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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 24, 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
Suman Question by Suman on Aug 23, 2024Hindi
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This statement is a red flag - Investing through a CFP in regular funds ensures you have a partner in your financial journey, optimising returns while mitigating risks. Thank you for advice but now I am certain to keep away for CFP and continue to educate myself in financial planning and investment.

Ans: I respect your views and your commitment to self-education. However, investing through a CFP can add more value by providing tailored advice and expert insights, which can help optimize your financial journey.

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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Thanks you Sir, I am based out in Pune but totally confused how to select a good CFP. Can you please help me in this like where to look for . Also , can you also suggest Mutual Funds which I can invest in on monthly basis and how much. Thank You
Ans: Please search for "online financial planning & Retirement planning services with a Holistic Approach" in Google and then follow the below steps with the results.

Research: Start by researching reputable brokerage firms that offer mutual fund advisory services. Look for firms with a strong track record, experienced financial advisors, and a range of services tailored to your needs.

Consultation: Schedule a consultation with the brokerage firm to discuss your financial goals, risk tolerance, investment preferences, and other relevant factors. This initial meeting will help the advisor understand your needs and recommend suitable investment strategies.

Advisory Services: Once you've selected a brokerage firm, the advisor will work with you to develop a personalized mutual fund investment plan. They will recommend specific funds based on your financial objectives and provide ongoing guidance to help you navigate the market.

Regular Reviews: Schedule periodic reviews with your advisor to assess the performance of your mutual fund investments, review changes in your financial situation, and make any necessary adjustments to your investment strategy.


By following these steps, you can access the expertise of professional brokerages to assist you in financial planning and investment management.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

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Sir, I really appreciate the way you respond and suggestions to my queries. Also you have split my queries and respond such way that will easy to understood me and to help me towards achieving my goals. However, I have opened 02 traditional policy for my child before 3 yrs, which premium is around 25k each/yrs. should i stopped it or what?. However, you suggest that while choosing the MF ( regular funds) via MFD with CFP, avoid direct funds... not understood. The others suggestion s i will follow to build my child education and her future.. I am investing through " Sharekhan" and their suggested MF... Pls guide further to invest in good MF for my child and my self. Thanks again
Ans: You are taking thoughtful steps for your child’s future.

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About Traditional Policies for Your Child

These policies give very low returns, around 4% to 5% yearly.

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They also lack flexibility and are not inflation-beating.

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You can surrender both policies and reinvest the amount.

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Invest in mutual funds (regular) through a Certified Financial Planner instead.

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Difference Between Direct and Regular Mutual Funds

Direct funds look cheaper but give no personal advice or support.

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You are on your own during market ups and downs.

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Most investors make emotional mistakes with direct funds.

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Regular funds through MFDs with CFP support give goal-based guidance.

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You get help in selection, rebalancing, and tax-efficiency.

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That improves long-term results and discipline.

If you are investing thru a platform or just stock broking firm, yhey may not always suggest goal-based, unbiased options.

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A Certified Financial Planner works with your full picture.

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Choose funds that suit your goal, not just past return.

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For child’s education, start SIPs in actively managed equity mutual funds.

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Avoid index funds. They only follow average market return.

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Actively managed funds can outperform with expert fund managers.

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Track investments yearly with your planner to stay on track.

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

..Read more

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Ravi

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Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
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My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

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Mayank

Mayank Chandel  |2562 Answers  |Ask -

IIT-JEE, NEET-UG, SAT, CLAT, CA, CS Exam Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Career
My son will be appearing for JEE Main & JEE Advanced 2026 and will participate in JoSAA Counselling 2026. I request clarification regarding the GEN-EWS certificate date requirement for next year. I have already applied for an EWS certificate for current year 2025, and the application is under process. However, I am unsure whether this certificate will be accepted during JoSAA 2026, or whether candidates will be required to submit a fresh certificate for FY 2026–27 (issued on or after 1 April 2026). My concern is that if JoSAA requires a certificate issued after 1 April 2026, students will have only 1–1.5 months to complete the entire procedure, which is difficult considering normal government processing timelines. Also, during current JEE form filling, students are asked to upload a GEN-EWS certificate issued on or after 1 April 2025, or an application acknowledgement. This has created confusion among parents regarding which year’s certificate will finally be valid at the time of counselling. I request your kind guidance on: Which GEN-EWS certificate will be accepted for JoSAA Counselling 2026 — a certificate for FY 2025–26 (issued after 1 April 2025), or a new certificate for FY 2026–27 (issued after 1 April 2026)?
Ans: Hi
You need not worry about the EWS certificate. Even if you apply for the next year's certificate on 1 Apr 2026, the second session of JEE MAINS will still be held, followed by JEE ADVANCED, which will be held in May. JOSAA starts in June. so you will have 2 months in hand for fresh EWS certificate.

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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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