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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7162 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 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
Narayan Question by Narayan on Apr 30, 2024Hindi
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Which Mutual Fund is best to invest ? It must have tax savings benefit too.

Ans: Evaluating Tax-Saving Mutual Funds for Investment
As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of tax-saving investments in building long-term wealth while minimizing tax liabilities. Let's analyze the options available and identify the best tax-saving mutual fund for your investment needs.

Genuine Appreciation for Tax Planning
I appreciate your proactive approach to tax planning, which is crucial for optimizing your overall financial strategy and maximizing returns.

Understanding Tax-Saving Mutual Funds
Tax-saving mutual funds, also known as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), offer dual benefits of tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act and the potential for long-term capital appreciation through equity investments.

Assessing Key Features
Benefits of ELSS Funds:
Tax Deduction: Investments in ELSS funds qualify for a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs under Section 80C, reducing your taxable income.
Equity Exposure: ELSS funds invest predominantly in equities, offering the potential for higher returns compared to traditional tax-saving instruments like PPF or NSC.
Lock-in Period: ELSS funds have a lock-in period of three years, which encourages long-term investing while providing liquidity after the lock-in period expires.
Selecting the Best ELSS Fund
Criteria for Evaluation:
Track Record: Look for funds with a consistent track record of outperformance and stable returns over various market cycles.
Fund Manager Expertise: Assess the expertise and experience of the fund manager in managing equity portfolios effectively.
Expense Ratio: Consider funds with lower expense ratios to maximize returns net of expenses.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Based on the criteria mentioned above, I recommend considering ELSS funds offered by reputable fund houses with a proven track record of performance, experienced fund managers, and competitive expense ratios.

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  |7162 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
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I am retired I want to invest my retirement amount for regular income.kindly advice best mutual fund
Ans: Assessing Your Needs
Investing your retirement corpus requires a strategic approach. The goal is to generate regular income while preserving your capital. As a retiree, it's crucial to strike a balance between safety and returns.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Retirement Status: You are retired.
Income Requirement: Regular income from investments.
Risk Tolerance: Likely low to moderate.
Investment Strategy
To ensure regular income, you need a diversified portfolio. This portfolio should include a mix of equity and debt investments. Here's a breakdown:

Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds provide stable returns with lower risk. They are ideal for regular income.

Short-term Debt Funds: These funds are less volatile and provide steady income.
Long-term Debt Funds: These funds offer higher returns but come with slightly higher risk.
Hybrid Mutual Funds
Hybrid funds invest in both equity and debt. They balance growth and stability.

Balanced Advantage Funds: These funds adjust the equity-debt ratio based on market conditions.
Monthly Income Plans (MIPs): These funds focus on providing monthly income through a mix of debt and equity.
Equity Mutual Funds
Equity funds offer higher returns but come with higher risk. A small portion of your portfolio can be allocated here for growth.

Large-cap Funds: These funds invest in large, established companies with stable returns.
Dividend Yield Funds: These funds invest in companies that pay regular dividends.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly. This ensures a steady cash flow.

Regular Income: Set up an SWP to withdraw monthly income.
Capital Preservation: Only a portion of your returns is withdrawn, preserving your capital.
Health Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance coverage. Medical expenses can erode your retirement savings.

Adequate Coverage: Review and increase your health insurance coverage if needed.
Critical Illness Cover: Consider adding a critical illness cover for added protection.
Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. This fund should be easily accessible.

Liquid Assets: Keep 6-12 months' worth of expenses in a liquid fund or savings account.
Regular Review and Adjustments
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Adjust based on market conditions and changing needs.

Annual Review: Conduct an annual review of your investments.
Rebalance Portfolio: Adjust the equity-debt ratio based on performance and risk tolerance.
Final Insights
Investing for regular income in retirement requires careful planning. A diversified portfolio with debt, hybrid, and equity funds can provide steady income and capital preservation. Regular reviews and adjustments will ensure your investments align with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1330 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 27, 2024

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Relationship
I am a Single mother (divorcee) of 4year old kid. I was separated when the kid was around a year old, because of his habits and abusive nature. I didn't want my to go through the same The father or his family never asked to see the kid. Now my kid asks questions "where is my dad", "everyone has father, where is mine". It breaks my heart and i am not sure how to handle it. How can I tell my kid that the father doesn't want to be involved in a polite way so that it doesn't break my kid.
Ans: Dear Sushma,
I am sure this is really tough for you.
What I can suggest is actually reading out books to him that explain separation/divorce through stories. This will enable him to understand that there are families and not all families are the same. But do ensure that you give him a good image about his father. Bitterness as a seed can grow and that is not healthy for a child at all. As the story progresses, you may want to insert the truth that in some families, the father/mother are not involved and choose to be away. This maybe difficult for him to fathom right now but slowly comparing his life with his friends, he will have more questions as he grows up. Take it one day at a time...break the truth gently and very age appropriately and right now, stories seem to be the better way.

Later in life as he grows even older, he can choose to seek and understand the truth in his own way. It may seem like a big contrast then but he will know that you had in his childhood come from a space of concern for his emotional growth.

You may also check in with other single mothers and they will surely have some things to share on it...at the end of the day, do what you think is right as a mother for your child.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7162 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 27, 2024

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Dear Sir, I am 38 years old and I want to invest 60 lakh in mutual fund as lumpsum or STP over one year. I am planning to break it to 4 parts of 15 lakh each and invest in Nifty 50, Nifty midcap 150, one multi cap and one flexi cap. I have an invest horizon of 20 years. I have invested in real estate so I have already diversified myself so want to stick to mutual funds for 60 lakhs. Please advise if this is wise or am I being dumb?
Ans: Your financial planning shows a clear and thoughtful approach. Allocating Rs 60 lakh with a 20-year horizon is wise. However, let’s evaluate your strategy to ensure optimal diversification, risk management, and returns.

Diversification Achieved:
Your existing real estate investments ensure risk is spread across asset classes.

Long-Term Horizon Advantage:
A 20-year horizon allows you to absorb market volatility and maximise compounding benefits.

Focus on Mutual Funds:
Sticking to mutual funds for this corpus is logical and efficient.

Reassessing Your Allocation Plan
Lumpsum vs Systematic Transfer Plan (STP):
Lumpsum investment can expose you to market timing risks. Use STP over 12–18 months to reduce volatility.

Equity Fund Categories Selection:
Your idea of investing in large-cap, mid-cap, multi-cap, and flexi-cap funds is balanced.

Issues with Index Fund Allocation
Concerns with Nifty 50 and Nifty Midcap 150:
Index funds lack active management, leading to missed opportunities during market fluctuations.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:
Active funds aim for better returns through expert fund manager insights and stock selection.

Advantages of Multi-Cap and Flexi-Cap Funds
Multi-Cap Funds:
These funds provide exposure across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments, ensuring balanced growth.

Flexi-Cap Funds:
Fund managers can freely allocate investments to market segments based on opportunities.

Complementary Approach:
Combining these funds with active large- and mid-cap funds ensures robust diversification.

Strategic Recommendations
Adopt a Blend of Active Funds:
Replace index funds with actively managed large- and mid-cap funds.

Focus on Quality Fund Selection:
Choose funds with consistent long-term performance and experienced fund managers.

Allocate Based on Risk Appetite:
Consider 60–70% allocation to equity funds for growth and 30–40% to hybrid or debt funds for stability.

Start STP Immediately:
Park your lumpsum in liquid funds and systematically transfer to equity funds monthly.

Taxation Awareness
Equity Mutual Funds Tax Rules:

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt Funds Taxation:
LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.

Plan Exit Strategy:
Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) after 20 years to optimise tax benefits.

Risks and Monitoring
Mitigate Market Risks:
Diversified fund selection and STP lower volatility risks.

Review Regularly:
Monitor your portfolio yearly and rebalance if needed.

Avoid Over-Concentration:
Ensure no single fund category dominates your portfolio.

Additional Suggestions
Emergency Fund:
Ensure an emergency fund of at least 6–12 months' expenses.

Insurance Coverage:
If not already covered, secure adequate health and term insurance.

Avoid Unnecessary Additions:
Stick to mutual funds without over-diversifying into unrelated assets.

Final Insights
Your planned allocation reflects thoughtful diversification and long-term focus. Replacing index funds with actively managed funds can enhance returns. Using an STP will balance market volatility effectively. With consistent monitoring and expert fund selection, your Rs 60 lakh investment can achieve your 20-year goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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