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Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  |279 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Mar 28, 2023

With over 16 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, Ulhas Joshi has helped numerous clients choose the right funds and create wealth.
Prior to joining RankMF as CEO, he was vice president (sales) at IDBI Asset Management Ltd.
Joshi holds an MBA in marketing from Barkatullah University, Bhopal.... more
paul Question by paul on Mar 24, 2023Hindi
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Please suggest me a mutual fund for 5 years (child education )10000 monthly.

Ans: Hi Paul, thank you for writing in.

You can consider starting monthly SIP's in:
1-Samco Flexicap Fund-Rs.2,500.
2-Motilal Oswal S&P BSE Low Volatility Index Fund-Rs.2,500
3-Edelweiss Nifty 100 Quality 30 Index Fund-Rs.2,500
4-HDFC Focused Fund-Rs.2,500

Stepping up your SIP by 10% or more will help you create a larger corpus for your child.
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  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2024Hindi
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Firstly, thanks for patiently answering everyone's questions ????. Can you please suggest a suggest a MF which i wznt to invest in for next 10 years for my kids higher education. I see lot of children related mutual funds but unable to decide on one. I am ok to take high risk since ny inv would be for more than ten years.
Ans: Investing for your child's education is a thoughtful decision that requires careful consideration. I appreciate your dedication to securing their future. Let's delve into selecting the right mutual fund for this purpose.

Understanding Your Investment Horizon and Risk Appetite
Investing for your child's education over a ten-year period is a commendable strategy. Since you're comfortable with high risk, you have the potential for higher returns over the long term.

Evaluating Mutual Fund Options
When considering mutual funds for your child's education, it's essential to focus on funds with a proven track record of long-term growth. Look for funds managed by experienced professionals with a history of delivering consistent returns.

Active vs. Passive Management: Making the Right Choice
While index funds offer low fees and broad market exposure, they may not outperform actively managed funds, especially during volatile market conditions. Actively managed funds, overseen by skilled fund managers, have the flexibility to adapt to market changes and potentially outperform the market indices.

Emphasizing the Benefits of Active Management
Actively managed funds offer the advantage of professional oversight, where fund managers actively research and select investments to maximize returns and mitigate risks. This approach can be particularly beneficial in volatile markets, helping to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds and the Benefits of Regular Funds through a Certified Financial Planner
Direct investing requires significant time and expertise to research, select, and monitor investments effectively. By working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), you gain access to professional guidance and personalized investment strategies tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential, you can benefit from ongoing support and portfolio reviews, ensuring your investments remain aligned with your objectives.

Making an Informed Decision
Consider mutual funds with a focus on sectors or themes aligned with your child's educational aspirations. Diversification is key to managing risk, so opt for funds with a well-balanced portfolio across various asset classes.

Conclusion
Investing in mutual funds for your child's higher education requires a thoughtful approach that considers your investment horizon, risk tolerance, and the expertise of fund managers. By leveraging the benefits of active management and seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner, you can make informed decisions that lay the foundation for your child's bright future.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 04, 2024

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Dear sir which mutual fund children education suitable my children age 8years and 3years .my age 44.Give some mutual fund name Can i invest 01 years in sip?
Ans: Planning for Bright Futures: Choosing Mutual Funds for Your Children's Education
That's fantastic that you're thinking about your children's education so early! With your 8-year-old and 3-year-old, you have a good amount of time to invest and grow a corpus for their future studies. Let's explore some key points to consider:

Choosing the Right Investment:

Long-Term Goal: Your children's education needs are long term (8-15 years for the elder one and 13-18 years for the younger one).

Investment Horizon: Considering their ages, you have a long investment horizon, which allows for potentially higher growth options.

Actively Managed Funds for Growth:

Given your long-term perspective, actively managed funds can be a good option. Here's why:

Outperform the Market: These funds have fund managers who try to pick promising stocks and beat the market average. This has the potential for higher returns compared to passively managed options.
Matching Time Horizon with Risk:

Aggressive Balanced Actively Managed Funds: For your elder child (8 years old, longer time horizon), consider a more aggressive balanced actively managed fund. This offers a mix of equity and debt, with potentially higher growth but also more risk.

Balanced Actively Managed Funds: For your younger child (3 years old, even longer time horizon), a balanced actively managed fund might be suitable. This offers a good balance between growth and stability.

Remember, I can't recommend specific funds. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can suggest specific actively managed funds based on your risk tolerance and investment goals.

A Word on Investment Tenure:

While a 1-year SIP is possible, it's generally not recommended for long-term goals. SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) is a great way to invest regularly for long-term goals. Rupee-cost averaging helps you benefit from market ups and downs. Consider a longer SIP tenure to benefit from compounding (earning interest on your interest).

Benefits of a CFP:

A CFP can create a personalized plan for you. They can:

Analyze Your Risk Tolerance: Are you comfortable with potential market fluctuations? A higher risk tolerance allows for potentially higher returns through aggressive investments.

Recommend Investment Mix: A CFP can suggest a suitable mix of actively managed funds based on your risk tolerance and your children's age-specific needs.

Review and Rebalance: Your financial situation and goals might change over time. A CFP will monitor your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

Additional Considerations:

Review Existing Investments: Do you have any existing investments? A CFP can assess their suitability for your children's education goals.

Government Schemes: Explore government schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for your daughter's education (if applicable).

Investing in Your Children's Future:

By starting early and planning strategically, you can ensure your children have the resources they need for a bright future. Actively managed funds within a diversified portfolio can be a powerful tool for growth, but remember, they also carry risk. Consulting a CFP can help you navigate your options and make informed investment decisions for your children's education.

Don't wait! Schedule a consultation with a CFP to get started on your child's education planning journey.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 02, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I want to invest lumsum 4 lakh in 3 to 5 mutual funds for my daughter's education for next 10 to 12 years. She is 5 years old, could you please suggest couple of funds which can help me to build around 40 lakhs. A PPF account was opened 2 years ago, I want to build 1cr for her education. And please let me know if I need to invest more. Your help is highly appreciated. Best regards
Ans: Investing for your daughter’s education is a wise decision. Starting early with a clear goal makes a strong financial foundation. With a 10-12 year horizon, you have ample time to benefit from compounding. Here's a 360-degree strategy to help you reach your goal.

Education Goal and Target Corpus
You aim to build Rs 1 crore for her education. Your current investment plan is for Rs 40 lakhs through mutual funds, while PPF can serve as a stable, tax-saving addition.

Considering education inflation, having diversified investments can help. PPF is a good foundation, but mutual funds provide growth essential to meet the remaining target.

Lump Sum Investment in Mutual Funds
For a goal of 10-12 years, mutual funds are a smart choice. However, avoid investing in direct or index funds. Actively managed mutual funds offer benefits such as:

Better Growth Potential: Fund managers with expertise work actively to achieve higher returns.

Portfolio Adjustments: Actively managed funds adjust to market changes, aiming to reduce risk and enhance returns over time.

Investing through an MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor) with CFP credentials also brings personalised guidance, helping you to make more effective choices.

Here’s a recommended structure for your lump sum of Rs 4 lakhs:

40% in Large-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These funds provide stability and steady growth. Over time, they generally perform well, thanks to their exposure to established companies.

30% in Mid-Cap Funds: These funds balance between growth and stability. Mid-cap companies, while moderately risky, provide good returns over a 10-year horizon.

30% in Small-Cap Funds: Small-cap funds can generate high returns. With a long-term horizon, these funds have time to overcome market fluctuations.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
If you’re considering index funds, it's essential to understand their limitations:

Limited Flexibility: Index funds replicate market performance, so returns are often limited to the index’s growth rate. Actively managed funds, however, may outperform the index, especially over a long horizon.

No Market-Driven Adjustments: Index funds don’t adjust according to market conditions. Active funds provide flexibility, as managers can respond to market changes.

Given these factors, actively managed funds could be a more effective choice for your goals. This allows you to benefit from professional fund management focused on achieving optimal returns.

Need for Additional Investments
Achieving Rs 1 crore for education may require additional contributions. Here’s why:

Annual Growth Requirement: To reach your target, additional investments will help to offset potential market downturns.

PPF Growth Limitations: PPF is stable but has a fixed interest rate. It may not fully meet the corpus requirement on its own.

Suggested Additional Monthly Investment

To bridge the gap to Rs 1 crore, consider a monthly SIP. Even a small SIP amount, invested consistently, can grow significantly over 10-12 years. Aim for:

Monthly SIP of Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000: This could be invested in balanced funds or large-cap funds. Balanced funds offer steady growth with a mix of equity and debt.

Gradual Top-Ups: If your income allows, consider increasing the SIP amount annually by 10%. This boost enhances the compounding effect, helping you reach your target.

Tax Considerations for Mutual Fund Investments
Understanding the tax implications can help you maximise returns:

Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh attract a 12.5% tax. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds: Gains from debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. Since your goal has a long-term horizon, you might consider equity-focused funds, which are generally tax-efficient over time.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
To keep your investment aligned with your goals, regular monitoring is key:

Annual Portfolio Review: This ensures that your investments are performing as expected. Rebalancing may be needed based on market performance.

Adjustments as Needed: Based on your progress, you may need to increase or decrease your SIPs, switch funds, or adjust the allocation.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
A CFP can bring expert insights and help you navigate through investment decisions, tax-saving options, and risk management. They can assist in portfolio optimisation, ensuring that your investments align with changing financial needs.

Finally
Building Rs 1 crore for your daughter’s education is achievable with a balanced approach. Combining PPF and mutual funds gives you growth, stability, and tax efficiency. Additional investments through SIPs can bridge any shortfall, providing you with peace of mind.

With a structured plan, consistent monitoring, and adjustments along the way, you’re set to reach your goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |431 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 22, 2024Hindi
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A bit long story I'm 21 student preparing for medical competative entrance exam for past 3 years (21-24).2 year ago this phase I was in a long distance relationship for 4 months with a girl I met in my class .But it didn't last long due to the problems created due to distance as she couldn't understand myself and I couldn't understand herself.so there was a misunderstanding and I couldn't hold on as I was in heavy pressure by exams and financial problems.so I couldn't handle and I felt like too early and broke up with her by losing my mind.she was completely disappointed as I didn't speak to her for more than an year due to one more year preparation.i missed her very much but I didnt tell her.I missed govt seat in border mark and the same year she got into a relationship with another guy in her class.i don't blame her. But I feel like my entire life is shattered and I couldn't move on from that girl till now.I couldn't concentrate on my career too.im kind of person who is always confident in all aspects but I have totally lost my mind .I can see that in an danger situation as age is running and family pressure, everyone of my classmates are far ahead of me I couldn't withstand this situation and couldn't make proper decision in any aspect. Mam please help me out.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your concerns. The first step is to focus on moving on; she has, and you should too. Prioritize your career, your family, and your future. Next, what has happened to your career progress has already happened. It's unfortunate, but there's no way to change that. But give yourself a second chance; work harder and achieve greater things than you even imagined before. Trust me, you are not the only person who is standing in a situation like this. Many have, and many more will. But the ones who have passed this time will give you the same advice that I did.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |682 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 13, 2024Hindi
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Sir, I am 40yrs old. Having monthly takehome salary of 1.1 lakh and rental income of 36000. My investment are 2 flats worth of 1cr. 4 plots in Bhubaneswar worth of 2crs. EPF balance 50 lakh, LIC policies worth of 16 lakhs, NPS worth of 10 lakhs. My monthly saving commitments are - EPF (employee+employer) 28000 NPS 15000 MF 7500 Gold scheme 5000 Financial burden - HL emi of 24000 Monthly expanses 50000 I would like to retire at 50. Please advise for retirement plan with life expectancy of 80yrs.
Ans: Hello;

The value of your investments after 10 years;

A. EPF Corpus+Contribution: 1.6 Cr
B. NPS Corpus+Contribution: 53 L
C. MF(sip) + Gold(sip): 25 L
D. Real estate (land): 3.26 Cr

So sum of A, C & D gives us a corpus of 5.11 Cr

Since you will withdraw NPS before 60 age 80% of corpus will go into annuity while 20% will be available to you.

So you may expect monthly income of around 21 K from annuity(42.4 L).

Balance 10.6 L get added to 5.11L taking your total corpus to ~ 5.2 Cr.

If you invest 5 Cr in a conservative hybrid debt fund and do a SWP at the rate of 3%, you may expect a monthly income of around 1.1 L(post-tax).

Add your monthly rental income of 36 K(No growth factored) and annuity income of 21 K to this and you have total monthly income of 1.67 L after 10 years.

Your current monthly expenses of 50 K after 10 years would be around 90 K and 1.6 L after 20 years.

Considering return of around 7-7.5% from the conservative hybrid debt fund you will still generate inflation adjusted return at 3% SWP after 80 years of age.

Assumptions:
Inflation rate-6%
Return from EPF-8%
Return from NPS-9%
Return from MF-10%
Return from gold-7%
Return from Land-5%
Annuity rate-6%

The spare flat is not considered in this because it will continue to yield you rental income in retirement.

Since real estate(land) returns may fluctuate over 10 years suggest to increase MF sip(6X) as a back-up, also in this case you may decide to retain & invest in NPS upto 60 age.

Of course MF returns are also not assured but you are improving the odds by backing two appreciable assets(RE & equity) over long-term.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7101 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 22, 2024

Money
My age 62, male, getting rental income Rs. 90k nett. Already subscribing 12.5k in PPF for the past 2 1/2 years. No other investments. My target is 5 crores in 10 years. I already have Mediclaim Rs.50 lakhs for me & wife . Please advice me what to do.
Ans: Your current financial foundation is strong and shows promise:

A rental income of Rs. 90,000 per month provides consistent and predictable cash flow. This stability can serve as the backbone for your investment strategy.

PPF contributions of Rs. 12,500 per month for 2.5 years reflect disciplined saving. However, its returns may be insufficient to achieve a high-growth target like Rs. 5 crores in 10 years.

A robust Mediclaim policy of Rs. 50 lakhs for you and your wife ensures adequate health coverage. This safeguard allows you to focus on wealth-building without worrying about medical emergencies.

Despite these positive factors, achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years requires a carefully crafted and growth-oriented strategy.

Defining and Prioritising Your Financial Goals
Achieving Rs. 5 crores is ambitious yet achievable with a focused approach:

Define this target as your primary financial goal over the next decade.

Break it into manageable milestones: for example, Rs. 50 lakhs every 1-2 years in cumulative investments and growth.

Prioritise high-return investments that align with your risk tolerance and financial capacity.

Optimising Existing PPF Contributions
While PPF is a secure investment, its growth potential is limited:

Returns: PPF currently offers an interest rate of approximately 7-7.5%, which barely outpaces inflation.

Contribution Review: Consider capping your PPF contributions at Rs. 1.5 lakh annually (to utilise the Section 80C benefit). This ensures that excess funds are redirected to higher-return investments.

PPF can serve as a low-risk component of your portfolio but should not dominate your investment strategy.

Building a Diversified Investment Portfolio
A diversified portfolio will provide a balance of risk and reward. Include the following components:

1. Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Equity mutual funds are essential for achieving high returns over the long term:

Large-Cap Funds: These invest in established companies and offer stability with moderate growth. They are ideal for a portion of your portfolio to reduce risk.

Multi-Cap or Flexi-Cap Funds: These provide exposure to companies of all sizes, offering growth and diversification.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds: Avoid these unless you have a high risk tolerance and understand market dynamics.

ELSS Funds: These not only provide tax savings under Section 80C but also deliver market-linked returns.

Why Avoid Index Funds?

Index funds may offer simplicity and lower expense ratios, but they lack flexibility. They cannot adapt to market conditions or capitalise on outperforming sectors. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, have the potential to outperform the market, especially in a developing economy like India.

Start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in selected funds to build wealth steadily.

2. Debt Mutual Funds for Stability
Debt funds add stability to your portfolio and reduce overall risk:

Choose funds with low credit risk and moderate duration to ensure safety and predictable returns.

Debt funds are suitable for short- to medium-term goals or as a fallback during market corrections.

Taxation Note: Both LTCG and STCG on debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. This should be factored into your planning.

3. Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds (BAFs) dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt. They:

Provide exposure to equity while minimising downside risk.

Offer a suitable option for someone nearing retirement but seeking growth.

4. Gold Investments for Diversification
Allocate a small portion (5-10%) of your portfolio to gold:

Gold serves as a hedge against inflation and currency depreciation.

Choose gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for ease of liquidity and better returns.

Emergency Fund Creation
Having an emergency fund is non-negotiable:

Maintain at least 6-12 months of expenses in liquid investments like liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts.

This ensures liquidity for unforeseen events without disturbing your long-term investments.

Focus on Retirement Planning
At 62, balancing growth and safety becomes critical:

Estimate your monthly retirement expenses, considering inflation over the next 10-15 years.

Your target of Rs. 5 crores should primarily serve as your retirement corpus.

Allocate assets thoughtfully:

60-70% in equity funds for growth.
30-40% in debt funds for stability.
Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain this allocation.

Strategic Tax Planning
Tax efficiency can significantly impact your returns:

Continue using Section 80C to its full potential, including ELSS funds and PPF.

Consider the National Pension System (NPS) for an additional Rs. 50,000 deduction under Section 80CCD(1B).

Be mindful of the new taxation rules for mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise your tax strategy.

Regular Portfolio Monitoring and Rebalancing
Investing is not a one-time activity:

Review your portfolio every six months or annually to track performance.

Rebalance your asset allocation periodically to align with your financial goals and risk appetite.

Stay committed to SIPs even during market downturns, as this ensures cost-averaging.

Additional Suggestions
Avoid Over-Reliance on PPF
While PPF is safe, it is not sufficient for wealth creation. Shift excess contributions to equity-based investments for better returns.

Avoid Direct Stocks
Direct equity investing requires time, expertise, and constant monitoring. It carries higher risk and may lead to losses without proper research. Instead, rely on equity mutual funds managed by professionals.

Avoid Mixing Insurance and Investments
Do not invest in ULIPs or endowment plans, as they offer suboptimal returns. Stick to pure insurance products for protection and mutual funds for growth.

The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
To achieve Rs. 5 crores, a well-crafted financial plan is essential. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can:

Analyse your current investments and recommend improvements.

Design a customised strategy tailored to your income, expenses, and goals.

Provide periodic reviews to ensure you stay on track.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is a realistic goal if you adopt a disciplined and diversified approach.

Optimise your PPF contributions and channel excess funds into higher-growth investments.

Build a diversified portfolio with equity and debt mutual funds.

Include a small allocation to gold and maintain an emergency fund.

Stay consistent with your SIPs and review your investments regularly.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a personalised roadmap.

By following these steps, you can secure your financial future and meet your goals.

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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