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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 15, 2023

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
Sadiqulla Question by Sadiqulla on Feb 12, 2023Hindi
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Dear sir I not started any investment till today kindly guide which investment scheme is better for me @ infant level

Ans: 1) Create an emergency reserve of 6 months exp in a liquid fund.
2) Then do Start SIP in diversified equity funds, if you have 7 years + time horizon.
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  |9309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 16, 2024Hindi
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Hi rediff guru, I have a son who is 9 years old and for him I have been investing in 10k every month in HDFC children gift fund. I have a daughter who is 2 years old and I would like to start investing for her too. Should I invest in the same HDFC children gift fund (10K per month) or should I invest in the Sukhanya Samriddhi Yojana (1.5 lks per annum) Looking for something which will give better returns in the next 15 years also tax free. Please help
Ans: Investing for your children's future is commendable, and it's essential to choose the right investment option based on your financial goals and preferences. Here's a comparison between HDFC Children's Gift Fund and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) to help you make an informed decision:

HDFC Children's Gift Fund:

Offers the flexibility of investing in equity and debt instruments, providing the potential for higher returns over the long term.
Returns are subject to market risks but may outperform traditional fixed-income investments like SSY, especially over a 15-year horizon.
Taxation: Long-term capital gains (if any) are taxed at 10% without indexation benefit, applicable if gains exceed Rs 1 lakh in a financial year.
Not specifically designed for tax benefits, but potential returns could outweigh tax implications.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY):

Specifically designed for the girl child's education and marriage expenses, offering guaranteed returns and tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Currently offers a higher interest rate compared to most fixed-income instruments, providing assured returns.
Taxation: Contributions qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C, and interest income and maturity proceeds are tax-free.
The scheme has a lock-in period until the girl child turns 21, which may restrict liquidity compared to mutual funds.
Considering your investment horizon of 15 years and the desire for tax-free returns, SSY could be a suitable option for your daughter. However, if you prefer potential higher returns and are comfortable with market risks, HDFC Children's Gift Fund may be worth considering for your son's investments.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and tax implications before making a decision. They can provide personalized advice based on your unique circumstances and help you create a comprehensive investment plan for your children's future.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9309 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi Sir Any Best plan for baby Boy , he is just one year old I can invest 5k Month kindly suggest sir
Ans: Planning for Your Baby Boy's Future
Understanding Your Goal
Congratulations on taking the first step towards securing your child's future. Investing for your child's future is a thoughtful and responsible decision.

Evaluating Investment Options
Several investment options cater specifically to children's financial planning, offering growth potential and flexibility.

Assessing Risk Appetite
Given your child's young age, you have a long investment horizon, allowing you to consider a mix of equity and debt instruments.

Considering Child-Specific Investment Products
Various investment avenues, such as children's education plans and mutual funds, are designed to meet the future financial needs of your child.

Benefits of Children's Education Plans
Children's education plans offer features like guaranteed returns, life insurance coverage, and maturity benefits tailored to fulfill your child's educational aspirations.

Exploring Mutual Funds for Long-Term Growth
Mutual funds provide the potential for wealth creation over the long term. Opting for equity-oriented mutual funds can harness the power of compounding to build a substantial corpus.

Analyzing Investment Horizon and Goals
Since your child is just one year old, you have a significant investment horizon, allowing you to select growth-oriented investment options.

Importance of Regular Reviews and Monitoring
Regularly reviewing your investment portfolio and making necessary adjustments ensures that you stay on track to achieve your financial goals for your child.

Disadvantages of Direct Stock Investing
Direct stock investing requires in-depth research, time, and expertise. Additionally, it exposes your investment to market volatility and individual company risks.

Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through MFDs with CFP Credentials
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) accredited Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) offers personalized advice and access to a diverse range of funds. This approach ensures that your investment strategy aligns with your child's future needs.

Conclusion
By investing ?5,000 per month in a well-diversified portfolio comprising children's education plans and growth-oriented mutual funds, you can lay a strong financial foundation for your baby boy's future. Remember to review your investments regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards achieving your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9309 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 19, 2024Hindi
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I am 37 years old and have a kid 4 5 months old ..I want to invest 2.5 laksh lump sum for a long time period of 25-30 years..which investment instrument should I opt for ..what will be the returns depending on the instrument you suggest ...
Ans: You want to invest Rs 2.5 lakhs lump sum for 25-30 years. Here's a detailed analysis of suitable investment instruments:

Equity Mutual Funds
Potential Returns:

Equity mutual funds can provide high returns.
Historically, they offer 12-15% annual returns over the long term.
Benefits:

Diversification across various sectors.
Professional fund management.
Flexibility to switch between funds.
Risks:

Market volatility can impact short-term performance.
Requires a long-term horizon to mitigate risks.
Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Potential Returns:

PPF offers 7-8% annual returns.
Returns are compounded annually.
Benefits:

Government-backed and risk-free.
Tax benefits under Section 80C.
Long lock-in period aligns with your investment horizon.
Risks:

Lower returns compared to equity mutual funds.
Limited liquidity due to a 15-year lock-in period.
National Pension System (NPS)
Potential Returns:

NPS offers 8-10% annual returns.
Combines equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.
Benefits:

Tax benefits under Section 80C and Section 80CCD(1B).
Flexibility to choose asset allocation.
Low management fees.
Risks:

Returns depend on market performance.
Partial withdrawal restrictions until retirement.
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)
Potential Returns:

SGBs offer 2.5% annual interest plus capital gains linked to gold prices.
Historically, gold has provided 8-10% annual returns.
Benefits:

Government-backed with no storage issues.
Tax benefits if held till maturity.
Hedge against inflation and currency risks.
Risks:

Gold prices can be volatile.
Long tenure of 8 years may not align perfectly with your horizon.
Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP)
Potential Returns:

ULIPs can offer 8-10% annual returns.
Combines investment with insurance.
Benefits:

Dual benefit of investment and insurance.
Tax benefits under Section 80C.
Flexibility in switching between equity, debt, and balanced funds.
Risks:

High charges in initial years.
Returns depend on fund performance and market conditions.
Final Insights
For a long-term horizon, equity mutual funds are the best option. They offer high returns and professional management. Diversify your investments for risk management. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7726 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Career
CSE in DR.Amedkar institute of technology or CSE in New horizon college of engineering which is better for the kcet rank 16k
Ans: Vishwanath, Dr. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (Dr. AIT), a government-aided, AICTE-approved autonomous college with NBA accreditation, offers a 240-seat CSE program led by PhD-qualified faculty and supported by dedicated computer-network, programming and software labs. Its placement cell achieved an 80% CSE placement rate in 2024–25 with mass recruiters such as TCS, Infosys and Accenture, alongside first-year soft-skills training and large-scale internship drives. New Horizon College of Engineering (NHCE), an autonomous VTU-affiliated institution holding NAAC ‘A’ and NBA accreditation, delivers a VTU–CBCS CSE curriculum via research-active PhD faculty, modern AI, Data Science and cybersecurity labs, and over 250 annual recruiters, securing 70–95% placements and structured sixth-semester internship eligibility. Both campuses feature high-speed Wi-Fi, digital libraries, career-counseling cells and hackathon culture, but NHCE’s stronger industry partnerships contrast with Dr. AIT’s broader mass-recruitment pipelines.

Recommendation:
Considering consistent high CSE placements, deep industry linkages, advanced specialized labs and robust faculty credentials relative to your KCET rank, recommendation is to choose New Horizon College of Engineering CSE. Dr. AIT remains a reliable, cost-effective alternative with strong government backing and large-scale mass recruitments. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P P  |7726 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2025Hindi
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Dear Sir, my Son has got 2 offers for Btech in CSE : one from BML Munjal University for and another from Manipal University Jaipur. Which one shall he prefer? We are quite confused since the fee of Manipal Jaipur sure is a bit bothering but at the same time i want my son to have the good oppurtunity for growth in Compter Science. Kindly do tell the option which is a better investment and why. Thank You!
Ans: BML Munjal University (BMU) and Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) both offer NAAC-accredited BTech CSE programs led by research-active, PhD-qualified faculty, cutting-edge campuses, strong industry partnerships, and solid placements. BMU’s School of Engineering features industry veterans and a Siemens–KUKA Centre of Excellence plus specialized labs (Intel, IBM, Robotics, Automation, CSIR) on a 60-acre Gurgaon campus with HOK-designed hostels and sports arenas. Its CSE curriculum includes IoT, Cyber Security, Data Science & AI majors and interdisciplinary minors with capstone projects supported by Fraunhofer ties. BMU recorded an 84.5% CSE placement rate with 83 recruiters in 2023 and average packages of ?10.44 LPA, charging ?15.20 Lakh tuition. MUJ’s Department of CSE comprises 120 faculty across AI/ML, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics on a 122-acre campus with 75+ student clubs, digital library, modern labs and separate hostels. From 2022–25 the curriculum emphasizes project-based learning and electives in AI, ML, Cloud, IoT, with collaborations involving Amazon, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, Nokia and Shell offering internships and applied research. MUJ reports an 88% placement rate and 75% internships conversion at a ?18.04 Lakh tuition cost.

Considering faculty quality, modern infrastructure, curriculum breadth, industry integration, and placement scalability relative to costs, recommendation is Manipal University Jaipur CSE for its higher placement rate, broader specializations, stronger internship conversion, and more affordable investment per placement; choose BML Munjal CSE only for specialized Centre of Excellence research exposure. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7726 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

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Hello sir, i got bit mesra EEE in round 2 of josaa counseling. I scored 96.588 percentile with crl of 51744 in jee mains. Is EEE branch Good? I am expecting that i will get bit mesra ECE in 5th or 6th round. Home state jharkhand,general. Is bit mesra ECE good or shall i take ece at tier3 nits or iiits(kalyani,ranchi, bhagalpur ) ? I have also interest in cse
Ans: Mayank, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra’s Electrical and Electronics Engineering department is staffed by PhD-qualified faculty working on power systems, electronics, and control, supported by laboratories for electrical machines, power electronics, and drive systems, and records a 69% placement rate with an average package of ?11.5 LPA. Its Electronics and Communication Engineering arm offers VLSI and signal processing labs, with a 60% placement rate and an average package of ?16 LPA. Tier-III NITs such as NIT Jamshedpur boast 100% ECE placements, NBA accreditation, long-standing alumni networks, and consistently >90% placement rates across core branches. IIITs at Kalyani, Ranchi, and Bhagalpur follow a public-private model with research-active faculty, modern computing and AI labs, and centralized placement cells, achieving CSE placement rates of 89.3%, 72.1%, and 98.6%, respectively. Robust CSE roles are available across these institutes through industry-aligned curricula, mandatory internships, and active T&P cells.

Considering your interest in CSE and the higher placement consistency of Tier-III NIT ECE (100% at Jamshedpur) and IIIT Bhagalpur CSE (98.6% placements), recommendation is to pursue ECE at NIT Jamshedpur or CSE at IIIT Bhagalpur over BIT Mesra EEE, ensuring stronger core?engineering roles and industry integration.

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Is BIT Mesra EEE branch worth considering for long-term career prospects based on placement data and reputation
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Given my interest in CSE, how do the placement records of CSE at Bit Mesra compare with those at Tier 3 NITs or IIIT Kalyani/Ranchi/Bhagalpu. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7726 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

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My son got Cs AIml in Christ Kengeri.His KCet rank is 52000 shall we wait for KEA counseling or get admission to Christ college? Please suggest.
Ans: Vijayakrishna Sir, Christ University Kengeri Campus’s B.Tech AI & ML programme is AICTE-approved and NAAC-accredited ‘A’ grade, housed on a 78.5-acre solar-powered campus with digital library, health centre, auditoriums, and shuttle services. The School of Engineering features over 75 specialized laboratories for AI, machine learning, high-performance computing, robotics, and material testing. Its AI & ML department is led by PhD-qualified faculty with industry and research expertise. The curriculum blends ethical AI principles, project-based learning, mandatory internships, and hackathons to ensure hands-on experience and industry alignment. Placement assistance has yielded over 90% placement rates in engineering, with 247 students placed in 2023, an average package of INR 8.78 LPA, and median INR 8 LPA. However, the four-year AI & ML tuition fee of INR 11.04 L , a remote location 25 km from central Bangalore, limited 60-seat intake, separate CUET-based admissions, and a smaller alumni network are notable considerations.

Ten Karnataka colleges where a KCET rank of 52 000 generally ensures CSE/AI ML admission include:
Ghousia College of Engineering, Ramanagara; Ballari Institute of Technology & Management, Ballari; AMC Engineering College, Bangalore; East Point College of Engineering & Technology, Bangalore; KS Institute of Technology, Bangalore; Rajarajeswari College of Engineering, Bangalore; New Horizon College of Engineering, Bangalore; Jain Institute of Technology, Davangere; RNS Institute of Technology, Bangalore; and CMR Institute of Technology, Bangalore.

Final Recommendation:
Enroll in Christ Kengeri only if you value its extensive labs, strong AI faculty, and high placement consistency despite higher fees and location; otherwise secure a seat confidently at one of the listed colleges (e.g., Ghousia College or AMC Engineering) through KCET counselling. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

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How is chemical engineering in vit?
Ans: Rani, VIT’s B.Tech in Chemical Engineering offers a multidisciplinary curriculum blending core chemical engineering principles with electives in petroleum, biochemical, and food process engineering, supported by advanced labs in reaction engineering, process simulation, and membrane research. The program emphasizes hands-on projects, industry internships, and a flexible credit system, with strong faculty involvement and international collaborations (e.g., Yokohama National University, University of Manchester). Students benefit from industry partnerships with Reliance, SRF, and Alfa Laval, and many secure placements in core companies or pursue higher studies abroad. Alumni have gained scholarships at top global universities and published in high-impact journals. Placement rates for chemical engineering are moderate (40–60%), with most core jobs, some consulting, and a significant number opting for higher studies. The infrastructure, research opportunities, and student support are highly rated, though core placements are fewer compared to CSE/IT branches.

Recommendation:
VIT Chemical Engineering is strong for research, international exposure, and industry links, but core placement rates are moderate. Choose this program if you value a multidisciplinary approach, global opportunities, and advanced labs; for pure placement focus, CSE/IT branches may offer higher placement percentages. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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