I am 57 years old. I have investments in ICICI prudential balanced advantage funds, Kotak balanced advantage funds, KOtak flexicap, PGIM India Flexicap, Bandhan ELSS Equity funds and ICICI Pru Nifty50 Index fund. I received EPF money of around 45lakhs. Can you suggest where should I invest this money as an NRI ?

Ans: Depends on multiple things, your risk profile, time horizon, time to retirement, goal etc. there is not enough data for me to help but I can surely say, you mutual funds. Add to your existing mutual fund investments. Use the same schemes you have invested in & dont add more schemes. Split the investment into 4 parts & deploy over the next 6 months on every fall you have.

Ans: Given your age and current investment ratio, as an NRI, consider diversifying the EPF money to align with your risk profile and retirement needs.

Equity Allocation: You already have a significant equity exposure; however, evaluate if you want to maintain or adjust this based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Debt Allocation: With a 60:40 equity to debt ratio, you might consider increasing the debt component for stability and income generation, especially as you approach retirement.
Tax Efficiency: As an NRI, prioritize tax-efficient investments to maximize post-tax returns.
Professional Advice: Consult a financial advisor to create a customized investment strategy tailored to your NRI status and retirement goals.

Ans: It's great to hear about your disciplined approach to investing in PPF for the last 15 years.

With a surplus of 25K, there are several investment options you can consider to diversify your portfolio and maximize returns:

Mutual Funds: You can explore investing in mutual funds through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). Mutual funds offer a range of options catering to different risk profiles and investment objectives. Consider your risk tolerance and investment horizon when selecting mutual funds.
Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS): ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, making them an attractive investment option. They primarily invest in equities, offering the potential for higher returns over the long term.
Debt Funds: Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and treasury bills. They offer relatively lower risk compared to equity funds and can provide stable returns over the medium to long term.
National Pension System (NPS): NPS is a retirement savings scheme that offers tax benefits and the flexibility to choose between equity, corporate bonds, and government securities. It can be a valuable addition to your retirement planning strategy.
Direct Equity: If you have a good understanding of the stock market and are willing to take on higher risk, you can consider investing directly in equities. However, it's essential to conduct thorough research and diversify your portfolio to mitigate risk.
Fixed Deposits (FDs) or Recurring Deposits (RDs): FDs and RDs offer a fixed rate of return and are relatively low-risk investment options. They can be suitable for short to medium-term goals or as a part of your emergency fund.
Before making any investment decisions, consider factors such as your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals. It's essential to maintain a diversified portfolio to spread risk and optimize returns.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I recommend consulting with a financial advisor to assess your individual financial situation and tailor an investment strategy that aligns with your goals and risk profile.

Remember, investing is a long-term journey, and it's important to stay informed and review your portfolio regularly to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.