.

 

They can outperform the market over long term.

 

Actively managed funds offer better returns potential.

 

Also avoid direct plans without guidance.

 

Direct funds save cost, but lack expert advice.

 

You may pick wrong funds or exit at wrong time.

 

Regular plans through MFDs with CFPs offer support.

 

They help with reviews, rebalancing, and discipline.

 

That adds more value than low fees of direct plans.

 

So, choose regular funds with an MFD having CFP tag.

 

If you invest Rs. 5 lakh today in such funds, it can grow well.

 

Your Risk Appetite and Financial Behaviour
Are you okay with market ups and downs?

 

Can you avoid panic during a fall?

 

Can you hold on for 10-15 years?

 

If yes, investing is good for you.

 

If no, then prepaying loan is safer.

 

You must assess your risk profile.

 

Talk to a Certified Financial Planner for help.

 

Choose the option that matches your risk appetite.

 

Liquidity and Emergency Planning
Once you prepay, the Rs. 5 lakh is gone.

 

You can't get it back easily.

 

That reduces your liquidity.

 

If you invest instead, you keep access.

 

That money can be withdrawn in emergencies.

 

Liquidity is important in uncertain times.

 

Always maintain an emergency fund.

 

It should cover 6 to 12 months’ expenses.

 

Prepay only if this fund is already ready.

 

Don’t use all cash for prepayment.

 

Keep some buffer aside always.

 

Opportunity Cost of Prepaying vs Investing
Prepaying gives 8% return. No risk.

 

Investing can give 10% to 12%, but with risk.

 

Over long term, investing can give more wealth.

 

But returns are not guaranteed.

 

You may see short term losses too.

 

But with 15+ years holding, risk reduces.

 

If goal is wealth creation, investing wins.

 

If goal is safety and less EMI, prepaying wins.

 

Choose based on what matters more.

 

Use Balanced Approach: Prepay + Invest
You don’t need to do only one thing.

 

You can divide Rs. 5 lakh into two parts.

 

For example, prepay Rs. 2 lakh.

 

Invest Rs. 3 lakh in mutual funds.

 

This gives you lower EMI or tenure.

 

Also helps grow wealth for the long term.

 

This gives you mental peace and future returns.

 

It is a balanced and smart approach.

 

It avoids regret in future.

 

You win both ways – safety and growth.

 

Ensure your emergency fund is not affected.

 

Check if your mutual fund portfolio is aligned.

 

Take help from a CFP-backed mutual fund distributor.

 

Review your portfolio every year.

 

Stay invested without panic during market falls.

 

That is how wealth creation happens.

 

Final Insights
You are thinking wisely about using your Rs. 5 lakh lump sum.

Prepaying the home loan gives peace and fixed savings. It is a safe path.

But investing in mutual funds has higher potential returns. It needs patience.

There is no single “correct” answer. Both are good depending on your goal.

If safety and peace are top priority, prepaying is better.

If long-term growth is your goal, then invest in mutual funds.

Ideally, a 50-50 approach works best for most people.

It gives balance. And keeps options open.

Review this decision every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

That ensures your financial journey stays on the right path.

  

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8284 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 2025

Money
Hi I am 29 yrs old and a middle class salaried person. Currently i am having an investemnt of Rs. 4400 in MF scatered equally in 4 different MF mentioned below from last 1 yr with 10% increase in investment annually. ICICI Pru Bharat 22 FOF - Growth - Rs 1100/m SBI PSU Fund - Growth - Rs 1100/m Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund - Growth - Rs 1100/m Nippon India Smallcap Fund - Growth - Rs 1100/m Apart from the above investment I am also invested in NPS (kotak NPS) from last 1 yr with Rs 5000/m. Also I have a RD of Rs 30000/m going since last 9 months matures in 15 month from this will be allocating half of the funds for emergency or liquid funds and the other half want to invest as lumpsum in MF. I want to build a good amount of wealth for my retirement by the age of 60. Also want to buy a home of my own. Are the investment listed above enough and which MF to choose for lumpsum investment. Thank you.
Ans: You Have Made a Good Start
You are 29 years old and already investing monthly in mutual funds.

You are also investing in NPS regularly, which helps in retirement planning.

Saving Rs 30,000 per month in RD shows good discipline and consistency.

You have a clear goal of retirement at 60 and buying your own house.

Your financial awareness at this age is impressive and rare.

Current Mutual Fund Allocation Needs Restructuring
You are investing in sectoral and mid/small-cap funds.

These carry high risk and are not suitable as core portfolio.

They are good for extra returns, not for stability and long-term balance.

Consider including large-cap and flexi-cap funds to create a strong core.

These funds offer growth with better risk management.

Annual SIP Hike Is a Wise Habit
Increasing SIPs by 10% yearly builds a strong compounding habit.

It helps you keep pace with inflation and rising future costs.

Continue this pattern every year, even during volatile markets.

Use the RD Maturity Smartly
Once RD matures, split the money as you planned.

Keep half in an emergency or liquid fund.

Invest the other half in mutual funds through STP.

STP spreads the lump sum over time and avoids market timing risk.

NPS Is a Long-Term Asset
Keep investing in NPS for retirement benefit and tax savings.

Ensure you select the right asset mix in NPS.

NPS allows equity allocation up to a limit.

The right mix can help grow your retirement corpus better.

Emergency Fund Should Be a Priority
Emergency fund should cover six months of expenses.

Use low-risk, liquid options to store this fund.

It protects you during income loss or sudden costs.

Buy Insurance Independently
Do not depend only on your employer’s health and term cover.

Personal term insurance gives you full control.

It is important if you have dependents or plan to take a home loan.

Health insurance must also be purchased personally.

Medical costs are rising fast and can strain your savings.

Buying a Home Needs Planning
Fix a timeline and estimate the cost of your home.

Based on that, calculate the money needed over the years.

Save for home separately from your retirement fund.

For short-term goals like this, do not use equity funds.

Instead, use safer options like short-duration debt funds.

Avoid Index Funds for Your Profile
Index funds simply copy the market and cannot protect downside.

You need active fund managers to handle your investments.

They aim to beat the market and reduce volatility impact.

Active funds offer better balance of growth and protection.

Avoid Direct Funds If You Want Guidance
Direct funds have lower cost but no advice or strategy support.

Mistakes can happen without expert review and monitoring.

Regular funds via a professional help you stay disciplined.

Portfolio review, fund switch, and rebalancing are handled.

This adds value in the long term beyond just cost savings.

Tax Rules You Should Know
Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains from equity funds are taxed at 20%.

Debt funds are taxed as per your income slab.

Always check tax impact before redeeming your investments.

Step-by-Step Actions to Take
Rebuild your SIP portfolio to include large-cap and flexi-cap funds.

Retain small/mid-cap funds but with a smaller share.

Build a 6-month emergency fund first from RD maturity.

Invest lump sum from RD slowly over 6-12 months via STP.

Buy term insurance and health insurance right away.

Continue NPS with equity tilt for growth.

Start a separate saving bucket for home purchase.

Review your SIPs every year and increase as your income grows.

Keep tracking your goal progress at least once a year.

Finally
You have laid a strong base early in your life.

Keep this momentum with annual review and disciplined savings.

Use every salary hike to increase your investments.

Avoid unnecessary loans and credit card expenses.

Follow your plan and seek help when needed.

Focus on long-term wealth and risk protection, not short-term returns.

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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