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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 01, 2024

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
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 27, 2024Hindi
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Hi i am 49 and currently have a total corpus of approx 2.5 crs ( 1cr in MF/50 lacs in stocks/ another 80-90 lacs in PF/ EPF/ NPS and some other instruments.i am planning to retire in 13 years i.e at 62 . i will be able to accumulate another 5 cr approx more till then and with the current portfolio and interests of those looking at 10 cr of corpus then . will it be sufficient for my 15- 17 years of life after that looking at 3-4 lakhs montly expenses then

Ans: With a planned retirement in 13 years and an estimated total corpus of around 7.5 crores, your goal of achieving a corpus of 10 crores by retirement seems achievable. However, it's essential to conduct a detailed analysis to ensure financial sustainability for the subsequent 15-17 years.

Consider the following factors:

Inflation: Account for inflation in your expense calculations to maintain the purchasing power of your corpus over time.
Investment Returns: Assess the expected returns from your current investments and future contributions to meet your target corpus.
Expenses: Review your anticipated expenses post-retirement, including healthcare, travel, and other lifestyle needs.
Contingency Planning: Build a buffer for unforeseen expenses or emergencies to safeguard your retirement corpus.
Regular Review: Periodically review your portfolio's performance and adjust your investment strategy if needed to stay on track towards your retirement goals.
Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and retirement aspirations. With careful planning and prudent management, you can aim for financial security and peace of mind in your retirement years.
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 30, 2024

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I am 48 yrs old and plan to retire in next 1 year with life expectancy 75 yrs. My current montly expense is 1.25 Lakhs and value of current investment is 5.5 cr so please suggest is the corpus sufficient till my death and also after my death will any corpus will be balance out of 5.5 cr so that i can pass on to my kids.
Ans: To assess if your current corpus is sufficient for your retirement and if there will be a remaining corpus to pass on to your kids, we need to consider several factors:

Retirement Expenses: Your monthly expenses are Rs. 1.25 lakhs, which amounts to Rs. 15 lakhs annually. Considering a life expectancy of 75 years, we need to estimate your expenses for the next 27 years.
Current Investments: With a corpus of Rs. 5.5 crores, we need to determine if this amount can sustain your retirement expenses for the next 27 years, factoring in inflation and investment returns.
Legacy Planning: If there is a remaining corpus after your retirement, it can be passed on to your kids as part of your legacy. Consider the potential growth of your investments and any potential bequests or inheritances you wish to leave for your children.
Inflation and Investment Returns: Consider the impact of inflation on your expenses and the potential investment returns on your corpus. Adjust your retirement planning accordingly to ensure your corpus can keep pace with inflation and continue to support your lifestyle.
To accurately determine if your current corpus is sufficient and if there will be a remaining corpus for your kids, it's advisable to consult with a Certified Financial Planner. They can analyze your financial situation comprehensively, consider various scenarios, and provide personalized recommendations tailored to your goals and aspirations.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2024Hindi
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I am 51 year old planning to retire at 55 Have corpus of 3 cr and nonthly expenses of 60k. Is corpus sufficient considering 85 years of life expectancy
Ans: With a corpus of 3 crores and monthly expenses of 60k, you seem well-prepared for retirement. Let's delve deeper into your financial situation to ensure your corpus is sufficient to sustain your lifestyle through retirement:

Lifestyle Analysis: Assess your current expenses comprehensively to ensure you've accounted for all essential and discretionary spending. Consider potential changes in spending patterns during retirement, such as healthcare expenses, leisure activities, and travel.

Inflation Adjustments: Factor in the impact of inflation on your expenses over time. While your current monthly expenses may be 60k, inflation could erode the purchasing power of your corpus in the future. Adjust your retirement income requirements accordingly to maintain your desired standard of living.

Longevity Risk: With a life expectancy of 85 years, it's prudent to plan for a retirement horizon spanning several decades. Ensure your corpus can sustain you throughout your retirement years, factoring in potential healthcare expenses and long-term care needs as you age.

Investment Strategy: Assess the allocation and performance of your retirement corpus across various asset classes. Aim for a balanced portfolio that generates sufficient income while preserving capital. Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to optimize your investment strategy and minimize longevity risk.

Contingency Planning: Prepare for unexpected expenses or emergencies by maintaining a contingency fund separate from your retirement corpus. This fund should cover at least six to twelve months' worth of living expenses to provide financial security during challenging times.

Regular Review: Periodically review your retirement plan and adjust your strategy as necessary based on changes in your financial situation, market conditions, and life circumstances. Stay proactive in managing your retirement assets to ensure they continue to meet your needs and objectives.

Considering these factors, a corpus of 3 crores appears to be a solid foundation for retirement at 55, assuming prudent financial management and investment decisions. However, it's essential to conduct a comprehensive analysis of your retirement needs and goals to confirm the sufficiency of your corpus and ensure a financially secure and fulfilling retirement.

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 Feb 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 22, 2025Hindi
Hi. I am almost 40 and planning to retire. I have a corpus of around 17 cr: about 5 cr in MF, 7.5 cr in vested RSUs, 1.6 cr in AIF, 1 cr in EPF, PPF and NPS, and the remaining across bonds, Savings accounts, ULIPs and others. Is this amount sufficient for me to retire comfortably? My parents are financially independent, My wife and I don't have kids yet, but we are planning to have soon. My wife and I have an health insurance for 30 lakhs and I have a term insurance for 1 cr. We currently live with my parents, at their home, but we are planning to buy one soon. Our monthly expense is about 60k.
Ans: You have done well in accumulating Rs 17 crore before 40. That is a great achievement. Now, let's analyse whether this corpus can support your early retirement.

We will assess your financial situation based on multiple factors.

1. Understanding Your Current Expenses
Your current monthly expenses are Rs 60,000.
Annually, this comes to Rs 7.2 lakh.
Over time, expenses will increase due to inflation.
Expenses will also rise once you have children.
You will need to factor in home purchase costs.
Medical and lifestyle costs will increase with age.
Your actual post-retirement expenses will likely be higher than today.

2. Inflation Impact on Expenses
Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money.
If inflation is 6%, your Rs 60,000 monthly expense will double in 12 years.
Over 40 years, even basic expenses could rise significantly.
Future medical, education, and travel costs will be much higher.
Your retirement corpus should generate inflation-adjusted returns.
Without proper planning, inflation can erode your wealth over time.

3. Corpus Allocation Analysis
Your Rs 17 crore corpus is spread across different assets. Let's analyse their suitability.

Mutual Funds (Rs 5 crore):

Growth potential but subject to market volatility.
Should be actively managed to ensure optimal returns.
RSUs (Rs 7.5 crore):

Dependence on company stock is risky.
Should be diversified to reduce concentration risk.
AIF (Rs 1.6 crore):

Alternative investments are illiquid.
Returns may be uncertain over long periods.
EPF, PPF, and NPS (Rs 1 crore):

Safe but low liquidity and fixed returns.
Suitable for stability, but not for major expenses.
Bonds, ULIPs, and Savings (Remaining corpus):

ULIPs should be surrendered and reinvested in mutual funds.
Bonds provide safety but may not beat inflation.
Savings accounts should only hold emergency funds.
You need a well-balanced portfolio to ensure sustainable retirement income.

4. Cash Flow Planning for Retirement
You need an investment strategy to generate regular income.
Withdrawals should not deplete your corpus too early.
A mix of growth and income assets is essential.
Equity exposure is needed to outpace inflation.
Debt instruments should provide stability.
Safe withdrawal strategies will help in the long term.
A planned withdrawal strategy ensures financial security in retirement.

5. Home Purchase and Its Impact
Buying a house is a major financial decision.
It will reduce your liquid assets significantly.
Real estate is illiquid and cannot be accessed easily.
You should allocate funds carefully without disturbing retirement plans.
Your home purchase should not impact your retirement sustainability.

6. Future Expenses: Children and Healthcare
Raising children involves significant costs.
Education, healthcare, and lifestyle costs will rise.
You may need additional insurance coverage.
Medical inflation is higher than general inflation.
A dedicated health corpus is advisable.
Planning ahead ensures financial security for your family.

7. Risk Management and Asset Allocation
Over-reliance on a single asset class is risky.
RSUs should be diversified to reduce risk.
Equity allocation should be adjusted based on risk tolerance.
A mix of growth and stability-focused investments is key.
Emergency funds should be set aside separately.
Proper asset allocation reduces financial uncertainties in retirement.

8. Tax Efficiency in Withdrawals
Withdrawals should be structured to reduce tax liability.
Equity mutual funds have capital gains tax rules.
Debt investments are taxed as per income slabs.
Selling RSUs may attract capital gains tax.
Proper planning can minimise tax impact.
Tax-efficient withdrawals can maximise your retirement income.

9. Evaluating Your Retirement Sustainability
Your corpus seems sufficient based on current expenses. However, certain factors can impact sustainability.

Inflation will continuously increase expenses.
Market risks can affect investment returns.
Unexpected costs like medical emergencies may arise.
Tax liabilities should be managed efficiently.
Asset rebalancing should be done periodically.
A well-structured plan will ensure a financially secure retirement.

10. Recommendations for Long-Term Stability
Diversify RSUs to reduce dependency on one asset.
Surrender ULIPs and reinvest in mutual funds for better growth.
Allocate funds for children's expenses well in advance.
Maintain equity exposure to beat inflation.
Create a medical corpus beyond health insurance.
Structure withdrawals wisely to avoid excessive taxation.
Review your financial plan every year.
A dynamic approach ensures long-term financial security.

Final Insights
Your Rs 17 crore corpus is strong. But early retirement requires careful planning.

You must protect your wealth from inflation, taxes, and market risks.
A sustainable investment strategy is necessary.
Cash flow planning should be structured for long-term security.
Your home purchase and child planning must be factored in.
Regular financial reviews will keep your plan on track.
With proper management, you can enjoy a financially stress-free retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

Janak

Janak Patel  |71 Answers  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Jun 05, 2025

Money
I AM 80 YEARS OLD AND STILL WORKING AS A Consultant AND EARNING RS.1.5 LAKHS PER MONTH. I HAVE A CORPUS OF 182 LAKHS CONSISTING OF MF/ FD/ AND STOCKS. I CONTEMPLATE RETIRING IN 6 MONTHS. REQUEST PL.SUGGEST IF MY CURRENT CORPUS WILL SUFFICE UNTIL AGE OF 95. MY MONTHLY EXPENSES ARE RS.50000.00. I HAVE NO LIABILITY AND MY WIFE IS THE ONLY DEPENDENT. SELF AND WIFE ARE CO.VERED UNDER MEDICLAIM.AWAITING UR VALUED OPINION
Ans: Hi Sivaramakrishnan,

Congratulations on having an active working life at the age of 80.

For your monthly expenses of Rs 50000 and assuming an inflation of 7% over the next 15 years, you require approx. Rs 85 lakhs (today).

You already have Rs 182 lakhs (not including any further savings over the next 6 months) invested across MF/ FD/ and STOCKS.

I recommend you have a systematic withdrawal plan from your investments for your annual expenses.
Depending on how you have spread your investments, you can decide on the approach.
For MFs - its simple to do a SWP for an amount each month.
For FDs - you may need to liquidate them, so instead of breaking them, plan to use them at their maturity if its within six months of your requirement. if the maturity is long term, and you have a need then you may need to liquidate. Also check if there is an option to make them Sweep-in type FD, which means that when your account has less balance, it will move money from FD to account. Discuss with your bank on options available to you.
For Stocks - You can decide when to liquidate them. If you wish to move away from stocks, then you can consider investing in so hybrid Mutual fund schemes considering your time horizon.

Overall you will be looking to grow approx. Rs 1 crore over the next 15 years and this can grow to an amount of Rs 3 crores at 8% returns.

So your current corpus is more than sufficient and even if you increase your monthly expenses, you will have a surplus after 15 years.
Happy retirement and a healthy life ahead.

Thanks & Regards
Janak Patel
Certified Financial Planner.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2025

Money
Hello Nitin, I am 55 years old planning to retire by 60. I have 75 lakhs in PF (with a monthly contribution of 20,000), 33 lakhs in PPF, 45 lakhs in NPS (with a monthly contribution of 30,000). I also have 70 lakhs in FD, 57 lakhs in MF (with a monthly SIP of 75,000), 23 lakhs in Eauity, and 20 lakhs in corporate bonds. Apart from this I have 2 residential properties of market valuation around 1.5 cr each. My monthly expenditure after retirement should be around 1.5 lakh monthly. Is my corpus sufficient ?
Ans: You have done very well in building your wealth. At 55, you have strong assets and steady contributions. Retirement in five years is realistic for you. But you need a structured approach. Your corpus looks sizeable, yet spending Rs.1.5 lakh monthly for 25+ years needs careful planning.

» Current Financial Position

– PF of Rs.75 lakh with ongoing contribution ensures steady growth.
– PPF of Rs.33 lakh adds tax-free safety to your wealth.
– NPS with Rs.45 lakh and good contribution secures pension-like support.
– FD of Rs.70 lakh gives liquidity but moderate returns.
– Mutual funds worth Rs.57 lakh with strong SIP of Rs.75,000 give long-term growth.
– Direct equity of Rs.23 lakh adds risk but also growth.
– Corporate bonds of Rs.20 lakh balance safety and returns.
– Two residential houses of Rs.1.5 crore each add wealth, though illiquid.

» Corpus Requirement

– You want Rs.1.5 lakh monthly after retirement.
– This means Rs.18 lakh yearly.
– With 25–30 years retirement life, need large support.
– Inflation will raise costs every year.
– Your current assets may appear large, but inflation risk is real.

» Retirement Income Sources

– PF can be withdrawn partly and partly kept earning interest.
– PPF maturity can support early retirement years.
– NPS will force you to buy annuity partly, balance gives lump sum.
– FD and bonds can provide fixed income support.
– Mutual funds can give growth plus regular withdrawals.
– Equity gives long-term inflation protection.
– Rental income can be an additional support if you let out one house.

» Liquidity and Safety

– FD is liquid but taxable.
– PPF and PF are safe but locked until withdrawal.
– Corporate bonds give better returns than FD but carry credit risk.
– Equity and mutual funds are growth-oriented but volatile.
– Need proper balance between liquidity, growth, and safety.

» Why Not Index Funds

– Many people get attracted to index funds at retirement age.
– They think it is simple and safe.
– But index funds just mirror the market and cannot control downside.
– During retirement, market falls can hurt income flow badly.
– Actively managed funds have expert handling to reduce risk.
– Fund managers can adjust to protect senior investors.

» Why Not Direct Funds

– Some prefer direct plans to save cost.
– But saving 0.5% expense ratio is not big.
– Wrong timing or fund mismanagement can cost much more.
– A Certified Financial Planner guided regular plan gives discipline.
– Ongoing review and rebalancing protect from mistakes.
– Retirement money is sensitive, so regular plans are safer.

» Inflation Challenge

– Rs.1.5 lakh today may be Rs.3 lakh in 12 years.
– Healthcare inflation is even higher.
– Lifestyle costs also keep rising.
– Safe products like FD will not beat inflation.
– Growth assets must be part of your retirement mix.

» Role of Mutual Funds

– Mutual funds can generate long-term growth.
– They allow systematic withdrawal after retirement.
– Equity funds protect against inflation.
– Debt funds offer stability for short-term needs.
– Hybrid allocation balances both safety and growth.
– Withdrawals can be managed tax-efficiently with mutual funds.

» Tax Planning

– Equity fund LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG on equity funds is taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund returns taxed as per your income slab.
– FD interest is fully taxable each year.
– NPS withdrawal is partly tax-free, partly taxable annuity.
– Proper mix of assets can reduce overall tax outgo.

» Withdrawal Strategy

– Do not withdraw large sums at once.
– Use bucket strategy.
– First bucket: 3 years expenses in debt or FD.
– Second bucket: medium-term in hybrid or debt funds.
– Third bucket: long-term growth in equity mutual funds.
– Refill buckets from growth when markets are good.
– This ensures steady income and reduced risk.

» Role of Insurance

– At this stage, term insurance is less useful.
– But health insurance is must-have.
– Medical costs can wipe savings fast.
– Take adequate cover even in retirement.
– Do not depend only on company health cover.

» Real Estate Position

– Two residential houses create wealth.
– But they are illiquid and cannot easily fund monthly needs.
– If one is rented, rent adds extra income.
– Do not depend on property price appreciation for retirement cash flow.
– Maintain property for legacy, but focus more on financial assets.

» Psychological Comfort

– You already built large corpus.
– That itself gives you confidence.
– But during retirement, market volatility can cause stress.
– Discipline and annual review will reduce fear.
– Focus on steady cash flow instead of chasing highest returns.

» Steps for Next Five Years

– Keep current SIP and contributions till retirement.
– Avoid big new commitments like real estate or loans.
– Increase equity allocation slightly for growth till 60.
– From 58 onwards, slowly move some equity to safer debt.
– Ensure emergency fund of at least 12 months expenses ready by 60.

» Finally

Your current assets are strong. With proper allocation, they can support Rs.1.5 lakh monthly. But you must manage inflation, taxes, and liquidity with care. Keep equity exposure for growth, debt for stability, and FDs for liquidity. Use mutual funds for systematic withdrawals. With discipline and Certified Financial Planner guidance, your retirement can be financially secure and stress-free.

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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