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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 24, 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
Shaurya Question by Shaurya on May 24, 2024Hindi
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Money

Thank you so much sir for taking time to provide your valuable feedback. I will Surely take advice from a cfp ,that is my plan. However I plan to continue in direct option of mf and improve my learning continuously and monitor market regularly as I do have sufficient time to do so.

Ans: You're welcome! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Best wishes on your financial journey!

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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 20, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 42 years old and started my MF journey last month's with below: SBI Long Term Equity Fund - Direa t Plan Growth - 3500 Nippon I dia Large Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3000 Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3000 Quant Multi Asset Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3500 Quant Small Cap Fund - Direct Plan Growth - 3000 Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund - Direct Plan - Growth - 4000 Just wanted to check with you, did I pick the right MF's for the sum of 2cr in 20 years? Please let me know if I need to change anything. Thank you in Advance.
Ans: You've made a strong start by investing in mutual funds. Allocating across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap shows a balanced approach. It helps manage risk and offers growth potential. However, there are a few areas to assess further to align better with your goal of Rs. 2 crore in 20 years.

Let’s look at each aspect of your portfolio to see if it fits your long-term goal.

Large-Cap Investments
Nippon India Large Cap Fund (Rs. 3,000 SIP)
Large-cap funds invest in established companies. They are relatively stable and safer but might provide moderate returns compared to small and mid-caps. Given your 20-year horizon, large-cap funds will offer consistent returns but may not be enough to meet your aggressive Rs. 2 crore goal. You can maintain your large-cap exposure, but keep it as part of a broader strategy for stability.

Consider focusing more on actively managed large-cap funds. Direct plans may save on expense ratios but lack the active guidance that regular plans offer when investing through a certified financial planner. With professional advice, you can gain better insights into fund rebalancing and market shifts.

Small-Cap Investments
Nippon India Small Cap Fund (Rs. 3,000 SIP)
Quant Small Cap Fund (Rs. 3,000 SIP)
Your exposure to small-cap funds is good for high growth. These funds have the potential to generate superior returns over long periods. However, they can also be very volatile. As you aim for 20 years, the small-cap exposure might work well, but keep a close watch.

Too much reliance on small-cap funds can introduce higher risk. Diversifying with mid-caps and multi-asset funds can balance this. Also, actively managed small-cap funds perform better than index or direct funds. A certified financial planner can help in making necessary adjustments based on market trends.

Mid-Cap Investments
Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund (Rs. 4,000 SIP)
Mid-cap funds balance the volatility of small-caps with the stability of large-caps. They often offer higher returns than large-caps but with more risk. Your mid-cap allocation looks solid, and over 20 years, this portion of your portfolio can deliver strong results.

As with small-cap funds, it’s beneficial to invest in regular plans through a certified financial planner. Direct plans may seem cost-effective but miss out on professional advice. Regular fund plans offer rebalancing services that can enhance long-term growth.

Multi-Asset Investment
Quant Multi Asset Fund (Rs. 3,500 SIP)
Multi-asset funds provide diversification across asset classes such as equity, debt, and gold. These funds help reduce risk, especially in market downturns. Including this fund in your portfolio gives some balance to your more aggressive small and mid-cap funds.

However, ensure the fund is actively managed to respond to market conditions. You should evaluate whether this allocation will meet your Rs. 2 crore target or if you need to increase contributions over time.

ELSS/Tax-Saving Investments
SBI Long Term Equity Fund (Rs. 3,500 SIP)
This is an ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme) that offers tax benefits under Section 80C. ELSS funds typically invest in diversified equities and can provide high growth over the long term. The tax-saving aspect is good for overall financial planning, but don't rely solely on ELSS for reaching your Rs. 2 crore goal.

Consider increasing your exposure to growth-oriented equity funds while keeping ELSS as a tax-saving tool. Active management is also important here, as you may need to rebalance this portion based on the tax situation in the future.

Portfolio Diversification Assessment
You’ve covered different fund categories, but it’s important to diversify even further. Too much exposure to small-cap and mid-cap funds could increase your portfolio's volatility. You can look at the following:

Increase your contribution to large-cap or flexi-cap funds for stability.
Include more actively managed funds, as they offer dynamic strategies and professional guidance.
Consider regular plans instead of direct plans to access professional help. Certified financial planners can guide you in navigating different market conditions.
Importance of Rebalancing and Regular Review
A 20-year investment horizon requires regular portfolio reviews. As markets shift, your fund allocations may need adjustments. Relying on direct plans without professional oversight can lead to missed opportunities or overlooked risks.

Active rebalancing of your portfolio is essential to achieve your Rs. 2 crore goal. A certified financial planner can assist you in monitoring your portfolio and suggesting rebalancing at key intervals, maximizing growth potential.

Taxation Considerations
You should also consider the tax implications of mutual fund investments:

Equity 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%.
Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Be mindful of these taxation rules when planning your withdrawals or rebalancing your investments in the future.

Active vs Direct Funds
Direct funds may have lower costs, but they lack the crucial advantage of professional advice. Regular funds, when chosen with the help of a certified financial planner, provide personalized guidance. They can help you navigate market fluctuations, track performance, and recommend timely switches. Direct funds, though cheaper, can be inefficient without proper oversight.

By working with a certified financial planner, you’ll also get support with paperwork, tracking, and decision-making, which can be invaluable, especially during market volatility.

Reaching Rs. 2 Crore in 20 Years
Your current portfolio is a good start, but it needs fine-tuning:

Increase your allocation to large-cap and flexi-cap funds for stability.

Balance your small-cap exposure with more mid-cap or multi-cap funds.

Consider regular plans instead of direct plans to get professional guidance.

Keep an eye on tax-saving opportunities but don’t over-allocate to ELSS funds.

To reach Rs. 2 crore, you might also need to increase your SIP contributions over time. Regular reviews with a certified financial planner can help you stay on track, ensuring you meet your goal in 20 years.

Finally
Achieving Rs. 2 crore in 20 years is possible with consistent investing, proper fund selection, and active management. You have a solid start, but slight adjustments can improve your portfolio's potential. Regularly consult with a certified financial planner to ensure your strategy remains aligned with your long-term goals.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Dear Sir, I have invested in MFs like DSP,Fraklin,SBI,UTI in 2000. Should I continue or exit,Pl advise.
Ans: Your commitment to mutual funds since 2000 is impressive and shows your long-term vision.

When you hold funds for such a long period, it’s natural to evaluate whether they still serve your financial goals. Here’s a detailed analysis and guidance.

1. Review Fund Performance
Benchmark Comparison: Check if each fund has consistently outperformed its benchmark index. If not, it may be time to reassess its place in your portfolio.

Peer Comparison: Compare your funds with similar funds from other companies. A strong fund will usually perform well against peers.

Historical Returns: Evaluate the long-term returns of each fund. If a fund has consistently delivered below-average returns, consider switching to better-performing options.

2. Consider Portfolio Diversification
Check for Overlap: Holding multiple funds can sometimes lead to asset overlap, which reduces diversification benefits. Assess each fund’s holdings to ensure you’re adequately diversified.

Balanced Allocation: A well-balanced portfolio has a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Ensure your funds provide this balance and are not overly concentrated in one sector.

Avoiding Sector Concentration: If your funds are concentrated in specific sectors, it might increase risks. Choose funds with diversified holdings to spread risk.

3. Active Funds vs. Index Funds
Benefits of Active Funds: Actively managed funds, like yours, are managed by experts who make changes based on market trends. They can provide higher returns than passively managed index funds.

Drawbacks of Index Funds: Index funds lack flexibility and merely mirror the market index. They can underperform during market downturns since they hold all stocks in the index without discretion.

Regular Funds with CFP Support: Opting for regular plans through an MFD with a Certified Financial Planner ensures tailored advice. They monitor your investments and make adjustments as needed, unlike direct plans where investors manage alone.

4. Assess Tax Implications
Equity Mutual Fund Taxation: On equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh attract a 12.5% tax rate. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Fund Taxation: For debt funds, both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab. This may impact your decision to redeem or hold based on your current tax bracket.

Holding Period Benefits: Since you’ve held these funds for a long time, most of your gains qualify as LTCG, which is generally more tax-efficient than STCG.

5. Identifying Your Financial Goals
Align with Life Goals: Evaluate if these funds still align with your life goals. If they don’t, consider redirecting your investments into funds better suited to your objectives.

Future Needs and Goals: Identify future milestones, such as retirement or children’s education. Funds aligned with these goals should be reviewed to ensure they’re on track.

Emergency Requirements: If you need liquidity, assess which funds can be redeemed with minimal impact on your long-term goals. Aim to keep some funds in lower-risk assets for easy access.

6. Market Conditions and Timing
Current Market Valuation: Exiting during market highs can lock in profits. But if the market seems overvalued, consider a phased withdrawal to mitigate timing risks.

Phased Exit with STP: Use a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) if you wish to move funds gradually. This reduces market timing risks and provides a smoother transition to other investments.

Avoid Hasty Decisions: Long-term investments are usually best held unless there is a strong reason to exit. Always weigh your options carefully and avoid impulsive decisions.

7. Consider Alternatives for Consistent Returns
Switch to High-Performing Funds: If any funds have consistently underperformed, consider switching to actively managed funds with better historical performance.

Hybrid and Debt Fund Options: Hybrid funds provide a balance of equity and debt. They’re suitable if you want to reduce market exposure without exiting completely.

Avoid Real Estate for Liquidity: Real estate lacks the flexibility and liquidity of mutual funds. Mutual funds provide easier access to funds in times of need.

8. Monitor and Rebalance Periodically
Annual Performance Review: Review your funds annually to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk profile.

Rebalancing Portfolio: Adjust your portfolio allocation based on changing market conditions and your goals. Rebalancing can help optimise returns and manage risks.

Professional Guidance: A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help identify underperforming funds and suggest suitable replacements, ensuring your portfolio remains healthy and aligned with your goals.

Final Insights
Your long-term investment journey is truly commendable. By reviewing fund performance, aligning with goals, and rebalancing as needed, you can ensure continued growth. Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner to maximise your portfolio’s potential.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 2024

Money
Mr Advait Arora, I am 36 Years Old and just got introduced to MF. I have started RD 80K/Month , FD 7.5Lcs, 32.5K/Month MF (SBI Magnum Mid Cap Direct Plan Growth 5k, Tata Small Cap Fund Direct growth 10 K, SBI PSU Direct Plan Growth 5K,Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund Direct growth 5 K,Quant Small cap Fund Direct Plan Growth 5k & Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct growth 2.5k. Additionaly have started LIC INdex Plan 30K/Month for 20 years, 2.5 Lcs / year HDFC ULIP Click to invest 10 years plan and 10 K/Month on Max life Saving an Ulip Plan Again for 5 years invest and 20 years plan . I wanted to target 10 Crores in 15 Years. Please let me know if am on the right track or is there some changes to be made .All this are started in year 2024. I am an NRE working in Middile east Thanks in advance Deepu
Ans: Your commitment to financial discipline and long-term goals is praiseworthy. However, your portfolio requires optimisation to ensure you reach your Rs 10 crore target in 15 years. Here's a detailed assessment and strategic recommendations.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Recurring Deposit (RD): Rs 80,000/Month
Recurring deposits are low-risk but offer limited returns.
The post-tax return is unlikely to match inflation.
Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs 7.5 Lakh
Fixed deposits are safe but have similar challenges as RDs.
Long-term wealth creation is difficult with these instruments.
Mutual Funds (MF): Rs 32,500/Month
Investments in small-cap and mid-cap funds indicate a high-risk appetite.
However, all your investments are in direct funds.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Direct funds require active monitoring and market knowledge.
Any wrong decision can lead to lower returns.
Benefits of Regular Funds via CFP:

Professional guidance ensures better fund selection.
Regular reviews and rebalancing optimise performance.
LIC Index Plan: Rs 30,000/Month for 20 Years
Index-based plans offer limited growth due to market-cap weighting.
Returns may not beat inflation consistently.
HDFC ULIP Click to Invest: Rs 2.5 Lakh/Year for 10 Years
ULIPs combine insurance and investment, leading to suboptimal growth.
High charges during the initial years impact returns.
Max Life Saving ULIP: Rs 10,000/Month for 5 Years, 20-Year Plan
Long lock-in and high charges are similar drawbacks as the above ULIP.
Insurance cover may not suffice for your financial needs.
Optimising Your Portfolio for Growth
1. Mutual Fund Investments
Shift from direct plans to regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner.
Diversify across equity, hybrid, and debt categories for better stability.
2. Recurring Deposit and Fixed Deposit
Gradually move RD and FD funds into debt and equity mutual funds.
Debt funds offer tax efficiency and better post-tax returns.
3. LIC Index Plan and ULIPs
Surrender these policies after consulting with your Certified Financial Planner.
Reinvest proceeds into mutual funds for higher long-term returns.
4. Adequate Term Insurance
Buy a pure term insurance plan for financial protection.
Ensure the sum assured is at least 10-15 times your annual income.
Building a Rs 10 Crore Corpus in 15 Years
Step 1: Monthly SIP Investments
Increase monthly SIPs gradually to match your cash flow.
Allocate more funds to equity-oriented mutual funds for growth.
Step 2: Balanced Portfolio Allocation
Maintain 60% in equity, 30% in debt, and 10% in other instruments.
Equity funds drive growth, while debt funds provide stability.
Step 3: Monitor and Rebalance
Regularly review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner.
Rebalance yearly to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Tax Efficiency
1. Mutual Fund Taxation
Equity funds have LTCG taxed at 12.5% above Rs 1.25 lakh.
Plan withdrawals to minimise tax liability.
2. Debt Fund Taxation
Gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Use systematic withdrawals for efficient tax management.
Final Insights
You have a strong savings habit and a clear financial goal. However, some adjustments are necessary to optimise your portfolio. Surrender low-yield plans like ULIPs and LIC and reinvest in growth-oriented mutual funds. Shift from direct funds to regular funds with professional guidance.

With disciplined investing, proper diversification, and consistent reviews, achieving Rs 10 crore in 15 years is possible. Stay focused and work closely with a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |676 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Dec 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 02, 2025Hindi
Relationship
My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

Hope this helps

...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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