Hello sir I have invested in ELSS fund by monthly Sip of Rs 1000 in 2018 for 5 years the amount is now Rs 1.69 lakh.I want to redeem the amount and again invest to lumsum ELSS for 5 years is this a good decision to invest in ELSS fund.

Ans: Hello and thanks for writing to me. Please state your objectives and other relevant details like age, risk appetite and goals for me to give you some recommendation.

Generally, you can consider investing in NFO's where you think the fund investing philosophy is aligned with your ideas of wealth creation and the fund matches your risk appetite and investment horizon.

Ans: For a high-risk appetite and a 4-5 year horizon, you can consider diversified ELSS funds known for consistent performance and managed by experienced professionals. Look for funds with a track record of outperforming their benchmarks and peers. Always remember to monitor your investments regularly and consult a financial advisor for personalized advice.

Ans: Your aspiration to build a corpus of 1 crore through ELSS SIPs is commendable. However, let's evaluate your strategy and explore potential adjustments to optimize your investment approach.

Assessing Your Strategy
ELSS SIPs:
Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) offer the twin benefits of tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act and potential for wealth creation through equity exposure. Investing 50,000 each in two ELSS schemes through SIPs is a proactive step towards your financial goals.

Existing FDs:
Having close to 10 lakhs in FDs indicates a conservative investment approach. While FDs provide stability, their returns may not be sufficient to achieve long-term wealth creation goals, especially considering inflation and taxes.

Suggested Adjustments
Diversification:
Consider diversifying your investment portfolio beyond ELSS and FDs. While ELSS SIPs offer the potential for high returns, they also carry market risks. Diversification across asset classes like equity, debt, and real estate can help mitigate risk and optimize returns.

Review FD Allocation:
Reevaluate the allocation of your FDs. While FDs provide liquidity and stability, consider whether tying up a significant portion of your savings in low-yield investments aligns with your long-term wealth creation goals. You may explore gradually reallocating a portion of your FDs towards higher-yielding investment avenues.

Regular Review:
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure alignment with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. As your financial situation evolves, be prepared to make necessary adjustments to optimize returns and minimize risk.

Alternative Investment Options
Since you're open to suggestions beyond ELSS and FDs, here are a few alternatives to consider:

Equity Mutual Funds:
Apart from ELSS, explore other equity mutual fund categories such as large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds to diversify your equity exposure further.

Debt Mutual Funds:
Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to debt mutual funds for stability and regular income. Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and provide relatively lower but steady returns compared to equity.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
SIPs offer the benefit of rupee-cost averaging and disciplined investing. You can explore SIPs in both equity and debt mutual funds to maintain a balanced portfolio.

Conclusion
While your strategy of investing in ELSS SIPs is a step in the right direction, consider diversifying your portfolio and reviewing your FD allocation to optimize returns and mitigate risks. A balanced approach tailored to your financial goals and risk profile will enhance your chances of achieving long-term wealth creation.

Best Regards,

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

Ans: Absolutely, you can stop investing in one ELSS fund and allow the existing investments to mature. ELSS funds have a lock-in period of three years from the date of each investment, so once the lock-in period is over for each SIP, you have the option to either redeem the units or continue holding them.

When you stop SIPs in ELSS funds, the existing investments continue to grow, and you retain ownership of the units. However, keep in mind that stopping SIPs doesn't impact the lock-in period of the existing investments. Each SIP installment will have its own lock-in period of three years from its investment date.

If you're looking for high-risk, high-return investments for the next 2-3 years, it's essential to assess your risk tolerance and investment horizon carefully. ELSS funds, especially those investing in small-cap or mid-cap stocks, can be volatile in the short term but may offer higher returns over the long term.

Additionally, investing in individual stocks requires thorough research and a good understanding of the stock market. It's wise to approach stock investing cautiously, especially if you're relatively new to it. Diversification and thorough research are key to managing risk in stock investments.

Overall, it's great that you and your spouse are both working towards your financial goals and are open to taking calculated risks for potentially higher returns. Remember to regularly review your investment portfolio, stay informed about market developments, and adjust your strategy as needed to stay on track towards your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Assessing Your Current Situation
You have accumulated investments in ELSS. These investments have given fair performance. The lock-in period is over. You are considering whether to keep the corpus in ELSS or shift it to equity funds for better returns.

Understanding ELSS and Equity Funds
ELSS (Equity Linked Saving Scheme)
Tax Benefits: ELSS offers tax benefits under Section 80C.
Lock-in Period: ELSS has a mandatory three-year lock-in period.
Equity Exposure: ELSS invests primarily in equities.
Equity Funds
No Lock-in Period: Equity funds don’t have a lock-in period.
High Growth Potential: Equity funds can offer high growth.
Risk Factor: Equity funds come with market risks.
Current Scenario
No Further Tax Benefit: Under the new regime, ELSS doesn’t provide additional tax benefits.
Investment Performance: Your ELSS is performing fairly.
Evaluating the Options
Advantages of Shifting to Equity Funds
Higher Growth Potential: Equity funds might offer better returns.
Flexibility: No lock-in period allows for more flexibility.
Active Management: Actively managed funds can outperform index funds.
Disadvantages of ELSS
Limited Flexibility: Lock-in period restricts liquidity.
Tax Considerations: Post lock-in, capital gains are taxable.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Research Requirement: Direct funds need thorough research.
Time-Consuming: Managing direct funds takes time.
Professional Expertise: Regular funds through CFP offer better management.
Recommendations
Consider Your Financial Goals
Long-term Growth: If you aim for long-term growth, equity funds can be beneficial.
Liquidity Needs: Assess your need for liquidity. Equity funds offer better liquidity.
Diversify Your Portfolio
Reduce Risk: Diversification reduces risk.
Balance Returns: A mix of equity funds and other investments balances returns.
Professional Management
Regular Funds: Invest through a certified financial planner.
Expertise: Professional management can enhance performance.
Action Steps
Review ELSS Performance: Regularly review the performance of your ELSS.
Assess Equity Funds: Evaluate equity funds with good track records.
Consult a CFP: Get advice from a certified financial planner.
Final Insights
You have made wise investments in ELSS. Since the lock-in period is over, you have options.

Shifting to equity funds could enhance your returns. Ensure you diversify and balance your portfolio. Professional management can guide you to better performance.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in