Sir, What is the tax slab for senior citizens and a super senior citizen under the old regime vis a vis the new regime of tax?

Ans: You have clearly thought through your investment expectations. It is good to see that you are aiming for long-term wealth building. Now let’s analyse and guide you in detail with a 360-degree approach.

Clarity on Your Investment Objective

You have Rs.10 lakh to invest as lump sum.

Your goal is 18–22% XIRR over 15–20 years.

You are seeking low NAV funds with high alpha and high Sharpe Ratio.

The desire for strong long-term returns is absolutely fair.
However, the expectations of 18–22% XIRR consistently over two decades need thoughtful evaluation.

Understanding Long-Term Equity Return Expectations

Historically, good equity funds give 12–15% XIRR over long-term.

18–22% range is aggressive and may not be consistent.

Equity markets are volatile. They need time and patience.

Over 15–20 years, compounding works well.
But expecting 18–22% every year may lead to disappointment.
It is better to expect 12–15% XIRR. Anything above that is bonus.

The Truth About Low NAV Funds

Many investors think low NAV means cheap or better value.

But NAV is not like share price.

NAV shows fund’s per unit value. That’s it.

A fund with Rs.10 NAV is not cheaper than one with Rs.200 NAV.
What matters is how the fund grows, not where it starts.

So, do not choose funds just based on low NAV.
Instead, focus on the fund’s performance, consistency, risk-adjusted return, and fund house strength.

What Does High Alpha and Sharpe Ratio Mean

High alpha means fund is beating its benchmark well.

Sharpe ratio shows return vs. risk taken by the fund.

Higher Sharpe ratio means better risk-adjusted return.

So yes, choosing funds with high alpha and Sharpe ratio makes sense.
But they should be consistently high over 5–10 years.
One-year or short-term alpha is not reliable.

You should also see downside protection, past bear market behaviour, and fund manager continuity.

Important Factors for Fund Selection

Instead of chasing only metrics, look at:

Long-term performance: minimum 7–10 years history

Rolling returns: consistency over time, not point-to-point

Fund manager’s experience and track record

Sector diversification and portfolio quality

Volatility and risk control ability of the fund

A fund with lower return but stable and consistent is better than a risky high return fund.

Why Not Index Funds

Some investors suggest index funds due to low cost.
But index funds just copy the index. They don’t beat the market.

Disadvantages of index funds:

No downside protection in falling markets

Returns only match the index, never exceed

Blind allocation to sectors and stocks

Not suitable if you seek 18–22% XIRR

In contrast, actively managed funds aim to beat the index.
They adapt based on market trends, sector shifts, and economic changes.

With proper selection and regular tracking, active funds can deliver alpha.
So if your goal is high XIRR, avoid index funds.

Why Not Direct Plans

Some investors invest in direct mutual funds without guidance.
But direct funds lack personalised support, rebalancing, and review.

Disadvantages of direct funds:

No one helps track, switch, or reallocate your money

No behaviour control during market corrections

Investors may panic or make wrong decisions

Returns may suffer due to wrong timing

Instead, invest via regular plans under a Certified Financial Planner.
You get portfolio monitoring, expert guidance, and emotional support.
This helps you stay disciplined for 15–20 years.

The cost difference is worth the value added.
A small fee ensures long-term confidence and correct allocation.

Best Strategy for Your Rs.10 Lakh Lump Sum

Since you are investing a lump sum, avoid full one-shot exposure into equity.
Even though horizon is long, entering gradually is better.

Here is a better path:

Step 1: Park Rs.10 lakh in a suitable ultra short term or low duration fund

Step 2: Use STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) to move money to equity over 12–18 months

Step 3: Choose 2–3 well-diversified active equity mutual funds

Step 4: Monitor every year with a Certified Financial Planner

Step 5: Rebalance based on market cycle and fund performance

This phased entry reduces market timing risk.
Also gives better average buying cost.

Which Type of Funds to Choose

Avoid small cap or sectoral funds for lump sum.
They are volatile and need tactical allocation.

Instead, select:

Large & Mid Cap Funds

Flexi Cap Funds

Focused Equity Funds

Multi Asset Funds (for some balance)

These fund categories give:

Diversification

Good upside

Controlled downside

Flexibility for fund manager

With long-term investing, these fund styles build wealth steadily.
They also protect better during market falls.

You don’t need too many funds.
Just 2–3 high-quality ones are enough.

Things to Watch as You Invest

Always link your investment to goal, not just return.

Monitor the funds every year for consistency.

Avoid churning. Let compounding do the work.

Don’t react emotionally to short-term falls.

Stay invested fully for 15–20 years.

Avoid temptation to switch often.
Discipline and patience bring more return than constant change.

MF Tax Rules to Keep in Mind

When you exit your equity mutual funds:

If held for over 1 year:

LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

If sold within 1 year:

STCG taxed at 20%

Plan your redemptions properly.
Spread withdrawals over years to save tax.
Avoid redeeming in panic.

Role of Certified Financial Planner in Long-Term Investing

To reach 18–22% return, fund selection is not enough.
You need portfolio design, rebalancing, emotional support, and tax planning.

This is where a Certified Financial Planner helps:

Suggest best funds for your profile

Plan STP for smooth entry

Review and rebalance every year

Prevent emotional exits

Track performance vs. your goal

Provide goal-based reports

A guided long-term approach works better than random investing.
Your planner acts like your investment partner.

Mistakes to Avoid

Please avoid the below traps:

Don’t invest full lump sum in equity at once

Don’t choose funds based on low NAV

Don’t focus only on return, ignore risk

Don’t pick direct funds without expert help

Don’t expect 20% yearly return every year

Don’t react to market noise

Don’t keep changing funds too often

Avoiding mistakes is as important as choosing good funds.

What You Should Do Now

Decide on your 15–20 year goal clearly

Park Rs.10 lakh in short-term fund

Start STP into 2–3 strong equity mutual funds

Choose funds with high alpha, Sharpe, and 10-year performance

Avoid index and direct plans

Invest via regular plan through Certified Financial Planner

Review every year with professional help

Stay invested for long term patiently

Expect 12–15% XIRR, not 22%

Let compounding work quietly

Finally

Your intent to invest long-term is excellent.
A Rs.10 lakh investment over 20 years can grow substantially.
Even at 12–15% XIRR, it can create good wealth.
Stay disciplined, invest right, and follow a guided path.
Choose actively managed funds, and avoid risky shortcuts.
Returns will follow when strategy is sound.

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