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Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 19, 2025

Reetika Sharma is a certified financial planner and CEO of F-Secure Solutions.
She advises clients about investments, insurance, tax and estate planning and manages high net-worth individual’s portfolios.
Reetika has an MBA in finance from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and an engineer degree from NIT, Jalandhar.
She also holds certifications from the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).... more
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 16, 2025Hindi
Money

Dear Sir, I am 45 now and following is my Financial Status. I have a housing loan of 1.5 cr with an emi of about 1.25L and is about 1.5 years old. I have a lump sum of about 16L in MF, an Sip (opened along with the start of emi) of 30K, PPF of 1.5L since 9 years, 8L in a locked insurance plan maturing in 1 year, and 4 L in a child insurance plan with 2 more years to be paid. Please advice me on my financial growth and wealth generation with a monthly salary of about 2L per month

Ans: Hi,

Your overall investments seem on a lower side. PPF and MF is good.
Continue SIP of 30k monthly.
Sugegstion for you would be to stay away from insurance plans. They do not offer any major return, max 5%. In case insurance is required, choose pure insurance and not a mix of investment and insurance.

You seem to have taken a big liability and paying more than 50% of your salary in EMI which is never recommended. Try and reduce your prmium so that the overall EMI comes to atleast 40% of your income.

Your financials are overall on a debt side. Please take the help of an advisor to make sure that your SIP portfolio is good.

Also feel free to ask if you have any other query.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/
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 Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 01, 2024Hindi
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I am 53 years now . I have 70L in PF. 27L in Mutual funds and 6L in stocks and Two flats .but one running on loan with 57K EMI(principal outstanding - 50L). Going to have one edu loan for my daughter for 20L. In the next 7 years - major expenses will be my son and daughters marriage .( Around 30 L) . I should complete my house loan liability before my age of 58/60 with periodical /partial pre closure through annual bonus . I may need 85K per month post my retirement ( 15K rental income ) Please advice on my financial position
Ans: It sounds like you have been diligent in building your financial assets and preparing for future expenses. Let's assess your current financial position and outline a plan to address your goals and concerns:

Asset Allocation:
Your portfolio includes a mix of PF, mutual funds, stocks, and real estate, which provides diversification and stability.
Consider reviewing your asset allocation to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals.
As you approach retirement, you may gradually transition to a more conservative allocation to preserve capital and generate steady income.
House Loan Liability:
With a principal outstanding of 50 lakhs on your house loan, it's advisable to prioritize paying off this debt before retirement.
Utilize periodic bonuses and surplus funds to make partial prepayments and reduce the loan burden. This will help you achieve financial freedom and peace of mind in retirement.
Upcoming Expenses:
Plan for your children's marriage expenses and the education loan for your daughter by setting aside funds in advance. Consider earmarking a portion of your savings or investments for these specific goals.
Since the marriages are expected within the next 7 years, assess your cash flow and investment returns to ensure you have sufficient funds when needed.
Retirement Income:
Aim for a retirement corpus that can generate 85,000 per month post-retirement, supplemented by rental income from your property.
Estimate your retirement expenses and calculate the required corpus based on your desired income level, life expectancy, and inflation.
Review and Adjust:
Regularly review your financial plan and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your goals.
Consider consulting with a financial advisor or planner to optimize your investment strategy and retirement planning based on your specific circumstances and objectives.
Overall, your financial position appears solid, but it's essential to remain proactive in managing your assets and addressing upcoming expenses. With careful planning and disciplined execution, you can navigate through these milestones and achieve financial security in retirement.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 22, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 46 years having two kids elder studying in 7th standard and younger one daughter studying in 2nd standard. Me and my wife take home salary is 1.9L per month. I am in the process to buy a flat for which I have invested all my savings and will have a EMI of 70k for next 13 years. My PPF is getting matured in next year will get 12L. I am investing in SiP 20k per month right now accumulated money in it is 7.6L but 8 will be using it for my flat. I pay 65k per year in LIC.I am worried about future financial growth. Please suggest.
Ans: It's good to see you're taking steps to secure your family's financial future. Balancing multiple financial responsibilities can be challenging, but with careful planning, you can achieve your goals. Let's dive into a detailed analysis of your financial situation and provide some recommendations.

Current Financial Situation
You and your wife have a combined monthly take-home salary of Rs 1.9 lakh. You're investing Rs 20,000 monthly in SIPs and paying an EMI of Rs 70,000 for the next 13 years. You also pay Rs 65,000 annually towards LIC premiums and have a PPF maturing next year with Rs 12 lakh. Your current SIP investment has accumulated Rs 7.6 lakh, which you plan to use for your flat purchase.

Goals and Concerns
Your primary concerns are future financial growth and securing your children’s education and other financial needs. Given that you have two kids, your focus should be on their education, your retirement, and paying off your home loan.

Recommendations
1. Emergency Fund
Firstly, ensure you have an emergency fund. This should cover 6-12 months of your expenses. Given your monthly expenses, aim for Rs 5-10 lakh in a liquid fund or savings account.

2. Review Your Insurance
You're paying Rs 65,000 per year for LIC. Traditional LIC policies often provide low returns. Consider if it's beneficial to continue. You might want to surrender it and invest in mutual funds for better returns. Ensure you have adequate term insurance and health insurance coverage for your family.

3. Utilise Your PPF Maturity
Your PPF is maturing next year with Rs 12 lakh. This is a significant amount. Since you're using your SIP savings for your flat, allocate the PPF amount towards a balanced portfolio of equity and debt funds to maintain liquidity and growth.

4. Increase SIP Investments
Given your financial goals, increasing your SIP contributions gradually as your income grows will be beneficial. This helps in compounding your investments and meeting long-term goals like children’s education and retirement.

5. Children’s Education Planning
Your elder child is in 7th standard and younger in 2nd standard. Higher education costs will rise significantly. Start a dedicated investment plan for their education. Diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds to ensure growth with manageable risk.

6. Retirement Planning
You’re 46 years old with 13-14 working years left. Start focusing on your retirement corpus. Allocate a mix of equity and debt funds. Equities for growth and debt for stability and income. Aim for a corpus that can provide you with a monthly income of Rs 1 lakh post-retirement.

Understanding Mutual Funds
Mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in stocks, bonds, or other securities. They offer diversification and professional management.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Equity Funds: Invest in stocks. Suitable for long-term growth.
Debt Funds: Invest in bonds. Suitable for regular income and stability.
Balanced Funds: Mix of equity and debt. Suitable for moderate risk and return.
Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Spreads risk across various securities.
Professional Management: Managed by experts.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell.
Compounding: Reinvested earnings generate more returns over time.
Risks of Mutual Funds
Market Risk: Equities can be volatile.
Interest Rate Risk: Debt funds can be affected by interest rate changes.
Credit Risk: Risk of default in debt securities.
Power of Compounding
The power of compounding in mutual funds can significantly grow your wealth over time. The earlier you start, the more you benefit. For example, investing Rs 20,000 monthly at an average return of 12% over 20 years can accumulate a substantial corpus due to compounding.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds replicate market indices. They have lower costs but also lower flexibility. Actively managed funds, though slightly costlier, can outperform index funds by leveraging market opportunities and managing risks better.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides personalized advice, regular monitoring, and adjustments as per market conditions. Regular funds also ensure you have a dedicated advisor for guidance, which is crucial for long-term financial planning.

Final Insights
Balancing current responsibilities with future goals is key. Prioritize emergency funds, review insurance, and plan for children’s education and retirement. Utilize your PPF maturity wisely and increase your SIPs gradually. Mutual funds, with their diversification and professional management, are excellent for achieving long-term growth and stability.

Keep in mind that a balanced approach, mixing equity for growth and debt for stability, is essential. Regular reviews and adjustments to your investment plan will help you stay on track and achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 2024

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Hello , My age is 30 and have investments as follows: 15 lacs in fd , 15 lacs in nsc, 5.5 lacs in ppf which will go upto 10 lacs in next 3 years (during maturity), 5 lacs in stocks and 2 sip 10k in quant elss tax saver fund & 6k in kotak elss tax fund , 5k/m contribution in nps.I have housing rent which is 35k/m and monthly expense upto ?6k. I am the only one earning at home. I want to generate wealth to cover my childs education and higher studies.
Ans: You have a good start in your investment journey. Your age is 30, and you have a well-diversified portfolio. Your goal is to generate wealth for your child's education and higher studies. Let's analyse your current investments and provide insights for future growth.

Current Investment Overview
Fixed Deposits: Rs 15 lakhs

National Savings Certificate (NSC): Rs 15 lakhs

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 5.5 lakhs (expected to grow to Rs 10 lakhs in 3 years)

Stocks: Rs 5 lakhs

SIPs: Rs 10,000 in ELSS tax saver fund, Rs 6,000 in another ELSS tax fund

National Pension System (NPS): Rs 5,000 monthly

Housing Rent: Rs 35,000 monthly

Monthly Expenses: Rs 6,000

Analysis of Your Current Portfolio
Fixed Deposits and NSC: These are low-risk, but returns are often low. They provide stability but may not keep pace with inflation.

PPF: This is a safe and tax-efficient option. It is a good long-term investment.

Stocks: High-risk, high-reward. Requires careful selection and monitoring.

SIPs in ELSS Funds: These offer tax benefits and potential for good returns. However, avoid duplication in fund choices.

NPS: Good for retirement planning. Offers tax benefits and disciplined savings.

Recommendations for Wealth Generation
Diversify Investments: Avoid putting too much in low-return options. Consider increasing exposure to equity mutual funds for higher growth potential.

Review ELSS Funds: Having two ELSS funds is redundant. Opt for one well-performing ELSS fund. This simplifies management and can boost returns.

Increase Equity Exposure: Allocate more to equity mutual funds. These funds generally offer better returns over the long term.

Regular Fund Investing: Consider investing through regular funds with a Certified Financial Planner. This ensures professional guidance and avoids common investment mistakes.

Avoid Direct Funds: Direct funds lack professional advice. Regular funds with CFP help are better for most investors.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Professional Management: Fund managers actively manage the portfolio for optimal returns.

Flexibility: They can adjust holdings based on market conditions.

Potential for Higher Returns: Actively managed funds often outperform index funds.

Additional Steps for Financial Security
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of expenses. This covers unexpected financial needs.

Insurance Coverage: Ensure adequate life and health insurance. This protects your family from unforeseen events.

Regular Portfolio Review: Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. This keeps your investments aligned with your goals and market conditions.

Final Insights
Your investment portfolio is well-diversified but can benefit from adjustments. Shift some funds from low-return options to equity mutual funds. Simplify your ELSS investments and increase equity exposure. Regular funds with Certified Financial Planner guidance offer better returns and convenience. Maintain an emergency fund and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Regular reviews and rebalancing keep your portfolio on track. This approach will help you generate wealth for your child's education and secure your financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 16, 2025

Money
Dear Sir, Please find below my financial details. Kindly advice further for wealth creation. PPF 10 Lacs LIC Jeevan Anand 6 Lacs RD 2000 per month Fixed Deposit 3.75 Lacs SBI- Small Cap 4000 Per month ( for 3 Years) Axis Blue chip 3000 Per month ( For 3 Years) Canara Robeco Blue Chip 3000 Per month ( For 1 Year) Mirae Asset Blue chip 4000 per month for 3 years) Medical Insurance 5 Lacs Term Insurance 50 Lacs Home Loan 28 Lacs( started in april25). Paying 8K per month extra except EMI). Property is rent out. Regards Ankur Gupta
Ans: You have taken some good steps towards financial discipline. Your efforts to diversify across various instruments and maintain insurance coverage are appreciated. I will now evaluate your financial situation under different aspects, and guide you with actionable steps for wealth creation in a simple and clear manner.

Emergency Fund
You haven't mentioned a separate emergency fund.

Emergency fund is essential before investing.

It should be at least 6 months’ monthly expenses.

Include EMIs, insurance, household, and medical costs.

You can use a savings account or liquid fund for this.

Do not use fixed deposits or mutual funds for this.

Keep this fund easily accessible.

Life Insurance and Health Cover
Your term insurance of Rs 50 lakhs is a good start.

But it may be on the lower side.

Cover should be 15–20 times your annual income.

LIC Jeevan Anand is a traditional plan.

These plans give low returns and poor liquidity.

It mixes insurance with investment.

It is better to have pure insurance and invest separately.

You can surrender this LIC plan.

Reinvest proceeds in mutual funds via regular plans through CFP.

You have Rs 5 lakh medical insurance.

This is fine if employer also gives coverage.

If not, increase it to Rs 10–15 lakhs.

Add a top-up health plan for better coverage.

Health costs are rising fast every year.

Loan and Property
Your home loan of Rs 28 lakhs is manageable.

You are paying extra Rs 8000 per month, which is good.

This helps reduce interest and tenure.

Since property is rented out, income supports EMI.

But do not rely on rental for wealth creation.

Real estate gives poor liquidity and high maintenance.

Instead, increase allocation to financial assets.

You can continue prepaying loan if no better options available.

But balance between loan repayment and investment is key.

Fixed Deposit and Recurring Deposit
You have Rs 3.75 lakhs in fixed deposit.

You invest Rs 2000 per month in RD.

These are very low-yield products after tax.

Returns may not beat inflation.

Use these only for short-term goals.

For long term, prefer mutual funds.

Shift RD to a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in equity funds.

Keep FD only as part of emergency fund or short-term goals.

PPF – Public Provident Fund
Your PPF balance of Rs 10 lakhs is very good.

It is safe and tax-free.

It gives fixed returns and supports retirement.

Continue PPF for long term stability.

Avoid using this for mid-term goals.

But don’t depend only on PPF for retirement.

It gives lower returns than equity in long run.

Use it as a supporting instrument, not the main one.

Mutual Fund Investments
Your SIPs in multiple funds show good intent.

Monthly SIPs total Rs 14,000.

You are investing in both large cap and small cap.

SIPs are a smart way to build wealth.

Here are a few suggestions:

You are investing in four equity mutual funds.

Three are large cap or blue chip. One is small cap.

Do not invest in too many similar funds.

Large cap funds usually move in same pattern.

This leads to over-diversification with no added benefit.

Instead, choose one or two quality diversified funds.

Keep small cap fund for long term only.

Small caps are risky and volatile in short term.

Do not choose index funds.
They simply copy the market index.
They do not manage risk during market falls.
Actively managed funds are better in Indian market.
Fund managers pick quality stocks and reduce downside.
Active funds give better returns if selected with care.

Also, avoid direct mutual fund plans.
They may look cheaper, but come without proper guidance.
Many investors make emotional decisions in direct plans.
They miss rebalancing and portfolio correction.
Invest through regular plans via MFD who is also a CFP.
You get proper advice, reviews, and rebalancing support.
Good advice helps you avoid costly mistakes.

Investment Strategy – Next Steps
You can now structure your financial plan like this:

Short-Term Goals (0–3 years)

Keep emergency fund of at least 6 months’ expenses.

Use liquid fund or FD for upcoming expenses.

Do not invest this amount in equity mutual funds.

Medium-Term Goals (3–7 years)

Use hybrid mutual funds or balanced advantage funds.

These reduce risk with equity and debt mix.

You can invest some of the FD here.

Long-Term Goals (7+ years)

Use equity mutual funds – large, flexi-cap, small cap.

Do SIPs regularly and increase yearly if income rises.

Stick with long term. Don’t stop during market fall.

Tax Planning and Returns
PPF is already helping in 80C tax saving.

LIC also helps but with low return. Better to surrender it.

SIPs in equity mutual funds are tax-efficient.

New tax rule for mutual funds is now different:

Equity LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakhs is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per income slab.

Avoid FD as main investment. It gives fully taxable return.

Mutual funds are better after tax adjustment.

Retirement Planning
You are doing some investments but not enough for retirement.

You must plan retirement early for compounding.

PPF is safe but not enough. Use equity mutual funds more.

Estimate your future needs with a financial expert.

Invest with clear goal and timeline.

Child’s Education or Other Goals
You have not mentioned children or specific goals.

Start planning even if child is small.

Education inflation is very high.

Use SIPs in mutual funds for such goals.

Key Action Plan for You
Create emergency fund first. Use FD or liquid fund.

Surrender LIC Jeevan Anand. Invest money in mutual funds.

Stop RD. Start SIP of same amount in balanced mutual fund.

Continue SIPs. Reduce to 2–3 quality funds only.

Invest only through regular plans with CFP-led MFD.

Don’t choose direct plans or index funds.

Keep paying extra to home loan. But balance with investments.

Increase term insurance to at least Rs 1 crore.

Increase health cover with top-up plan.

Track all investments and goals annually.

Finally
You have started well. Your savings habit is good.
You are investing regularly and taking insurance protection.
But your portfolio needs better structure and focus.
Avoid mixing insurance and investment.
Avoid low return products for long term goals.
Use equity funds more through regular plans with CFP support.
Stick to plan for 10–15 years for wealth creation.
Do not panic during market falls. Stay invested.
Rebalance portfolio yearly with professional help.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 33years old and have 2 kids, one is 5years old and other one is 1year old. Could you see my financial journey and feedback and provide details for wealth creation? I get 1.6L monthly(including rent, salary..) Currently i have 5L in ppf and 4L in NPS and recently i started with ssj for my girl child so i have invested 1.5L. I have term insurance of 1.5Cr and medical/health insurance of 5L. My monthly investment/debts includes Ppf-12.5k Nps-9k(including company sponsored) MF-5K Homeloan-26k Personal loan-19k( i have invested in RE) Gold-10k Ssj-125k I would like to make 2Cr by 10-15years for short term goals. Kindly suggest
Ans: You are doing a good job by staying invested and insured at a young age. With two kids and multiple responsibilities, you are taking the right steps. But there is scope for improvement. Let's assess your situation from every angle and design a 360-degree strategy for wealth creation.

Income and Cash Flow Review
– You have Rs. 1.6L monthly income including salary and rent. That’s appreciable.
– Your monthly EMI commitments are Rs. 45k (Home + Personal loan).
– Your monthly investments total around Rs. 1.61L. This includes SSJ, PPF, NPS, MF, and gold.
– This means you are spending more than your income or using past savings. That is not sustainable.
– It’s important to first check your actual monthly household expenses. This will help manage cash better.

Insurance Review
– You have Rs. 1.5Cr term cover. That is a good start.
– But with 2 kids and loans, this may not be enough.
– A thumb rule says 15–20 times of annual income is needed for term cover.
– You should consider increasing your term cover to Rs. 2.5Cr.
– You have health insurance of Rs. 5L. But is it family floater or individual?
– For family with 2 kids, at least Rs. 10L floater is advisable.

Analysis of Your Current Investments
Let’s evaluate your current investments from all angles.

##PPF Contribution
– You have Rs. 5L in PPF and contribute Rs. 12.5k monthly.
– PPF is good for safety but gives low returns.
– Interest is fixed yearly and locked for 15 years.
– PPF is not suited for aggressive wealth creation.
– You can reduce your PPF investment to Rs. 5k monthly.
– Redirect the balance to mutual funds for better growth.

##NPS Contribution
– You have Rs. 4L in NPS and Rs. 9k monthly goes in (including employer share).
– NPS is useful for retirement only. 60% is taxable at withdrawal.
– Long lock-in till 60 years. Not good for short-term goals.
– Don't increase contribution here beyond what company pays.
– Instead, use mutual funds for mid and short-term goals.

##SSJ for Girl Child
– Investing Rs. 1.5L yearly in Sukanya Samriddhi is good.
– This gives tax benefit and is safe. But interest is fixed and not market-linked.
– Maturity is when your girl turns 21. So use it only for long-term education.
– Don’t over-invest here. Limit to Rs. 1.5L yearly only. No more.

##Mutual Fund Contribution
– You are investing Rs. 5k monthly in mutual funds. This is too low for your goals.
– Mutual funds are ideal for 10-15 years goal like creating Rs. 2Cr.
– Increase this amount to at least Rs. 20k monthly over time.
– Choose good quality actively managed funds.
– Don’t go for index funds. They just copy the market. No strategy involved.
– Index funds can fall badly when the market crashes.
– Actively managed funds are handled by experts. They do better over long term.

##Gold Investment
– You invest Rs. 10k monthly in gold. That’s 6% of income. Too high.
– Gold is good for jewellery but not great for investment returns.
– Gold doesn’t create wealth. It just preserves value.
– Reduce gold investment to Rs. 2-3k per month if you must.
– Rest should go to mutual funds for better growth.

##Loan Situation – Home and Personal Loan
– You are paying Rs. 26k for home loan. That’s fine if interest is low.
– You also pay Rs. 19k EMI on personal loan. That’s worrying.
– Personal loan is costly. Usually interest is 11% to 14%.
– Please try to repay this loan faster.
– Stop gold purchase temporarily and divert that Rs. 10k toward personal loan repayment.
– Also reduce PPF and increase mutual fund allocation once loan is cleared.

Investment cum Insurance Products (If Any)
– You did not mention any ULIP, endowment or LIC plans.
– If you hold any LIC, ULIP or insurance-linked investments, please surrender them.
– These plans give low returns and lock your money.
– Reinvest the surrender value into mutual funds for better growth.

Your Goal – Creating Rs. 2 Crore in 10 to 15 Years
This is a realistic goal if we plan smartly.

– You want Rs. 2Cr in 10-15 years. That’s possible with discipline.
– You need to invest regularly in mutual funds for this.
– Direct funds are not suitable for this type of goal.
– In direct plans, no support or guidance is given.
– Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner give you access to expert review.
– The extra 0.5% commission is worth the financial planning and ongoing monitoring.
– A CFP will adjust your funds based on market and life changes.
– Also, direct plans are not recommended for busy individuals with kids.

Tax Angle – Capital Gains Rules
– When you sell equity mutual funds, gains above Rs. 1.25L per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– If you sell before 1 year, STCG is taxed at 20%.
– This applies only to equity funds.
– For debt mutual funds, both short and long-term gains are taxed as per your income slab.
– So stay invested long term in equity funds to reduce tax.

Emergency Fund – Very Important
– You did not mention emergency savings.
– This is critical with 2 kids and EMIs.
– You must have 6 to 9 months of expenses in liquid form.
– Keep in sweep-in FD or liquid mutual fund.
– This will help during job loss, medical issues or other urgent need.

Children’s Education Planning
– Your elder child is 5 years. You have 12-13 years for college.
– Your girl child has 16+ years.
– You have already invested in SSJ. That is good for one child.
– But higher education cost will be much more.
– You should start SIPs in equity mutual funds specifically for both children.
– You can assign two separate mutual fund portfolios – one for each child.
– Start with Rs. 5k-10k monthly for each. Increase as income grows.

Retirement Planning
– You are 33 now. Retirement is still 25+ years away.
– Good to start now itself. You have NPS. But don’t depend only on NPS.
– You must build your own corpus via mutual funds.
– NPS has strict rules and withdrawal limits.
– Keep at least Rs. 10k monthly SIP in diversified equity funds for retirement.
– Increase it every year with salary hike.

What You Can Improve From Today
– Review all expenses. Trim non-essentials.
– Prioritise personal loan repayment first.
– Reduce gold and PPF investment.
– Increase mutual fund SIPs to minimum Rs. 15k monthly now.
– Target Rs. 25k to Rs. 30k monthly SIP in 2 years.
– Recheck life and health cover. Increase if needed.
– Build emergency fund of Rs. 3L to Rs. 5L minimum.
– Separate mutual fund portfolios for kids’ education and your own retirement.
– Use regular mutual funds with guidance of Certified Financial Planner.
– Review portfolio every 6 months with your planner.

Finally
You have made a promising beginning. You are investing and insuring. That’s the right base.

But the real wealth creation comes with a clear goal plan. You need to adjust cash flow. You must repay bad loans. You should invest more in mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid over-investment in PPF, gold, and SSJ. Focus on equity mutual funds. Don’t go for direct or index funds.

Create a balance between today’s needs and tomorrow’s goals. A 360-degree plan is necessary for growing wealth with confidence.

With proper steps, you can achieve Rs. 2Cr in 10-15 years.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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