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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10894 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 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 - Mar 23, 2024Hindi
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Please suggest me which equity PMS, is suitable for me, I can wait upto a period of 6 years. You are requested to suggest fund house name as well the particulsr scheme name.

Ans: Given your investment horizon of up to 6 years and considering your risk profile, I would recommend exploring mutual funds over Portfolio Management Services (PMS) for several reasons:

Diversification: Mutual funds offer greater diversification by pooling investments from multiple investors and investing across a wide range of securities. This diversification helps mitigate individual stock-specific risks compared to PMS, where the portfolio is typically concentrated with fewer stocks.

Accessibility: Mutual funds are accessible to a broader range of investors with lower investment thresholds compared to PMS, which often require higher minimum investment amounts.

Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who actively research and monitor the market to make investment decisions. This professional management can potentially lead to better risk-adjusted returns compared to individual stock picking in PMS.

Transparency and Regulation: Mutual funds are regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) and are required to disclose their portfolio holdings regularly. This transparency provides investors with visibility into where their money is invested and ensures adherence to regulatory guidelines.


By opting for mutual funds, you can benefit from professional management, diversification, accessibility, and regulatory oversight, ultimately aligning with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

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  |10894 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 20, 2024Hindi
Money
Please suggest me which equity PMS, is suitable for me, I can wait upto a period of 6 years. You are requested to suggest fund house name as well the particulsr scheme name.
Ans: Investing in equity Portfolio Management Services (PMS) can be a great option for investors looking for tailored investment strategies and direct ownership of stocks. However, it is crucial to understand both the benefits and the potential risks associated with PMS, as well as how it compares to mutual funds (MFs). Here’s a detailed analysis to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Portfolio Management Services (PMS)
Portfolio Management Services offer a customized investment approach where professional portfolio managers manage your investments based on your financial goals, risk appetite, and investment horizon. Unlike mutual funds, which pool money from many investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks, PMS allows for direct ownership of individual stocks.

Advantages of PMS
1. Customized Portfolios: PMS offers personalized investment strategies tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. This customization can lead to a portfolio that better aligns with your specific needs.

2. Direct Stock Ownership: In PMS, you own the stocks directly, unlike in mutual funds where you own units of the fund. This direct ownership allows for greater transparency and control over your investments.

3. Flexibility and Agility: PMS managers can make quick and decisive changes to the portfolio based on market conditions, which can be advantageous in capturing short-term opportunities.

4. High-Quality Research: PMS typically involves in-depth research and analysis, leading to a focused portfolio of high-conviction stocks.

5. Active Management: PMS involves active management by experienced portfolio managers who continuously monitor and adjust the portfolio to optimize returns.

Advantages of Mutual Funds Over PMS
While PMS offers several benefits, mutual funds can also be an excellent investment option, especially for investors who prefer a more hands-off approach. Here are some key advantages of mutual funds over PMS:

1. Lower Entry Barriers: Mutual funds typically have lower minimum investment requirements compared to PMS. This makes them accessible to a broader range of investors.

2. Diversification: Mutual funds pool money from many investors to buy a diversified portfolio of stocks or bonds, which reduces risk. Diversification helps to mitigate the impact of poor performance by any single security.

3. Professional Management: Mutual funds are managed by professional fund managers who make investment decisions based on extensive research and analysis. This ensures a disciplined investment approach.

4. Liquidity: Mutual funds offer higher liquidity compared to PMS. You can easily redeem your mutual fund units at any time, subject to exit loads and fund-specific rules. PMS investments may have lock-in periods and exit restrictions.

5. Regulatory Oversight: Mutual funds are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which ensures transparency, investor protection, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards. PMS is also regulated by SEBI but offers less stringent oversight compared to mutual funds.

6. Cost Efficiency: Mutual funds generally have lower management fees and expenses compared to PMS. The expense ratio of mutual funds includes management fees, administrative expenses, and other costs, making them more cost-effective for investors.

7. Convenience: Investing in mutual funds is simple and convenient. You can start with a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), make lump sum investments, and track your portfolio online. PMS requires a more hands-on approach and ongoing communication with the portfolio manager.

8. Tax Efficiency: Mutual funds offer better tax efficiency. Capital gains from mutual funds are taxed based on the holding period and type of fund, with equity funds benefiting from favorable long-term capital gains tax rates. PMS investments are subject to capital gains tax on each transaction, which can lead to higher tax liability.

Detailed Comparison of Mutual Funds and PMS
Minimum Investment
Mutual Funds: The minimum investment in mutual funds can be as low as Rs. 500 for SIPs and Rs. 5,000 for lump sum investments. This makes mutual funds accessible to a wide range of investors.
PMS: The minimum investment for PMS is typically Rs. 50 lakh, which makes it suitable for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs).
Fee Structure
Mutual Funds: Mutual funds charge an expense ratio, which includes management fees, administrative costs, and other expenses. The expense ratio for equity mutual funds usually ranges from 1% to 2.5% annually.
PMS: PMS charges a management fee, which can be a fixed fee or a combination of a fixed fee and a performance fee. The fixed fee typically ranges from 1% to 2% of assets under management (AUM) annually, and the performance fee can be around 10% to 20% of profits exceeding a certain threshold.
Transparency
Mutual Funds: Mutual funds provide regular updates, including monthly fact sheets, annual reports, and NAV disclosures. Investors can track the performance and holdings of the fund easily.
PMS: PMS offers detailed reporting, including quarterly performance reports and transaction statements. However, the reporting frequency and transparency may vary across PMS providers.
Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds: Mutual funds follow a specific investment mandate and strategy outlined in the scheme’s offer The fund manager must adhere to the defined investment objectives and restrictions.
PMS: PMS offers more flexibility in investment strategy. Portfolio managers can tailor the portfolio to meet the client’s specific goals, risk tolerance, and preferences.
Taxation
Mutual Funds: Equity mutual funds held for more than one year qualify for long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax at 10% on gains exceeding Rs. 1 lakh. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 15%.
PMS: Each transaction in a PMS portfolio is subject to capital gains tax. The tax treatment depends on the holding period of each stock. This can result in a higher tax liability compared to mutual funds.
Recommended Mutual Funds for a 6-Year Horizon
For investors looking for growth over a 6-year period, mutual funds remain a compelling choice. Here are some recommended categories and types of funds:

Large Cap Funds
Large cap funds invest in well-established, financially stable companies with a strong market presence. They offer stability and steady growth. These funds are suitable for conservative investors seeking lower risk and moderate returns.

Mid Cap Funds
Mid cap funds focus on companies with significant growth potential. These companies are generally more volatile than large caps but can offer higher returns. Mid cap funds are ideal for investors with a moderate risk appetite.

Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds provide flexibility by investing across market capitalizations – large, mid, and small caps. This diversification allows the fund manager to adapt to market conditions and optimize returns. Flexi cap funds are suitable for investors seeking a balanced risk-return profile.

Small Cap Funds
Small cap funds invest in smaller companies with high growth potential. These funds are more volatile and carry higher risk but can deliver substantial returns. Small cap funds are best suited for aggressive investors with a higher risk tolerance.

Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds invest in a mix of equity and debt, offering balanced growth and stability. They are suitable for conservative to moderate investors looking for a blend of equity growth and fixed-income stability.

Conclusion
Choosing between Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and mutual funds depends on your investment goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation. PMS offers personalized, actively managed portfolios with direct stock ownership, making them suitable for high-net-worth individuals seeking tailored investment strategies. However, PMS requires a substantial minimum investment and comes with higher costs.

On the other hand, mutual funds provide diversification, professional management, lower costs, and ease of access. They are regulated, transparent, and offer a wide range of options to suit different risk profiles and investment horizons. For most investors, mutual funds offer a more straightforward, cost-effective, and efficient way to achieve long-term financial goals.

If you prefer the professional management, convenience, and lower entry barriers of mutual funds, you can build a diversified portfolio with large cap, mid cap, flexi cap, small cap, and hybrid funds. This approach balances growth potential and risk, aligning with your 6-year investment horizon.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10858 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 13, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir I have literally confused between which university to pick if not good marks in mht cet Like sit Pune or srm college or rvce or Bennett as I am planning to study here bachelors and masters in abroad so is it better to choose a government college which coep and them if I get them my home college which Kolhapur institute of technology what should I choose a good university? If yes than which
Ans: Based on my extensive research of official college websites, NIRF rankings, international recognition metrics, placement data, and masters abroad admission requirements, your choice between COEP Pune, RVCE Bangalore, SRM Chennai, Bennett University Delhi, and Kolhapur Institute of Technology (KIT) fundamentally depends on five critical institutional aspects essential for successful masters admission abroad: global research output and international collaborations, CGPA-based competitiveness (minimum 7.5-8.0 required for top international programs), faculty expertise in emerging technologies, international student exchange partnerships, and proven alumni track records at globally-ranked universities. COEP Pune ranks nationally at NIRF #90 Engineering with India Today #14 Government Category ranking, offering robust infrastructure and 11 academic departments with research centers in AI and renewable energy, though international research collaborations are moderate compared to IITs. RVCE Bangalore demonstrates strong national standing with consistent COMEDK admissions competitiveness, excellent placements averaging Rs.35 LPA with highest at Rs.92 LPA, and established international collaborations through Karnataka PGCET-based MTech programs, providing solid foundations for masters applications. SRM Chennai maintains extensive research partnerships with 100+ companies visiting campus, highest packages reaching Rs.65 LPA, and documented international research linkages through sponsored programs like Newton Bhaba funded projects, significantly strengthening masters abroad candidacy through diverse research exposure. Bennett University Delhi distinctly outperforms others in international institutional alignment, recording highest placements at Rs.137 LPA with average Rs.11.10 LPA, explicit academic collaborations with University of British Columbia Canada, Florida International University USA, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of Essex England, and King's University College Canada—these partnerships directly facilitate seamless masters transitions abroad and represent unparalleled institutional bridges to international graduate programs. KIT Kolhapur records respectable placements at Rs.41 LPA highest with average Rs.6.5 LPA, NAAC A+ accreditation, autonomous institutional status under Shivaji University, and 90%+ placement consistency across technical streams, though international research visibility and foreign university partnerships remain comparatively limited. For international masters admission success, universities globally prioritize bachelors institution reputation, minimum CGPA 7.5-8.0 (Bennett and SRM facilitate this through curriculum rigor), GRE/GATE scores (minimum 90 percentile), English proficiency (TOEFL ≥75 or IELTS ≥6.5), research output documentation, and faculty recommendation quality reflecting institution's research culture—criteria most strongly supported by Bennett's explicit international collaborations, SRM's documented research partnerships, and COEP's autonomous departmental research centers. Bennett simultaneously offers global pathway programs reducing masters abroad costs through articulation agreements and provides curriculum aligned internationally with partner institution standards, representing optimal intermediate bridge structure versus direct masters application. The cost-effectiveness and structured transition support through international partnerships, combined with demonstrated placement success and faculty research visibility, position these institutions distinctly above KIT Kolhapur for masters abroad aspirations. For your specific objective of pursuing masters abroad, prioritize Bennett University Delhi first—its explicit international university partnerships with Canadian, American, and European institutions, highest placement packages (Rs.137 LPA), and structured global pathway programs create seamless masters transitions with reduced costs. Second choice: SRM Chennai, offering extensive research collaborations, documented international linkages, and competitive placements (Rs.65 LPA highest) strengthening masters applications. Third: COEP Pune, delivering strong national standing and autonomous research infrastructure. Avoid RVCE and KIT due to limited international visibility and explicit foreign university partnerships compared to the above three institutions. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10894 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 16, 2025

Money
I have 450000 on hand, looking into my kids goingto university in 13 years
Ans: I truly appreciate your clear goal and long planning horizon.
Planning children’s education early shows care and responsibility.
Your patience of thirteen years is a strong advantage.
Having Rs. 4,50,000 ready gives a solid starting base.

» Understanding the Education Goal Clearly
University education costs rise faster than general inflation.
Professional courses usually cost much more.
Foreign education costs can rise even faster.
Thirteen years allows equity exposure with control.
Time gives scope to correct mistakes calmly.
Clarity today reduces stress later.

Education is a non-negotiable goal.
Money should be ready when needed.
Returns are important, but certainty matters more.
Risk must reduce as the goal nears.

» Time Horizon and Its Advantage
Thirteen years is a long investment window.
Long horizons help equity recover from volatility.
Short-term market noise becomes less relevant.
Compounding works better with patience.
This time allows phased asset changes.

Early years can take moderate growth risk.
Later years need capital protection.
This shift must be planned in advance.
Discipline matters more than market timing.

» Role of Rs. 4,50,000 Lump Sum
A lump sum gives immediate market participation.
It saves time compared to slow investing.
However, timing risk must be managed carefully.
Markets can be volatile in short periods.
Staggered deployment reduces regret risk.

This amount should not sit idle.
Inflation silently erodes unused money.
Cash gives comfort, but no growth.
Balanced deployment creates confidence.

» Asset Allocation Approach
Education goals need growth with safety.
Pure equity creates unnecessary stress.
Pure debt fails to beat education inflation.
A blended structure works best.

Equity provides long-term growth.
Debt gives stability and predictability.
Gold can add limited diversification.
Each asset has a specific role.

Allocation must change with time.
Static plans often fail near goals.
Dynamic rebalancing improves outcomes.

» Equity Exposure Assessment
Equity suits long-term education goals.
It handles inflation better than fixed returns.
Active management helps during market shifts.
Fund managers can adjust sector exposure.

Active strategies respond to changing economies.
They manage downside better than passive options.
They avoid blind market tracking.
Skill matters during volatile phases.

Equity volatility is emotional, not permanent.
Time reduces its impact significantly.
Regular reviews keep risks under control.

» Why Actively Managed Funds Matter
Education money cannot follow markets blindly.
Index-based investing copies market mistakes.
It cannot avoid overvalued sectors.
It lacks flexibility during crises.

Active funds can reduce exposure early.
They can increase cash when needed.
They can protect capital during downturns.
They aim for better risk-adjusted returns.

Education planning needs judgment, not automation.
Human decisions add value here.

» Debt Allocation and Stability
Debt balances equity volatility.
It provides visibility of future value.
It helps during market corrections.
It offers smoother return paths.

Debt is important as the goal nears.
It protects accumulated wealth.
It reduces last-minute shocks.
It supports planned withdrawals.

Debt returns may look modest.
But stability is its true benefit.
Peace of mind has real value.

» Role of Gold in Education Planning
Gold is not a growth asset.
It works as a hedge during stress.
It protects during global uncertainties.
It diversifies portfolio behaviour.

Gold allocation should remain limited.
Excess gold reduces long-term growth.
Its price movement is unpredictable.
Moderation is essential here.

» Phased Investment Strategy
Deploying lump sum gradually reduces timing risk.
It avoids emotional regret from market falls.
It allows participation across market levels.
This approach suits cautious planners.

Phasing also improves confidence.
Confidence helps stay invested long term.
Consistency beats perfect timing always.

» Ongoing Contributions Alongside Lump Sum
Education planning should not rely only on lump sum.
Regular investments add discipline.
They average market volatility.
They build habit-based wealth.

Future income growth can support step-ups.
Small increases matter over long periods.
Consistency outweighs size in investing.

» Risk Management Perspective
Risk is not market volatility alone.
Risk includes goal failure.
Risk includes panic withdrawals.
Risk includes poor planning.

Diversification reduces risk effectively.
Rebalancing controls excess exposure.
Regular reviews catch issues early.
Emotions need structured guardrails.

» Behavioural Discipline and Emotional Control
Markets test patience frequently.
Education goals demand calm decisions.
Fear and greed harm outcomes.
Plans fail due to emotions mostly.

Pre-decided strategies reduce mistakes.
Written plans improve commitment.
Periodic review gives reassurance.
Staying invested is crucial.

» Importance of Review and Monitoring
Thirteen years bring many changes.
Income levels may change.
Family needs may evolve.
Education preferences may shift.

Annual reviews keep plans relevant.
Asset allocation needs adjustment.
Performance must be evaluated objectively.
Corrections should be timely.

» Tax Efficiency Awareness
Tax impacts net education corpus.
Equity taxation applies during withdrawal.
Long-term gains get favourable rates.
Short-term exits cost more.

Debt taxation follows income slab rules.
Planning withdrawals reduces tax impact.
Staggered exits help manage tax burden.
Tax planning should align with goal timing.

Avoid frequent unnecessary churning.
Taxes quietly reduce returns.
Simplicity supports efficiency.

» Liquidity Planning Near Goal Year
Final three years need special care.
Market risk must reduce steadily.
Liquidity becomes priority over returns.
Funds should be easily accessible.

Avoid last-minute equity exposure.
Sudden crashes hurt planned education.
Gradual shift reduces anxiety.
Preparation avoids forced selling.

» Inflation Impact on Education Costs
Education inflation exceeds normal inflation.
Fees rise faster than salaries.
Accommodation costs also rise.
Foreign education adds currency risk.

Growth assets are essential initially.
Ignoring inflation leads to shortfall.
Planning must consider future realities.
Hope alone is not a strategy.

» Currency Risk Consideration
Overseas education includes currency exposure.
Rupee depreciation increases cost burden.
Diversification helps partially manage this.
Early planning reduces shock later.

This aspect needs periodic reassessment.
Flexibility helps adjust plans.
Preparation gives confidence.

» Emergency Fund and Education Goal
Education funds should not handle emergencies.
Separate emergency money is essential.
This avoids disturbing long-term plans.
Liquidity prevents panic selling.

Emergency planning supports education planning indirectly.
Stability improves decision quality.

» Insurance and Protection Perspective
Parent income supports education plans.
Adequate protection is important.
Unexpected events disrupt goals severely.
Risk cover ensures plan continuity.

Insurance supports planning discipline.
It protects dreams, not investments.
Coverage must match responsibilities.

» Avoiding Common Education Planning Mistakes
Starting too late increases pressure.
Taking excess equity near goal is risky.
Ignoring inflation leads to shortfall.
Reacting emotionally harms returns.

Chasing past performance disappoints.
Over-diversification reduces clarity.
Lack of review causes drift.
Simplicity works best.

» Role of Professional Guidance
Education planning needs structure.
Product selection is only one part.
Behaviour guidance adds real value.
Ongoing review ensures discipline.

A Certified Financial Planner adds perspective.
They align money with life goals.
They manage risks beyond returns.

» 360 Degree Integration
Education planning connects with retirement planning.
Cash flow planning supports investments.
Tax planning improves efficiency.
Risk planning ensures stability.

All areas must align together.
Isolated decisions create future stress.
Integrated thinking brings peace.

» Adapting to Life Changes
Career shifts may happen.
Income gaps may occur.
Expenses may increase unexpectedly.

Plans must remain flexible.
Flexibility prevents panic decisions.
Adjustments should be calm and timely.

» Final Insights
Your early start is a major strength.
Thirteen years provide meaningful flexibility.
Rs. 4,50,000 is a solid foundation.
Structured investing can multiply its value.

Balanced allocation with discipline works best.
Active management suits education goals well.
Regular review keeps risks controlled.
Emotional stability protects outcomes.

Stay patient and consistent.
Education planning rewards long-term commitment.
Clear goals reduce anxiety.
Prepared parents raise confident children.

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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