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25-year-old looking to invest 2 Lakhs per month for 5 years: Which SIPs should I choose?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 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
Divine Question by Divine on Nov 23, 2024Hindi
Money

I want to start a SIP of 2 L pm. Aum is to build a corpus of 3 Cr in next 5 yrs. kindly guide as to which all funds I should invest in.

Ans: Your goal of achieving Rs 3 crore in five years is ambitious and achievable with a disciplined approach. A well-structured investment strategy will ensure success. Below is a comprehensive guide tailored for your objective.

Assessing Your Goal and Risk Appetite
Your target corpus of Rs 3 crore in five years requires aggressive growth.

This time frame makes volatility management critical as the investment horizon is relatively short.

Ensure you are comfortable with a moderate to high-risk portfolio as equity exposure will dominate.

Key Considerations for Fund Selection
Aggressive Growth Potential: Focus on equity-heavy funds to maximise returns over five years.

Diversified Asset Allocation: Include funds across market caps—large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap categories.

Professional Expertise: Opt for actively managed funds with experienced fund managers for better performance.

Why Avoid Index Funds
Index funds track benchmarks and lack active management.

They may underperform in volatile markets due to rigid structures.

Actively managed funds have the flexibility to adapt to market changes, enhancing returns.

Benefits of Regular Funds via Certified Financial Planner
Direct funds may seem cost-efficient but lack personalised advisory support.

Regular funds through a CFP ensure guidance on fund selection and portfolio rebalancing.

You gain professional expertise, which is essential for a goal-focused strategy like yours.

Suggested Asset Allocation
1. Large-Cap Funds

These funds provide stability to your portfolio with consistent performance.

Large-cap funds invest in top-rated, established companies, offering lower volatility.

Allocation: 30-40%

 

2. Flexi-Cap Funds

Flexi-cap funds invest across market caps for optimal growth opportunities.

They balance risk and reward with dynamic allocation.

Allocation: 30%

 

3. Mid-Cap Funds

These funds provide a growth-oriented approach with moderate risk.

Mid-cap companies can deliver superior returns but require a longer investment horizon.

Allocation: 20%

 

4. Small-Cap Funds

Small-cap funds can generate high returns but are volatile.

Limit exposure due to the shorter time frame of five years.

Allocation: 10%

Tax Implications and Strategy
Equity mutual funds held over a year attract 12.5% tax on LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh.

Plan your redemptions strategically to reduce tax liability.

Rebalance the portfolio in the final two years to shift towards safer debt instruments gradually.

Periodic Portfolio Reviews
Monitor performance every six months with your Certified Financial Planner.

Rebalance the portfolio as needed to align with market conditions and target goals.

Ensure the portfolio gradually moves towards lower risk in the last 1–2 years.

Importance of Emergency Fund
Before starting this SIP, maintain an emergency fund for 6-12 months' expenses.

This ensures you can handle unforeseen situations without disrupting your investment plan.

Final Insights
A disciplined Rs 2 lakh SIP in a well-diversified, actively managed portfolio should help you achieve Rs 3 crore in five years. Regular reviews and professional guidance will keep you on track. Remember, a short investment horizon like this requires balancing aggressive growth with risk management towards the end.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |8327 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 02, 2024

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I want a corpus of 5 Crores in next 12-15 years and currently I am investing money which is thousands in SIP in best 50 Nifty Fifty index SIP. Please help and suggest better option as well.
Ans: Now, building a corpus of Rs. 5 Crores in 12-15 years is a pretty aggressive but achievable target. You are already investing in a Nifty Fifty index SIP, so that's good. There are, however, better options that will enable you to realize your goal more effectively. Let's go into details.

Diversify Your Portfolio
Active Mutual Funds
Most actively managed funds can easily outperform index funds. There, the fund manager makes active decisions to optimize returns. This might result in better performance against a passive Nifty Fifty index SIP.

Balanced Funds
Balanced funds are those investing in both equity and debt that offer stability with potential growth. This helps to manage risk during the volatility of the market.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds
Indeed, sector-specific investments can bring in high returns. Technology, Healthcare, or Banking sectors normally do very well. But, they carry higher risk. Keep only a small portion of your portfolio in these funds.

Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Advantages of Regular Funds
The regular funds have professional advice to back them. A CFP will channelize your investments. They will help in optimizing your portfolio as per the prevailing market conditions.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds want you to make all the decisions. This can be difficult in the absence of expert knowledge. Regular funds, through a CFP, are more likely to deliver better long-term results.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Continue SIPs
A systematic investment plan is a disciplined way of investing. Continue with your SIPs but diversify across various funds.

Increase SIP Amount Gradually
Increase your SIP amount as your income rises. This will help in accumulating the desired corpus faster.

Equity Investments
Large-Cap Equity Funds
Large-cap funds invest in established companies that provide stable returns with lower risk. A part of your portfolio should be devoted to these funds.

Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Equity Funds
These funds have a chance of giving higher returns. But they also carry higher risk. A smaller portion should be invested in mid-cap and small-cap funds.

Debt Investments
Debt Mutual Funds
Debt funds can bring stability to your portfolio. They are less volatile than equity funds. Invest some in debt funds for risk management.

PPF - Public Provident Fund
It is one of the safe investment options with tax benefits and stable returns in the long run.

Tax Planning
ELSS - Equity-Linked Savings Scheme
The funds under ELSS offer tax benefits under Section 80C, and on the other hand, provide good returns. Add ELSS to your portfolio for taxes out of your pocket along with growth.

NPS National Pension System
The system provides tax benefits and helps in retirement planning. It's a low-cost investment option with decent returns.

Risk Management
Life Insurance
Ensure that you are adequately covered by life insurance. It ensures that your family is financially protected against any eventuality.

Health Insurance
Have a good health insurance policy. This will ensure that medical emergencies do not drain your finances.

Review of Portfolio
Annual Review with CFP
Have an annual review with your CFP wherein you realign your investments according to the market performance and your goals.

Rebalance Your Portfolio
Rebalance your portfolio from time to time to retain the asset allocation. This helps to optimize the return and risk.

Education and Knowledge
Be Informed
Keep up-to-date with market trends and Investment options. This helps to make informed decisions.

Take Professional Advice
Consult a CFP at regular intervals for professional advice. This ensures that your investments are on the right track.

Finally
Crossing the figure of Rs. 5 Crores in a span of 12-15 years is definitely within your reach with a diversified and strategic investment approach. Help from a professional coupled with regular investments will see you through this. Just keep reviewing and adjusting your portfolio in tune with your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..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.

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