Hello Anu. I hope you are doing well. I follow your column and read your posts.
I have a different issue. I am single and 30+ years. I have no complaints as I did not find any suitable guy to marry. I had a happy and busy life before Covid. However after Covid, lockdown and this work from home life has become monotonous. I not only lost my uncle due to depression but lost my friends due to fights and misunderstanding. I believe in giving importance so I tried to patch up with my friends but they prefer to break all the connections and move on. I have always had a thing for respect and to be valued. I moved away too coz I felt it was the right thing to do but somewhere it hurts me a lot that I am not able to hold on to my friends who knew me for so many years. How can someone get abandoned and not want to talk and sort things out?
I feel I am overthinking it when the others are not even bothered or thinking about me or it. I really want to move away and focus on my life and career. I try doing it but many times there are so many things that reminds me of them and I get stuck and emotional again.
I am trying some meditation and journaling but it does not seem to clear my mind.
Hence I thought of checking with you.
Let me know if you have any advice for me.

Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach towards investing in mutual funds at such a young age. Let's review your MF portfolio and discuss potential adjustments to optimize your investments for long-term growth.

Your current portfolio comprises funds across different market segments, which is a good start. However, there are a few considerations to enhance diversification and risk management:

Tata Small Cap Direct Growth: Small-cap funds can offer high growth potential but come with higher volatility. Given their risk profile, it's essential to allocate an appropriate portion of your portfolio to small caps. Consider reviewing the performance and risk metrics of this fund regularly.
Nippon India Large Cap Direct Growth: Large-cap funds provide stability and steady returns over the long term. It's a wise choice to have exposure to large-cap stocks for capital preservation and lower volatility. Continue monitoring the fund's performance and ensure it aligns with your investment objectives.
Motilal Oswal Midcap: Mid-cap funds offer the potential for high returns but carry higher risk compared to large-cap funds. Given your age and risk tolerance, a moderate allocation to mid-cap stocks can enhance portfolio diversification and growth potential. Monitor the fund's performance closely and consider rebalancing if necessary.
Parag Parikh ELSS Fund: ELSS funds offer tax-saving benefits along with the potential for wealth creation. It's a prudent choice to invest in ELSS funds for long-term goals while enjoying tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Review the fund's performance and tax implications regularly.
When considering direct funds versus regular funds, it's essential to understand the disadvantages of direct funds. Direct funds require investors to conduct their research and make investment decisions independently, which can be time-consuming and may lead to suboptimal choices. On the other hand, investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) with expertise in mutual fund selection can provide access to professional advice, personalized portfolio management, and ongoing guidance to navigate market volatility effectively.

To further diversify your portfolio, consider adding exposure to other asset classes like international funds, debt funds, or balanced funds. A well-diversified portfolio can help mitigate risk and optimize returns over the long term.

Regularly review your MF portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. Your CFP can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your unique circumstances.

By staying disciplined in your investments and making informed decisions, you're on the right path to achieving your financial objectives.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in