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Kirtan

Kirtan A Shah  |77 Answers  |Ask -

MF Expert, Financial Planner - Answered on Aug 30, 2023

Kirtan A Shah is a certified financial planner and managing director, private wealth, at Credence Family Office.
He is also a Certified International Wealth Manager and Financial Engineering and Risk Manager.
Shah is the co-author of Financial Service Management and Financial Market Operations, which are used as reference books for Mumbai University.
He is frequently seen on CNBC, Zee Business, ET NOW & BQ Prime as an expert guest.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Aug 29, 2023Hindi
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Want to start at SIPs for 20000/- per month for my grandson, who is going to be 5 years shortly so that he gets a corpus for his higher studies by the time he is 18-20 years old. What MFs do you recommend?

Ans: Spread the investments equally in the below,

ICICI Large & Midcap
Kotak Emerging Equity
Nippon Small Cap
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  |8175 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am looking for SIP for around 4000-5000 monthly for 12-15 years for my 3years old Son. Please recommend suitable best options.
Ans: Objective: You want to invest Rs 4000-5000 monthly through SIP.

Time Horizon: You are looking at a 12-15 year investment period for your son.

Why SIP is Beneficial

Rupee Cost Averaging: SIP helps in averaging out the cost of investment by buying units at different market levels.

Disciplined Investment: SIP promotes regular saving and disciplined investment habits.

Actively Managed Funds

Better Returns: Actively managed funds can outperform the market due to expert fund management.

Professional Management: Fund managers make informed decisions to maximize returns.

Diversification Strategy

Balanced Allocation: Allocate investments across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Risk Management: Diversification reduces risk by spreading investments across various sectors.

Benefits of Regular Funds

Expert Guidance: Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP credential provides valuable guidance.

Monitoring: Regular funds are actively monitored and adjusted to market conditions.

Suitable Fund Types

Equity Funds:

Long-Term Growth: Equity funds are ideal for long-term wealth creation.
Balanced Funds:

Stability: These funds provide a mix of equity and debt, offering stability and growth.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds:

High Returns: Mid-cap and small-cap funds can provide higher returns but come with higher risk.
Actionable Steps

1. Choose the Right Funds

Research: Look for funds with a good track record over the last 5-10 years.
Performance: Check past performance and fund manager's expertise.
2. Start SIP

Set Up: Set up an SIP for Rs 4000-5000 monthly.
Consistency: Ensure regular contributions without interruption.
3. Review Periodically

Monitor Performance: Review your investments at least once a year.
Rebalance: Adjust your portfolio based on performance and market conditions.
Disadvantages of Index Funds

Limited Flexibility: Index funds follow a passive strategy, limiting flexibility.
Market Downturns: They can mirror market downturns without the possibility of active intervention.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Lack of Guidance: Direct funds lack professional guidance.
Time-Consuming: Managing investments without expert help can be time-consuming.
Final Insights

Start Early: Starting early helps in compounding your investments over time.
Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on market trends and fund performance.
Consult a CFP: Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice and ensure your investments align with your financial goals.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8175 Answers  |Ask -

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

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My Son turned 18 and I want to start a SIP for him for 25K per month. Considering his age, can you please recommend some balanced funds
Ans: Congratulations on starting this financial journey for your son at such an early age. Investing Rs. 25,000 per month in a SIP is a wise decision. Starting early will give him a strong financial foundation. As a Certified Financial Planner, I will guide you on how to maximize these investments.

Balanced Funds: A Smart Choice
Age and Risk Appetite: At 18, your son has a long investment horizon. Balanced funds are a good choice. They offer a mix of equity and debt, balancing risk and returns. This is ideal for young investors who can take risks but also need some stability.

Growth with Stability: Balanced funds invest in both equity and debt. The equity portion provides growth, while the debt portion adds stability. This combination reduces volatility, making it a safe option for long-term goals.

Rebalancing Benefit: These funds automatically rebalance the portfolio. This ensures that the asset allocation remains in line with market conditions. It’s a great way to manage risk without constantly monitoring the portfolio.

Avoiding Index Funds: Index funds follow the market and might not always outperform. Actively managed balanced funds, on the other hand, have the potential to generate higher returns. A skilled fund manager can make better decisions, especially during market volatility.

The Importance of Professional Guidance
Role of a Certified Financial Planner: Managing investments is not just about picking the right funds. It’s about understanding market trends, risk tolerance, and financial goals. A Certified Financial Planner will provide this guidance, ensuring that your son’s investments are always on track.

Benefits of Regular Funds: Direct funds may seem cost-effective, but they require active management. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures you have expert advice. This can lead to better decisions and ultimately higher returns.

Investment Strategy for Long-Term Growth
Start with a Mix of Equity and Debt: Given your son’s age, the focus should be more on equity for growth. However, a small portion in debt will add stability. This balanced approach is ideal for a long-term investment horizon.

Gradual Shift Towards Equity: As he grows older and gains more understanding of investments, the portfolio can shift more towards equity. This will maximize growth potential as he approaches key life goals like higher education, marriage, or buying a house.

Increase SIP Over Time: Starting with Rs. 25,000 is great, but as his financial situation improves, increasing the SIP amount will accelerate growth. Even a small increment can significantly impact the corpus over time.

Monitoring and Adjusting the Portfolio
Annual Review: It’s important to review the portfolio annually. This ensures that the fund is performing well and aligns with his goals. Adjustments may be needed based on market conditions or changes in his financial situation.

Risk Management: While balanced funds offer a good mix of growth and stability, it’s essential to keep an eye on market trends. If the equity market becomes too volatile, consider shifting a portion of the investment to safer instruments.

Emergency Fund: Ensure that an emergency fund is in place. This should cover at least 6-12 months of expenses. This fund should be separate from his investment portfolio. It acts as a safety net, protecting his investments from unexpected financial needs.

Final Insights
Long-Term Vision: Your son has the advantage of time on his side. Encourage him to stay committed to his SIPs and review his portfolio regularly. This discipline will ensure he reaches his financial goals.

Balanced Approach: Balanced funds are a good starting point. As he gains more confidence in investing, he can explore other options like pure equity funds for higher returns.

Professional Guidance: Regular consultations with a Certified Financial Planner will keep his investments aligned with his goals. This will ensure that his financial journey is smooth and successful.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2248 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Apr 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 02, 2025Hindi
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I have been investing in shares for several years and have seen good returns, but with increasing market volatility, I'm considering diversifying into international stocks or alternative assets. What are the potential benefits and risks of each approach?
Ans: Diversifying into international stocks and alternative assets can be a strategic move, especially given your experience in financial analysis and investment planning. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and risks of each approach:
International Stocks
Benefits are as follows:
- Diversification – Investing globally reduces dependence on domestic market conditions and spreads risk
- Access to High-Growth Markets – Some international markets, particularly emerging economies, may offer higher growth potential.
- Currency Appreciation – If the foreign currency strengthens against the INR, your returns could increase.
- Exposure to Leading Industries – Developed markets like the U.S. provide access to top tech, healthcare, and finance companies.

Risks involved in international markets are as follows:
- Currency Fluctuations – Exchange rate volatility can impact returns.
- Political & Economic Risks – Foreign regulations, trade policies, and economic instability can affect investments.
- Higher Transaction Costs – International investing often involves additional fees and taxes.
- Limited Information Access – Researching foreign companies may be more challenging compared to domestic firms.

Alternative Assets (Real Estate, Commodities, Private Equity, etc.)
Following are the benefits:
- Low Correlation with Stock Markets – Alternative assets often move independently of traditional markets, helping mitigate volatility.
- Inflation Hedge – Real assets like gold and real estate tend to retain value during inflationary periods.
- Potential for High Returns – Private equity and hedge funds can offer substantial gains if managed well.
- Portfolio Customization – Some alternative investments allow direct control, such as real estate or private businesses.

Risks involved are as follows:
- Illiquidity – Many alternative assets, such as private equity and real estate, are not easily sold.
- Complexity – These investments often require specialized knowledge and due diligence.
- Higher Fees – Alternative investments may have higher management costs and entry barriers.
- Market Uncertainty – Some assets, like cryptocurrencies, can be highly volatile.

Given your methodical approach to financial planning, you might find international ETFs a convenient way to gain global exposure while managing risk. Similarly, REITs or commodity funds could be a structured way to enter alternative assets without direct ownership complexities.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8175 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 02, 2025

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I'm now 68 years old. Living with my wife. I have 2 daughters. Both are well settled. I don't have any liability. I'm a pension holder. I'm getting Rs 75,000/- pension pm. I have invested Rs1,50,00,000 in FD. 7lakhs in Mutual funds, 6,50,000 in equity. 12 Lakhs in Sovereign Gold Bond, I'm getting Rs 35,000/- House rent pm. I have 25 lakhs Cash in hand. I want to deposit the above amount. How can I diversified the above amount to deposit?
Ans: Your financial position is strong. You have a steady pension and rental income. Your investments are diversified across FDs, mutual funds, equity, and gold bonds. Let’s allocate your Rs. 25L wisely.

Emergency Fund Allocation
Keep Rs. 5L in a high-interest savings account.

Use a liquid mutual fund for another Rs. 3L for easy access.

This ensures quick access to funds in case of unexpected expenses.

Debt Investment for Stability
Invest Rs. 7L in a mix of short-term and medium-term debt mutual funds.

These offer better post-tax returns than FDs.

Choose high-quality funds with stable performance.

Equity Investment for Growth
Allocate Rs. 5L to large-cap mutual funds via SIP.

This ensures gradual market participation and reduces risk.

Avoid direct stocks for this amount, as mutual funds offer better risk management.

Gold Investment for Inflation Hedge
You already have Rs. 12L in Sovereign Gold Bonds.

No additional gold investment is needed.

Regular Income Investment
Invest Rs. 5L in SWP-based mutual funds for periodic withdrawals.

This provides additional income while keeping capital appreciation intact.

Final Insights
Your current portfolio is well-structured. This allocation balances liquidity, stability, and growth. Your pension and rental income provide financial security. Diversifying your Rs. 25L ensures better returns while maintaining risk control.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8175 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 02, 2025

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Sir kindly suggest some mf for steady return for 5 yr in SIP in large cap
Ans: Investing in large-cap mutual funds through SIP is a stable choice. These funds focus on established companies with strong financials. They offer consistent growth with lower risk compared to mid-cap and small-cap funds.

Let’s assess how to select the right fund.

Why Large-Cap Funds for Five Years?
Invest in top companies with proven stability.

Less volatile than mid-cap and small-cap funds.

Suitable for a five-year investment horizon.

Provide inflation-beating returns over time.

Ideal for steady compounding with SIP investments.

Actively Managed vs. Index Funds
Actively managed funds outperform index funds in varying market conditions.

Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market trends.

Index funds only replicate the market and cannot outperform it.

Actively managed funds provide better downside protection.

For five-year investments, active management ensures stable performance.

Choosing the Right Fund
Look for funds with a history of stable returns.

Ensure the fund has an experienced fund manager.

Avoid funds with frequent manager changes.

Select funds with lower expense ratios among actively managed ones.

Check the rolling returns of the fund, not just past performance.

Tax Considerations
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains (STCG) taxed at 20%.

SIP investments held for over one year qualify for LTCG benefits.

Plan withdrawals strategically to reduce tax burden.

Final Insights
Large-cap mutual funds are suitable for stable returns over five years. They balance risk and reward effectively. Choose an actively managed fund with strong historical performance. Stay invested with SIPs for disciplined wealth creation.

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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