I am 32 and would like to know the following mutual funds are good or not as I am investing in them for more than 5 years around Rs 40,000 each month by SIP mode. Please suggest me if I have to change any. 

• UTI Transportation and Logistics Fund (dividend and growth both) 
• UTI Equity Fund (dividend and growth) 
• UTI Infrastructure Fund (growth) 
• UTI Midcap Fund (growth) 
• UTI MNC Fund (dividend)
• UTI Core Equity Fund (dividend) 
• UTI Value Opportunity Fund (dividend and growth) 
• UTI Arbitage Fund
• UTI Ultra Short-term Fund
• ICICI Pru India Value Opportunity Fund
• ICICI Value Discovery Fund
• ICICI Pru Equity and Debt Fund

Please suggest as I am investing almost Rs 40,000 per month in SIP mode. Whether any change is required or not?  Also suggest the best funds for me as I am thinking for 12 to 20 years. Waiting for your valuable comments  

Ans: Hello Sitarama
The chances of getting a seat in top-tier NITs are few, but there are chances in the newly formed NITs. It would be better to search for the other alternative options. Some of them are: (1) State Engineering Colleges (2) Private Engineering Colleges (3) Other Engineering Entrance Exams like AP EAMCET. Yet keep positive hope. Anything can happen at any time related to admission. Just keep patient till all the counseling rounds finish. Best of luck to your daughter.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You are invisible to him now. Honestly, you need to figure out if he's still interested in the relationship. Because canceling dates, not wanting to listen to what you have to say seems like red flags; do explore this further and you can decide to have an honest conversation with him.
Be clear on what you want in this relationship and don't settle for less; you will thank yourself for it.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It might help if you can actually request one of your close friends to introduce you to a lady acquaintance/friend of theirs or known to them.
Your friends know you and will also have an idea of your interests and introduce you to like minded people. It's worth taking this approach.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: You are earning Rs 1.4 lakh per month.

You are already doing Rs 30,000 SIP monthly. Very good.

You are now thinking of buying a flat worth Rs 60 lakh.

You have Rs 12 lakh in cash.

Balance Rs 48 lakh will need a home loan.

You also want to know if mutual funds or gold are better.

Let’s now look at your case from 360-degree view.

Every point below will guide you clearly.

Step-by-Step Assessment of Your Current Stage
Your salary is good. It gives strong monthly surplus.

SIP of Rs 30,000 shows you have a good saving habit.

Rs 12 lakh liquid is also a strong backup.

You are ready to make a major financial decision.

But one step at a time is very important.

Let’s evaluate all options together.

Buying a Flat – Things to Consider
You are planning to buy a flat of Rs 60 lakh.

Rs 12 lakh is ready with you.

You will need Rs 48 lakh loan.

That is a high loan amount.

EMI will be around Rs 40,000 to 45,000 per month.

This will reduce your monthly savings.

It may impact your SIP capacity also.

Bank will give loan, but you have to repay for 15–20 years.

Total interest paid will be very high.

Flat will also have maintenance charges.

Also property tax, society fee, repair cost etc.

Selling flat in future is not easy.

It is not liquid.

You are tying up your money in one asset.

This reduces flexibility.

Gold – Good or Not
Gold is emotionally strong in India.

But return is very low in long term.

Gold gives average return of 6% to 7% per year.

It does not beat inflation fully.

Gold is also not giving any monthly income.

Also, physical gold has risk of theft.

You cannot use gold to fund long-term goals.

It is only a small part of portfolio.

At best, 5% to 10% of total money can be in gold.

So, gold should not be your main plan.

Mutual Funds – Are They Better?
Mutual funds offer much better returns.

You are already doing SIP of Rs 30,000. Good job.

Mutual funds are flexible and transparent.

You can increase or reduce SIP anytime.

They beat inflation better than gold or FD.

Also better than home loan savings.

You can invest through regular plan.

With help of Certified Financial Planner.

Actively managed mutual funds are more dynamic.

Fund manager adjusts based on market.

Avoid index funds.

They don’t change with market trends.

Active funds have better long-term growth.

You can also invest via STP.

Or do lump sum in short term and transfer.

Direct Plans vs Regular Plans
Do not invest through direct funds.

No help or advice is available.

Regular funds with CFP support is much better.

You get review, rebalancing, and guidance.

CFPs can help you avoid wrong timing.

And also help plan withdrawal and tax saving.

Renting vs Buying – A Fair Analysis
Buying looks attractive because of asset ownership.

But there are hidden costs.

If you rent a flat, you save big on EMIs.

Also no maintenance, repair burden.

That saving can be invested in mutual funds.

That grows more than property value.

Renting gives you freedom to shift.

Also, easy if job or life changes.

Buying gives peace, but adds big loan pressure.

If you buy now, your SIP may reduce or stop.

That will affect long-term wealth.

What You Can Do Now – Ideal Strategy
Do not rush into property buying.

Think with numbers, not emotion.

Keep Rs 6 lakh as emergency fund.

Keep Rs 6 lakh as medium-term safe fund.

Continue SIP of Rs 30,000.

You can increase it slowly every year.

You can increase SIP by Rs 5,000 every year.

Use step-up SIP method.

After 5–7 years, you can buy a flat fully.

That too without big loan pressure.

Till then your mutual funds will grow.

Your income and savings will also rise.

In future, you may buy with just Rs 20–25 lakh loan.

That is easier to manage.

Till then, you can stay on rent.

Use rent+SIP strategy for 7–10 years.

Risk Management is Key
Don’t use your Rs 12 lakh to pay flat down-payment now.

You will lose liquidity and flexibility.

Loan pressure will also increase mental stress.

Continue investing in mutual funds.

Use mix of large cap, flexi cap, balanced funds.

Avoid ULIPs, annuities, or insurance-linked investments.

Always separate insurance and investment.

Taxation Side – What You Should Know
Home loan gives tax benefits.

But it is not always best reason to buy.

If you invest in mutual funds,

Long-term capital gains over Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gain taxed at 20%.

If you hold long-term, tax is very low.

Tax-efficient and flexible.

Property has stamp duty, registration, GST.

Mutual funds have no such cost.

Lifestyle and Freedom
Home loan is like a 20-year commitment.

That limits life decisions.

Mutual fund investments give you life freedom.

You can take a break. Change job. Travel.

You stay financially independent always.

Final Insights
You are at a strong earning stage.

You have good habits of saving and SIP.

Buying a flat now will reduce your investment power.

Mutual funds will give more growth and flexibility.

Postpone flat buying by 5–7 years.

Build strong portfolio by then.

Use help of Certified Financial Planner for right fund choices.

Rent and invest now. Buy smartly later.

Your wealth and peace of mind will grow together.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: There is no specific answer. Google recruits engineers, accountants, scientists, admin staffs all. So it is a baseless question.

Ans: To begin with, it’s highly recommended that your daughter takes a Psychometric Career Assessment. This will help identify her interests, strengths, and personality traits, leading to the most suitable career options for her.

If she is inclined towards the Commerce stream, she should start preparing early — ideally from Grade 11 — for the CUET (Common University Entrance Test). Before starting, make sure to thoroughly research the CUET exam pattern, list of participating Central and State Universities, the courses they offer, placement records, and which programs are currently in demand.

In addition to CUET, it’s also wise to shortlist 8–10 reputed private universities known for their quality education and placement support. These could be in your state, neighboring states, or metro cities. Check if these colleges conduct their own entrance exams or participate in CUET-based counselling.

Early preparation is crucial, as competition is high for top programs in reputed institutions.

Lastly, help her explore undergraduate programs that are in high demand today, as this will give her clarity and direction in choosing a career path that is both relevant and rewarding. All the best for your Daughter's admissions!

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Ans: Certainly it is good.

Ans: It is up to you. You need to take your own decision. DECISION DECIDES DESTINY. Professor

Ans: Please share your queries.