Why doesn't your MF expert recommend DIRECT plans instead of Regular plans? Regular plans generally entail a commission of approximately 1% per year every year. Since he is asking the people to switch, redeem etc. he can say that go for direct plan, unless he is biased towards the agents by recommending regular plans since he is associated with a MF platform. Please ask him not to do so.

Why are you recommending only REGULAR plans for all the queries even for cases where the client has DIRECT investments? Please STOP this. You are supposed to give fair and unbiased advice to clients and not biased. At least stop mentioning REGULAR option. I hope you will do this.

Ans:

Ans: Dear Anand,

Thank you for sharing your investment journey and your thoughtful questions. It's great to hear that you've been investing consistently and achieving an impressive XIRR of 18% since 2014. This shows your commitment to securing a strong financial future.

Evaluating Your Current Investment Approach
The Role of Your Agent
Your agent, who is also a family friend, has played a significant role in helping you achieve these returns. Their guidance and support have been valuable, and it's important to appreciate their contributions.

Regular vs. Direct Plans
It's true that direct plans have lower expense ratios compared to regular plans. However, the difference in returns may not always justify switching, especially when considering the value of professional advice.

Financial Impact of Staying with Regular Plans
Understanding the Cost Difference
Regular plans have a higher expense ratio because they include a commission for the agent. Direct plans, on the other hand, do not have this commission, leading to potentially higher returns.

Potential Loss Calculation
While the exact amount you'll lose by staying with regular plans for another five years depends on various factors, the difference could be around 0.5% to 1% annually in returns. However, it's crucial to weigh this against the benefits of professional advice and support from your agent.

Importance of Professional Guidance
The guidance from your agent has helped you achieve a solid 18% XIRR, which is commendable. This shows the value of having someone knowledgeable to guide your investment decisions, especially during volatile market conditions.

The Ethical Consideration
Gratitude and Respect
It's important to express gratitude and respect towards your agent, who has helped you achieve significant financial growth. Switching to direct plans might feel like bypassing someone who has been instrumental in your financial journey.

Impact on Relationship
Bypassing your agent could potentially affect your personal and professional relationship. Maintaining a good relationship with your agent is beneficial for future investment decisions and continued support.

How to Proceed
Continued Investment in Regular Plans
Continuing with regular plans ensures that you keep receiving professional advice and support. The slightly higher expense ratio can be seen as a fee for this valuable guidance.

Consider Hybrid Approach
If you still wish to explore direct plans, you could consider a hybrid approach. Invest a portion of your funds in direct plans while keeping the majority in regular plans. This way, you can experience the benefits of both approaches.

Open Communication
Discuss your concerns and thoughts with your agent. A transparent conversation can help find a mutually beneficial solution. They might even offer to help you with direct plans or reduce their commission.

Long-Term Perspective
Focus on Long-Term Goals
Your investment decisions should align with your long-term financial goals. The guidance from your agent has proven beneficial, and their continued support can help you navigate future market challenges.

Risk Management
Your agent helps in managing risks and making informed decisions. This professional support can protect your investments during market downturns and help capitalize on opportunities.

Conclusion
Switching to direct plans solely to save on expense ratios might not be the best move. The professional guidance and support you receive from your agent are valuable and have contributed to your impressive returns. Maintaining this relationship and valuing their contributions can lead to continued financial success.

Final Thoughts

Balancing financial efficiency with professional guidance is crucial. Appreciate the support from your agent and consider discussing your concerns with them to find the best path forward.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Cost Savings vs. Professional Guidance
You’re right that direct plans have lower expense ratios compared to regular plans. This is because direct plans don't include the commission paid to your advisor. While this might seem appealing, the real question is whether this cost saving justifies the absence of professional guidance.

Value of Expertise
Your Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides you with expert advice tailored to your specific financial goals. This guidance is invaluable, especially in a complex financial market. Direct plans may save on costs, but they don't offer the personalised support that a CFP provides.

Long-Term Strategy and Adjustments
Your financial planner helps in creating a long-term investment strategy. This includes selecting the right funds, regular portfolio reviews, and rebalancing when needed. Direct plans require you to make these decisions on your own. The cost savings could be offset by potential mistakes or missed opportunities.

Stress-Free Investment Management
With regular plans, you delegate the intricate task of fund selection and monitoring to your CFP. This allows you to focus on other important aspects of your life, knowing that your investments are being managed professionally. The peace of mind that comes with this service is often worth more than the marginal cost difference.

Performance and Potential Risks
Switching to direct plans might not always lead to better performance. The small difference in expense ratios is often outweighed by the potential risks of self-managing your investments. Without expert advice, you might miss out on strategic fund choices or misjudge market conditions.

Personalised Financial Planning
Your CFP doesn’t just recommend funds; they offer a holistic approach to your financial well-being. This includes tax planning, retirement planning, and achieving specific financial goals. Direct plans lack this comprehensive service, which could be crucial in maximising your wealth over time.

Final Thoughts
While direct plans might save you some money in the short term, the value of a Certified Financial Planner’s expertise, personalised advice, and ongoing support should not be underestimated. Investing is not just about cutting costs; it’s about making informed, strategic decisions that align with your financial goals. Staying with regular plans ensures that you have a trusted professional guiding you every step of the way.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Thank you for sharing your viewpoint. I understand your preference for fee-only advisors and the focus on cost efficiency. Direct funds do offer lower expense ratios, which, as you rightly noted, compound significantly over time. Fee-only advisors can indeed provide unbiased advice across various financial aspects. While I believe professional support from MFDs, who are compensated through performance-linked commissions, can help reduce emotional mistakes and optimize strategies, your long-term goals and cost-conscious approach make the fee-only advisor model a logical choice for you. It’s important to align your investment strategy with your personal preferences and goals.

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