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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10830 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
Krishna Question by Krishna on May 16, 2024Hindi
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Sir which SIP will be best for investment?

Ans: Choosing the best SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) involves evaluating several factors to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Understanding SIP
SIP is a method of investing a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. It offers the benefit of disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging.

Assessing Your Investment Goals
Before selecting an SIP, it's essential to define your investment goals.

Are you saving for retirement, a child's education, or buying a house?

Evaluating Risk Tolerance
Your risk tolerance determines the type of funds you should invest in.

Are you comfortable with high risk for potentially high returns, or do you prefer stability?

Time Horizon
Your investment horizon influences the type of mutual funds you should choose.

A longer time horizon allows for more aggressive investments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are managed by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market.

Advantages Over Index Funds
Higher Returns: Actively managed funds aim to beat the market index, potentially offering higher returns.

Flexibility: Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

Diversification: These funds often have a diversified portfolio to mitigate risk.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Limited Flexibility: Index funds strictly track an index, limiting flexibility.

No Outperformance: They aim to match, not outperform, the index.

Market Cap Bias: These funds are heavily weighted towards large-cap stocks, which might not always offer the best returns.

Types of Funds for SIP
Equity Funds
Equity funds invest primarily in stocks. They offer high growth potential and are suitable for long-term investments.

Large Cap Funds
These funds invest in large, well-established companies. They offer stability and moderate growth.

Mid Cap Funds
These funds invest in mid-sized companies. They have higher growth potential but come with increased risk.

Small Cap Funds
These funds focus on smaller companies. They can offer substantial returns but with higher volatility.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They offer stability and regular income.

Short-Term Debt Funds
Suitable for conservative investors seeking stable returns in the short term.

Long-Term Debt Funds
Offer higher returns but with increased interest rate risk.

Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt investments. They offer a balanced approach, providing both growth potential and stability.

Balanced Advantage Funds
These funds dynamically manage the allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions.

Choosing the Right SIP
Factors to Consider
Fund Performance: Look at the fund's historical performance and compare it with benchmarks.

Expense Ratio: Lower expense ratios can improve net returns.

Fund Manager’s Track Record: A skilled and experienced fund manager can significantly impact the fund's performance.

Risk-Return Profile: Ensure the fund’s risk profile matches your risk tolerance.

Suggested Categories for SIP
Large Cap Equity Funds: For stability and moderate returns.

Mid Cap Equity Funds: For higher growth potential with moderate risk.

Small Cap Equity Funds: For aggressive growth with higher risk.

Balanced Advantage Funds: For a balanced approach between equity and debt.

Short-Term Debt Funds: For conservative investors seeking stable returns.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Personalized Advice: A CFP provides tailored investment strategies based on your goals and risk profile.

Holistic Planning: They consider your entire financial situation and future needs.

Expert Guidance: Benefit from their market knowledge and experience in managing investments.

Conclusion
Choosing the best SIP depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Consider a mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds, along with hybrid funds, for a balanced and diversified portfolio.

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  |10830 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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Money
Which one is the best SIP as on date to invest
Ans: Determining the "best" SIP depends on various factors such as your financial goals, investment horizon, risk tolerance, and current market conditions. However, here are some general considerations to keep in mind when selecting a SIP:

Investment Objective: Choose a SIP that aligns with your investment goals. For example, if you're seeking long-term growth, you might consider equity-oriented funds. On the other hand, if you prioritize capital preservation, debt funds might be more suitable.

Risk Profile: Assess your risk tolerance before selecting a SIP. Equity funds typically carry higher risk but also offer the potential for higher returns over the long term. Debt funds, on the other hand, are generally lower risk but offer lower potential returns.

Fund Performance: Evaluate the historical performance of the SIPs you're considering. Look for consistent and competitive returns compared to their benchmark indices and peers. Keep in mind that past performance is not indicative of future results.

Fund Manager Track Record: Consider the track record and expertise of the fund manager managing the SIP. A skilled and experienced fund manager can play a crucial role in delivering consistent returns over time.

Expense Ratio: Pay attention to the expense ratio of the SIP, as it directly impacts your returns. Lower expense ratios can lead to higher net returns for investors.

Diversification: Ensure that your investment portfolio is well-diversified across different asset classes, sectors, and fund houses to mitigate risk.

Regular Review: Regularly review your SIPs to ensure they remain aligned with your financial goals and market conditions. Make adjustments as necessary based on changes in your circumstances or market outlook.

Ultimately, the "best" SIP for you will depend on your individual financial situation and investment objectives. Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs and goals.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10830 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 03, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir I want to invest money in SIP...so can you suggest me which sip is better for Long term.
Ans: You have done a wonderful job by choosing SIP for your long-term wealth creation. This step shows discipline and vision. Many people delay such decisions. You have taken the right path early. That is truly appreciable.

Now let me give you a detailed 360-degree perspective.

» Why SIP for Long Term

– SIP creates wealth by regular disciplined investing.
– It helps average the cost when markets rise or fall.
– You build a habit of saving every month.
– It allows compounding to work powerfully over years.
– It reduces stress of timing the market.

SIP is one of the most simple and effective ways to invest. Over a long horizon, it builds a strong financial foundation.

» Importance of Goal Clarity

– Define your goals first before investing.
– Goals can be retirement, children’s education, or wealth building.
– When goals are clear, choosing the right fund type becomes easy.
– A goal-based plan ensures you don’t withdraw money midway.

Without goals, SIP is only a habit. With goals, SIP becomes a strategy.

» Active Funds vs Index Funds

Many investors get attracted to index funds due to lower cost. But cost is not the only factor.

– Index funds just copy the market. They don’t aim to beat it.
– In volatile markets, they fall equally with no defence.
– No professional expertise is used for stock selection.
– You get average returns, not superior ones.

On the other hand, actively managed funds are guided by fund managers.

– Experts study companies and choose better opportunities.
– Funds can avoid weak sectors in falling markets.
– Potential to beat market returns in the long term.
– Active risk management brings better wealth growth.

So for long-term SIP, active mutual funds are far more rewarding than index funds.

» Role of Diversification

– Don’t put all SIP money in one type of fund.
– Diversify across equity and debt depending on your risk profile.
– Diversification helps reduce risk while aiming for higher growth.
– Different goals may need different types of funds.

Equity SIP works best for long-term goals like retirement. Debt SIP works for medium-term safety needs.

» Regular Funds vs Direct Funds

Many investors believe direct funds are better due to lower cost. But they ignore hidden disadvantages.

– In direct funds, you don’t get professional advice.
– Wrong choice of fund can cost more than small savings in expense ratio.
– You may panic during market fall and stop SIP without guidance.
– Monitoring and rebalancing becomes your burden.

With regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner:

– You get proper fund selection matched with goals.
– A planner monitors your portfolio and makes changes when required.
– You stay disciplined during market ups and downs.
– Mistakes get avoided and wealth compounds steadily.

The value of correct advice is much higher than small cost savings.

» Time Horizon and Patience

– SIP works best when continued for long term.
– Minimum 7 to 10 years gives best results.
– Short-term market fall should not disturb you.
– Compounding needs time to show real impact.

Wealth creation is like growing a tree. You plant today, water regularly, and wait patiently.

» Risk Profile Assessment

– Every investor has a different risk tolerance.
– Aggressive investors can choose higher equity allocation.
– Conservative investors should mix debt with equity.
– Risk profile changes with age and life stage.

So always align SIP selection with your risk appetite. This ensures you don’t withdraw early.

» Tax Impact on SIP

Equity mutual funds:
– Short-term gains (less than one year) taxed at 20%.
– Long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Debt mutual funds:
– Both short and long-term gains taxed as per your income slab.

Tax efficiency is an important part of planning. Choosing the right fund mix can save you money.

» Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Stopping SIP when markets fall. That is the worst mistake.
– Chasing last year’s top-performing fund blindly.
– Over-diversifying with too many funds.
– Ignoring review and rebalancing.
– Mixing insurance and investment in one product.

Avoiding these mistakes can boost returns more than chasing new trends.

» Review and Rebalancing

– Reviewing once a year is important.
– Some funds may underperform and need replacement.
– Asset allocation may drift with market moves.
– Rebalancing keeps portfolio in line with goals.

A Certified Financial Planner ensures this happens smoothly.

» Emotional Discipline

– Market will always have ups and downs.
– Greed and fear disturb most investors.
– SIP requires patience and trust in process.
– Emotional discipline is as important as fund selection.

A planner acts as a coach to keep you disciplined.

» Role of Certified Financial Planner

– Helps you choose the right funds for each goal.
– Matches SIPs with your time horizon and risk profile.
– Gives unbiased and professional guidance.
– Provides 360-degree monitoring and adjustments.
– Offers peace of mind by reducing mistakes.

With a planner, you invest with confidence, not confusion.

» How Much to Invest in SIP

– Start with an amount comfortable for you.
– Increase SIP every year with income growth.
– Step-up SIP builds wealth faster without pain.
– Even small increases make big impact over long term.

Discipline is more important than starting with a big amount.

» Wealth Creation Over Years

– First five years may show slow growth.
– After ten years, compounding picks up speed.
– After fifteen years, wealth grows significantly.
– SIP is not magic, but discipline and time create magic-like results.

Think of SIP as a long journey. Destination will surprise you pleasantly.

» Insurance and Investment Separation

If you hold ULIPs or investment cum insurance policies, review them carefully.

– Such products mix two needs and deliver weak results.
– Returns are often poor compared to mutual funds.
– Insurance coverage is also inadequate.

Better to surrender such policies and reinvest in mutual funds.
For insurance, buy a pure term plan.
For investment, SIP in mutual funds works best.

» Benefits of Long-Term SIP

– Financial freedom after retirement.
– Comfortable education fund for children.
– Wealth to support lifestyle and dreams.
– Peace of mind with financial security.

Long-term SIP is one of the most reliable paths to prosperity.

» Finally

SIP is a proven strategy for long-term wealth creation. You have made the right decision. By choosing the right mix of actively managed funds, staying patient, and taking support from a Certified Financial Planner, you will reach your goals smoothly.

Remember:
– Stay invested for the long term.
– Avoid panic during market falls.
– Review and rebalance yearly.
– Take professional guidance.

Your discipline today will create financial freedom tomorrow. Continue with confidence and trust the process.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |333 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 09, 2025

Money
I am 31, teetotaler, with no bad habits, bachelor, leading celibacy, no chronical ailment, minimalist, investing in various schemes of mutual from the age of 18, now my investment is Rs. 50 lacs, with SIP of Rs. 15K every month in equity funds, and 40 lacs medical insurance 1.5Cr term insurance. Insurance premia are taken care by dividend from equity shares. My average annual expenses at present is Rs.5 lacs. Please guide me at what age should I give up the job and submit my resignation from MNC job, and retire, where I have no dependants nor depending on any one. Please guide me and advise.
Ans: Hi Mani,

You are one of the rare example of someone who is a long term investor and have build quite a good corpus through all these years.
Let us have a look at what can be done:
1. Insurance - you are well covered. Even premiums are being taken care of using dividends.
2. Emergency fund - build a dedicsted fund of minimu 10 lakhs in liquid funds for any emergency situation.
3. Mutual funds - a SIP of 15k has built you a corpus of 50 lakhs in 13 years which is great. You should also focus on increasing your investments to the maximum capacity whenever possible.
4. You are a bachelor and want to retire. But you also have to plan if ou want to get married. Getting married will change the entire plan. You will need funds to get marry, start family, kid's education and marriage. All these things should also be considered before making any decision.
5. Your current expenses of 5lakhs will double easily on getting married, so your resignation and retirement depends on this plan as well.

Hence my suggestion would be to focus on increasing income for now and you are too young to consider leaving your job. Plan your future goals and then take this decision collectively.

Also as your MF portfolio crosses 50 lakhs, would suggest you to consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |333 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 18, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello. I'm 41yr old woman have 2 kids age 13 and 7. I own 3bhk duplex house in Bangalore. My monthly income comes upto 60k per month. I have invested 45lakhs in bhive workspace company and getting returns of 64k per month. I have also invested in 5 autos tie-up with rapid and earning 75k returns on tht. I have invested 12 lakhs in motilal Oswal midcap elss fund. Now I'm getting 1cr from my parents property share. Where should I invest for good returns and safe investment for future wealth? And I also love traveling so need to save some money for future for my health and my desire to fulfill. Plz guide me wisely.
Ans: Hi,

You have done great investments with some companies and aree earning out of it. This is the best form of diversification.
I understand, you have your house, monthly income from salary and your investments.
To further diversify the 1 crore that you are getting, can consider investing in a mix of equity oriented and balanced mutual funds. Your current investment in the Oswal midcap ELSS doesn't seem good. Even this can be shifted to a much better fund suited to your requirements wrt your risk appetite.

You can work with a professional advisor who will guide you with exact fund names to invest your 1 crore and also redirect 12 lakhs from elss fund to another fund.

Your goal of travelling can be done using a portion of 15% from 1 crore that you will get. This amount will be invested in debt and small cap funds and you can do a sWP from this amount to fulfil your travel goal.

Regarding health, first make sure to have a dedicated health insurance for yourself and family with a cover of minimum 25 lakhs. And have an emergency fund of around 10-15 lakhs. This would be sufficient to take care of this.

Lastly, refrain from doing investments based on any random tips in mutual funds as any wrong fund selection can hamper the growth of your portfolio.
Hence consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...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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