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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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Please suggest five mutual funds for long term investment through SIP @8000 pm per fund

Ans: Investing in mutual funds through SIPs is a wise strategy for long-term wealth accumulation. Let's explore five mutual funds suitable for your investment objective.

Understanding Investment Goals
Before selecting funds, it's crucial to understand your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. This ensures alignment with your financial objectives.

Appreciating Your Initiative
Kudos to your initiative in planning for long-term investments through SIPs. Starting early and staying consistent is key to achieving financial success.

Evaluating Fund Options
When selecting mutual funds for SIP investment, consider factors such as fund performance, consistency, fund manager expertise, and investment philosophy.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds offer several advantages over passive index funds, including:

Professional Management: Skilled fund managers make strategic investment decisions.
Market Adaptability: Funds can adjust to market conditions to optimize returns.
Outperformance Potential: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform passive funds over the long term.
Recommended Mutual Funds
Large Cap Equity Fund: Provides stability and growth potential by investing in large, established companies with a track record of performance.

Mid Cap Equity Fund: Offers higher growth potential by investing in mid-sized companies with strong growth prospects.

Multi Cap Equity Fund: Provides diversification across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, offering exposure to different segments of the market.

Balanced Advantage Fund: Offers a balanced approach by dynamically managing asset allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions.

Sectoral or Thematic Fund: Invests in specific sectors or themes poised for growth, providing opportunities for higher returns but with higher risk.

Monitoring and Review
Regularly monitor the performance of your mutual funds and review your investment strategy periodically. Adjust allocations as needed based on changes in financial goals, market conditions, and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
Selecting the right mutual funds for SIP investment is crucial for long-term wealth creation. By choosing funds aligned with your investment goals and risk profile, staying disciplined with SIP contributions, and regularly reviewing your portfolio, you can achieve your financial objectives.

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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Sir Please suggest best Mutual fund as i want to Do SIP for long term.
Ans: While I can't provide specific fund names, I can offer some general guidance:

Consider investing in diversified equity mutual funds for long-term wealth creation. These funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, offering growth potential while spreading out risk.
Look for funds with a proven track record of consistent performance over several market cycles. Past performance is not indicative of future results, but it can provide insights into a fund's management strategy and risk management practices.
Pay attention to factors like fund manager experience, expense ratio, and portfolio turnover. A seasoned fund manager with a solid investment approach can navigate market volatility more effectively.
Evaluate the fund's investment philosophy and strategy to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals. Some funds may focus on growth-oriented stocks, while others may prioritize value or dividend-paying stocks.
Consider your investment horizon and risk appetite. If you have a long-term investment horizon (e.g., 5 years or more) and are comfortable with market fluctuations, you may opt for equity-oriented funds. For shorter investment horizons or lower risk tolerance, consider balanced funds or debt funds.
Lastly, seek professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a trusted financial advisor. They can assess your financial situation, risk profile, and investment goals to recommend suitable mutual funds that align with your needs.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

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Please suggest me 5 mutual funds for Sip of 8000/- total amount monthly.....I want to invest for 8 years .....I'm 42 years of age ..
Ans: Investing Rs. 8,000 monthly for 8 years can help you create wealth effectively. Let us identify the ideal funds and strategy for you.

Key Points for Selection
Your investment horizon of 8 years is medium-term.

A balanced approach is suitable, combining equity and debt.

Diversification across fund categories ensures better risk management.

Suggested Allocation for Rs. 8,000 SIP
Large-Cap Fund (Rs. 2,000)
These funds invest in top 100 companies by market capitalisation.
They offer stability and steady growth.

Flexi-Cap Fund (Rs. 2,000)
These funds invest across market caps for diversification.
They provide growth and flexibility during market fluctuations.

Mid-Cap Fund (Rs. 1,500)
These funds focus on mid-sized companies with high growth potential.
They carry moderate risk and reward.

Balanced Advantage Fund (Rs. 1,500)
These funds dynamically adjust between equity and debt.
They are suitable for moderate risk and consistent returns.

Debt Fund (Rs. 1,000)
These funds offer stability and act as a hedge against equity volatility.
They are crucial for meeting liquidity needs.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Active funds allow fund managers to outperform benchmarks.

They adjust to market trends for better returns.

Avoid index funds due to limited flexibility and performance dependency.

A Certified Financial Planner can guide you in selecting high-quality funds.

Tax Considerations
Equity funds attract LTCG tax above Rs. 1.25 lakh at 12.5%.

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

Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.

Plan redemptions to minimise tax liabilities.

Recommendations for Effective SIP Management
Automate SIPs to maintain discipline.

Increase SIP amounts annually by 10–15% with income growth.

Review the fund performance periodically.

Stay invested during market corrections for better compounding.

Emergency and Risk Management
Maintain an emergency fund of 6–12 months' expenses.

Ensure adequate health insurance for yourself and dependents.

Have life insurance of 10–15 times your annual income.

Final Insights
Your decision to invest Rs. 8,000 monthly is excellent. A well-diversified mutual fund portfolio aligned with your goals can achieve significant growth. Focus on consistency, discipline, and periodic reviews for optimal results.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

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Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

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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