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Looking for Equity-linked Mutual Funds and Insurance Schemes?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7028 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 28, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Aug 28, 2024Hindi
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Sir which are the best mutual funds or insurance schemes which are equity linked. I want to SIP RS.10000 per month so how do I go about it.

Ans: Before selecting the best equity-linked investment options, it's important to understand your investment objectives.

Consider These Questions:

Are you investing for long-term wealth creation or a specific goal?

What is your risk tolerance? Can you handle market volatility?

Do you need tax-saving benefits?

Answering these questions will help tailor your investment strategy to meet your specific needs.

The Role of Equity-Linked Investments
Equity-linked investments, such as mutual funds, offer potential for higher returns.

Key Benefits:

Long-Term Growth: Equity investments can grow significantly over time.

Diversification: They spread risk across various sectors and companies.

Professional Management: Funds are managed by experts who make investment decisions for you.

Risks to Consider:

Market Volatility: Equity markets can be volatile, especially in the short term.

No Guaranteed Returns: Unlike fixed-income instruments, returns in equity-linked investments are not guaranteed.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) – A Disciplined Approach
Investing Rs. 10,000 per month through a SIP is a disciplined way to build wealth.

Advantages of SIP:

Rupee Cost Averaging: You buy more units when prices are low and fewer when prices are high.

Compounding Benefits: Over time, even small investments can grow substantially due to compounding.

Flexibility: You can start, stop, or change your SIP amount based on your financial situation.

Selecting the Right Mutual Funds
Choosing the right mutual funds is crucial for achieving your financial goals.

Avoid Direct Funds:

Direct funds may seem appealing due to lower costs, but they require more active management from you.

Disadvantage of Direct Funds: They lack the advisory support you get with regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Go with Regular Funds:

Expert Advice: Regular funds provide access to a CFP who can guide you on fund selection, portfolio management, and rebalancing.

Tailored Solutions: A CFP will recommend funds that match your risk profile and investment goals.

The Importance of Diversification
Diversification is essential to manage risk and enhance returns.

Why Diversify?

Spread Risk: By investing in multiple funds across different sectors, you reduce the impact of any single investment’s poor performance.

Balanced Portfolio: A well-diversified portfolio includes large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to balance risk and return.

Active vs. Passive Management
It’s important to understand the difference between actively managed funds and index funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Lack of Active Management: Index funds follow a benchmark index and do not benefit from a fund manager's expertise.

Potentially Lower Returns: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds, especially in volatile markets.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:

Professional Expertise: Fund managers actively select stocks that can outperform the market.

Flexibility: They can adapt to market conditions and take advantage of investment opportunities.

Role of Insurance in Your Portfolio
Insurance is essential, but it should not be your primary investment vehicle.

Avoid Investment-Cum-Insurance Plans:

Low Returns: Plans like ULIPs often have high charges and may offer lower returns compared to pure equity investments.

Separate Insurance and Investment: It's better to keep insurance and investment separate. Focus on term insurance for protection and mutual funds for wealth creation.

Setting Realistic Expectations
Investing in equity-linked mutual funds is a long-term commitment.

What to Expect:

Patience is Key: Don’t expect immediate returns. Equity investments take time to grow.

Stay Disciplined: Stick to your SIP plan, even during market downturns.

Review Regularly: Review your portfolio periodically with your CFP to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Final Insights
Investing Rs. 10,000 per month through a SIP in equity-linked mutual funds can be a powerful wealth-building strategy. By choosing regular funds and working with a Certified Financial Planner, you can create a diversified portfolio that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Remember, the key to successful investing is patience, discipline, and regular review of your portfolio.

Steps to Take:

Start your SIP with regular funds managed by a CFP.

Diversify your portfolio across different sectors and market caps.

Keep your insurance separate from your investments.

Stay committed to your investment plan and review it regularly with your CFP.

By following these steps, you can create a strong foundation for long-term financial success.

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  |7028 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Dear Sir, I am 40 years old and i want to invest Rs.10,000/- per month through SIP in Mutual Funds for the period of 10 Years. Currently No investments in Stocks & Mutual Funds, Please suggest in which funds i have to invest.
Ans: Investing Rs. 10,000 per month through SIPs in mutual funds over a 10-year period is a prudent step towards building wealth. Here's a diversified portfolio suggestion to consider:

Large Cap Funds: Allocate a portion of your investment to large-cap funds for stability and steady growth. These funds invest in well-established companies with a track record of performance and stability.
Mid Cap Funds: Diversify your portfolio by investing in mid-cap funds, which focus on companies with moderate market capitalization. These funds have the potential for higher growth compared to large caps but come with slightly higher risk.
Multi Cap Funds: Invest in multi-cap funds to gain exposure across companies of various sizes, providing diversification and flexibility. These funds have the flexibility to invest in large, mid, and small-cap stocks based on market conditions.
Balanced Advantage Funds: Consider allocating a portion of your investment to balanced advantage funds, which dynamically manage their equity exposure based on market valuations. These funds aim to provide stable returns across market cycles.
Index Funds: Include index funds in your portfolio for low-cost exposure to broad market indices like Nifty or Sensex. These funds replicate the performance of the underlying index and offer diversification at a lower expense ratio.
International Funds: Explore international funds to diversify your portfolio geographically. These funds invest in companies listed outside India, providing exposure to global markets and currencies.
Remember to conduct thorough research or consult with a Certified Financial Planner before investing. They can help tailor a portfolio based on your risk tolerance, investment goals, and time horizon. Additionally, regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments if needed to stay on track towards your financial objectives.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7028 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi sir iam 36 yrs right now.i am planning to start sip of around 10000rs per month.please suggest some funds to invest
Ans: starting a SIP is a great decision. It's good to start early and stay consistent.

At 36, you have ample time to build a strong portfolio.

Importance of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are powerful.

They help you invest small amounts regularly and build wealth over time.

SIPs also bring discipline and mitigate market volatility.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity funds invest in stocks.

They offer high growth potential but come with higher risk.

Ideal for long-term goals due to compounding.

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt funds invest in bonds and fixed-income securities.

They provide stable returns with lower risk.

Suitable for short to medium-term goals.

Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt.

They balance risk and reward.

Good for medium-term goals.

Evaluating Your Risk Appetite
Before choosing funds, assess your risk tolerance.

Higher risk can bring higher rewards but also higher losses.

Choose a mix of funds that match your comfort level.

Recommended Fund Types
Large Cap Funds
Large cap funds invest in large, established companies.

They are less volatile and provide stable returns.

Mid Cap Funds
Mid cap funds invest in medium-sized companies.

They offer higher growth potential with moderate risk.

Small Cap Funds
Small cap funds invest in small, emerging companies.

They are high-risk but can give high returns over the long term.

Multi Cap Funds
Multi cap funds invest across large, mid, and small cap stocks.

They offer diversification and balance risk and reward.

Balanced Advantage Funds
Balanced advantage funds adjust between equity and debt.

They provide stability and growth.

Suitable for moderate risk investors.

Steps to Start Your SIP
Define Your Goals

Identify your financial goals.

Is it retirement, children's education, or a big purchase?

Set Your Budget

You mentioned Rs. 10,000 per month.

Make sure it's affordable and sustainable.

Choose Fund Categories

Based on your risk appetite, select a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Start Small and Increase Gradually

Begin with Rs. 10,000 and increase as your income grows.

Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investments.

Rebalance your portfolio based on performance and market conditions.

This keeps your investments aligned with your goals.

Tax Implications
Understand the tax implications of your investments.

Equity funds held for over a year have lower tax rates.

Debt funds held for over three years benefit from indexation.

Final Insights
Starting a SIP is a smart move.

Your plan to invest Rs. 10,000 monthly is a great start.

Diversify across large cap, mid cap, small cap, and balanced funds.

Monitor and rebalance regularly to stay on track.

With consistency and smart choices, you’ll achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7028 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 15, 2024Hindi
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Sir, Im 54 yrs, present monthly take home pay in hand of Rs.2.5Lacs after all I.Tax etc. deductions. Car EMI till Dec 2026 to be paid will be Rs.5000 per month. Have Health Insurance cover for 25 lacs, Term Insurance for Rs.2Crores but no Life Insurance cover. Monthly SIP is Rs.1Lac. Had made a lump-sum investment of Rs.55Lacs in Mutual Fund which is now valued around Rs.75Lacs. I'm not able to save anything beyond this due to family responsibilities and have to start repaying my son's education loan of Rs.20Lacs which would commence after 2.5 years (as he is studying now). Can you please let me know how much of corpus I might have at the time of my retirement if I continue to work till the age of 58years? Regards
Ans: Based on the information you’ve shared, let us assess your situation and provide insights into your potential retirement corpus.

Current Financial Position
Take-home salary: Rs. 2.5 Lacs per month
Car EMI: Rs. 5,000 per month (ending Dec 2026)
Health insurance: Rs. 25 Lacs
Term insurance: Rs. 2 Crores
Monthly SIP: Rs. 1 Lac
Lump-sum investment in mutual funds: Rs. 75 Lacs (current value)
Education loan repayment: Rs. 20 Lacs starting after 2.5 years
Retirement age: 58 years (4 years from now)
Assumptions for Projection
Your SIP of Rs. 1 Lac per month continues until retirement.
Your lump-sum mutual fund investment grows at an assumed annual rate of 10%.
Monthly SIP investments grow at an assumed annual rate of 10%.
Education loan repayment starts in 2.5 years. Let’s consider this doesn’t disrupt your SIPs.
Estimated Retirement Corpus
1. Growth of Existing Lump-Sum Investment
Current value: Rs. 75 Lacs
Growth for 4 years at 10%: Approximately Rs. 1.1 Crores
2. Future Value of Monthly SIPs
SIP: Rs. 1 Lac per month
Duration: 48 months (4 years)
Growth at 10%: Approximately Rs. 63 Lacs
Total Corpus at Retirement
Lump-sum mutual fund value: Rs. 1.1 Crores
SIP investments: Rs. 63 Lacs
Total corpus: Rs. 1.73 Crores
Recommendations
Education Loan Repayment: The repayment may require adjustments in your budget. Consider partial withdrawals or rebalancing investments if necessary to avoid disrupting your SIPs.
Increasing Savings: Once your car loan ends in 2026, channel the Rs. 5,000 EMI into SIPs to further enhance your corpus.
Financial Review: Regularly review your investments and retirement goals with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure alignment with market conditions.
Final Insights
If your investments grow at an average rate of 10%, you may have a retirement corpus of approximately Rs. 1.73 Crores by age 58. Focus on maintaining your SIP contributions and ensuring liquidity to manage upcoming education loan repayments effectively.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |3908 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

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I have completed my bsc nursing and have one year of experience in india. There's offer from my miles talent hub to do 1 year stem program in usa and then 3 year work visa will be granted. Should i do that or there's is better opportunities for me to do.
Ans: Miles Talent Hub's offer to go to the US for a year to do a STEM program and then stay for three years on a work visa could be a good chance, especially if you want to work and travel abroad and advance your career. Before you decide, here are some things to think about:

If you go to a STEM school in the US, especially in a field like healthcare, you might be able to find new job opportunities in advanced medical technologies, research, or management that you might not be able to find in India. It's possible that the 3-year work visa will help you learn about the global healthcare industry while also letting you make money.

Effects on your finances and your life: Studying abroad can be pricey, so make sure you look at all of the costs, such as tuition, living costs, and any scholarships or other financial help that might be available. Think about whether you can handle being away from home for a long time.

Opportunities in India: The United States has a lot of great opportunities, but India also has room to grow, especially since the need for healthcare workers is growing. In India, look for job openings, higher education programs, or specialized certifications that could help you move up in your business. Think about where you want to be in 5 to 10 years. This could be a good first step if you want to grow in a foreign setting or go to school abroad to study nursing or healthcare management. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future.

To know more on ‘ Careers | Education | Jobs’, ask / follow Us here in RediffGURUS.

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |402 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

Relationship
Hello I am a 40 year old married female. Off late I started feeling attracted to my married Male Friend of last 5 years. I love my husband a lot and can never think of betraying him. But I feel happy in the company of this friend of mine. He sort of has the qualities i always wanted from my husband and as we all know not everyone can possess every quality. I was aware about his liking towards me like he used to flirt with me someway or other also recently he admitted the same to me that he likes me since our first meeting. As we are family friends and stay in the same building, we keep meeting often with family and sometimes only two of us as we like spending time talking to each other. In our recent visit we hugged each other in the rush of emotions. We both got just blown away by the surreal feeling. We admitted the same to each other. After this meeting we kept messaging each other the whole day and so on for next few days and suddenly one day he said he fears this might ruin our family friendship and started ignoring and maintaining distance, he stopped messaging or calling me without discussing anything. But now I am attracted to him so much that I can not take his absence or apathy towards me and want to have cordial relations like we were before, when it was not vocal between us that we like each other. I am not able to adjust to the fact that the person who used to admire and respect me so much and wanted to have a lifelong friendship can become suddenly so distant. I want an advise whether I am wrong in expecting atleast a normal relation like friendship to continue between us. As we have never crossed our boundaries and hugging once will not count as betrayal. Please guide I want him back as before.
Ans: a close relationship with someone outside your marriage, especially when emotions are involved, introduces challenges. You’re aware of this already, and it seems your friend has also recognized the complexities, likely explaining his sudden need for distance. Often, when feelings come to the surface, they carry a weight that makes people reconsider their boundaries to protect the larger relationships at play—in this case, both of your marriages and family dynamics. This pullback doesn’t negate his admiration or the value he places on your friendship but rather reflects the reality of the situation and the need to guard against further complications.

You might find it helpful to explore what exactly you’re drawn to in your friend’s qualities. It could be that he reflects an aspect of yourself you wish to bring into your own relationship. Identifying these qualities is powerful, as it can help you shape a conversation with your husband, potentially bringing deeper fulfillment to your marriage. Many couples find new dimensions in their relationship when they openly discuss what they yearn for and ways to bring those qualities to life together. While it may feel challenging, these conversations can foster intimacy and growth.

It’s also worth noting that maintaining your friend’s respect and allowing him space is likely the best way to preserve your connection long-term, even if it feels painful right now. His distance might ultimately help both of you return to a place of friendship, but pushing for that too soon might complicate things further. In the meantime, remember that it’s natural to feel a loss or a longing for a friend’s company when circumstances shift. Practicing self-compassion and care can be grounding during times like this, as can seeking other outlets for support, such as close friends, hobbies, or moments of solitude that allow you to process your emotions.

Time and patience may help bring this friendship back to a more natural and comfortable place, but focusing on your marriage and yourself will allow you to stay true to your values and find a sense of peace, regardless of the ultimate outcome with your friend.

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Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |619 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 14, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Sir, I'm 43+, My Monthly take home is around 3.40 Lacs, Currently i have invested in Shares (Current Portfolio is around 1.40 Crs). EMI is around 1.2 lacs P/m (Home loan 1 - 50K per month till 2037, 30K car loan till 2027 (Planning to close this year by paying 13 lacs, please suggest if this option of preclosure is good or EMI is good, will be paying this amount by selling some shares), 30k per month of home 2 till 2040., Last year i have started investing in SIP 1 lacs P/M, and balance 1.20 lacs goes in house, kids education expense. Have EPF balance of 40 lacs as on date. As mentioned above recently i have started investing in SIP (From Oct 2023 onwards), which is at the tune of 1 lacs per month. SIP are Franklin India Prima Fund regular Plan - Growth - 25K, ICICI Prudential Small cap fund retail plan G - 25K, Kotak Multicap fund regular plan growth - 15K, DSP Blackrock mid cap fund regular plan growth - 10 K, and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap fund - Regular plan growth - 25 K. Will increase the SIP investment by 10% every year going forward. Sir, My question is with current SIP and shares investment will i be able to generate 10~12 Cr corpus fund by retirement (Assuming that i will be in Job and working for next 15 years). Current Share portfolio is for long term investment only (assuming i get 12~15% of return every year). Please note : will be spending around 60~70 Lacs for my Son education in engineering from 2027 to 2031, 50% will be spend from savings and balance 50% from education loan. Current value of house 1 - 1.35 Cr (EMI is 50K), House 2 Current Value is 82 Lacs (EMI is 30K).
Ans: Hello;

Kudos for holding judicious blend of assets in equity(stocks and MFs), real estate, EPF.

Your thought process is absolutely spot on. You should prepay the car loan through shares corpus and close the EMI.

If you maintain monthly sip of 1 L with yearly top-up of 10% for 15 years then you may accumulate a corpus of around 8.68 Cr.

Stock holding of 1.27 Cr(13 L considered to be deducted for car loan prepayment) is expected to grow into a sum of 5.31 Cr in 15 years.

EPF balance of 40 L will grow into a corpus of 1.27 Cr over 15 years. Fresh contributions, if any, will be bonus.

So cumulatively your total corpus at the end of 15 years from now will be 8.68+5.31+1.27=15.26 Cr.

Due to your sound financial planning you may not need education loan for son's education.

Modest return of 12%, 10% and 8% are considered from mutual funds, direct stocks and EPF respectively.

Happy Investing;

...Read more

Dr Shyam

Dr Shyam Jamalabad  |79 Answers  |Ask -

Dentist - Answered on Nov 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 14, 2024Hindi
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Health
Doctor, could you kindly recommend specific brands of toothpaste suitable for children of different age groups? I’m particularly interested in knowing which brands would best support their dental health at various stages of development, considering factors like fluoride content, flavor, and overall safety. Could you provide guidance on which options are most effective for toddlers, young children, and older kids?
Ans: Hello
For toddlers and young children, it's essential to choose a toothpaste that is safe and effective for their developing teeth and gums. Here are some recommendations:

1. *Fluoride-free toothpaste* (0-2 years): For infants and toddlers, a fluoride-free toothpaste is recommended. Look for a toothpaste specifically designed for this age group, like "Baby Toothpaste" or "Training Toothpaste". Please note that Fluoride, although extremely beneficial when used locally can lead to fluorosis if accidentally ingested. This is the reason toddlers need to use fluoride-free toothpastes.

2. *Children's toothpaste with low fluoride* (2-6 years): For young children, a toothpaste with a low fluoride concentration (around 500-600 ppm) is suitable. This helps prevent fluorosis (white spots on teeth) while still providing cavity protection.

3. *Gentle ingredients*: Opt for a toothpaste with gentle ingredients, to minimize irritation.

5. *Flavor and texture*: Select a toothpaste with a child-friendly flavor and texture to make brushing teeth a fun experience!

Most popular toothpaste brands offer multiple options for toddlers and young children.
In addition to these there are a few brands specially formulated for children which are ethically promoted (not commercially advertised, but sold through chemists on dentists' prescriptions) You may speak to your child's dentist for specific recommendations.

Remember to always supervise your child while brushing teeth and teach them proper oral hygiene habits from an early age!

...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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