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I'm 32, Invest INR 9,000/Month for 18 Years - Can I Reach INR 1.1 Crore?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 11, 2025

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 - Feb 07, 2025Hindi
Listen

Sir, Want to your suggestion and opinion about my mutual fund Investment:- Age-32 Investment duration- 18 Years Amount-9000/- Target-11000000/- Step Up- 10% Every Year Fund are as follows:- Parag Parikh flexi Cap-2000/- Kotak Multi Cap-3500 Nippon Nifty 150 Index-1000 Icici Nifty Next 50 Index-1500 Nippon Small Cap-1000/- Is it good for my target?

Ans: You have an 18-year investment horizon, which is good for wealth creation.

Your target is Rs 1.1 crore, which requires disciplined investing and market-linked growth.

With a 10% annual step-up, your investment will grow over time.

Equity mutual funds are suitable for this goal, given the long investment horizon.

The asset allocation in your portfolio needs a closer look for efficiency.

Asset Allocation Review
You have a mix of flexi cap, multi cap, small cap, and index funds.

Actively managed funds can outperform passive funds over the long term.

Index funds have limitations, as they only track benchmarks without expert fund management.

Small caps add high-risk, high-reward potential but need active monitoring.

The allocation should be balanced between growth and stability.

Issues with Index Funds in Your Portfolio
Passive funds like index funds do not try to beat the market.

Actively managed funds can outperform through expert stock selection.

In bear markets, index funds suffer as they mirror market downturns.

Your portfolio can perform better with actively managed large and mid-cap funds.

Removing index funds and replacing them with actively managed ones can improve returns.

Portfolio Diversification
Your portfolio covers different market capitalisations, which is good.

Small caps can be volatile but provide long-term growth.

A mix of flexi cap and multi cap funds ensures broad diversification.

You can add a mid-cap fund for better balance.

The allocation towards different segments should be regularly reviewed.

SIP Step-Up and Wealth Creation
Increasing your SIP by 10% every year is a smart move.

This helps in compounding wealth faster over time.

Even a small increase in SIP can make a huge impact in the long term.

Staying invested without panic selling is key to success.

Market corrections are opportunities, not threats, for long-term investors.

Taxation on Mutual Fund Returns
LTCG on equity mutual funds above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG on equity mutual funds is taxed at 20%.

Tax planning should be considered while redeeming funds.

Holding investments long-term reduces unnecessary tax liability.

Improvements Needed in Your Portfolio
Replace index funds with actively managed funds for better performance.

Ensure your portfolio has sufficient exposure to mid-cap and large-cap segments.

Regularly review and rebalance the portfolio to stay on track.

Stick to your SIP plan and avoid emotional investment decisions.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised guidance.

Finally
Your investment plan is structured but needs adjustments for better growth.

Avoid index funds and opt for well-managed active funds.

Continue SIP step-ups to reach your Rs 1.1 crore target.

Monitor and rebalance your investments every 6-12 months.

Stay invested for the long term and avoid panic reactions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 11, 2025

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 - Feb 07, 2025Hindi
Listen

Sir, Want to your suggestion and opinion about my mutual fund Investment:- Age-32 Investment duration- 18 Years Amount-9000/- Target-11000000/- Step Up- 10% Every Year Fund are as follows:- Parag Parikh flexi Cap-2000/- Kotak Multi Cap-3500 Nippon Nifty 150 Index-1000 Icici Nifty Next 50 Index-1500 Nippon Small Cap-1000/- Is it good for my target?

Ans: You have an 18-year investment horizon, which is good for wealth creation.

Your target is Rs 1.1 crore, which requires disciplined investing and market-linked growth.

With a 10% annual step-up, your investment will grow over time.

Equity mutual funds are suitable for this goal, given the long investment horizon.

The asset allocation in your portfolio needs a closer look for efficiency.

Asset Allocation Review
You have a mix of flexi cap, multi cap, small cap, and index funds.

Actively managed funds can outperform passive funds over the long term.

Index funds have limitations, as they only track benchmarks without expert fund management.

Small caps add high-risk, high-reward potential but need active monitoring.

The allocation should be balanced between growth and stability.

Issues with Index Funds in Your Portfolio
Passive funds like index funds do not try to beat the market.

Actively managed funds can outperform through expert stock selection.

In bear markets, index funds suffer as they mirror market downturns.

Your portfolio can perform better with actively managed large and mid-cap funds.

Removing index funds and replacing them with actively managed ones can improve returns.

Portfolio Diversification
Your portfolio covers different market capitalisations, which is good.

Small caps can be volatile but provide long-term growth.

A mix of flexi cap and multi cap funds ensures broad diversification.

You can add a mid-cap fund for better balance.

The allocation towards different segments should be regularly reviewed.

SIP Step-Up and Wealth Creation
Increasing your SIP by 10% every year is a smart move.

This helps in compounding wealth faster over time.

Even a small increase in SIP can make a huge impact in the long term.

Staying invested without panic selling is key to success.

Market corrections are opportunities, not threats, for long-term investors.

Taxation on Mutual Fund Returns
LTCG on equity mutual funds above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG on equity mutual funds is taxed at 20%.

Tax planning should be considered while redeeming funds.

Holding investments long-term reduces unnecessary tax liability.

Improvements Needed in Your Portfolio
Replace index funds with actively managed funds for better performance.

Ensure your portfolio has sufficient exposure to mid-cap and large-cap segments.

Regularly review and rebalance the portfolio to stay on track.

Stick to your SIP plan and avoid emotional investment decisions.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalised guidance.

Finally
Your investment plan is structured but needs adjustments for better growth.

Avoid index funds and opt for well-managed active funds.

Continue SIP step-ups to reach your Rs 1.1 crore target.

Monitor and rebalance your investments every 6-12 months.

Stay invested for the long term and avoid panic reactions.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 05, 2024

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Hi Sir, My name is Rajesh 40 years old. Below is my mutual fund investment per month. I have mutual fund investment in Icici prudential sp bse sensex Index fund direct plan 5.5k, quant mid cap direct plan - 4k, nippon india small cap direct plan - 3.5k, parag parikh flexi cap direct plan -4k, icici prudential US bluechip equity direct plan-4k, sbi gold direct plan- 2k, kindly suggest if this is good portfolio for long term. Can I add debt or hybrid fund to this. or can I remove or add mutual fund. Pls suggest.
Ans: Hi Rajesh,

Your portfolio shows a great mix of funds, showcasing diversity across various market segments and geographies. It's commendable how you've spread your investments, indicating a thoughtful approach to long-term wealth creation.

Adding debt or hybrid funds can indeed provide stability and balance to your portfolio, especially during volatile market conditions. As a Certified Financial Planner, I'd recommend considering these options to further diversify and mitigate risk.

Regular plans, facilitated by a professional Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD), could offer benefits like personalized advice and ongoing portfolio management. This guidance ensures your investments align with your financial goals and risk tolerance, potentially enhancing returns over time.

Reviewing your portfolio periodically is crucial to ensure it remains aligned with your financial objectives and market conditions. Keep up the consistent savings habit and stay invested for the long term. Your disciplined approach will likely yield fruitful results in the future.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay patient and focused on your goals. If you ever have any doubts or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a Certified Financial Planner for guidance and support. Keep up the good work!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 15, 2024

Money
Respected Sir, I want to invest in single mutual fund, kindly review. Benchmark index- Nifty midcap 150 momentum 50 index Time horizon - 15 years SIP- 26000 Return expected - 19% CAGR Risk - very high Targeted amount- 2 cr
Ans: You are considering investing in a single mutual fund with a significant SIP amount of Rs 26,000. This is a commendable decision, as it shows your commitment to long-term wealth creation.

Your target is to achieve Rs 2 crore in 15 years with an expected return of 19% CAGR. This aligns with a very high-risk profile, particularly as you are considering the Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50 Index as a benchmark.

Let’s analyze this investment plan in detail.

Understanding the Investment Objective
Before proceeding, it's crucial to clearly define your investment objectives.

Target Amount: Rs 2 crore in 15 years.

Expected Return: 19% CAGR, which is ambitious but achievable in mid-cap funds.

Risk Profile: Very high risk, suitable for aggressive investors.

It’s important to remain focused on these objectives as you make your investment decisions.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
While the benchmark index you mentioned is the Nifty Midcap 150 Momentum 50, consider opting for actively managed mutual funds.

Actively managed funds can outperform their benchmarks over time.

Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions, maximizing returns.

They often focus on high-quality mid-cap stocks, which can deliver superior growth.

Index funds may have lower costs, but they do not provide the same flexibility and active management benefits. Investing in an actively managed fund through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers you personalized guidance and support.

Assessing the SIP Amount
Your SIP of Rs 26,000 is a strong starting point.

Over 15 years, this could lead to substantial wealth accumulation.

This regular investment will also help mitigate market volatility through rupee cost averaging.

It’s wise to review your cash flow to ensure consistent contributions.

Ensure that you have a buffer for emergencies while committing this amount.

Evaluating the 19% Expected Return
A 19% CAGR is ambitious but not impossible for mid-cap investments.

Historically, mid-cap funds have outperformed large-cap funds during bullish markets.

However, they can also be more volatile during downturns.

Understanding market trends and economic conditions is crucial for achieving this target.

Risk Considerations
Your choice of a very high-risk profile requires careful consideration.

Be prepared for market fluctuations and potential short-term losses.

Ensure you have a solid financial foundation outside of this investment.

Consider diversifying your investment approach to balance risk.

Tax Implications of Mutual Fund Investments
Understanding the tax implications is essential when investing in mutual funds.

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

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

For debt mutual funds, LTCG and STCG are taxed according to your income tax slab.

These tax implications can significantly affect your overall returns.

Reviewing Investment Strategies
As a single fund investor, review your strategies regularly.

Monitor your investment's performance against the benchmark.

Be ready to adjust your investment if it underperforms over time.

Working with a Certified Financial Planner can help you make informed decisions.

Importance of Regular Reviews
Investment performance can change based on market conditions.

Conduct periodic reviews of your mutual fund.

Reassess your investment strategy at least once a year.

This ensures that you are on track to meet your financial goals.

Risk Management Strategies
Having a robust risk management strategy is essential for high-risk investments.

Diversification is key. While you may want a single fund, consider a few others to spread risk.

Always maintain a cash reserve to manage short-term financial needs.

This way, you won't be forced to withdraw from your investment during a market dip.

Staying Informed About Market Conditions
Keeping yourself informed about market trends and economic conditions is essential.

Follow news related to the stock market and economic policies.

Stay updated on changes in fund management and portfolio adjustments.

Knowledge will empower you to make timely and informed investment decisions.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner can enhance your investment strategy.

A CFP will provide tailored advice based on your financial situation.

They can help you understand the intricacies of your chosen fund.

This professional guidance is especially valuable in managing risk and optimizing returns.

Setting Realistic Expectations
While aiming for high returns is good, set realistic expectations.

Understand that market conditions can affect returns.

Be flexible with your goals and timelines if necessary.

Remember, consistent investments often yield better long-term results.

Final Insights
Investing in a single mutual fund is a good strategy if you do thorough research.

Aim for actively managed funds to maximize returns.

Regularly assess your investments and adjust as needed.

Stay informed and consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

Your commitment to investing is admirable. With disciplined saving and a well-thought-out strategy, reaching your goal of Rs 2 crore in 15 years is achievable.

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

..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!

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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.

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