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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 23, 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
YOUSUF Question by YOUSUF on Dec 19, 2023Hindi
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Dear Team, I want to invest Rs.1.5 laks in MF for 5 years. please guide which MF is better to get high groth refund?

Ans: let's embark on this investment journey together. Investing Rs.1.5 lakhs in Mutual Funds with a 5-year horizon is a commendable decision towards your financial future.

Firstly, considering your time horizon, it's vital to lean towards growth-oriented funds. These are typically equity-oriented funds that have the potential to provide higher returns, albeit with some volatility. Much like planting a tree, these funds require time to grow and bear fruit.

Secondly, diversification is the key. It's akin to not putting all your eggs in one basket. By diversifying across different sectors or market caps, you spread the risk and potentially enhance returns.

Lastly, while seeking higher growth, it's essential to align the investment with your risk appetite. Remember, with higher returns comes higher risk. It's a delicate balance, much like sailing a boat in the open sea; you need to navigate wisely.

In summary, consider growth-oriented equity funds, diversify your portfolio, and stay aligned with your risk tolerance. And always remember, investing is a marathon, not a sprint; patience and discipline often yield the best results. 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.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

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Hi Dev, I,m a defence pensioner and 60 years old. I want to invest Rs 5 lakhs in MF for a duration of 1-3 years, please advise which MF will be better for me. Thanks
Ans: Given your investment horizon of 1-3 years and considering your age and risk profile, it's essential to prioritize capital preservation while aiming for modest returns. Here are some mutual fund options that may suit your investment needs:

Short-Term Debt Funds: These funds invest in fixed-income securities with relatively shorter maturities, providing stability and liquidity. They are suitable for investors looking to preserve capital while generating better returns than traditional savings accounts or fixed deposits. Consider investing in reputable short-term debt funds with a track record of delivering consistent returns and maintaining low volatility.
Liquid Funds: Liquid funds invest in short-term money market instruments with very high liquidity and minimal interest rate risk. They offer stability of capital and can be an excellent option for parking funds temporarily or meeting short-term financial goals. Liquid funds typically have a low expense ratio and can provide relatively higher returns compared to savings accounts or fixed deposits.
Ultra Short Duration Funds: These funds invest in fixed-income securities with short to ultra-short maturities, offering a balance between stability and yield. They can be suitable for investors with a slightly longer investment horizon of 1-3 years who are willing to take on slightly higher risk for potentially higher returns than traditional fixed deposits or savings accounts.
Arbitrage Funds: Arbitrage funds aim to generate returns by exploiting price differentials between cash and derivative markets. They offer relatively low volatility and tax-efficient returns, making them suitable for short-term investments. However, it's essential to note that arbitrage funds are subject to market risks and may not guarantee fixed returns.
Before making any investment decisions, it's advisable to consult with a certified financial planner or investment advisor who can assess your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. They can help you select mutual funds that align with your investment objectives and provide personalized guidance based on your unique financial situation. Additionally, carefully review the fund's investment objectives, past performance, expense ratio, and risk factors before investing.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 30, 2025

Money
I Want to invest 10K per month in MF for over 5 years. Which is better option
Ans: It’s great that you want to invest Rs.10,000 per month.
Doing it for 5 years shows clarity and discipline.
A good investment habit is more important than just returns.
Let’s create a 360-degree plan for this journey.

? Start With a Clear Goal for the 5-Year Investment
– Know why you are investing.
– Is it for a car, house, travel, or child's education?
– The goal decides the risk level.
– It also helps in selecting the right fund type.

? Understand That 5 Years Is a Medium-Term Horizon
– Less than 3 years is short-term.
– More than 7 years is long-term.
– 5 years sits in between.
– So, investment should balance growth and safety.
– Full equity may be too risky.
– Full debt may not give good growth.

? Mix of Equity and Debt is Needed
– Hybrid funds suit this 5-year goal.
– They offer a mix of equity and debt.
– This gives better returns than full debt.
– It also gives lower risk than full equity.
– They suit medium-term investors like you.

? Prefer Actively Managed Mutual Funds
– Actively managed funds have better research teams.
– They try to beat the market returns.
– Fund manager takes care of stock selection.
– They adjust portfolio based on market changes.
– In 5 years, active management matters a lot.
– Index funds cannot do this.

? Why Index Funds Are Not Suitable Here
– Index funds just copy the index.
– They don’t protect you during market fall.
– No active fund manager involvement.
– They are passive and rigid.
– In 5 years, even one bad year can hurt.
– So, don’t choose index funds for this plan.

? Choose Regular Funds, Not Direct Plans
– Direct plans offer no personal help or support.
– You need to do research and track on your own.
– This increases chances of wrong fund selection.
– Also, rebalancing is missed often.
– Regular funds through Certified Financial Planner-guided MFDs give full service.
– They help in review, tracking, and goal alignment.

? Disadvantages of Direct Plans You Must Know
– No guidance or review at all.
– Risk of overexposure or wrong fund category.
– Can lead to underperformance.
– Many investors panic during market correction.
– In regular plans, expert guidance avoids panic.
– You also get behavioural coaching, which is valuable.

? Start with SIP in Growth Option of Mutual Fund
– SIP keeps discipline.
– Growth option helps build corpus faster.
– Don’t choose dividend or IDCW options.
– They reduce compounding benefit.
– Let the fund grow fully for 5 years.

? If You Want Liquidity, Choose Hybrid with Low Volatility
– You may need partial money anytime.
– Choose a fund with low drawdown.
– This gives peace even if markets go down.
– Low volatility gives confidence to stay invested.

? Don’t Depend on Past Returns
– Past returns don’t repeat always.
– Choose funds based on process, not just numbers.
– Fund consistency matters more than one-time outperformance.
– Look for risk-adjusted returns, not only high returns.

? Use SIP STP Combo for Smooth Investing
– You may park one month’s SIP in liquid fund.
– Use STP to move it weekly to equity fund.
– This gives better cost averaging.
– It reduces market timing risk.
– Useful when markets are volatile.

? Avoid ULIPs or Insurance-Based Investments
– These are poor options for 5 years.
– They have high charges and low flexibility.
– Returns are neither stable nor high.
– If you already hold any, consider surrendering.
– Reinvest that amount in mutual funds.

? Rebalance the Portfolio Annually
– Your 5-year investment may need changes every year.
– Equity-debt mix may shift due to performance.
– Rebalancing keeps risk in control.
– Your Certified Financial Planner will help do this.
– Don’t ignore yearly reviews.

? Consider Taxation When Redeeming After 5 Years
– Equity funds held over 1 year are long-term.
– LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term gains under 1 year are taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your tax slab.
– Your Certified Financial Planner will guide on tax-efficient withdrawal.

? Avoid SIP Top-Ups Without Review
– Increasing SIP each year is good.
– But review fund performance before top-up.
– Don’t just increase SIP blindly.
– Check if your fund is still suitable.
– Regular review prevents mismatch with your goal.

? Keep Emergency Fund Separate
– Don’t use this Rs.10,000 SIP amount for emergencies.
– Keep separate funds for that purpose.
– At least 3–6 months’ expenses in liquid fund.
– This keeps your SIP running in tough times.
– Never stop SIP for temporary needs.

? Avoid Real Estate for This Goal
– Real estate doesn’t suit 5-year goals.
– Very hard to buy and sell quickly.
– No monthly returns in most cases.
– Maintenance costs are high.
– Mutual funds give better liquidity and growth.

? Protect the Goal With Term Insurance
– In case of unexpected death, family gets money.
– Buy a pure term plan only.
– Don’t mix insurance with investment.
– ULIPs or endowments are low-return options.
– If you have them, surrender and reinvest in mutual funds.

? Don’t Chase Fancy or Trendy Funds
– Sector funds or thematic funds are risky.
– They may shine for short periods.
– But can fall deeply without warning.
– For 5 years, choose well-diversified hybrid or equity funds.

? SIP Delay Can Reduce Final Corpus
– Every month’s delay matters.
– Start immediately. Even one missed SIP affects growth.
– Time in market is more important than timing.
– Don’t wait for market bottom to start.

? Keep Investment Linked to Your Goal
– If the goal is near, reduce equity exposure.
– Don’t take high risk in last year.
– Move funds to safer options in final year.
– This protects your gains from sudden market fall.

? Don’t Withdraw Early Without Purpose
– Many investors withdraw early due to fear.
– This breaks compounding and reduces returns.
– Stay committed to your 5-year goal.
– Trust the process and stay invested.

? Final Insights
– Your Rs.10,000 monthly SIP for 5 years is a solid start.
– Choose hybrid or balanced mutual funds with active management.
– Avoid index, direct, annuity, or insurance-linked investments.
– Don’t follow past returns blindly.
– Choose regular plans with Certified Financial Planner support.
– Review yearly. Rebalance as per need.
– Don’t panic in market correction. Stay invested.
– Link to a goal. Stay disciplined.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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