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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8620 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 07, 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
Imran Question by Imran on Jan 06, 2025
Money

Thank you for your thorough response, Sir. I will perform a more detailed analysis as you recommended before proceeding with any investments and will allocate the funds accordingly.

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
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  |8620 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 23, 2024Hindi
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SIP 10,000.00 UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund SIP 10,000.00 HDFC Mid Cap opportunities fund SIP 10,000.00 UTI Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund SIP 10,000.00 Nippon India Growth Fund SIP 5,000.00 Axis Small Cap SIP 5,000.00 Nippon Small Cap i have these investements please comment
Ans: Current SIP Investments Overview

Your current SIP investments demonstrate a well-diversified portfolio. Allocating Rs. 10,000 each to UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund, HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund, UTI Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund, and Nippon India Growth Fund, along with Rs. 5,000 each in Axis Small Cap and Nippon Small Cap, shows strategic planning.

Your disciplined investment approach is commendable. Ensuring minimal overlap among funds shows careful planning. This is a critical step in building a strong investment portfolio.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds like the UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund merely replicate market performance. They do not aim to outperform the market. Actively managed funds can potentially achieve higher returns through strategic portfolio adjustments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds are managed by experts who make informed decisions based on market conditions. These funds aim to outperform the market, offering potential for higher returns. They also help in risk management by adapting to market changes.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds lack professional guidance. Regular funds managed by Certified Financial Planners provide expert advice, helping to optimize your portfolio. This professional management can significantly enhance your investment outcomes.

Analysis of Current Fund Selection

Your current SIPs are well-distributed across various market segments:

Large Cap: UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund
Mid Cap: HDFC Mid Cap Opportunities Fund
Momentum: UTI Nifty 200 Momentum 30 Index Fund
Growth: Nippon India Growth Fund
Small Cap: Axis Small Cap, Nippon Small Cap
This diversified approach balances risk and growth potential effectively.

Suggestions for Further Investment

With an additional Rs. 30,000 per month to invest, consider the following:

Flexi Cap Funds: These funds invest across different market capitalizations, providing flexibility and balance.

International Equity Funds: Diversifying globally can hedge against domestic market volatility and tap into global growth opportunities.

Sectoral/Thematic Funds: Investing in specific sectors like technology or healthcare offers high growth potential but comes with higher risk.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments

Periodic reviews of your portfolio are essential. Market conditions change, and timely adjustments ensure your investments remain aligned with your financial goals. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice based on current market trends and personal objectives.

Conclusion

Your current investment strategy is robust and well-structured. By adding further diversified funds and regularly reviewing your portfolio with professional guidance, you can optimize your investments and achieve long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8620 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Money
Dear Dev, I have shortlisted a few funds that I am considering for investment and wanted to seek your guidance. I plan to invest approximately 20 lacs to 25 lacs in a lumpsum and additionally set up a monthly SIP of about 2 lacs. The minimum investment horizon I am looking at is 7 to 8 years. Regarding the SIP, I intend to invest for a minimum period of 3 years, with a maximum duration of up to 50 months, and I do not plan to withdraw both the investment not before completion of 7 to 8 year or if the market is favoring i would like to keep it invested for 10 year also.after that i can switch few about to arbitrage funds or structures and rest to be withdrawn as SWP. also you can suggest me for government bonds Could you please go through the selected funds and advise if any changes are necessary? 1 DSP Equity Opportunities Fund 10.00% 2 HDFC Flexi Cap Fund 10.00% 3 Quant Large Cap Fund 10.00% 4 Canara Robeco Multi Cap Fund 8.00% 5 Invesco India Small Cap Fund 8.00% 6 Kotak Multicap Fund 8.00% 7 Quant Active Fund 8.00% 8 SBI Contra Fund 8.00% 9 SBI Large & Midcap Fund 6.00% 10 Kotak Emerging Equity Fund 6.00% 11 HDFC Small Cap Fund 5.00% 12 ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund 5.00% 13 SBI Infrastructre Fund 5.00% 14 ICICI Prudential Focused Equity Fund 3.00% Total 100% Thank you for your assistance. Regards S.Bala
Ans: You have taken time to shortlist your funds. That itself shows good research and intent.

Your plan—Rs. 20–25 lacs in lumpsum, and Rs. 2 lacs monthly SIP—is sound.

You are looking at 7 to 8 years minimum. Optionally, extending to 10 years.

This long horizon gives space for equity funds to grow well.

Below is a detailed review of your plan from a Certified Financial Planner’s perspective.

I have evaluated it from multiple angles—allocation, category, fund strategy, and diversification.

Also included are suggestions on government bonds and post-investment strategies.

Let’s take it step by step for better clarity.

Overall Asset Allocation Strategy

You are aiming for 100% equity allocation. That’s suitable for your long horizon.

Since there is no withdrawal pressure in short-term, equity volatility is manageable.

However, from a 360-degree view, having 5–10% in debt can bring balance.

Equity does best over 7–10 years, but risk control is equally important.

You may consider adding a dynamic asset allocation fund instead of another pure equity fund.

Category-Wise Evaluation of Your Fund Mix

Let’s review your selected categories step by step. I’ll explain the strengths and risks too.

Flexi Cap / Multi Cap / Large & Midcap Funds

You have a good spread here.

These funds can shift allocation between market caps. That brings flexibility.

4 to 5 funds in this space may be excessive.

You can trim one and increase allocation to small or mid cap.

Small Cap Funds

You have 3 small cap funds. That’s aggressive, but okay with your horizon.

Small caps are very volatile but deliver well over 8–10 years.

Keep total allocation below 20%. You are currently near that. That is acceptable.

Large Cap / Focused / Dividend Yield

Your exposure here seems slightly low. These bring stability to the portfolio.

One fund focusing on dividend yield is a good diversifier.

Focused funds can outperform but also bring concentration risk.

A single focused fund in the portfolio is enough. You have done that right.

Contra / Value / Thematic Funds

A contra fund adds strategy diversity. It suits long-term investors like you.

Infrastructure fund is thematic. These are cyclical in performance.

Consider reducing allocation here or keeping them under 5%. You already did that. Good.

Fund Count and Consolidation Advice

You have 14 funds. That’s on the higher side.

8 to 10 well-chosen funds are enough to diversify.

Too many funds bring overlap and reduce manageability.

Consider trimming 3 to 4 schemes. Focus on quality, consistency, and style difference.

Avoid similar funds from same category. Multi-cap and flexi-cap from different AMCs often overlap.

SIP Strategy Review

SIP of Rs. 2 lacs per month is well thought.

3 to 4 years of SIP with long holding is effective for wealth creation.

Use STP from liquid funds for lumpsum. Helps manage entry-point risk.

Don’t increase SIPs too fast. Let it match your surplus income and liquidity comfort.

Exit Planning: SWP and Arbitrage Funds

SWP post 8 to 10 years is suitable for regular income.

Use arbitrage or ultra-short duration funds as SWP source.

Shift from equity gradually, not all at once. Use 1–2 year transition for SWP.

Choose SWP funds with low volatility and stable NAV.

Don’t chase high return during SWP phase. Capital protection is key.

Structured Products Review

These are complex products. Often hard to track.

Only consider them with clear understanding of risk and payoff logic.

Prefer simple, transparent MF structure unless tax or liquidity need justifies structured product.

Government Bonds: How to Use Them

You may keep 5–10% in government bonds. Good for risk balancing.

Look at RBI Floating Rate Bonds. No credit risk. 7.5% interest.

Sovereign Gold Bonds also are an option if you like gold exposure.

Avoid long-term G-Secs unless interest rate outlook is clear.

Use Bharat Bond ETFs only if liquidity and exit are not a concern.

New Capital Gains Tax Rules: What to Know

On equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%. This rule is new and matters for your exit strategy.

Track realized gains each year. Use tax harvesting if needed.

For debt mutual funds, gains taxed as per your slab.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Plans

Direct funds may look cheaper. But they lack human guidance.

You miss strategy alignment and real-time help during volatile markets.

Regular plans via Certified Financial Planner offer long-term clarity.

Right advice avoids wrong exits and wrong fund choices. That benefit is much bigger.

Portfolio Monitoring Strategy

Review your portfolio once in 6 months. Don’t do frequent changes.

Evaluate on fund consistency, AMC quality, and style fit. Not only past returns.

Avoid changing funds based on short-term ranking. Focus on long-term behaviour.

Stick to your plan unless there is a major reason to change.

Additional 360° Suggestions

Use a capital gains tracker every year. Helps tax planning.

Don’t ignore health insurance and term insurance. It protects your financial goals.

Set clear goal amounts for each future purpose—child education, retirement, etc.

Your financial plan should integrate income, insurance, expenses, goals, and liquidity.

Assign nominees and maintain a digital record of investments. Keep family informed.

Finally

Your fund shortlist is well selected across styles and themes.

Few small changes can bring sharper structure and clarity.

Trim overlapping schemes. Reduce to 10 or 11 funds.

Maintain discipline in SIP and avoid panic in market dips.

Plan withdrawal early. Don’t leave decisions for the last year.

Consider Certified Financial Planner for review and monitoring. Regular review ensures alignment.

Stay long term, stay invested, and stay balanced.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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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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