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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 18, 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 - Apr 18, 2024Hindi
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Sir, i would like to invest 10k in Nippon india small cap fund for 25 years??? any suggestions please???

Ans: Investing 10k in a small-cap fund for 25 years is a long-term strategy suited for potential high returns. Small-cap stocks can be volatile but offer growth opportunities. Ensure you're comfortable with the higher risk associated with small-cap investments. Maintain a diversified portfolio across asset classes to spread risk. Monitor the fund's performance and costs regularly, and consider periodic rebalancing. Align your investment with long-term financial goals and consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.
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 26, 2024

Money
I have investment in following funds and want to invest for 10-15 years and started investing 10,000 per month from jan 2024 in the following fund please suggest 1. Paragh parihk flexi fund-5000 per month 2.nippon small cap fund- 2000 per month 3.Icici direct nifty 50 index growth-2000 per month 4.icici pru balanced advantage direct growth-1000 per month
Ans: Your investment plan reflects a thoughtful approach towards long-term wealth creation. Let's evaluate your portfolio in detail and see if any adjustments or additions could improve your investment strategy for the next 10-15 years.

Portfolio Overview
Flexicap Fund - Rs. 5000 per month

A flexicap fund offers the flexibility to invest across market capitalizations. This allows the fund manager to adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, providing a balanced exposure to large, mid, and small cap stocks. This fund is suitable for long-term growth with diversified risk.

Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2000 per month

Small cap funds invest in smaller companies that have the potential for high growth. These funds can deliver significant returns over the long term but come with higher risk and volatility. Small cap funds are ideal for investors with a higher risk tolerance and a long investment horizon.

Index Fund - Rs. 2000 per month

Index funds track a specific market index, like the Nifty 50. These funds offer low-cost exposure to a broad market segment but lack the flexibility to outperform the index. In your case, the focus on index funds might limit the potential for higher returns that actively managed funds can provide.

Balanced Advantage Fund - Rs. 1000 per month

Balanced advantage funds dynamically allocate assets between equity and debt based on market conditions. This strategy aims to reduce risk while providing reasonable returns. These funds are suitable for investors seeking a balance between growth and stability.

Strengths of Your Portfolio
Diversification

Your portfolio is diversified across different types of funds, including flexicap, small cap, index, and balanced advantage funds. This diversification helps in spreading risk and maximizing returns.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Investing Rs. 10,000 per month through SIPs ensures disciplined investing. SIPs benefit from rupee cost averaging, which averages out the cost of investments over time and reduces the impact of market volatility.

Long-Term Horizon

A 10-15 year investment horizon is ideal for equity investments. This period allows you to benefit from the compounding effect, which can significantly enhance your wealth over time.

Evaluating Your Investment Strategy
Flexicap Fund

The flexicap fund in your portfolio offers flexibility and diversification. This fund can adjust its allocation to capitalize on market opportunities, making it a good choice for long-term growth.

Small Cap Fund

Small cap funds can provide high returns, but they are also more volatile. Given your long-term horizon, this fund can be a valuable part of your portfolio, but it requires a higher risk tolerance.

Index Fund

While index funds offer low-cost exposure to the market, they lack the ability to outperform the index. Actively managed funds, with skilled fund managers, can potentially provide higher returns by strategically selecting investments.

Balanced Advantage Fund

This fund provides a balanced approach, reducing risk through dynamic asset allocation. It offers stability and moderate growth, making it a good addition for risk-averse investors or as a stabilizing component in a diversified portfolio.

Potential Adjustments and Recommendations
Consider Actively Managed Funds

Replacing the index fund with an actively managed fund can enhance your portfolio's growth potential. Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market by leveraging the expertise of fund managers.

Review Direct Fund Investments

Direct funds can save on expense ratios, but they lack the professional guidance that regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) provide. Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials ensures you receive professional advice, helping you make informed investment decisions and align your investments with your financial goals.

Rebalance Periodically

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation. This involves selling some assets and buying others to keep your portfolio aligned with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Potential for Higher Returns

Actively managed funds aim to outperform market indices by making strategic investment decisions. Skilled fund managers identify growth opportunities, which can lead to higher returns compared to passive index funds.

Flexibility

Active fund managers can adjust portfolios based on market conditions, whereas index funds are tied to a fixed list of stocks. This flexibility can enhance returns and manage risks more effectively.

Risk Management

Actively managed funds can mitigate risks by diversifying investments and making strategic adjustments. This proactive approach to risk management can protect your portfolio during market downturns.

Advantages of Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
Professional Guidance

Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials provides access to professional advice and support. This can be crucial in making informed investment decisions and achieving your long-term financial goals.

Ease of Transactions

Regular funds often come with additional services such as easier transaction processes and personalized financial advice. This support can save time and provide peace of mind.

Comprehensive Financial Planning

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers holistic financial planning, considering all aspects of your financial life. This ensures that your investments are aligned with your broader financial goals and risk tolerance.

Monitoring and Adjustment
Stay Informed

Stay updated on market trends and economic indicators. Understanding market dynamics helps in making informed investment decisions and adjusting your strategy if needed.

Long-Term Perspective

Maintain a long-term perspective, focusing on your financial goals. Market fluctuations are normal; patience and discipline are essential for successful long-term investing.

Professional Guidance

Engaging a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can add immense value. A CFP can provide personalized advice, ensuring your investments are aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
Your current portfolio and investment strategy show a good mix of flexibility, growth potential, and stability. The combination of flexicap, small cap, index, and balanced advantage funds offers a diversified approach to long-term wealth creation. However, replacing the index fund with an actively managed fund and considering regular funds through an MFD with CFP credentials can further enhance your portfolio's growth potential and provide professional guidance.

Regular monitoring, rebalancing, and staying informed about market trends are crucial to maintaining a robust investment portfolio. Engaging a Certified Financial Planner can provide additional guidance and support, helping you stay on track to achieve your 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

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Hi Sir, I'm 42 years old targeting 5 Cr in 10 years. I'm investing as 75K annual in LiC jeevan saral from last 15 years, 15k in parag Parikh flexi cap from 2 years, 10k in Sbi small cap, 5k each in NIPPON small, mid and large cap, 5k in quant infrastructure.
Ans: Achieving a 5 Crore Target: Strategic Investment Advice
Current Portfolio Overview
Your current investments demonstrate a commendable commitment to securing your financial future. Investing 75K annually in LIC Jeevan Saral for 15 years shows your discipline. Additionally, your SIPs in various mutual funds highlight your diversified approach.

Evaluating Your Current Investments
LIC Jeevan Saral:

Traditional insurance plans offer moderate returns with insurance benefits.
Consider whether the returns meet your aggressive 10-year goal.
Insurance-cum-investment schemes
Insurance-cum-investment schemes (ULIPs, endowment plans) offer a one-stop solution for insurance and investment needs. However, they might not be the best choice for pure investment due to:
• Lower Potential Returns: Guaranteed returns are usually lower than what MFs can offer through market exposure.
• Higher Costs: Multiple fees in insurance plans (allocation charges, admin fees) can reduce returns compared to the expense ratio of MFs.
• Limited Flexibility: Lock-in periods restrict access to your money, whereas MFs provide more flexibility.
MFs, on the other hand, focus solely on investment and offer:
• Potentially Higher Returns: Investments in stocks and bonds can lead to higher growth compared to guaranteed returns.
• Lower Costs: Expense ratios in MFs are generally lower than the multiple fees in insurance plans.
• Greater Control: You have a wider range of investment options and control over asset allocation to suit your risk appetite.
Consider your goals!
• Need life insurance? Term Insurance plans might be suitable.
• Focus on growing wealth? MFs might be a better option due to their flexibility and return potential.

Equity Mutual Funds:

Your choices include diversified equity funds and sector-specific funds.
Equity funds generally provide higher returns over the long term.
Strategic Adjustments for Better Returns
To achieve your 5 crore target in 10 years, consider the following adjustments and strategies:

Increase Equity Exposure:

Equities tend to outperform other asset classes over the long term.
Consider increasing your SIP amounts in high-performing equity funds.
Diversify Across Fund Categories:

Continue with diversified funds but also consider balanced advantage funds.
Balanced funds offer a mix of equity and debt, reducing risk while aiming for growth.
Review Sectoral Funds:

Sector-specific funds can be volatile. Regularly review their performance.
Consider shifting to more stable, diversified funds if needed.
Additional Investment Strategies
Systematic Transfer Plan (STP):

If you have a lump sum amount, use STP to invest gradually into equity funds.
This strategy can help mitigate market volatility.
Top-up SIP:

Increase your SIP contributions annually by at least 10-15%.
This helps in compounding your returns significantly over time.
Focus on High-Performing Funds:

Regularly review your mutual fund portfolio.
Shift investments from underperforming funds to those with consistent track records.
Risk Management and Contingency Planning
Emergency Fund:

Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses.
This safeguards against unforeseen financial needs.
Adequate Insurance Coverage:

Maintain sufficient health and life insurance coverage.
This protects your investments and family’s financial security.
Tax Planning:

Utilize tax-efficient investment avenues.
Consider Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) for tax benefits under Section 80C.
Monitoring and Reviewing Your Portfolio
Regular Portfolio Review:

Review your portfolio performance at least semi-annually.
Make adjustments based on market conditions and personal financial goals.
Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner:

Seek advice from a CFP to ensure your investments align with your goals.
A professional can provide tailored advice and timely adjustments.
Conclusion
Achieving a target of 5 crores in 10 years requires disciplined investing and strategic adjustments. By increasing your equity exposure, diversifying your investments, and regularly reviewing your portfolio, you can enhance your chances of meeting this ambitious goal. Remember, consistent and informed investing, coupled with prudent risk management, is key to financial success.

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 Jul 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 23, 2024Hindi
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Sir.. i want to invest 20 lacs in Mutual funds for another 10 year. Please suggested..
Ans: You want to invest Rs. 20 lakh in mutual funds for 10 years.

A 10-year horizon allows for a mix of growth and stability.

Let's explore a suitable investment strategy.

Risk Appetite and Asset Allocation
Understanding your risk appetite is key.

A balanced approach suits a 10-year period.

Equity Funds: High growth potential but higher risk.

Debt Funds: Stable returns with lower risk.

Hybrid Funds: Balance of equity and debt for moderate risk and returns.

Recommended Fund Types
Large-Cap Funds

Invest in large, stable companies.
Offer steady growth with lower risk.
Mid-Cap Funds

Invest in medium-sized companies.
Potential for higher growth than large-cap funds.
Small-Cap Funds

Invest in smaller companies.
High growth potential but higher risk.
Flexi-Cap Funds

Invest across large, mid, and small-cap companies.
Balanced risk and return.
Debt Funds

Invest in government and corporate bonds.
Provide stability and reduce overall risk.
Hybrid Funds

Mix of equity and debt investments.
Suitable for moderate risk tolerance.
Why Avoid Index Funds?
Index funds follow the market without active management.

Active funds aim to outperform the market.

Actively managed funds offer better potential for higher returns.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Professional Management

Managed by experienced professionals.
Regular monitoring and adjustments.
Personal Guidance

Certified Financial Planner provides tailored advice.
Helps in selecting the best funds and strategy.
Investment Strategy
Diversification is key to managing risk and maximizing returns.

Example Allocation

Large-Cap Fund: 40%
Mid-Cap Fund: 20%
Small-Cap Fund: 10%
Flexi-Cap Fund: 10%
Debt Fund: 10%
Hybrid Fund: 10%
Regular Monitoring and Review
Review your investments annually.

Adjust based on performance and market conditions.

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner.

Benefits of Regular Funds over Direct Funds
Direct funds lack expert guidance.

Regular funds offer professional management.

Certified Financial Planners provide valuable insights.

Final Insights
Investing Rs. 20 lakh in mutual funds for 10 years is a wise decision.

Choose a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds.

Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds.

Regularly review and adjust your portfolio.

Seek professional guidance to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 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

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |646 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 07, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Dear Madam, I was a bright student during my school days and my plan was to become a civil servant but that did not succeed even after several attempts. With the advise of my brother i went ahead and pursued Masters at a normal university in Sydney. I did internship and continued staying with my job though it wasn't my field of study. After that what came as a shock was my brother's divorce. We don't know what is the actual issue till date but I tried a lot to fix the gap by talking to his ex-wife but they were very orthodox. I couldn't see my brother suffer because he had planned and arranged so much for her. I had no choice then so i try to harm his ex-wife by spoiling her reputation thinking she will come back for him. In the mean time i got married to a girl who was her relative too thinking my wife can help us in some case but she turned out to be completely in the opposite direction. She was probably convinced by my brother's ex-wife or their relatives that she is not coming back. Even then my brother tried to go meet his ex-wife through many channels. My wife did not help him at all in any aspect. Finally the divorced happened and everything ended. Now we have sought several proposals but nothing seem to be a good fit for him. Most of the girls whom we met on matrimonial sites are fake profiles with something hidden or falsely represented. I would say my brother escaped all this. But we are worried about his life now as he is already in his 40's and he seem to be struggling for a good job and finance. He is very picky probably but doesn't talk much to all of us. Sometimes he even says the game is over so no point looking at a second marriage. My wife and he fought once when he visited us because she didn't want him in our house and she created a fight putting me in the front. After that he stopped coming to our house or see us or talk to us. Things even gets worse sometimes when her brother comes and visits us and stays at our house which my parents don't like. My parents argue that your brother was not allowed to stay for few months then how come her brother is allowed for several months. What kind of partiality is that? I feel i could not do anything for him despite the fact that he is my only brother. He is good at heart and looked after me when i went abroad financially and even came to meet me few times. I tried to send him money, gifts but he is still the same. He communicates with our parents but not with me nor my wife anymore. Kindly give us a good advise.
Ans: Your brother’s distance is not a rejection of you. It is his way of protecting himself. He went through a difficult marriage, an emotional collapse, and then watched people around him — including you — react out of desperation to fix things for him. Even though your intentions came from love, he may have associated those actions with more pain and pressure. When a person has been wounded, silence feels safer than conversation. His withdrawal simply means he is tired, not that he dislikes you.
You also need to understand that the guilt you are carrying is heavier than it needs to be. You tried to intervene in his marriage because you wanted to protect him, not because you wanted to cause harm. Looking back now, with more maturity and clarity, you see the mistakes, but at that time, you were acting out of fear and love. This is why it’s important to forgive yourself instead of punishing yourself over and over.
The conflict between your wife and your brother only added another layer of stress, because it forced you into choosing sides. Your wife reacted emotionally, your brother pulled away, your parents questioned the imbalance — and in the middle of all this, you lost your sense of peace. But their disagreements are not failures on your part. They are the natural result of people operating from insecurity, fear, and past hurt.
What needs to happen now is a shift in your role. You cannot continue trying to solve everything for everyone. You cannot carry your brother’s marriage, your wife’s fears, and your parents’ judgments all at once. It’s time to step out of the role of rescuer and step into the role of a grounded, calm brother who offers presence, not solutions.
Rebuilding your bond with your brother will not come from pushing proposals, sending gifts, or trying to fix his life. It will come from offering him emotional safety. A simple message, expressing that you are sorry for any hurt, that you care for him, and that you are available whenever he feels ready, will speak louder than any effort to arrange his future. Once you send such a message, the healthiest thing you can do is give him space. Sometimes relationships repair themselves in silence, when pressure is removed.
And for yourself, healing begins when you stop believing that every problem in the family rests on your shoulders. You have given more than enough over the years. Now you deserve emotional rest. You deserve peace. You deserve to feel like a brother, not a crisis manager.
Your brother may take time, but distance does not erase love. When he feels safe, he will come closer again. Your responsibility is not to force that moment, but to make sure you are emotionally steady and ready when it happens.

...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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