I am 58 yrs old recently been seperated from a MNC. P? let me know, when I apply for final withdrawal of EPF amount after completion of say another 2-3 years, the way EPFO is crediting interest amount of previous year 8-9 months late, how the interest during the time of exit of that FY would be calculated & credited ?

Ans: Let’s explore the best investment options for a 24-year-old with Rs. 7,000 in savings. The aim here is to give you a 360-degree view. This approach considers your age, time horizon, and capital. You are starting early, which is excellent. Small amounts invested right can grow well over time.

? Age Advantage: Time is on Your Side
– You are just 24. That’s a big strength.
– You have over 30 years till retirement.
– That gives enough time to ride out market ups and downs.
– Starting now gives power of compounding more time to work.
– Even small monthly investments will grow big.
– No need to rush. But must stay consistent.
– Time makes up for small capital at start.

? Understand Your Savings Purpose
– Is this Rs. 7,000 meant for long term?
– Or do you need it in 1 or 2 years?
– Your investment plan depends on this timeline.
– For long-term goals, equity mutual funds are ideal.
– For short-term goals, use liquid or ultra-short term funds.
– Never invest in equity if goal is near.

? Emergency Fund Comes First
– Do you already have an emergency fund?
– You must set aside 3-6 months of expenses.
– Keep this in a liquid mutual fund or savings account.
– This protects you from borrowing in emergencies.
– Don’t invest this in risky or long lock-in plans.
– Emergency fund gives mental peace too.

? Begin with Monthly SIPs
– Rs. 7,000 is a good beginning.
– But add monthly SIPs to it.
– Even Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,000 per month is fine.
– Make it a habit before increasing amount.
– Mutual funds through SIPs are flexible.
– You can stop, pause, or change amount anytime.

? Prefer Actively Managed Mutual Funds
– Many suggest index funds. But they suit foreign markets.
– Indian markets are not fully efficient yet.
– That gives fund managers a chance to beat the index.
– Actively managed funds offer this chance.
– Index funds just copy the market.
– They never try to beat it.
– They also fall with the market.
– You get no expert protection during market crash.
– In India, active funds have often done better.

? Don’t Choose Direct Mutual Funds
– You may hear about direct mutual fund plans.
– They may seem cheaper due to low expense ratio.
– But you get no expert guidance.
– You may end up choosing wrong schemes.
– Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner are better.
– You get periodic reviews and hand-holding.
– It saves you from panic in market falls.
– That support is worth the small fee.

? Build Discipline and Patience
– Investing is a journey, not a sprint.
– Avoid watching your portfolio daily.
– Don’t react to market news or tips.
– Invest regularly and stay calm during ups and downs.
– Review only twice a year with your CFP.

? Keep Insurance and Investments Separate
– Never mix insurance with investments.
– ULIPs or investment-linked insurance give poor returns.
– They lock your money for long.
– If you hold such policies already, review them.
– Check surrender value and charges.
– Exit if not giving fair growth.
– Invest that amount into proper mutual funds.

? Invest in Goal-Based Manner
– Don’t invest just to invest.
– Set goals first.
– Examples are car in 3 years, house in 10 years.
– Match your fund choice to the goal time frame.
– Equity for 5+ years. Debt for under 3 years.
– Hybrid for mid-term goals.
– Clear goals make you stay invested better.

? Tax-Saving Plans – Choose Wisely
– If you want tax saving, equity-linked savings schemes are one option.
– They give Section 80C benefit.
– But have a 3-year lock-in.
– Choose only if you want both tax saving and equity exposure.
– Don’t choose only to save tax.
– First see if 80C limit is unused.
– If yes, then choose suitable scheme via your CFP.

? Mutual Fund Taxation Rules
– Long term capital gains (LTCG) from equity funds are taxed above Rs. 1.25 lakh.
– The rate is 12.5% after the limit.
– If sold before one year, it is short term.
– That is taxed at 20%.
– For debt funds, tax is based on your tax slab.
– No LTCG benefit in debt funds now.
– Keep holding period and taxes in mind when investing.

? Avoid Frequent Switching
– Many investors switch funds often.
– This kills long-term returns.
– Every time you switch, compounding resets.
– Also, switching causes taxation.
– Stay with good performing schemes.
– Give them at least 3 to 5 years.

? Review Annually, Not Frequently
– Don’t check your portfolio daily or weekly.
– Review once a year with your CFP.
– See if goals are on track.
– Make adjustments only if needed.
– Patience is the biggest skill in investing.
– Constant changes harm returns.

? Avoid Fancy Investments
– Don’t fall for crypto, forex, or smallcase trends.
– These look attractive but are risky.
– Many have lost big money in these.
– Focus on time-tested methods instead.
– Boring investing works better in long run.

? Keep Learning About Money
– Read basic personal finance articles.
– Listen to CFP-guided videos.
– Ask questions when you don’t understand.
– But don’t follow every opinion online.
– Learn slowly and build strong habits.

? Build a Budget Around SIPs
– Don’t wait for surplus money to invest.
– Instead, invest first and spend later.
– Include SIPs in your monthly expenses.
– That builds discipline and financial stability.

? Increase SIPs With Income Growth
– As income increases, increase SIPs.
– Step-up SIPs are a great tool.
– They help you invest more without pressure.
– Start with Rs. 500 and slowly go up.
– That gives long-term wealth creation with comfort.

? Don’t Time the Market
– Nobody can predict market tops and bottoms.
– Trying to buy low and sell high fails often.
– Instead, invest consistently every month.
– This averages cost and reduces risk.

? Don’t Depend on Just One Fund Type
– Diversify across 3 to 4 good funds.
– Include large cap, mid cap, and flexi cap funds.
– This gives better coverage and growth.
– Discuss with your CFP before fund selection.

? Make Retirement a Priority Early
– At 24, retirement feels far.
– But it’s the most expensive goal.
– Start small SIPs towards retirement fund now.
– It will grow huge due to compounding.
– Even Rs. 1,000 now will matter later.

? Stay Away from Real Estate
– Many think property is a good investment.
– But it needs big money and loans.
– Returns are uncertain and growth is slow.
– Also, it lacks liquidity.
– Mutual funds are better for young investors.

? Your Investment Roadmap Ahead
– Set clear short, medium, and long-term goals.
– Build emergency fund of 6 months expenses.
– Begin with monthly SIPs in 2-3 equity funds.
– Avoid direct and index funds.
– Review with a CFP once a year.
– Slowly increase SIPs with income.
– Avoid ULIPs, annuities, and real estate.
– Learn and stay invested for long term.

? Finally
– You’ve done well to think about investing at 24.
– Rs. 7,000 is a powerful start.
– Don’t wait for more money to start.
– With time and patience, this can grow big.
– Follow the right process with the right guide.
– Avoid shortcuts and stay consistent.
– The journey will reward you in time.

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