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Ulhas

Ulhas Joshi  |280 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2023

With over 16 years of experience in the mutual fund industry, Ulhas Joshi has helped numerous clients choose the right funds and create wealth.
Prior to joining RankMF as CEO, he was vice president (sales) at IDBI Asset Management Ltd.
Joshi holds an MBA in marketing from Barkatullah University, Bhopal.... more
Arjun Question by Arjun on Jun 22, 2023Hindi
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Hi am working professional age of 53 years. have invested in 5 MF with investment of 1lakh per month ( ie 20000 X5 MF) since 2021 and amount accumulated is around 22.14 lakhs . currently have s topped MF temporarily due to uncertainty of my job. pls advise as how to go on this...as I will be needing some money in future

Ans: Hello Arjun and thanks for writing to me. I sympathize with you. It is prudent to stop SIP's for now given your uncertainty.

If you need only chunks of money, then you can begin Systematic Withdrawal Plans where the fund house can redeem a certain number of units and remit the amount to you while the balance remains invested in the fund. This can help you generate cash flow while continuing to enjoy the benefits of compounding.
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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 10, 2023Hindi
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I am 43 years old..I have mf investment as following. SIP: quant mid cap, SBI Magnum mid cap, canara robeco bluechip equity fund...5000 each pm, started from June 2023. LUmp sump: 500000 quant multi asset fund, 250000 quant elss, 250000 kotak small cap, alll investment made in June 2023. The target is to achieve, 1.5 crores (most pessimistic outlook) to 3 crores( optimistic) outlook by 2040-41. Pls advise.
Ans: Strategizing Your Mutual Fund Investments for Long-Term Growth

Your proactive approach to investing in mutual funds demonstrates a commitment to achieving your financial goals. Let's assess your current portfolio and strategize to meet your target of Rs. 1.5 crores to Rs. 3 crores by 2040-41.

Analyzing Your Investment Portfolio

Your SIPs in mid-cap and blue-chip equity funds, along with lump sum investments across multi-asset, ELSS, and small-cap funds, reflect a diversified approach. Diversification is key to managing risk and maximizing returns over the long term.

Understanding Risk and Return Expectations

Given your investment horizon of approximately 16-17 years, you have the advantage of time to ride out market fluctuations and benefit from compounding returns. However, it's essential to acknowledge the inherent risks associated with mid-cap and small-cap investments, which tend to be more volatile than large-cap funds.

Assessing Growth Potential

Mid-cap and small-cap funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to large-cap funds over the long term. However, they also come with increased volatility and liquidity risks. Blue-chip equity funds provide stability and consistent returns, making them suitable for investors with a moderate risk tolerance.

Aligning Investments with Financial Goals

To achieve your target corpus, it's crucial to periodically review and realign your investment strategy. As you approach your target timeline, consider gradually shifting your portfolio towards more conservative options to protect your capital from market downturns.

Monitoring and Rebalancing

Regular monitoring of your investments is essential to ensure they remain aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Rebalancing your portfolio periodically can help maintain the desired asset allocation and minimize the impact of market volatility.

Considering Tax Efficiency

ELSS funds offer the dual benefit of tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act and the potential for long-term capital appreciation. By maximizing your investments in tax-efficient avenues, you can optimize your returns while minimizing tax liabilities.

Seeking Professional Advice

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend consulting with a qualified professional to tailor your investment strategy to your specific needs and circumstances. A personalized financial plan can provide clarity and direction, helping you navigate market uncertainties and achieve your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 15, 2024Hindi
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Hi, Myself Ajai, I am currently investing 45770 on a monthly basis in MF life insirance. I am 34 now and started from year 2022. What should do innorder to make this work for me after to reach 5 crore.
Ans: Achieving Your Financial Goal of ?5 Crore
Current Investment Strategy
Ajai, your disciplined approach to investing is commendable. Investing ?45,770 monthly in mutual funds and life insurance shows strong financial planning. Starting early at 34 gives you a significant advantage in building a substantial corpus over time.

Compliments on Your Financial Discipline
Your consistent investment strategy and foresight in starting early are praiseworthy. It’s clear you understand the power of compounding and long-term planning.

Evaluating Your Investment Portfolio
Monthly Investment Amount:

Investing ?45,770 monthly is a significant commitment.
Ensuring a balanced portfolio is key to maximizing returns and minimizing risk.
Investment Duration:

Starting in 2022 gives you over two decades to grow your investments.
This long-term horizon allows for a higher equity allocation, suitable for wealth creation.
Life Insurance:

Life insurance is essential for financial security.
Ensure you have adequate coverage and review if your policy serves both protection and investment needs effectively.
Recommendations for Enhancing Your Portfolio
Increase Equity Exposure:

Higher equity exposure can enhance returns, especially over a long-term horizon.
Consider allocating more towards equity mutual funds, including large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Diversify Investments:

Diversification helps spread risk and optimize returns.
Include a mix of mutual funds, such as equity, balanced, and sector-specific funds.
Regular Portfolio Review:

Periodically review and rebalance your portfolio.
This ensures alignment with your financial goals and adjusts for market changes.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

Continue with your SIPs for disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging.
Increase your SIP amount annually to match income growth and inflation.
Assess Life Insurance:

Evaluate your life insurance policy to ensure it provides adequate coverage.
Consider term insurance for higher coverage at lower costs, freeing up more funds for investment.
Tax Planning:

Optimize your investments for tax efficiency.
Utilize tax-saving mutual funds (ELSS) to reduce taxable income while investing for growth.
Action Plan
Increase SIP Contributions:

Gradually increase your monthly SIP amount to keep pace with income and inflation.
Aim to increase by 10-15% annually if possible.
Diversify Equity Investments:

Invest in a variety of equity mutual funds to capture growth across sectors and market caps.
Consider including international funds for geographical diversification.
Monitor and Rebalance:

Regularly monitor your portfolio performance.
Rebalance annually to maintain desired asset allocation and risk levels.
Enhance Life Insurance:

Review your life insurance coverage to ensure it meets your family's financial needs.
Consider supplementing with a term insurance policy.
Tax-Efficient Investing:

Invest in tax-saving instruments like ELSS to save on taxes and grow wealth.
Review other tax-saving opportunities under Section 80C and beyond.
Conclusion
Your disciplined investment strategy and early start position you well for achieving your ?5 crore goal. By increasing your SIP contributions, diversifying your investments, and ensuring adequate life insurance coverage, you can maximize your wealth creation potential. Regular portfolio reviews and adjustments will keep you on track towards your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 60 now, I have spare 3 lakhs in my hand, I want to invest in MF please advice.
Ans: Investing Rs 3 Lakhs in Mutual Funds at 60: A Detailed Analysis

Understanding Your Financial Goals
At 60, it's important to prioritize safety and stability in investments. Preserving capital while seeking moderate growth is key. Your decision to invest Rs 3 lakhs in mutual funds is a prudent step.

Assessing Risk Tolerance
Risk tolerance generally decreases with age. At this stage, a balanced approach that minimizes risk while offering reasonable returns is advisable. Diversifying your investment can help achieve this balance.

Importance of Asset Allocation
Proper asset allocation is crucial for managing risk and achieving financial goals. Combining equity and debt funds can provide a balanced portfolio. Equity funds offer growth potential, while debt funds provide stability.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers. They aim to outperform market indices through strategic investments. This active management can potentially yield higher returns than passive funds.

Drawbacks of Index Funds
Index funds passively track market indices, offering average market returns. They do not seek to outperform the market. Active funds, managed by experts, can adapt to market changes and potentially provide better returns.

Advantages of Regular Funds
Regular funds, managed through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), offer professional guidance. This helps in making informed investment decisions. Regular funds ensure personalized advice, which is crucial for effective financial planning.

Suitable Mutual Fund Categories
Balanced Funds
Balanced funds invest in both equity and debt instruments. This offers growth potential with reduced risk. These funds are suitable for investors seeking moderate returns with lower volatility.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities, providing stability and regular income. They are less volatile than equity funds, making them suitable for conservative investors. Including debt funds can help in preserving capital.

Monthly Income Plans (MIPs)
Monthly Income Plans aim to provide regular income with some exposure to equity for growth. They are suitable for investors seeking regular returns with moderate risk. MIPs balance income and growth, making them a good option for retirees.

Periodic Review and Rebalancing
Regularly reviewing your investment portfolio is essential. It ensures that your investments align with changing market conditions and personal goals. Rebalancing helps maintain the desired asset allocation.

Considering Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
While lump-sum investments are common, SIPs offer benefits like rupee cost averaging. SIPs allow you to invest regularly, reducing the impact of market volatility. They provide a disciplined approach to investing.

Benefits of Professional Guidance
Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures expert advice tailored to your needs. A CFP can help in selecting the right funds and creating a comprehensive financial plan. This professional guidance is invaluable in achieving your financial goals.

Evaluating Tax Implications
Understanding tax implications is crucial for maximizing returns. Certain funds offer tax benefits, which can enhance post-tax returns. Consulting a tax expert or CFP can help in optimizing your investment strategy.

Emergency Fund Consideration
Before investing, ensure you have an adequate emergency fund. This fund should cover at least six months of living expenses. It ensures financial security and prevents the need to liquidate investments prematurely.

Conclusion
Your decision to invest Rs 3 lakhs in mutual funds at 60 is wise. A balanced approach with a mix of equity and debt funds is recommended. Periodic reviews and professional guidance will help achieve your financial goals effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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