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Love Guru

Love Guru   |187 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert - Answered on Oct 13, 2021

Love Guru has been answering relationship and romance related questions on Rediff.com for over 13 years. She won't mince words when telling you what the problem is and what you can do about it. If you want a fresh perspective from an unbiased, objective-thinking individual about your relationship woes, Love Guru could just be the person you need to need to hear from.... more
Akshay Question by Akshay on Oct 13, 2021Hindi
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Relationship

Dear Love Guru,
I had a lovely relationship when I was younger but things did not work out for us.
Now, we are both married to different people.
I have a wonderful wife and we are very happy. She knows all about my past.
In the beginning of last year, my ex and I bumped into each other with our respective spouses.
The meeting was pleasant and we visited each other’s homes too. She has two cute little children.
Soon after, though, she started sending me messages about how she is missing ‘us’. Sometimes, the messages cross the line but subtly.
I ignored it for some time but it started becoming too much.
I have told my wife and blocked my ex but I fear she will still create trouble.
What should I do?
Akshay

Ans:

Dear Akshay,

Stop letting this situation give you sleepless nights; I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

Your wife knows about your past.

You were also upfront with her about the messages your ex sent you, and then when they crossed the line you blocked her.

You’ve made all the right moves in handling the issue, so stop worrying.

It sounds like your wife and you share a strong bond and you’re both honest with each other; have confidence in your relationship.

What could your ex possibly do to create trouble?

I think after you’ve blocked her she must have got the hint loud and clear that you’re not interested in any extramarital dalliance with her.

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Love Guru

Love Guru   |187 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert - Answered on Apr 07, 2022

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Relationship
Dear LG, Please don't disclose my name. I don't want to share my personal problems with others. I am 45 years old, married 13 years ago; my wife's age is now 38 years. I got two kids. My wife is pretty (she takes lot of care for her beauty) and I want to live simple. I kept faith on my wife so I didn't interfere in her life. From last four years, I am staying away from family (because of work I have shifted to other city, monthly once I go back , purchase everything, give money for expense and return to job). She keeps her mobile with security. Once, by mistake, I read her WhatsApp message. One of her office client was praising her pics and she was responding to him. So I told her, be official, don't entertain, if they fall behind you and we may face problem. She agreed but is doing the same thing and deleting his messages. Then I wanted to see what all things she does in WhatsApp. So her link I shared in my mobile and started reading her messages. She use to chat with one married person from last three years, she changed his name in her mobile and kept his wife's name. Three years back he proposed her with love song. My wife used to support him, sometimes she used to delete the messages. He knows all my family history. Whenever they get time, they used to talk each other in phone. Some messages I read, they were planning to meet also. She always come home very late, I didn't question her because I kept faith, but as I told you I have two kids in home. If she comes late, they are facing a problem (they stay alone until she comes back). Simultaneously she is chatting with another married friend. She says he is like a brother in front of me, but that person says baby, darling, dear, love, etc, in his conversation and forwarded some love songs and calling her for long drive. My wife replied some other day we will go. He replies, You always says same thing. I will become old one day. Then I was surprised and guided my wife indirectly. I told, don't entertain any person they may start to trouble you or if anybody troubling you please tell I will help you. We got two kids so we got lot of responsibility. She got a clue that I am reading her messages, so immediately she deleted all messages and after some days she deleted their numbers, along with that she deleted some other numbers also!  Why, I don't know. Once I told my son, beware, I can track you and tell where are you going and what are you doing. But from that day onwards, my wife is blocking her internet at 6 pm (when her office closes) and unblocking when she returns home. I am worried regarding this behaviour. I have stopped reading her messages now. But now I am feeling very uncomfortable because her behaviour is very soft with me, (previously she was very aggressive, she used to fight with me unnecessarily.) Please guide me how to handle the situation. What can I do now? Sometimes I feel I should leave everything go somewhere or is it a punishment for marrying a pretty girl? What to do? Please guide how handle the situation. Regards.
Ans:

So, in a nutshell, you think your wife was flirting behind your back, you dropped some hints and then she has either stopped, or then stopped you from spying on her phone.

First of all, why are you dropping hints to her instead of talking straight? Which husband is going to appreciate his wife being wooed by other men with all this darling-baby love talk?

Even if she’s not having an affair, the flirty behaviour is bound to make you uncomfortable. Don’t you think you should call her out on it instead of pretending like some other man is making her uncomfortable?

Clearly, she’s enjoying the attention!

You seem very timid and intimidated by your wife. And if her behaviour has changed toward you for the better because you suspect she is guilty of something, all the more reason to get to the bottom of it!

Stop playing games and pussyfooting around her. Do some straight-talking for a change instead of going behind her back and reading messages!

And FYI, being good-looking doesn’t give any spouse licence to make their partner insecure!

 

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |880 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 19, 2022

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Anu, Request you to keep my identity anonymous.I am a 40 years old guy, happily married with two kids. I have a lot of friends and I have invariably introduced most of them to my wife.While with a previous organisation that I worked for, I met this girl (say M) and we became very good friends. M is 2½ years younger to me, is married and has kids. Much like with my other friends, I introduced M to my wife. M has also been home a couple of times during festive occasions.While so, during a family day event at office almost 5 years back, during an apparent conversation between M and me, we were engrossed in the conversation and my wife was standing right next to me. My wife thought that she was deliberately being snubbed/ignored and got offended with M's behaviour. Since then my wife developed some sort of a hatred towards M. Many a times I tried explaining to my wife that M's behaviour was not offensive and even if it was, was unintentional. It's been nearly six years since this happened, but that animosity still continues. The more I try to explain to her, the angrier she gets. We have had a lot of fights whenever this topic arises. I am scared to even pick M's calls when my wife is around. What this has done is that I started speaking to M discreetly. I had to delete all photos that I had with her. I constantly keep deleting all WhatsApp conversations and call logs that I have with her.I do not want to do all these secret things especially when I am not doing anything wrong. I want my wife to give M one more chance. My wife does not think I have a relationship with M. Her point is that I should not talk to someone who has insulted her (my wife). I think that it would not be fair for me to stop talking to M.My question is how do I instill sense into my wife? How do I convince her to give M one more chance? I don’t want to lose a good friend.
Ans:

Dear K,

If your wife has felt snubbed and you feel that she is being unreasonable, what can you do if you wife isn’t willing to befriend M?

The more you fight this, the more your wife feels that there is something going on.

Doubts in the mind spread like slow fire consuming the mind and you are adding fuel to the fire by being adamant on maintaining the connection with M.

Now you wife is convinced that she must not have anything to do with her and you should not as well.

What do you want to do? Spoil the peace at home because of an external connection?

It may not seem fair to you, but there is a reason why your wife felt snubbed by M at that time.

She is unrelenting and does not want M in the equation. Why are you fighting this?

I am asking you choose between the peace within the marriage and an external connection.

There will be a point in time when your wife will be willing to look at this objectively and that is the time to talk to her about it.

Right now, it will be like forcing her, having fights over this and maintaining a connection with M within all of this/ Do you really feel that a connection is made suppressing another one?

Connections are made in complete peace and harmony with existing connections growing because of the new one.

What you have is the existing connection being threatened because of the other.

Be patient and reasonable and wait for the time to emerge for connections to co-exist and in the meantime, reassure your wife that your marriage means a lot to you.

May not sound fair, but it’s the only way to honour the marriage.

All the best!

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |880 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 03, 2023

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I'M 40 years old man, i have had troubled childhood. I faced abuse from my elder brother who later on developed mental health issues whiich broughg lot of stress to the family. I worked very hard to achieve reasonable professional success but my personal life has been very difficult. I got married with lot of difficulty despite being well placed professionally and decent looks. It was an arranged marriage but things went bad after a year. I caught my wife having an affair with her ex but i fogave her for the sake of myndaugher who was just 1 year old then. She keept on having flings with gym instructor and later on her colleagues which i dont have any proof of. She would humilate me in front of my maid driver and other people. But i wanted ti save my marriage for the sake of my daughter who was only 4-5 years old then. Finally she started asking me for divorce after every trivial fights. Fed up i finally agreed and we separated in 2021 November. During that time i came in contact with my school friend. She proposed to me during our school days but due to stress at home and other issues i said no but i always liked her. When we started talking around December 2021 and we realized we still love each other after 20 years. But problem was though i was divorced she was still married and she is from a different religion. She is trying hard to get separated from her husband but her family being very conservative is not allowing her to do so. I'm stuck with her emotionally. Now my ex-wife has started approaching me for reconciliation. Im totally confused now what should i do? Should i wait for my friend knowing that chances are very slim that her family would leave her. Or should i patch up with my exwife for the sake of my daughter. I dont feel any emotional connection with my exwife now as she was never nice to me. But my parents are telling me to go for patch up. They are nkt aware about my school friend and i doubt they would approve her due to religious beliefs. Pls guide me I'm totally confused. Thanks A confused Homo Sapiens
Ans: Dear Pratik,
At this point in time, choose neither. You need space to clear your head first.
Too many emotional situations to jump into one more...Give yourself time to figure out what is that you want out of life?
Do you want to get into another commitment in a short gap? It could be an attraction on a rebound as well; so take time to figure these things out well before you decide to patch up or wait for your friend.
You deserve this time off, to make sure that you not only heal from the marriage but also put things in perspective.
So no need to bring on a new confusion for the time being till you get strong enough in the mind to decide the next course of your life. Making a choice right now means you will be bringing in more confusions of either of the two women into your life as well. So, PAUSE and take this time...

Best wishes!

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |880 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Aug 26, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 20, 2023Hindi
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Relationship
I am a 52-Year-old man, relatively happily married with a son & daughter. I was having a relatively smooth life till a few days back when a sudden incident happened in my Life. Like a lot of people, I also have a past where in in the Prime Of my youth I had a very passionate love affair which resulted in a brief marriage some 25 Years back with someone whom I had grown up with. But due to certain differences with her Family it resulted in a very bad break up with a brief tussle in the court. The Incident had shaken me a great deal & with time I managed to shrug it off & move Forward. I had done relatively well in my life till now when suddenly I was taken aback when me ex called me up. We had a brief Interaction over phone & this is now persisting. Although the affair was long gone but somehow It was there in the back of my mind, I had an inclination someday she Might come back which has exactly happened. I am feeling guilty to my Spouse as she has stood with me thick & Thin but However, I tried hard I end up speaking with my ex every day. As far as I can gather is my ex is not happy with her Husband although she has exactly not spoken about her intention of such sudden turnaround. I am aghast at myself that I could Not put an end to the conversation & in fact I feel very happy speaking to her remembering my old days. Leaving my ex unilaterally is not an option as I have tried Many times but failed. please advise.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Are you fine choosing to ruffle things in your marriage?
Because that's exactly what you might be leading into!

Love stories from the past belong there unless your current situation allows you freedom to invite it back. It surely has caused ripples in your heart which has possibly stirred you of the usual routine married life.

Will your spouse accept the situation as is?
How will you handle the complications that might arise?
What are the expectations of you from the lady from the past?
How will this impact the children?

For some reason, things had not worked in the past...it ended in a divorce. Maybe there's a lot of unspoken things. Then talk about it with her.
Remind yourself and her that you are in r=current relationships. Even if she does not share a great relationship with her husband, you are not obliged it responsible to be her knight in shining armour. You have a life and so does she...you owe a lot to the current relationships and the people in it.
Anything beyond this is a CHOICE that you will make and a lot of people will be hurt by it. Draw boundaries before you get drawn into it further!

If you really want to be in touch with her, ask yourself: Am I mature enough to handle a connection that has boundaries? Can we maintain a connection that is more based on friendship and support?

Only you know the answers to all the questions above and you will draw conclusions based on that. from what I know of people, no one likes ruffling feathers and no one wants a complications unless they specifically CHOOSE it!

All the best!

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |880 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 24, 2024

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Relationship
Hi Anu, Thanks for your response. Two things here..first I can't tell my wife now as she had lost her mom 5 months back and she's in a recent quarrel with her dad and brother on their family dispute...so breaking this news now will break her mentally..also, I have got a better offer from another company and I am not sure how this woman will take it....as of now she communicates thru office chat and the moment if she knows I got another offer, I am not sure how she will react..I really want to avoid her and I really feel sorry for kindling her feelings without realizing the repercussions...just one chat is running my life and now she's citing all the previous conversations between us and saying all those were used by me to butter her up. Those were not intimate conversations they were just casual conversations which now she feels I was trying to butter her up.. fearing her, I cannot risk my career.. pls suggest..I am.sorry for bothering you..
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for acknowledging.
The only way to counter the co-worker is to share this secret with your wife. That will give you a fair level playing field with her. This is the only thing that she can use against you so this is the best way to disarm her and then you hope that all will be well.
But if you don't want to, there isn't much that you can do...this co-worker can use the chats to her advantage...
By not taking one way or the other, you seem to be hoping for some sort of a miracle to get you out of this hot pot. But hey, every action has a consequence, right? So, knowing what the consequence is now, do your best to control the damage and hope.

All the best!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir - Is it safe to invest in Mutual Funds related to manufacturing as they come under a very high-risk category? I shall be thankful for your advice.
Ans: Investing in mutual funds related to manufacturing can indeed carry higher risk due to the nature of the sector. Let's evaluate the safety of such investments and provide guidance accordingly.

Understanding the Concerns
Investing in manufacturing-related mutual funds entails exposure to companies operating in sectors like automobiles, capital goods, and industrials. These sectors are susceptible to economic cycles, global trends, and regulatory changes, which can impact their performance.

Genuine Concern for Safety
Your concern about the safety of investments is valid, especially when considering high-risk sectors like manufacturing. It's crucial to assess the risk-return trade-off before making investment decisions.

Analyzing Risk Factors
Manufacturing sectors are often influenced by factors such as:

Economic Conditions: Demand for manufactured goods is closely tied to economic growth, making these sectors sensitive to economic downturns.

Technological Disruption: Rapid technological advancements can disrupt traditional manufacturing processes, affecting companies' competitiveness.

Regulatory Changes: Government policies and regulations, such as environmental standards and trade tariffs, can impact manufacturing operations and profitability.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
While manufacturing mutual funds may carry higher risk, actively managed funds offer several benefits:

Expert Management: Skilled fund managers actively monitor and adjust the fund's holdings based on market conditions, potentially mitigating risks.

Diversification: Mutual funds typically invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks across sectors, reducing concentration risk.

Potential for Returns: Despite higher risk, manufacturing sectors can offer attractive returns during periods of economic growth and industrial expansion.

Cautious Approach
Considering the higher risk associated with manufacturing-related mutual funds, it's advisable to adopt a cautious approach:

Diversification: If investing in manufacturing sectors, diversify your portfolio across different sectors and asset classes to spread risk.

Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on the performance of your investments and review your portfolio periodically to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals.

Seeking Professional Advice
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your risk tolerance and investment objectives. A CFP can help you assess the suitability of manufacturing mutual funds within the context of your overall investment strategy.

Conclusion
While manufacturing-related mutual funds can offer growth potential, they come with higher risk. It's essential to carefully evaluate the risk-return dynamics and consider diversification strategies to manage risk effectively. Seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner can help you make informed investment decisions aligned with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Sir, I'm 35. Currently my sip investment is 15k per month. YOY I m increasing my sip amount by 1k or 2k. I would like to build decent corpus while I'm retiring say @52-56 age. Currently I pay house emi of 45k. Every month I have 10- 15k as a Surplus. Help me with decent investment strategy.
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach to planning for your retirement at 35. Let's work on a solid investment strategy to build a substantial corpus by the time you retire, around the age of 52-56.


Kudos on your disciplined approach to savings and investments. Planning for retirement at your age shows foresight and financial responsibility.

Understanding Your Situation
You're currently investing ?15,000 per month in SIPs, with incremental increases annually. With a house EMI of ?45,000 and a surplus of ?10,000 - ?15,000 per month, you have a good base to work with.

Evaluating Investment Strategy
To achieve your retirement goals, consider the following investment strategy:

1. Increase SIP Amount Gradually
Continue increasing your SIP amount annually, as you're doing now. This incremental approach allows you to invest more without straining your budget.

2. Diversify Investment Portfolio
Diversification is key to managing risk and maximizing returns. Consider allocating your surplus towards a mix of asset classes, including:

Equity Mutual Funds: Offer growth potential over the long term.

Debt Mutual Funds: Provide stability and regular income.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Offers tax benefits and long-term savings.

3. Retirement-Focused Investments
Since your goal is to build a retirement corpus, prioritize investments that align with this objective. Retirement-focused funds or schemes, such as National Pension System (NPS) or Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF), can be beneficial.

4. Regular Portfolio Review
Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your retirement goals and risk tolerance. Adjust allocations as needed based on changing financial circumstances and market conditions.

Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through MFD with CFP Credential
Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential offers several advantages:

Professional Guidance: MFDs with CFP credentials provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk profile.

Comprehensive Financial Planning: They help create a holistic financial plan that considers all aspects of your financial life, including retirement planning.

Regular Monitoring: MFDs regularly monitor your investments and make necessary adjustments to keep your portfolio on track.

Conclusion
By gradually increasing your SIP amount, diversifying your investment portfolio, focusing on retirement-oriented investments, and seeking guidance from a Certified Financial Planner, you can build a decent corpus for retirement by the age of 52-56. Stay disciplined, review your investments regularly, and adapt your strategy as needed to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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Money
Please suggest five mutual funds for long term investment through SIP @8000 pm per fund
Ans: Investing in mutual funds through SIPs is a wise strategy for long-term wealth accumulation. Let's explore five mutual funds suitable for your investment objective.

Understanding Investment Goals
Before selecting funds, it's crucial to understand your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. This ensures alignment with your financial objectives.

Appreciating Your Initiative
Kudos to your initiative in planning for long-term investments through SIPs. Starting early and staying consistent is key to achieving financial success.

Evaluating Fund Options
When selecting mutual funds for SIP investment, consider factors such as fund performance, consistency, fund manager expertise, and investment philosophy.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds offer several advantages over passive index funds, including:

Professional Management: Skilled fund managers make strategic investment decisions.
Market Adaptability: Funds can adjust to market conditions to optimize returns.
Outperformance Potential: Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform passive funds over the long term.
Recommended Mutual Funds
Large Cap Equity Fund: Provides stability and growth potential by investing in large, established companies with a track record of performance.

Mid Cap Equity Fund: Offers higher growth potential by investing in mid-sized companies with strong growth prospects.

Multi Cap Equity Fund: Provides diversification across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, offering exposure to different segments of the market.

Balanced Advantage Fund: Offers a balanced approach by dynamically managing asset allocation between equity and debt based on market conditions.

Sectoral or Thematic Fund: Invests in specific sectors or themes poised for growth, providing opportunities for higher returns but with higher risk.

Monitoring and Review
Regularly monitor the performance of your mutual funds and review your investment strategy periodically. Adjust allocations as needed based on changes in financial goals, market conditions, and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
Selecting the right mutual funds for SIP investment is crucial for long-term wealth creation. By choosing funds aligned with your investment goals and risk profile, staying disciplined with SIP contributions, and regularly reviewing your portfolio, you can achieve your financial objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi I am 25 years old with a salary of 90k in hand, out of which I invest 40k in GPF, and 30k in mutual funds (which I started this month, earlier I used to put lumpsum - so total mutual fund is 1.3L) . Shall I decrease my GPF amount and increase the sip amount?.
Ans: You're making excellent strides in investing at such a young age. Let's explore whether adjusting your allocations between GPF and SIPs is beneficial for your financial journey.

Compliments and Understanding
Congratulations on your proactive approach to financial planning at just 25! It's commendable how you're prioritizing savings and investments early on in your career.

Assessing Your Current Strategy
You're currently allocating ?40k to GPF and ?30k to SIPs monthly, along with existing mutual fund investments of ?1.3 lakhs. Let's evaluate if adjusting these allocations could optimize your investment strategy.

Evaluating GPF vs. SIP
GPF (General Provident Fund)
Stability: GPF offers a stable and secure avenue for retirement savings, with guaranteed returns.

Tax Benefits: Contributions to GPF are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

Liquidity: GPF contributions are relatively illiquid, with limited withdrawal options until retirement.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)
Market Exposure: SIPs provide exposure to equity markets, offering the potential for higher returns over the long term.

Diversification: SIPs allow for diversification across different mutual funds, spreading risk.

Flexibility: SIPs offer flexibility in investment amounts and can be adjusted based on financial goals and market conditions.

Considerations for Adjustment
Risk Tolerance
Given your age and time horizon, you have the advantage of a longer investment horizon, allowing you to take on higher risk for potentially higher returns.

Financial Goals
Consider your short-term and long-term financial goals. If your primary objective is wealth accumulation for the long term, a higher allocation to SIPs may align better with this goal.

Proposed Adjustment
Decrease GPF, Increase SIP
Considering your age and long-term investment horizon, decreasing your GPF contribution slightly and increasing your SIP amount could be advantageous.

Benefits of Increased SIP
Higher Growth Potential: Increased SIP contributions can potentially boost wealth accumulation over time, leveraging the power of compounding.

Diversification: SIPs allow for diversification across different asset classes, reducing concentration risk.

Alignment with Goals: Aligning your investment strategy with long-term goals like wealth accumulation and retirement planning.

Monitoring and Review
Regularly review your investment strategy and adjust allocations as needed based on changing financial goals, market conditions, and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
Adjusting your allocations by decreasing GPF contributions and increasing SIP amounts can potentially optimize your investment strategy, considering your age, risk tolerance, and long-term financial goals. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your specific circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Money
I am 44 yrs, with wife and 6 yr old son. I have 45 lakhs in MF, current SIP of 35k / month and 55 lakhs in equity. No other investments. My income is 1 lakh a month and expenses 30000 per month. How else can I diversify or increase current investments to have corpus 5 cr by 60 years.
Ans: You're in a good position to work towards your financial goal of accumulating a ?5 crore corpus by the age of 60. With your current investments and income, let's explore strategies to diversify and increase your investments.

Compliments and Understanding
Firstly, congratulations on your disciplined savings and investments. Your current portfolio demonstrates a strong foundation for building wealth over the long term. Let's leverage this foundation to achieve your financial goals.

Assessing Your Current Situation
At 44 years old, with a wife and 6-year-old son, you have:

Mutual Funds: ?45 lakhs

Current SIP: ?35,000 per month

Equity Investments: ?55 lakhs

Income: ?1 lakh per month

Expenses: ?30,000 per month

Diversification and Growth Strategies
1. Increase SIP Amount
Consider increasing your SIP amount to accelerate wealth accumulation. You have room in your budget to allocate more towards investments, given your monthly expenses are lower than your income.

2. Explore Additional Investment Avenues
Look into other investment avenues to diversify your portfolio further. Options include:

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Provides exposure to real estate with potentially lower risk compared to physical property investment.

Debt Instruments: Consider investing in fixed-income securities like bonds, which offer stability and regular income.

3. Review Equity Portfolio
Regularly review your equity portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consider rebalancing if necessary to optimize returns and manage risk.

4. Retirement Planning
Utilize retirement-focused investment vehicles like National Pension System (NPS) or Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF) to build a retirement corpus. These offer tax benefits and long-term growth potential.

5. Consult a Certified Financial Planner
Seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your financial situation and goals. A CFP can help you create a comprehensive financial plan to achieve your target corpus by age 60.

Advantages of Professional Advice
Holistic Financial Planning
A CFP can help you create a holistic financial plan that takes into account your income, expenses, investments, and long-term goals. This approach ensures all aspects of your financial life are considered.

Tailored Recommendations
A CFP can provide personalized investment recommendations based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial objectives. This ensures your investments are aligned with your goals and preferences.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
A CFP will regularly monitor your investments and make necessary adjustments to keep your financial plan on track. This proactive approach helps optimize your portfolio and maximize returns over time.

Conclusion
By increasing your SIP amount, exploring additional investment avenues, reviewing your equity portfolio, and seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner, you can diversify and grow your investments to achieve a ?5 crore corpus by age 60. With a disciplined approach and sound financial planning, you're well on your way to financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 01, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am 35 and have about 15L. Where can I invest to make best use of it. I already has 1.5L of 80C savings (annually), 2L of SGB, 7L in MF.
Ans: You're at an excellent point in your financial journey with a diverse portfolio. At age 35, you have ?15 lakhs to invest, along with existing investments in savings, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), and mutual funds. Let's explore how to best use this money to achieve your financial goals.

Compliments and Assessment
Firstly, congratulations on your disciplined savings and investments. Your existing ?1.5 lakh in 80C savings, ?2 lakh in SGBs, and ?7 lakh in mutual funds show a solid foundation. It's clear you're thinking strategically about your future. Let's build on that.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Your current portfolio demonstrates diversification across different asset classes:

80C Savings: Provides tax benefits and encourages disciplined savings.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): Offer a hedge against inflation and are a stable investment.

Mutual Funds: Likely offering a mix of growth and stability, depending on the fund types.

Investment Strategy for ?15 Lakhs
Diversified Equity Funds
Given your existing exposure to mutual funds, adding diversified equity funds can be beneficial. These funds invest across various sectors and market capitalizations, offering balanced growth and risk.

Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can adapt to market changes, potentially outperforming passive index funds. They benefit from the expertise of fund managers who make strategic investment decisions.

Debt Funds
To balance the risk, consider investing a portion in debt funds. These funds invest in fixed-income securities like government bonds and corporate debt, providing stability and regular income.

Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds, which combine equity and debt, can provide growth while managing risk. They offer the potential for higher returns compared to pure debt funds while maintaining lower volatility than equity funds.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Investing through SIPs in these funds can spread the investment over time, reducing market timing risks and encouraging disciplined investing.

Advantages of Regular Funds
Professional Management
Investing through an MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor) with CFP credentials ensures professional management and tailored advice. This approach provides better guidance compared to direct funds, where you manage investments yourself.

Better Performance
Actively managed funds, handled by professionals, often outperform direct and index funds due to strategic adjustments to market conditions.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds require time, knowledge, and constant monitoring, which can be challenging. Regular funds managed by professionals simplify this process and can lead to better results.

Investment Allocation Example
Here's a suggested allocation for your ?15 lakhs:

Diversified Equity Funds: ?6 lakhs

Debt Funds: ?3 lakhs

Hybrid Funds: ?3 lakhs

Actively Managed Funds: ?3 lakhs

Monitor and Review
Regularly review and adjust your investments based on performance and changing financial goals. A Certified Financial Planner can assist with these adjustments, ensuring your portfolio remains aligned with your objectives.

Conclusion
With your ?15 lakhs, diversifying across diversified equity, debt, hybrid, and actively managed funds can balance growth and risk. Investing through SIPs and utilizing professional management through an MFD with CFP credentials will optimize your portfolio. Regular review and adjustment are key to maintaining alignment with your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir very good evening. Can you please suggest few names of funds for doing swp and sir minimum how much funds is required to deposit to avail every month one lakh pls explain briefly as i don't have knowledge about this, i shall be highly obliged to you. Regards
Ans: A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly. It provides a steady income stream while keeping your capital invested and potentially growing.

Benefits of SWP
Regular Income: SWP gives you a predictable monthly income, which is useful for meeting regular expenses.

Tax Efficiency: Only the gains portion of each withdrawal is taxed, making SWP more tax-efficient compared to other withdrawal methods.

Flexibility: You can choose the withdrawal frequency (monthly, quarterly, etc.) and adjust the amount as per your needs.

Estimating the Required Investment
To determine the amount needed to receive ?1 lakh per month through SWP, we need to consider the expected return on investment. For simplicity, let’s assume an average annual return of 8%.

Calculation Example
Annual Withdrawal: ?1 lakh per month equals ?12 lakh per year.

Expected Return: With an assumed return of 8%, we need to estimate the corpus.

Required Corpus: Using the formula for SWP, the required corpus can be approximated as ?1.5 crore. This ensures the withdrawals and returns balance over time.

Professional Advice
I recommend consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to get a precise calculation tailored to your financial situation.

Suggested Funds for SWP
When choosing funds for SWP, consider stability, performance, and track record. Here are some fund types to consider:

Balanced Funds
Balanced funds invest in both equities and debt instruments, providing a mix of growth and stability. They are suitable for generating regular income with moderate risk.

Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and government securities. They offer lower risk and steady returns, making them ideal for conservative investors seeking regular income.

Hybrid Funds
Hybrid funds combine equity and debt investments. They offer the potential for higher returns compared to pure debt funds while maintaining lower volatility than equity funds.

Implementing SWP
Steps to Set Up SWP
Choose the Right Funds: Select funds that match your risk tolerance and income needs.

Invest the Corpus: Invest the required amount (e.g., ?1.5 crore) in the selected funds.

Set Up SWP: Contact your mutual fund distributor (MFD) or the fund house to set up the SWP. Specify the withdrawal amount (?1 lakh) and frequency (monthly).

Monitoring and Adjusting
Regularly review your investments and SWP plan. Adjust the withdrawal amount or switch funds if needed to ensure sustainability and meet your income needs.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management: Actively managed funds benefit from the expertise of fund managers who make strategic decisions to maximize returns.

Market Adaptability: These funds can adapt to changing market conditions, potentially leading to better performance compared to passive index funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Higher Effort: Direct funds require you to manage your investments, which can be time-consuming and complex.

Professional Guidance: Investing through an MFD with CFP credentials ensures you receive professional advice and management tailored to your goals.

Conclusion
Implementing an SWP can provide you with a steady income of ?1 lakh per month. Choose balanced, debt, or hybrid funds based on your risk tolerance. Consult a CFP to ensure your investment strategy aligns with your financial goals. Regular monitoring and adjustments will keep your plan on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

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How to get historical data of asset allocation- large, mid and small cap % in a fund. Say last 5 yrs this data for Quant flexi cap pl
Ans: Obtaining historical data on the asset allocation of mutual funds, such as the percentage invested in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, can help you assess how a fund’s investment strategy has evolved. Here's a guide to finding this information, using Quant Flexi Cap Fund as an example.

1. Fund Fact Sheets and Reports
Steps to Access Fact Sheets
Visit the Fund House Website: Go to the official website of Quant Mutual Fund.

Navigate to the Fund Section: Find the section dedicated to Quant Flexi Cap Fund.

Access Fact Sheets: Look for links to fund fact sheets or monthly portfolio disclosures. These documents typically provide detailed information on the fund’s asset allocation, including historical data.

Review Historical Documents: Download fact sheets or portfolio disclosures for each month over the past five years. These documents will show the percentage of the portfolio allocated to large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.

2. Financial Data Aggregator Websites
Several financial data aggregator websites provide comprehensive mutual fund data. Examples include:

Morningstar: Offers detailed historical data on fund performance and asset allocation.

Steps:
Visit Morningstar India.
Search for Quant Flexi Cap Fund.
Look for the "Portfolio" or "Asset Allocation" tab to find historical allocation data.
Value Research: Provides reports on fund portfolios and performance metrics.

Steps:
Visit Value Research.
Search for Quant Flexi Cap Fund.
Check the portfolio section for historical data on asset allocation.
Moneycontrol: Tracks mutual funds and provides detailed portfolio breakdowns.

Steps:
Visit Moneycontrol.
Search for Quant Flexi Cap Fund.
Navigate to the "Portfolio" section to find historical allocation data.
3. Regulatory Filings
Mutual funds in India are required to file detailed portfolio disclosures with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). These filings are publicly available.

Steps to Access SEBI Filings
Visit SEBI’s Website: Go to the SEBI website.

Search for Mutual Fund Filings: Look for sections related to mutual fund disclosures.

Find Quant Mutual Fund: Locate filings related to Quant Mutual Fund.

Review Portfolio Disclosures: Access historical portfolio disclosures for Quant Flexi Cap Fund. These documents detail the fund's asset allocation.

4. Using Mutual Fund Research Tools
Many investment platforms and tools offer historical data and research capabilities. For example:

Morningstar Direct: A professional-grade tool that provides extensive data on mutual funds, including historical asset allocation.

Bloomberg Terminal: Used by financial professionals, it provides in-depth historical data on mutual funds.

5. Contact the Fund House
If online resources do not provide the required historical data, you can contact the customer service of Quant Mutual Fund directly.

Steps to Contact
Visit the Fund House Website: Go to the Quant Mutual Fund website.

Find Contact Information: Look for customer service or investor relations contact details.

Request Historical Data: Send an email or call, requesting historical asset allocation data for the past five years.

6. Engage a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD)
A Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) can assist in obtaining detailed historical data and provide professional insights into fund performance.

Steps to Contact an MFD
Identify an MFD: Look for a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or a reliable MFD with good credentials.

Schedule a Meeting: Contact the MFD and schedule a meeting to discuss your requirements.

Request Data and Insights: Ask the MFD to provide historical asset allocation data for Quant Flexi Cap Fund and any other relevant information.

Conclusion
Accessing historical asset allocation data for a fund like Quant Flexi Cap involves exploring fund fact sheets, financial data aggregator websites, regulatory filings, research tools, contacting the fund house, and engaging with an MFD. This data helps you understand how the fund’s investment strategy has changed over time, aiding in informed decision-making.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir. I work in a private company. I m 49. Will retire in next 5 years. My SIP since last 4 years is 15000 pm. Increased to 22500 last year. Break up.is ICICI prudential blue chip 5000 Mirrae assets - 7500 Kotal Small cap - 7500 I also invest 12,500 p.m in PPF for taxation purpose. I would like to increase 10000 rs more in SIP, which SIP should I invest in
Ans: It's commendable that you have a well-established SIP strategy. Your current SIPs total ?22,500 per month, with investments in ICICI Prudential Blue Chip, Mirae Asset, and Kotak Small Cap funds. Additionally, you invest ?12,500 per month in PPF for tax benefits.

Assessing Your Portfolio
Your current portfolio is diversified across large-cap, multi-cap, and small-cap funds. This balance provides a good mix of stability and growth potential. As you are planning to retire in the next five years, a careful assessment of risk and return is crucial.

Portfolio Diversification
Large-Cap Fund (ICICI Prudential Blue Chip): Provides stability and steady returns. Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies with a history of reliable performance.

Multi-Cap Fund (Mirae Asset): Offers exposure to companies of various sizes, balancing growth potential with risk.

Small-Cap Fund (Kotak Small Cap): Targets high growth but comes with higher volatility and risk. Small-cap funds can provide significant returns over time.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your PPF contributions are beneficial for tax savings and offer secure returns. PPF is a good debt investment, providing a counterbalance to the equity risk in your portfolio.

Increasing Your SIP by ?10,000
You plan to increase your SIP by ?10,000 per month. Here’s a strategic approach:

Adding Mid-Cap and Balanced Funds
Mid-Cap Fund: Consider investing in a mid-cap fund. These funds invest in mid-sized companies, offering a balance between large-cap stability and small-cap growth.

Balanced Fund: Balanced funds invest in both equities and debt instruments. They offer moderate risk and steady returns, suitable for someone nearing retirement.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management: Actively managed funds are overseen by fund managers who make strategic investment decisions. This can potentially lead to better performance than index funds.

Market Adaptability: These funds can adapt to market changes, optimizing returns and managing risks effectively.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Higher Effort: Direct funds require you to make investment decisions and manage the portfolio yourself. This can be time-consuming and challenging.

Professional Guidance: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional management and strategic alignment with your financial goals.

Implementing the New Investment Plan
Step-by-Step Approach
Assess Your Risk Tolerance: Given your retirement timeline, it's crucial to balance risk and return. Consider how much risk you are comfortable taking.

Allocate the New SIP Amount: Invest ?5,000 in a mid-cap fund and ?5,000 in a balanced fund. This diversification enhances your portfolio's growth potential while maintaining stability.

Regular Monitoring: Review your portfolio regularly. A CFP can help you adjust your investments based on market conditions and changing financial goals.

Professional Guidance
Engaging with a CFP provides several advantages:

Tailored Advice: A CFP can offer investment advice tailored to your specific situation, risk tolerance, and retirement goals.

Portfolio Management: Regular monitoring and rebalancing ensure your investments stay aligned with your financial objectives.

Conclusion
Increasing your SIP by ?10,000 and diversifying into mid-cap and balanced funds will enhance your portfolio. Regular reviews with a CFP ensure your investments align with your retirement goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |2651 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Good evening Ramalingam Sir I am 47 years old, I have started my journey in mutual funds for the last 3 years and wanted to do continue for the next 8 years. I have 1.5 CR in different instruments like MF, NPS and PPF. Sir I am inviting 38000/month in 7 different funds. Sir I have approx 80 lacs in bank FD and wanted to put in mutual funds. Can I do lump sum in existing funds or there can be different from these funds 1 Axis small cap 2 ICICI Prudential pure equity retirement 3 HDFC retirement pure equity fund 4 SBI Contra fund 5 Quant Mid Cap fund 6 Mahindra Manulife Small cap 7 Nippon India large cap Sir please suggest me about lump sum, wheather I have to choose different funds or do in existing 7 funds
Ans: It's impressive that you've accumulated ?1.5 crore in various instruments like mutual funds, NPS, and PPF. Additionally, saving ?80 lakhs in bank FDs shows financial prudence. Your current SIP of ?38,000 per month in seven different mutual funds is a commendable strategy. Now, you’re considering investing the ?80 lakhs from FDs into mutual funds.

Evaluating Your Investment Strategy
Existing Mutual Fund Investments
Your seven mutual funds cover a diverse range of market segments. This diversification helps in spreading risk and potentially enhancing returns. These funds include small-cap, pure equity, contra, mid-cap, and large-cap categories, giving you broad exposure.

Advantages of Lump Sum Investments
Potential for Higher Returns: Investing a lump sum can lead to higher returns, especially in a rising market. Timing the market is crucial here.

Cost Efficiency: Lump sum investments incur fewer transaction costs compared to spreading investments over time.

Risks of Lump Sum Investments
Market Volatility: Lump sum investments are susceptible to market timing risk. If the market dips after your investment, you could see short-term losses.

Stress and Anxiety: A significant market downturn can cause stress and anxiety, especially with a large investment.

Considering Systematic Transfer Plan (STP)
Instead of investing the entire ?80 lakhs as a lump sum, consider a Systematic Transfer Plan (STP). Here’s why:

Reduced Market Timing Risk: STP spreads your investment over a period, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Regular Investment: STP allows regular investments from your FD to mutual funds, leveraging rupee cost averaging.

Allocating Your Investment
Reviewing Existing Funds
Assess Performance: Review the performance of your current funds. Ensure they meet your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Diversification: Ensure your existing portfolio remains diversified. Avoid over-concentration in any single market segment.

Adding New Funds
Balanced Funds: Consider adding balanced funds to your portfolio. These funds mix equity and debt, offering growth and stability.

International Funds: Adding international mutual funds can provide global exposure, reducing country-specific risk.

Professional Guidance
Engaging with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can optimize your investment strategy. A CFP can:

Tailored Advice: Provide advice based on your specific financial situation and goals.

Portfolio Management: Help manage and rebalance your portfolio, ensuring it aligns with market conditions and your risk tolerance.

Implementing Your Plan
Step-by-Step Approach
Emergency Fund: Ensure part of your ?80 lakhs remains in a liquid fund for emergencies.

STP from FD to Mutual Funds: Set up an STP to transfer funds from your FD to your mutual funds systematically.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio with your CFP. Adjust investments based on performance and changing market conditions.

Conclusion
Transitioning your ?80 lakhs from FDs to mutual funds is a wise decision. Using STP to invest systematically can mitigate risks and leverage market opportunities. Diversifying further with balanced and international funds can enhance your portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...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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