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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 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
Vijju Question by Vijju on May 25, 2025
Money

Sure sir.. thank you for your immediate reply. You mentioned that 'Why Not to Invest in Real Estate Again Real estate needs high capital and long lock-in.' and while conclusion 'Avoid real estate, ULIPs, endowment plans.'. Please reply whether I need to invest in both real estate and SIP or only in SIP sir? Thank you sir

Ans: Only in SIP, sir.

SIP gives better liquidity, flexibility, and long-term growth.

Real estate needs high money and gives low returns.

Stick to SIP for better financial freedom.

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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Hello Sir. I'm Ravinder Rao, 47 years old. I'm very interested in investing in stocks, shares, and SIPs. Sir, I don't have knowledge about these investments. Kindly suggest me. Accordingly, I will do so, sir. And I want to learn knowledge about SIP and stocks; kindly suggest me. Sir, every month my present savings of Rs 30000. Present me with Rs 500000 lakhs. And I'm very confused about this amount. With this amount, can I invest in RD, FD, and real estate in Sip or purchase shares? Sir, I request that you kindly advise me. Sip funds names and details
Ans: Investing in financial securities involves balancing potential gains with potential losses. These risks and rewards are two sides of the same coin. To recommend the best investment options, we need to understand your risk tolerance. It is suggested that you should analyze your risk appetite, investment time horizon, and goals before investing.

If you do not have much knowledge about the financial markets, we would advise you to consult a financial planner before investing in mutual funds, stocks or other assets class. We recommend that you do a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) with your monthly savings. A SIP is a method of investing a fixed amount regularly in a mutual fund scheme.

The choice of a particular fund depends on the individual needs. Your requirements & goals should be carefully assessed before selecting the asset class for investments. Some other asset classes are equity, debt, gold, real estate, etc. which can be considered in your case.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 2024

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I am 24 Years Old. Working in Cybersecurity Domain in a Renowned Organization. I am Investing in Mutual Funds through SIP since Last 4-5 Months. Here is my Breakup. I am Investing 50k in SIP. ( 15k Parag Parikh Flexicap + 15k Quant Mid Cap Direct + 13k Aditya Birla PSU Direct Growth + 7k UTI Nifty 50 Index) . I want to know am going right way in terms of investment or should I change the funds or follow some other processes. My Goal is to Gather some corpus to buy a property shortly around in budget (30-40lac,) and after that I will save for future investments. Can You guide me with some better advice.
Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach towards investing at such a young age! Let's dive into your investment strategy and explore some recommendations:
Investment Breakdown:
• You're investing 50,000 rupees per month through SIPs, with allocations across different mutual funds.
• Your current portfolio consists of Parag Parikh Flexicap, Quant Mid Cap, Aditya Birla PSU, and UTI Nifty 50 Index funds.
Amidst your journey, you're undoubtedly making commendable strides towards securing your financial future. However, let's explore some aspects to ensure you're on the right track:
Diversification:
• Diversification is key to mitigating risk and maximizing returns. Your current portfolio seems well-diversified across different market segments, including flexicap, mid-cap, PSU, and index funds. This approach offers exposure to various sectors and can potentially enhance long-term growth prospects.
Active vs. Passive Investing:
• You've chosen actively managed funds, which offer the benefit of professional fund management and the potential for outperformance. While index funds like UTI Nifty 50 Index provide low-cost exposure to market indices, they may lack the potential for alpha generation compared to actively managed funds. Active management allows fund managers to capitalize on market opportunities and adapt to changing market conditions, potentially leading to superior returns over time.
Future Goals:
• Your goal of accumulating a corpus to purchase property aligns with your long-term financial objectives. As you progress towards this milestone, continue to prioritize disciplined saving and prudent investment decisions. Consider revisiting your asset allocation and investment strategy periodically to ensure they remain aligned with your evolving goals and risk tolerance.
Recommendations:
• Given your goal of purchasing property in the near future, maintaining a balanced approach to investing is essential. Consider continuing with your current SIP allocations, as they offer diversification and potential for growth. However, if you're considering adjustments, consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and goals.
• When it comes to purchasing property, start researching potential locations, property types, and financing options. Additionally, continue saving diligently towards your down payment and associated expenses to achieve your homeownership goal.
Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay focused on your objectives while adapting to changing circumstances. With your proactive mindset and commitment to financial growth, you're well-positioned to achieve your aspirations. Keep up the excellent work, and don't hesitate to seek professional advice whenever needed. Your dedication to financial literacy and planning will undoubtedly pave the way for a brighter financial future!

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Dear Sir, I am 40 years old, happily married, have 2 daughters 7 years and 3 years old. My financials are 1. Real Estate 1.50 cr. Land and 2 houses (house value: 85 lakhs: Monthly rental yield 30,000) 2. ULIP 18,000 monthly for 5 years. (19 months completed. Corpus: 4 lakhs) C. Mutual funds 50,000 (just started). I can invest monthly 1.50 lakhs now. Please advice the best categories of Mutual Funds to invest as SIP. Also, thinking to sell the house of 85 lakhs value and put in SWP. Please advice.
Ans: You are 40 years old, happily married with two daughters aged 7 and 3. You have real estate worth Rs. 1.50 crores, including two houses (one valued at Rs. 85 lakhs with a monthly rental yield of Rs. 30,000). You have a ULIP with a monthly contribution of Rs. 18,000 for 5 years, with 19 months completed and a corpus of Rs. 4 lakhs. You have just started investing Rs. 50,000 in mutual funds. You can invest Rs. 1.50 lakhs monthly now.

Investment in Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity mutual funds are essential for long-term growth. They provide high returns over time. You can invest in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Large-cap funds are less risky. Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer higher returns but come with higher risks.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds provide stability to your portfolio. They invest in bonds and government securities. They are less volatile and offer regular returns. You can consider short-term and long-term debt funds based on your investment horizon.

Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They balance risk and return. They are suitable for moderate risk takers. They provide stability with some growth potential.

Tax-saving Mutual Funds
ELSS funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C. They have a lock-in period of 3 years. They offer good returns and help in tax planning. You can allocate a portion of your investments to these funds.

Selling the House and SWP
Selling the house worth Rs. 85 lakhs can provide a lump sum. You can invest this in a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP). SWP offers regular income from mutual funds. It provides flexibility and better returns compared to rental income. Ensure to consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to align this with your financial goals.

Investment Strategy
Increase your SIP contributions to Rs. 1.50 lakhs monthly. Diversify your investments across equity, debt, and hybrid funds. Review your portfolio regularly to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Professional Guidance
Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can provide a tailored financial plan. Professional guidance helps achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Final Insights
Focus on long-term growth with equity funds. Maintain stability with debt funds. Balance risk and return with hybrid funds. Consider tax-saving ELSS funds. Review your portfolio regularly.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2024Hindi
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My age is 40, and gross salary is 42000, I am a father of two daughter, i live on rent with my parents and family, I am indecisive in the case whether to buy a property or to keep live on rent and start investing in Sip. However I do not pay the rent it is been borne by my father, due to some clash in understanding, after purchasing a property the liability of emi would be mine. So please suggest, Whether to keep living on rent with sip investment, or to make a permanent, place for us. Also, suggest the fund name in case of sip which can give a good growth in next 5/6 Years, As I would have liability of my elder daughter's marriage that time.
Ans: Assessing Your Situation
You are 40 years old. Your gross salary is Rs 42,000. You have two daughters. You live on rent with your parents and family. Your father bears the rent. You face a dilemma: buy a property or invest in SIPs while renting. Buying a property would mean taking on an EMI.

Financial Considerations
Buying a Property:

EMI Liability: An EMI can strain your budget.
Long-term Commitment: You need to commit to regular payments for many years.
Property Maintenance: Owning a property involves maintenance costs.
Living on Rent:

Lower Initial Cost: No need for a large down payment.
Flexibility: You can move if needed.
Investment Opportunity: Free up funds for investment in SIPs.
Advantages of SIP Investments
Regular Savings: Helps in disciplined savings.
Compounding: Benefits from the power of compounding over time.
Flexibility: You can adjust the investment amount as per your need.
Diversification: Spreads risk across various assets.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can be more beneficial than index funds.

Professional Management: Experts manage your investments.
Better Returns: Potential to outperform index funds.
Risk Management: Active management can mitigate risks.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Market-Linked Returns: Performance tied to the index, with no potential for outperformance.
No Active Management: No expert adjusting your portfolio based on market conditions.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds might seem cost-effective but have drawbacks.

No Advisory Support: Lack of expert guidance.
Time-Consuming: Requires personal research and monitoring.
Higher Risk: Greater chance of making uninformed decisions.
Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers many advantages.

Expert Guidance: Personalized advice from a CFP.
Stress-Free: Less time and effort needed from your side.
Potentially Higher Returns: Professional management often yields better results.
Evaluating Your Options
Investing in SIPs:

Short-Term Goals: Use SIPs to build a corpus for your daughter’s marriage.
Long-Term Benefits: SIPs can help in wealth creation over time.
Flexibility: Adjust investments as per your financial situation.
Buying a Property:

Stability: Owning a home can provide stability.
Asset Creation: A property can be a valuable asset.
Financial Burden: EMI can be a significant financial burden.
Recommendations
Considering your situation, investing in SIPs while living on rent seems more prudent. This approach provides flexibility and allows you to save for your daughter's marriage.

Suggested SIP Approach
Diversified Equity Funds: Focus on growth potential.
Regular Monitoring: Review and adjust your investments regularly.
Professional Advice: Consult a CFP for personalized fund recommendations.
Final Insights
Investing in SIPs offers flexibility and growth potential. It helps you prepare for your daughter’s marriage without the financial burden of an EMI. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice and fund recommendations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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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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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

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