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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8118 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 07, 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 - May 07, 2024Hindi
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I would like to know whether my investment are appropriate or need any changes. My investment plan is for long term (20 - 30 years) Current age is 30. My Investments: 1. Monthly SIP 30k (Large & Index: 30%, Mid: 40%, Small: 30%). Increment of 10% annually. 2. PPF: Yearly 1.5 lacs 3. EPF: 35k/month (Employee + Employer) 4. LIC: 20 lacs sum isnured whole life 5. Term Insurance: 1 crore 6. Mediclaim: 20 lacs 7. Fixed Deposit: 1 lac/month 8. Share: 10k/month I dont have any asset or any liability at present.

Ans: You've put together a well-rounded investment plan with a focus on long-term wealth accumulation. Let's assess your current investments and see if any adjustments are needed:

Monthly SIP: Your SIP allocation across large, mid, and small-cap funds is balanced and aligned with your long-term investment horizon. The incremental increase of 10% annually demonstrates a commitment to growing your investments over time.
PPF: Investing in PPF provides stability and tax benefits. Your yearly contribution of 1.5 lacs is commendable and will help build a corpus for your future financial needs.
EPF: EPF contributions are mandatory for salaried individuals and provide a secure avenue for retirement savings. Your monthly contribution of 35k, including both employee and employer contributions, ensures a steady buildup of your retirement corpus.
LIC: While having life insurance coverage is essential, the sum insured of 20 lacs may be inadequate considering your long-term financial goals and dependents. You may want to review your insurance needs periodically and consider increasing coverage if necessary.
Term Insurance: Your term insurance coverage of 1 crore is substantial and provides financial security to your loved ones in case of an unfortunate event. Ensure that the coverage amount is sufficient to meet your family's future financial requirements.
Mediclaim: A mediclaim policy with coverage of 20 lacs offers comprehensive health protection for you and your family. Regularly review the policy to ensure it remains adequate as medical costs rise over time.
Fixed Deposit: Investing in fixed deposits provides stability to your portfolio, but the returns may be relatively lower compared to equity investments. Consider diversifying into other asset classes for potentially higher returns over the long term.
Shares: Investing in shares can be rewarding but comes with higher risk. Ensure you have a diversified portfolio and invest based on thorough research or seek advice from a financial expert.
Overall, your investment plan is well-structured and aligned with your long-term goals. However, periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains in line with your risk tolerance and financial objectives. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to fine-tune your strategy and make any necessary adjustments. Keep up the disciplined approach to investing, and you're on track to achieve financial success over the next 20-30 years. Best of luck on your financial journey!
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  |8118 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hi sir ,I am 37 years now, my investments are like this 1,invested in hdfc pro growth ULIP plan for 10 years every year 25k and in another 2 years r remaining 2, hdfc sanchey plus 1 lakh per year for 10 years at 15 th year will get lump sum 18lakhs 3, hdfc sampoorna Niveah for 5 years each year 61k 4, lic Jeevan Lakshay for 18 years every month 5780 I pay at maturity I will get 24.7 lakhs in 2043 5, PPF every month 2k 6,mutual fund sip of 8k per month in a,Mirae asset tax saver lumsum had invested 10k now it is giving me 109% profit should I keep it or remove it b,sbi small cap fund -500/month C,Parag Parikh flexicap fund -1k/ month D,nippon India Pharma fund -500/month E,sbi nifty index -500/month F,Tata India consumer fund- 500/month G,axis multi asset allocation fund - 1000/month H,dsp natural resource lump sum 1k having 109 % returns I,quant infra fund direct -1k /month J,nippon indian small cap-1 k /month K,,sbi gold direct plan -1 k /month L,Motilal Oswal mid cap -1 k / month Plz suggest any changes and good investment plans
Ans: Enhancing Your Investment Strategy: Recommendations and Considerations
Your investment portfolio demonstrates a disciplined approach towards wealth creation and financial planning. Let's delve deeper into the various components of your portfolio and provide recommendations to optimize your investment strategy.

Fixed Income Investments:
Public Provident Fund (PPF):

Your monthly contribution of 2,000 rupees to PPF provides tax-efficient returns with a long-term investment horizon.
Continue investing to benefit from compounding growth and tax benefits over time.
Mutual Fund SIPs:
Equity Mutual Funds:

Your portfolio comprises a diversified mix of equity mutual funds, including Mirae Asset Tax Saver, SBI Small Cap, Parag Parikh FlexiCap, Nippon India Pharma, Tata India Consumer, Axis Multi Asset Allocation, and Motilal Oswal Mid Cap.
These funds offer the potential for wealth creation over the long term.
It's advisable to review the performance of each fund periodically and consider rebalancing based on market conditions and your risk tolerance.
Gold and Sectoral Funds:

You've allocated funds to sectoral funds like SBI Gold Direct Plan, DSP Natural Resource, Quant Infra Fund, and Nippon India Small Cap.
While sectoral funds and gold provide diversification benefits, they are subject to market volatility.
Monitor their performance regularly and adjust allocations accordingly to manage risk effectively.
Recommendations and Considerations:
Review ULIPs:

Surrendering existing insurance policies and reallocating the funds into mutual funds can be a strategic move to optimize your investment portfolio and potentially enhance long-term returns. Let's delve deeper into this approach and explore its benefits and considerations.

Analysis of Insurance Policies:
HDFC Pro Growth ULIP Plan:

Evaluate the ULIP's performance, charges, and insurance coverage.
Assess if the returns justify the associated costs and if the insurance coverage meets your needs.
HDFC Sanchay Plus:

Consider the opportunity cost of tying up funds for 15 years for a lump-sum payout.
Assess whether the returns align with your financial goals and if alternative investment avenues offer better growth potential.
HDFC Sampoorna Nivesh:

Review the performance and liquidity features of the plan.
Determine if the returns are competitive compared to other investment options and if the plan aligns with your risk profile.
LIC Jeevan Lakshay:

Evaluate the maturity benefits and compare them with alternative investment avenues.
Consider surrendering the policy if the returns are suboptimal or if better investment opportunities are available.
Benefits of Reallocating to Mutual Funds:
Enhanced Returns Potential:

Mutual funds, especially equity funds, have historically outperformed traditional insurance plans over the long term.
By reallocating funds, you may potentially benefit from higher returns and capital appreciation.
Greater Flexibility and Liquidity:

Mutual funds offer greater liquidity compared to insurance policies with lock-in periods.
You can access your funds as needed without penalties, providing flexibility in managing your financial goals.
Diversification and Risk Mitigation:

Mutual funds offer diversification across various asset classes and investment strategies.
Diversifying your portfolio reduces concentration risk and enhances overall risk-adjusted returns.
Considerations Before Surrendering Policies:
Surrender Charges and Penalties:

Evaluate the surrender charges and penalties associated with terminating insurance policies prematurely.
Compare the costs with the potential benefits of reallocating funds to mutual funds.
Insurance Needs and Coverage:

Assess your insurance needs and ensure adequate coverage for life, health, and other contingencies.
Consider retaining essential insurance policies while surrendering redundant or underperforming ones.
Recommended Action Plan:
Evaluate Surrender Value:

Obtain surrender values and assess the financial implications of surrendering each insurance policy.
Consider surrendering policies with high charges or low returns, prioritizing those that offer better growth potential elsewhere.
Reallocate Funds to Mutual Funds:

Identify suitable mutual funds based on your investment objectives, risk tolerance, and investment horizon.
Allocate surrendered funds to a well-diversified mutual fund portfolio across equity, debt, and other asset classes.
Regular Review and Monitoring:

Periodically review your mutual fund portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Surrendering insurance policies and reallocating funds to mutual funds can optimize your investment portfolio, potentially enhancing long-term returns and flexibility. By carefully evaluating your insurance needs, surrender charges, and investment opportunities, you can make informed decisions to achieve your financial objectives.
Optimize Mutual Fund Portfolio:

Regularly monitor the performance of equity and sectoral funds in your portfolio.
Consider consolidating or reallocating funds based on performance, risk, and investment objectives to maximize returns.
Asset Allocation:

Maintain a balanced asset allocation strategy across equity, debt, and alternative investments to mitigate risk and achieve long-term financial growth.
Diversification:

Ensure your portfolio is well-diversified across asset classes and investment avenues to minimize risk and maximize returns.
Regular Review:

Periodically review your investment portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to make informed decisions and adapt to changing market dynamics and personal financial goals.
Conclusion:
By following these recommendations and considerations, you can optimize your investment portfolio, maximize returns, mitigate risks, and achieve your long-term financial objectives effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8118 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8118 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 08, 2024Hindi
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My current age is 30 and my current monthly take home salary is 40K per month. and My Wife Age is 29 her Salary 20K Per Month Please review my investment and suggest me is my current investment is okay or I am investing wrong way. After 15 years I want Rs 80 lakh for my daughter higher studies after next 7 years I want Rs 30 lakh for For Buying Land and after my retirement how can get Rs 2 crore after 60 years of age. SIP - Rs 10000 / - per month from 2019 till 2040 HDFC Mid Cap Plan- 3000 Paragparikh FlexiCap Plan-2000 Sbi Small Cap Plan-3000 SBI LARG And Mid Cap -2000 Home loan - Rs 7000 per month for 10 years Sukanya Samriddhi - 2000 Per month from 2019 till 2039 I Also Read To Invest More 5K Sip, Please Give You Advise.
Ans: Financial Review and Recommendations

Current Investment Analysis:

Your investment portfolio reflects a mix of equity mutual funds, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), and a home loan. Here's an analysis of your current investments:

Equity Mutual Funds (SIPs):

HDFC Mid Cap Fund: Rs. 3,000/month
Parag Parikh FlexiCap Fund: Rs. 2,000/month
SBI Small Cap Fund: Rs. 3,000/month
SBI Large and Mid Cap Fund: Rs. 2,000/month
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Rs. 2,000/month

Home Loan: Rs. 7,000/month for 10 years

Financial Goals:

Daughter's Higher Studies (15 years): Target corpus: Rs. 80 lakhs
Buying Land (7 years): Target corpus: Rs. 30 lakhs
Retirement (After 60 years): Target corpus: Rs. 2 crores
Recommendations:

Review Asset Allocation: Your portfolio is heavily skewed towards equity mutual funds, which are suitable for long-term goals. However, ensure you have a balanced allocation across asset classes to manage risk effectively. Consider diversifying into debt or other low-risk instruments for short-term goals like buying land.

SIP Review:

Evaluate the performance of your existing SIPs and consider diversifying into different fund categories for better risk management.
Since your daughter's higher education goal is 15 years away, continue investing in equity funds but review and adjust the SIP amounts periodically based on fund performance and market conditions.
New SIP Allocation:

Allocate the additional Rs. 5,000/month SIP towards debt mutual funds or Public Provident Fund (PPF) for your short-term goal of buying land. This will provide stability and liquidity for the goal.
For long-term goals like retirement, consider increasing contributions to equity mutual funds gradually over time to benefit from compounding returns.
Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund set aside in a liquid and easily accessible instrument to cover unforeseen expenses.

Insurance Coverage: Consider investing in term insurance and health insurance policies to protect your family's financial future against unforeseen events.

Regular Review: Periodically review your investment portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your financial goals.

Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. A CFP can provide personalized recommendations and strategies to optimize your investments and achieve long-term financial security.

By following these recommendations and staying disciplined in your investment approach, you can work towards achieving your financial goals effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8118 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 20, 2025Hindi
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Money
Sir Namaskar. I need 10 lac. I can put around 15-20k every month. I am now at 57. Please suggest me the way out. Regards
Ans: You need Rs. 10 lakh.
You can invest Rs. 15K–20K per month.
You are 57 years old.
A structured approach will help you reach your goal efficiently. The right investment choices, tenure, and risk management will be key.

Assessing the Timeframe
If you need Rs. 10 lakh within 3 years, a low-risk strategy is better.
If you have 5+ years, you can take moderate risk for better returns.
Your risk appetite, income stability, and other financial commitments also matter.
Short-term and long-term plans need different strategies.

Choosing the Right Investment Strategy
Low-Risk Approach (For 3 Years or Less)
Bank recurring deposits (RDs) offer stable but low returns.
Short-term debt mutual funds give slightly better returns than RDs.
Fixed deposits (FDs) in small finance banks provide higher interest.
Corporate bonds of high-rated companies can offer fixed income.
These options are safe but may not beat inflation.

Moderate-Risk Approach (For 3–5 Years)
Conservative hybrid mutual funds balance equity and debt.
Dynamic bond funds adjust based on interest rate changes.
Post office savings schemes offer security but fixed returns.
Gold ETFs can act as a hedge against inflation.
Moderate risk gives better returns than FDs but needs periodic review.

Growth-Oriented Approach (For 5+ Years)
Actively managed flexicap mutual funds allow growth with risk control.
Large & midcap funds balance safety and higher returns.
SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) after 5+ years can give monthly income.
Sectoral funds (like pharma, IT) are riskier but can boost returns.
Long-term investing helps wealth grow faster than inflation.

Managing Liquidity and Emergency Needs
Always keep 6 months’ expenses in a savings account or liquid fund.
Avoid investing all your money in one asset class.
Keep some investments easy to withdraw in case of emergencies.
Liquidity management ensures financial stability while you invest.

Tax Efficiency in Investments
Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.
Equity mutual funds have 12.5% LTCG tax after Rs. 1.25 lakh gains.
FDs have TDS if interest crosses Rs. 40K (Rs. 50K for senior citizens).
Choosing tax-efficient instruments will maximize net returns.
Tax planning helps in retaining more earnings.

Retirement Considerations While Investing
Since you are 57, your investment should not affect retirement savings.
If your pension or other income is fixed, don’t take excess risk.
If you have additional savings, you can afford a balanced approach.
Avoid investing everything in equity unless you have surplus funds.
Retirement safety should be a priority while planning for Rs. 10 lakh.

Practical Investment Plan Based on Timeframe
If Needed in 3 Years
50% in short-term debt funds.
30% in fixed deposits or post office schemes.
20% in high-rated corporate bonds.
Low risk with steady returns.

If Needed in 5 Years
50% in conservative hybrid funds.
30% in large & midcap equity funds.
20% in short-term debt funds.
Balanced risk with potential growth.

If Needed in 7+ Years
60% in actively managed equity funds.
20% in hybrid funds for stability.
20% in gold ETFs or debt funds.
Higher risk but better long-term gains.

Avoiding Common Investment Mistakes
Don't keep all savings in FDs, as they give low post-tax returns.
Avoid high-risk stocks or thematic funds if you need funds soon.
Never invest emergency funds in volatile assets.
Review investments annually to stay aligned with the goal.
A disciplined approach prevents financial stress.

Finally
Your Rs. 10 lakh goal is achievable with systematic investing.
Choose the right asset mix based on your timeframe and risk level.
Keep tax efficiency, liquidity, and retirement security in mind.
Regular review and professional guidance will optimize your returns.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

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Dear PF Expert, My question is regarding the impact of partial withdrawal money from my EPF corpus. I quit my job in Feb 2023 (2 years ago) to work as a freelancer, after more than 18 years of service in the industry. My understanding: a. After 3 years of no contribution to the PF account, it becomes dormant and doesn't accrue any interest. b. To receive the EPS pension, one needs to turn 58 years. c. Based on the formula (Pensionable Salary) * (Pensionable Service) / 70, the max. monthly pension is capped to Rs. 7500 as on Mar, 2025. To meet certain financial needs, I would like to make a partial withdrawal from my PF corpus. My questions: 1) How will this impact my EPS pension after I turn 58 years? Since the Pensionable salary is dependent only on the average salary in the last 5 years of service and not on the outstanding corpus, the fact that I have withdrawn before retirement age of 58 shouldn't matter. Is my understanding correct? Also, since my average Basic for the last 5 years of service was more than Rs. 15000 and I had 18 years of service, I should ideally get a monthly pension of 15000 * 18/70 = Rs.3857 (approx.) Please confirm if my understanding and calculation is correct (Of course, this is assuming that the formula will hold good when I eventually turn 58 to receive the pension) 2)If this is the only partial withdrawal that I would ever make, can I assume that the corpus that would be available for lumpsum withdrawal after I turn 58 would be: [Current Corpus - Partial Withdrawn Amount] * (1.0825) * 1 (EPF interest of 8.25 % and I have only one more year of interest accrual out of 3)? Please respond so that I can make an informed decision about my partial withdrawal
Ans: Hello;

Answers to your queries are as given below:

1. EPF partial withdrawal will have No impact on EPS.
The estimated monthly EPS pension seems okay.

2. Your assumption about net EPF corpus available to you after 58 is correct, in principal.

Best wishes;

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |560 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 20, 2025

Relationship
Hi , I am 42 year married man in love with 37 yr old married girl , her husband is not a good man in every accepts and my wife is same we are with our partners due to children, Our relationship is 14 year old. We lived in different cities which are 6 hour run away from each other , We often meet 2 to 3 times in a month. Before relation with me she was in love another guy (Before marriage) and this was continued after marriage too. After 1 year of marriage her boy friend passes away in an accident and then Then I enter in her life , Now I come to the point from last 2 year due to some differences and due to corona effect we could not meet and our telephonic conversation was very minimum even once in 10 days and due to some financial problems she started a Job in a school , There she meet with a guy and they become closer and physical too and that guy was in relation with another girl too. After 3-4 month I doubt that she is talking with someone else So I asked her directly that question but she denied, By the time we again start meeting frequently Then After more 3-4 months she accepted that she is in relation with another guy, She told me that he looks like his Ex-boyfriend that why she attracted towards him. She give him 35 K Rs , Then I told her that Why she did not tell me that before ?? She reply that she was in trap of that guy because he is in the same school in which she was a teacher. She left that school then she get a courage to told me that all things. She cry a lot an apologizes many times then I told her we can continue if she never talk with him. She agreed after another 3-4 months later she expose another truth that she is in touch with him through Google chat but she never meet him neither she talk him about past on phone , she told me that she only talk with with him to know his well being only. She told me that one day that guy offer him to again physical and after that she started hating him and stop talking him. Now She is teaching in another school and that boy in other school , When ever she shaw him on Road she tells me about that . Now she asking me that if I caught her again cheating then I can do whatever I want. I love her so much and She loves me too Even we remain in touch on phone 10-12 hr in a day. Now my Question is that Can I believe her again ?? That she will not get in touch that boy in future ?? Should I continue this relation ??
Ans: Dear SPPL
Both of you are in an extra-marital relationship while staying with your respective spouses for the sake of your children. This adds complexity because, beyond trust issues between you and her, there’s the underlying emotional weight of being tied to marriages that neither of you seems emotionally invested in anymore.

Your relationship with her has lasted for 14 years, which shows that there’s a deep emotional bond between you. But the fact that you’re both staying in unhappy marriages out of responsibility to your children means that there’s always going to be a limit to how much emotional and physical freedom you both have in this relationship. That creates emotional pressure because even if you love each other deeply, you’re still navigating within the confines of your separate family lives.

Her getting involved with another man during this time reflects not just on her emotional state but also on the emotional limitations of your relationship. Being in an extra-marital affair means that neither of you can fully give yourselves to each other because of the realities of your existing family commitments. She might have sought comfort or distraction in someone else because the emotional fulfillment she gets from you isn’t enough to bridge the gap created by her marriage and life circumstances.

The fact that she confessed and apologized after initially denying it suggests that she feels guilty and wants to rebuild trust with you. But the emotional vulnerability created by this betrayal will make it hard for you to trust her completely, especially since your relationship already exists in a morally complicated space. Staying with your respective spouses for the children means that your emotional connection with each other will always have to exist in the shadows, which makes it more vulnerable to external distractions and temptations.

The big question here is whether you can genuinely move past the betrayal and continue to trust her despite the complexity of your situation. Love is present, but love alone isn’t always enough when trust is broken—especially in a relationship that already carries emotional and moral complications. If you feel that you can forgive her and she remains consistent in her actions, the relationship might survive. But if this betrayal has planted a seed of doubt that you can’t shake, it could slowly erode the emotional foundation you’ve built over the years.

You also need to consider whether this pattern will repeat itself. Since both of you are married and emotionally unavailable to each other in a fully committed way, emotional gaps might emerge again, and similar situations could arise. You need to have an honest conversation with her about whether you both have the emotional strength to maintain this connection long-term under these circumstances. If you can rebuild trust and stay emotionally strong despite the limitations of your married lives, then you might be able to continue. But if you feel like this betrayal has permanently altered the emotional safety you once felt with her, stepping back to protect your emotional health might be the better choice.

...Read more

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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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