Sir, I am 22 and just got placed in a company... My monthly take home is about 8.3L (monthly) from which about 2L goes in living and 50K goes to parents every month. I am looking to invest the rest... Have no idea about mutual funds or FDs and want to get started.... Pls recommend an investment plan which takes saving, wealth creation, and future development into consideration if we take a 15% increment in income every year.
Ans: ? Your Current Financial Snapshot
– You are 22 years old and just started earning.
– Monthly take-home salary is Rs. 8.3 lakh.
– You spend Rs. 2 lakh on living expenses.
– You support your parents with Rs. 50,000 monthly.
– Around Rs. 5.8 lakh per month is available for investing.
This puts you in a powerful wealth-building position early in life.
? Financial Planning is Not Just About Investing
– First step is not investing, but planning.
– You must secure your future before chasing returns.
– Create a plan for savings, safety, growth, and liquidity.
– Each part should serve a specific financial purpose.
– Focus on long-term goals, not just yearly returns.
Let your money grow while protecting your peace of mind.
? Step One: Build an Emergency Fund
– Save at least 6 months of expenses.
– That means Rs. 12–15 lakh in liquid funds.
– Use liquid mutual funds or short-term debt funds.
– This is not for investing. Only for emergencies.
– It acts like a financial shock absorber.
No investments should begin before this fund is set aside.
? Step Two: Start Term Insurance and Medical Insurance
– Buy a term plan for Rs. 1 crore minimum.
– Premium will be very low at your age.
– Choose only pure term, not investment plans.
– Take individual health insurance policy of Rs. 10 lakh.
– Do not depend on company health cover only.
Protection must always come before profit.
? Step Three: Avoid Loans or Credit Traps
– Never invest with borrowed money.
– Avoid personal loans or credit card EMIs.
– Clear all dues each month.
– Use credit cards only for benefits, not credit.
– Don’t build habits that spoil wealth creation.
Your habits will shape your financial future more than your salary.
? Step Four: Understand the Role of Mutual Funds
– Mutual funds pool your money with others.
– Experts invest it across different instruments.
– It’s suitable for long-term wealth creation.
– Choose equity mutual funds for long goals.
– Choose debt mutual funds for short goals.
Mutual funds give you access to professional investing at low cost.
? Step Five: Choose Only Actively Managed Funds
– Don’t use index funds.
– Index funds follow markets blindly.
– They fall fully in market crashes.
– They don’t manage downside risk.
– Actively managed funds adjust to protect capital.
Smart fund managers can save you during downturns.
? Step Six: Avoid Direct Mutual Funds
– Direct plans look cheaper but carry high risk.
– You’ll get no help when markets fall.
– There’s no one to guide rebalancing or switching.
– Use regular plans with Certified Financial Planner-backed MFD.
– The small extra cost saves huge mistakes.
Right advice creates more wealth than low-cost execution.
? Suggested Fund Types Based on Your Age
– Use large-cap and flexi-cap mutual funds.
– Add mid-cap or hybrid funds slowly.
– Use debt funds for emergency fund and short goals.
– Don’t invest in sectoral or thematic funds now.
– Stay away from small caps in early years.
Balanced risk gives you steady wealth.
? How Much to Invest Now
– From Rs. 5.8 lakh monthly surplus, start with Rs. 3 lakh SIP.
– Divide across 3–4 funds.
– Keep Rs. 1.5 lakh for emergency building.
– Keep Rs. 1 lakh for short-term liquidity.
– Increase SIP by 15% every year.
Start slow. But be regular. That builds real wealth.
? Review Investments Yearly
– Don’t check NAV daily.
– Once a year, check returns vs goal.
– Rebalance asset mix with guidance.
– Exit only if goals change.
– Don’t panic in temporary market falls.
Wealth grows when you stay invested during bad years too.
? Consider NPS for Long-Term Tax Saving
– After few years, start NPS if planning retirement in India.
– Gives tax benefit under 80CCD(1B).
– It has equity and debt mix.
– Lock-in till 60 years ensures long discipline.
– It’s optional now, but useful later.
You don’t need to rush into every option today.
? Do Not Chase Unregulated Assets
– Don’t invest in bitcoin or crypto now.
– Don’t buy gold in physical form.
– Stay away from chit funds or ponzi apps.
– Keep your money in transparent, SEBI-regulated products.
– Safety matters more than big return dreams.
Your money must work. But also stay safe.
? Plan for 3 Categories of Goals
– Short-term goals: Next 3 years (gadgets, vacation).
– Medium-term goals: 3–7 years (car, MBA, wedding).
– Long-term goals: 10+ years (house, retirement).
– Assign each goal a mutual fund type.
– Track goals separately with specific timelines.
Goal-based investing gives better clarity and motivation.
? SIP is the Best Way to Create Wealth
– SIP means Systematic Investment Plan.
– You invest monthly, like EMI.
– It builds habit and avoids timing risk.
– You buy more units in lows, fewer in highs.
– It smooths market ups and downs.
Even small SIPs work magic with time and discipline.
? Always Stay Liquid Before Going Long-Term
– Don’t lock all funds in SIPs.
– Keep 2 months’ worth in savings or liquid fund.
– Don’t break SIPs for small spending needs.
– Liquidity is as important as return.
– If income grows, increase SIP. Don’t spend it all.
Liquidity gives confidence to stay invested in tough times.
? Watch Out for Lifestyle Inflation
– Avoid increasing spending with every hike.
– Save first. Then spend what’s left.
– Increase SIP each time income grows.
– Don’t buy liabilities just to match friends.
– Future freedom matters more than present image.
Wealth is built silently. Lifestyle is just display.
? Don’t Mix Insurance with Investment
– ULIPs, endowment plans look attractive.
– But they give low returns with high lock-in.
– They are poor for both goals.
– Keep insurance and investments separate.
– If you hold any, consider surrendering them.
Your age allows you to correct early mistakes.
? Taxes on Mutual Fund Investments
– Equity mutual funds taxed at 12.5% for LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh.
– STCG taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual funds taxed as per income slab.
– SIPs in equity are more tax-efficient long term.
– Plan redemptions to avoid unnecessary tax.
Tax planning helps you retain more wealth.
? Focus on Wealth Creation, Not Just Saving
– Savings protect, but investing grows money.
– Mutual funds beat inflation long term.
– Bank FDs are safe but give low returns.
– SIP in mutual funds is better for 10+ year goals.
– Your time is your biggest asset now.
Time + Discipline + SIP = Real Wealth.
? If You Want to Explore Beyond Mutual Funds Later
– Learn slowly about REITs, bonds, international funds.
– Add them once you reach Rs. 50 lakh portfolio.
– Don’t try everything in year one.
– Core portfolio should always stay in mutual funds.
– Keep 80% in simple long-term equity SIPs.
Simplicity protects better than complicated portfolios.
? Spend Time Learning from the Right People
– Don’t follow social media tips blindly.
– Use help from Certified Financial Planner.
– Ask questions and clear doubts.
– Stay informed without chasing hot tips.
– Learn personal finance like a skill.
Understanding your money is the best investment.
? Finally
– You are starting at the best age.
– Don’t waste the next 5 years.
– Build strong habits and safety net first.
– Use actively managed mutual funds via regular plans.
– Avoid index and direct funds for now.
– Create short, medium, and long-term goals.
– Stick to your SIP plan even in tough times.
– Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.
– Learn steadily. Adjust wisely. Grow confidently.
– With patience, you will build massive wealth.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment