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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 20, 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
Bhanumati Question by Bhanumati on Jul 20, 2024Hindi
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Money

Thank you sir I will try to increase SIP. I have a Max life insurance policy which cost 25000 per year and will mature in 2033. It will give me 300000. Thank you for your suggestion.

Ans: Your Max Life insurance policy costs Rs. 25,000 per year. It will mature in 2033, giving you Rs. 3,00,000.

Recommendation to Surrender
1. Low Returns:

The expected maturity amount indicates low returns. You can achieve better growth elsewhere.

2. Surrender the Policy:

Consider surrendering the policy. Redirect the premium to mutual funds.

Reinvest in Mutual Funds
1. Higher Growth Potential:

Mutual funds offer higher returns over the long term. They can significantly increase your corpus.

2. Diversify:

Invest in a mix of equity and balanced funds. This provides growth and stability.

Final Insights
Surrender the low-return policy. Reinvest the Rs. 25,000 annual premium in mutual funds for better returns.

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  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 30, 2023Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am 43 yrs old and have 35k monthly SIP as below.. Kindly suggest if any changes needed. I am planning to increase it to 10% by next month. Asset Class/Scheme Name Category Risk Appetite Existing sip amount Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip-Reg(G) Blend Very High 3000 Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund-Reg(G) Blend Very High 3000 ICICI Pru Value Discovery Fund(G) Value / Contra Very High 3000 Aditya Birla SL Floating Rate Fund(G) Floater Fund Low To Moderate 1500 DSP Global Innovation FoF-Reg(G) Global Very High 3000 HDFC Short Term Debt Fund(G) Short Duration Fund Moderate 2000 Kotak Balanced Advantage Fund-Reg(G) Hybrid Very High 2000 Kotak Small Cap Fund(G) Mid / Small Very High 3000 ICICI Pru Savings Fund(G) Low Duration Fund Moderate 1500 HDFC Flexi Cap Fund(G) Value / Contra Very High 3000 DSP Midcap Fund-Reg(G) Mid / Small Very High 3000 ICICI Pru Balanced Advantage Fund(G) Hybrid High 2000 Mirae Asset Equity Savings Fund-Reg(G) Hybrid Moderately High 2000 DSP Quant Fund-Reg(G) Quality Very High 3000
Ans: Optimizing Your Monthly SIP Portfolio for Long-Term Growth

Your proactive approach to investing through monthly SIPs reflects a commitment to building wealth and achieving your financial goals. Let's review your current portfolio and make informed recommendations for potential adjustments.

Assessing Your Existing SIP Portfolio

Your SIP portfolio comprises a diverse mix of asset classes and fund categories, catering to various risk appetites and investment objectives. Here's a brief overview:

Blend Funds: Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund offer exposure to both large and mid-cap segments, providing growth potential with a blend of stability.
Value/Contra Funds: ICICI Pru Value Discovery Fund and HDFC Flexi Cap Fund focus on identifying undervalued stocks, potentially offering attractive returns over the long term.
Floater Fund: Aditya Birla SL Floating Rate Fund provides stability and income generation through investments in floating-rate securities.
Global Fund: DSP Global Innovation FoF offers exposure to global innovation-driven companies, diversifying geographical risk and tapping into international growth opportunities.
Debt Funds: HDFC Short Term Debt Fund and ICICI Pru Savings Fund provide stability and income generation with moderate risk exposure.
Identifying Areas for Potential Adjustment

Risk Assessment: Given the high-risk nature of several funds in your portfolio, it's essential to ensure alignment with your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Reassess your risk appetite and consider rebalancing your portfolio accordingly.

Overlapping Holdings: Review your portfolio for any overlapping holdings or duplicate exposures across funds. Consolidating similar investments can streamline your portfolio and optimize diversification.

Performance Evaluation: Evaluate the historical performance of each fund relative to its benchmark and peer group. Identify underperforming funds and consider replacing them with alternatives that offer better prospects for growth.

Asset Allocation: Maintain a balanced asset allocation across equity, debt, and hybrid funds to manage risk effectively and achieve your long-term financial goals.

Recommendations for Adjustments

Increase SIP Amount: As you plan to increase your SIP allocation by 10%, consider allocating additional funds to well-performing funds with proven track records and growth potential.

Streamline Portfolio: Consider consolidating your portfolio by trimming or eliminating underperforming funds. Focus on retaining funds that align with your investment objectives and risk tolerance.

Explore New Opportunities: With the additional investment amount, consider exploring new funds or asset classes that complement your existing holdings and provide opportunities for diversification and growth.

Seeking Professional Guidance

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend conducting a comprehensive portfolio review to identify areas for optimization and align your investments with your financial goals. Professional guidance can help navigate market uncertainties and maximize your investment outcomes.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2024Hindi
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I am currently 51 and willing to retire at 56.current sips done is 1.33L per month.Started investing in June 2021 and so far invested value is 58 L and market value seen as 77 L..Now i am thinking to increase SIP by additinal 1.4 L per month so will it be good to increase sips for next 5 years .Pl advise.
Ans: Current Investment Analysis
You are investing Rs. 1.33 lakhs per month in SIPs. Since June 2021, your investment of Rs. 58 lakhs has grown to Rs. 77 lakhs. This shows good growth in your portfolio.

Increasing SIPs
You plan to increase your SIPs by Rs. 1.4 lakhs per month for the next 5 years. This will significantly boost your investment corpus. Regular investments in diversified funds can yield good returns over time.

Evaluating Investment Strategy
Increasing SIPs is a good strategy. Ensure you diversify across large cap, midcap, and small cap funds. Actively managed funds can offer better returns than index funds.

Balancing Risk and Returns
As you are nearing retirement, balance your portfolio to manage risk. Consider allocating a portion to debt funds for stability. This ensures safety and steady returns.

Planning for Retirement
With increased SIPs, your retirement corpus will grow substantially. Review your portfolio regularly. Adjust based on market conditions and financial goals.

Insurance and Emergency Fund
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. Maintain an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This provides financial security for unforeseen events.

Final Insights
Increasing your SIPs by Rs. 1.4 lakhs per month is a good strategy. Ensure diversification and balance risk. Regular reviews and adjustments will help you achieve your retirement goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4488 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Sir , i got 67000crl rank and 20000obc rank in jee mains . I also got 18000 rank in vit. I am also going to write cusat, met and bitsat , i think i might not crack jee advance . i am hoping to pursue mechanical or electrical, Could sir kindly tell me its scope. From my current options which college should i choose among GFTI,s North east nits, VIT, MET, BITSAT for me to develop a good career
Ans: Rohan, considering your JEE performance, disregard BITSAT as it requires a minimum score of 250 out of 390 for admission into Mechanical Engineering or Electrical branches. Designate CUSAT as your primary selection if your Home State is Kerala and you qualify for OBC Category consideration. Compile a list of 4-5 esteemed colleges affiliated with CUSAT that possess commendable placement records. Secondly, prioritize GFTIs and North East NITs over alternatives such as VIT and MET. Regarding GFTIs and NITs, it is prudent to examine the placement records of the past three years and assess them prior to selecting preferences in JoSAA. Consider MET as your final alternative. Here is a step-by-step guide for predicting your chances of admission into NIT, IIIT, or GFTI following the JEE Main results.

Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |4488 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
what are the college options i can look up to at 91.8% in jee and 1.21 lakh crl
Ans: Valerica, Providing precise admission chances for each student can be challenging. Some reputed educational websites offer ‘College Predictor’ tools where you can check possible college options based on your percentile, category, and preferences. However, for a more accurate understanding, here’s a simple yet effective 9-step method using JoSAA’s past-year opening and closing ranks. This approach gives you a fair estimate (though not 100% exact) of your admission chances based on the previous year’s data.

Here is, How to Predict Your Chances of Admission into NIT or IIIT or GFTI After JEE Main Results – A Step-by-Step Guide.

Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your Admission Chances Using JoSAA Data
Step 1: Collect Your Key Details
Before starting, note down the following details:

Your JEE Main percentile
Your category (General-Open, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, PwD categories)
Preferred institute types (NIT, IIIT, GFTI)
Preferred locations (or if you're open to any location in India)
List of at least 3 preferred academic programs (branches) as backups (instead of relying on just one option)
Step 2: Access JoSAA’s Official Opening & Closing Ranks
Go to Google and type: JoSAA Opening & Closing Ranks 2024
Click on the first search result (official JoSAA website).
You will land directly on JoSAA’s portal, where you can enter your details to check past-year cutoffs.
Step 3: Select the Round Number
JoSAA conducts five rounds of counseling.
For a safer estimate, choose Round 4, as most admissions are settled by this round.
Step 4: Choose the Institute Type
Select NIT, IIIT, or GFTI, depending on your preference.
If you are open to all types of institutes, check them one by one instead of selecting all at once.
Step 5: Select the Institute Name (Based on Location)
It is recommended to check institutes one by one, based on your preferred locations.
Avoid selecting ‘ALL’ at once, as it may create confusion.
Step 6: Select Your Preferred Academic Program (Branch)
Enter the branches you are interested in, one at a time, in your preferred order.
Step 7: Submit and Analyze Results
After selecting the relevant details, click the ‘SUBMIT’ button.
The system will display Opening & Closing Ranks of the selected institute and branch for different categories both Home State (HS) i.e. State you belong to & also Other State (OS).
Step 8: Note Down the Opening & Closing Ranks
Maintain a notebook or diary to record the Opening & Closing Ranks for each institute and branch you are interested in, separately for HS & OS Categories for a quick reference.
This will serve as a quick reference during JoSAA counseling.
Step 9: Adjust Your Expectations on a Safer Side
Since Opening & Closing Ranks fluctuate slightly each year, always adjust the numbers for safety.
Example Calculation:
If the Opening & Closing Ranks for NIT Delhi | Mechanical Engineering | OPEN Category show 8622 & 26186 (for Home State), consider adjusting them to 8300 & 23000 (on a safer side).
If the Female Category rank is 34334 & 36212, adjust it to 31000 & 33000.

Follow this approach for Other State candidates and different categories.
Pro Tip: Adjust your expected rank slightly lower than the previous year's cutoffs for realistic expectations during JoSAA counseling.

Can This Method Be Used for JEE April & JEE Advanced?
Yes! You can repeat the same steps after your April JEE Main results to refine your admission possibilities.
You can also follow a similar process for JEE Advanced cutoffs when applying for IITs.

Want to Learn More About JoSAA Counseling?
If you want detailed insights on JoSAA counseling, engineering entrance exams, preparation strategies, and engineering career options, check out EduJob360’s 180+ YouTube videos on this topic!

Hope this guide helps! All the best for your admissions!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1603 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, as my son Inter bord got 91% but in Jee mains 1st attempt got 50% and 2nd attempt got 70%, but he was not eligible for Advance, and he was wrote other college exams as (IIIT Hyd + VIT+TSEAPCET) in that VIT got results as 1.20 Lakh rank and he was eligible for Round of Category of 5th for VIT-AP & VIT-Bhopal, and expecting results for IIIT Hyd and also waiting for other Exams as (COMEDK + MIT + BITS), he was sincerely trying the efforts private college entrance exams, but the results which is not satisfy for him, and getting disappoint, but I was giving the motivation for other exams and do the hard work and focus on, BITS & IIT-Hyd also very tuff and more competitive, as i need to think for the negative side, if he could not get any cut of marks, what is the next option....? I request you pls give any other alternate suggestions for which is alternate engineering university for the course of (CSE AI & ML), my son interested in CSE course only
Ans: Hello Rakesh
First and foremost, I would like to commend your son for his earnest efforts in preparing for a range of engineering entrance examinations. His dedication is commendable, even if the outcomes so far haven't aligned with expectations. As you’ve mentioned, he has not yet been able to meet the required cutoff, which understandably may lead to feelings of disappointment or frustration.
However, the journey isn't over. Significant opportunities still lie ahead with BITSAT and IIIT-Hyderabad, both of which are known to be less about difficulty and more about testing strategic thinking and conceptual clarity. It appears that your son may be facing challenges in effectively managing the vast syllabus or might not yet have identified the right approach to tackle these competitive exams. Understanding how to study smartly for such tests often makes all the difference.
It’s important to maintain a positive outlook and avoid negative assumptions at this stage. You haven’t mentioned your financial circumstances, but if your son is determined to pursue fields like Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Machine Learning, and if merit-based options don’t materialize, admission through the management quota could be a viable alternative. This route is typically available in reputed private engineering colleges, though it comes with a higher financial commitment.
Before considering this option seriously, I would recommend waiting for the results of all the remaining entrance exams. At the same time, it would be wise to proactively visit a few reputed institutions to inquire about the availability of management quota seats, associated costs, and relevant terms and conditions. Many parents secure such seats early on, anticipating the challenges their child might face in clearing competitive cutoffs.
Stay optimistic, there are still several promising pathways ahead.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 06, 2025
Career
can i get admission in NFSU through jee mains score only ? because i gone on NFSU admission portal link for B.Tech-M.Tech Integrated program in Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber Security) but they asking about NFAT exam
Ans: Hi,
I apologize for any confusion, but I want to clarify that when the government asked for our support of the ONE NATION ONE CARD system, we did not accept it. Similarly, everyone is required to open a savings account at a bank, and many of us expressed our discontent. However, we can see the positive changes happening in India. If we support the government, they will reciprocate by providing benefits to the citizens.

In terms of education, the government is attempting to implement a new education policy, which has proven to be quite difficult. The education system has changed significantly before and after the pandemic. Now, the government is working on new policies that align with those of developed countries.

Therefore, we cannot expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from the government at this time, as it is not included in the current guidelines. Each council or organization has its own set of guidelines, and synchronizing them will take time. At this moment, it is simply not feasible.

The NFAT exam is different from the JEE. In the case of the JEE, they did not notify the aspirants that they are eligible to apply for NFSU, and similarly, NFSU did not mention that JEE rank holders could also apply. Therefore, if you want admission to NFSU, you need to register and appear for the NFTA.

In the near future, we can expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from this BJP government for the benefit of younger generations. For the benefit of postgraduate aspirants (for all courses except a few professional ones), the NTA is organizing the PGCUET exam nationwide. In this exam, you can opt for up to four different courses based on your eligibility.

A similar exam pattern is needed for engineering and medical fields as well. As I mentioned, we can expect this change; however, we, as citizens, should offer moral support for the benefit of younger generations. Unfortunately, we often do not provide this support to the government. For example, in the NEET exam, many aspirants do not follow the guidelines even when appearing for the exams.
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