Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 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
Balachandran Question by Balachandran on Apr 10, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Suggest me sip for 10 yrs wth gud profit mam I m bala

Ans: Bala! Investing in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) for a period of 10 years can be a prudent way to build wealth over the long term. Here are some suggestions for SIPs that have the potential for good returns:

Large-cap Equity Funds: These funds invest in well-established companies with a track record of stable earnings and are relatively less volatile compared to mid-cap and small-cap funds. Examples include funds that track the Nifty 50 or Sensex indices.
Multi-cap Equity Funds: These funds have the flexibility to invest across companies of various market capitalizations, offering a diversified portfolio. Look for funds with a proven track record of delivering consistent returns over the long term.
Mid-cap and Small-cap Equity Funds: These funds invest in companies with smaller market capitalizations, which have the potential for higher growth but come with higher volatility. If you have a higher risk appetite and a longer investment horizon, consider allocating a portion of your SIP towards these funds.
Sectoral Funds: Investing in SIPs focused on specific sectors like technology, healthcare, or banking can be profitable if you have a strong conviction about the growth prospects of these sectors. However, sectoral funds come with higher risk and volatility, so it's essential to diversify your portfolio accordingly.
Remember to choose SIPs that align with your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. It's also crucial to review your portfolio periodically and make adjustments as needed. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial situation and objectives. Happy investing!
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Listen
Money
Sir i want to start a sip for 5k please suggest an sip for a long term investment. Current sip amount is 1k in hdfc mid cap opp. My age is 20
Ans: It's great to see your interest in starting a SIP at such a young age! Since you're already investing in HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, let's explore some other SIP options for long-term investment:

Large Cap Funds: Consider investing in large-cap funds, which typically invest in well-established companies with a proven track record. These funds offer stability and steady growth potential over the long term. Look for funds with a consistent performance history and a focus on quality stocks.
Multi-Cap Funds: Multi-cap funds invest across companies of different sizes, offering diversification and flexibility. These funds have the freedom to shift between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions. Choose a fund with a seasoned fund manager and a disciplined investment approach.
Index Funds: Index funds replicate the performance of a specific market index, such as the Nifty 50 or Sensex. These funds have lower expense ratios and provide broad market exposure. Investing in index funds can be a cost-effective way to participate in the equity markets over the long term.
Balanced Advantage Funds: Balanced advantage funds dynamically allocate between equity and debt based on market valuations. These funds aim to provide stable returns with lower volatility. Consider investing in a balanced advantage fund for a balanced risk-return profile.
Global Funds: Global funds invest in international equities, providing exposure to global markets and diversification beyond domestic stocks. These funds offer the opportunity to benefit from global economic growth and innovation. Choose a global fund with a focus on quality companies and strong fundamentals.
Before selecting a SIP, assess your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner or investment advisor to choose a SIP that aligns with your financial objectives and risk profile. By starting early and investing consistently, you're laying the foundation for long-term wealth creation and financial security. Keep up the good work, and best of luck with your investment journey!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Listen
Money
Hi sir iam 36 yrs right now.i am planning to start sip of around 10000rs per month.please suggest some funds to invest
Ans: starting a SIP is a great decision. It's good to start early and stay consistent.

At 36, you have ample time to build a strong portfolio.

Importance of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are powerful.

They help you invest small amounts regularly and build wealth over time.

SIPs also bring discipline and mitigate market volatility.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity funds invest in stocks.

They offer high growth potential but come with higher risk.

Ideal for long-term goals due to compounding.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt funds invest in bonds and fixed-income securities.

They provide stable returns with lower risk.

Suitable for short to medium-term goals.

Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt.

They balance risk and reward.

Good for medium-term goals.

Evaluating Your Risk Appetite
Before choosing funds, assess your risk tolerance.

Higher risk can bring higher rewards but also higher losses.

Choose a mix of funds that match your comfort level.

Recommended Fund Types
Large Cap Funds
Large cap funds invest in large, established companies.

They are less volatile and provide stable returns.

Mid Cap Funds
Mid cap funds invest in medium-sized companies.

They offer higher growth potential with moderate risk.

Small Cap Funds
Small cap funds invest in small, emerging companies.

They are high-risk but can give high returns over the long term.

Multi Cap Funds
Multi cap funds invest across large, mid, and small cap stocks.

They offer diversification and balance risk and reward.

Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds adjust between equity and debt.

They provide stability and growth.

Suitable for moderate risk investors.

Steps to Start Your SIP
Define Your Goals

Identify your financial goals.

Is it retirement, children's education, or a big purchase?

Set Your Budget

You mentioned Rs. 10,000 per month.

Make sure it's affordable and sustainable.

Choose Fund Categories

Based on your risk appetite, select a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Start Small and Increase Gradually

Begin with Rs. 10,000 and increase as your income grows.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investments.

Rebalance your portfolio based on performance and market conditions.

This keeps your investments aligned with your goals.

Tax Implications
Understand the tax implications of your investments.

Equity funds held for over a year have lower tax rates.

Debt funds held for over three years benefit from indexation.

Final Insights
Starting a SIP is a smart move.

Your plan to invest Rs. 10,000 monthly is a great start.

Diversify across large cap, mid cap, small cap, and balanced funds.

Monitor and rebalance regularly to stay on track.

With consistency and smart choices, you’ll achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 13, 2024Hindi
Money
i am 19years at present want invest in sip ?100 monthly
Ans: Investing at 19 is a wise decision. You have time on your side, which allows your money to grow over the years. Starting with Rs. 100 monthly may seem small, but consistency will make a big difference.

The Power of Compounding
What is Compounding?

Compounding is when your returns generate their own returns. It’s like planting a seed that grows into a tree, which then bears fruit year after year.

The earlier you start, the more time your investments have to grow.

Even small amounts, when invested regularly, can grow significantly over time.

Importance of Time

You have a long investment horizon, which is your biggest advantage.

Over time, your Rs. 100 monthly can grow into a significant amount due to compounding.

Patience is key. The longer you stay invested, the greater the benefits of compounding.

Starting with Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Why Choose SIPs?

SIPs are a great way to start investing, especially for beginners.

They allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, making it easy to build a habit of saving.

SIPs are flexible. You can start with Rs. 100 and increase the amount as your income grows.

Benefits of SIPs

SIPs offer several advantages:

Consistency: You invest regularly, regardless of market conditions.

Affordability: You can start with a small amount, like Rs. 100.

Rupee Cost Averaging: You buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high, which averages out the cost over time.

Choosing the Right Funds
Actively Managed Funds

At your age, actively managed funds can be a good option.

These funds are managed by professionals who make investment decisions on your behalf.

They have the potential to outperform the market, which can help your investments grow faster.

Avoid Index Funds for Now

Index funds simply track the market, and they might not give the higher returns you need as a beginner with small investments.

Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can provide better returns through skilled management.
Regular vs. Direct Funds

It’s better to invest in regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

A CFP can guide you in choosing the right funds based on your goals and risk tolerance.

Direct funds may have lower fees but lack the professional guidance that regular funds offer.

Increasing Your Investments Over Time
Start Small, Grow Big

Starting with Rs. 100 is great, but as your income grows, increase your SIP amount.

Set a goal to increase your investment by a certain percentage each year.

This will help you reach your financial goals faster.

Reinvest Your Returns

Whenever your investments give returns, reinvest them.

Reinvesting helps in compounding your wealth even more.

It’s like planting more seeds from the fruits your tree bears.

Managing Risk
Understand Your Risk Tolerance

At 19, you can take on more risk because you have time to recover from any losses.

However, it’s important to understand your comfort level with risk.

Start with funds that have a moderate risk profile and gradually explore higher-risk options as you gain experience.

Diversify Your Investments

Even with a small amount, try to diversify your investments across different types of funds.

This reduces risk and increases the chances of earning consistent returns.

Diversification means not putting all your money into one type of investment.

Building Financial Discipline
Stay Consistent

Consistency is key to building wealth.

Stick to your SIPs and avoid the temptation to withdraw your investments.

Over time, this discipline will reward you with significant growth.

Avoid Unnecessary Expenses

At this stage, try to save as much as you can.

Every rupee saved and invested will help you reach your financial goals.

Avoid unnecessary expenses and focus on building your investment habit.

Learning and Growing
Educate Yourself

As you start your investment journey, take time to learn about different investment options.

Read books, attend seminars, or follow trusted financial websites.

Knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and grow your wealth.

Seek Guidance

Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice.

A CFP can help you align your investments with your long-term goals.

Regular check-ins with a professional can keep you on track and help you adjust your strategy as needed.

Final Insights
Starting with Rs. 100 monthly at 19 years old is a fantastic beginning. The key is to stay consistent, increase your investments over time, and be patient. Remember, compounding works best when you give it time.

Focus on building a habit of saving and investing regularly.

Choose your funds wisely, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance.

Stay disciplined, avoid unnecessary expenses, and reinvest your returns.

With time and patience, your small investment today can grow into a substantial corpus in the future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x