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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 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
Emmanuel Question by Emmanuel on Apr 10, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir, I want to buy a house but my bad I had no knowledge of saving money and till date not done any!!! I am 34 yrs and working in manufacturing industry, have two daughters aged 4 and 15 months old!! Can u please help me ???? and give the best ways to save money and have house.... My CTC is 9.63LPA.

Ans: It's great that you're looking to start saving for a house despite not having done so in the past. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Create a Budget: Begin by tracking your monthly expenses and income. This will give you a clear picture of where your money is going and where you can cut back to save more.

Set Savings Goals: Determine how much you need for a down payment on your house. Factor in other expenses like closing costs, moving expenses, and any repairs or renovations you may need to make.

Emergency Fund: Before you start saving for your house, ensure you have an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses like medical bills or car repairs. Aim for 3-6 months' worth of living expenses.

Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers from your salary account to a separate savings account dedicated to your house fund. This will help you save consistently without having to think about it.

Cut Expenses: Look for areas where you can cut back on expenses to free up more money for savings. This could include dining out less, cancelling unused subscriptions, or finding cheaper alternatives for everyday expenses.

Increase Income: Consider ways to increase your income, such as taking on a side hustle or exploring opportunities for career advancement or higher-paying jobs.

Explore Government Schemes: Look into government schemes or subsidies available for first-time homebuyers in your area. These programs may offer financial assistance or lower interest rates on home loans.

Consult a Financial Advisor: Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help you create a personalized savings plan tailored to your financial situation and goals.

Remember, saving for a house is a long-term goal that requires patience and discipline. Stay focused on your objectives, and celebrate small victories along the way. With determination and smart financial planning, you can achieve your dream of homeownership for your family.
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 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 20, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir, I am 33yr old. I have a salary of 50k/month. I m living in rented house 8k/month. And SIP of 5k/month. Other expenses of 5-8k/month. Please suggest financial planning. And wanted to buy house.
Ans: It's great that you're thinking about financial planning at 33. Let's craft a strategy tailored to your needs and goals.

Emergency Fund:
Goal: Build an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of living expenses.
Action: Allocate a portion of your savings monthly until you reach this target. Aim to have this fund in a liquid and easily accessible account.
SIPs & Investments:
Current SIP: 5k/month
Action: Consider increasing your SIP amount as your income grows. Diversify investments across equity, debt, and other asset classes to manage risk and achieve growth.
Home Purchase:
Goal: Buy a house.
Action: Start saving for a down payment. Consider your current expenses and see where you can cut back or increase savings. Also, explore home loan options to understand the amount you'd need to borrow and the EMI you'd be comfortable with.
Retirement Planning:
Goal: Secure your retirement.
Action: Start an SIP specifically for retirement. The earlier you start, the better. Consider allocating a portion of your monthly savings to this SIP.
Insurance:
Goal: Protect yourself and your loved ones.
Action: Ensure you have health insurance, life insurance, and if possible, disability insurance. Review and update coverage as your circumstances change.
Additional Income:
Goal: Increase income streams.
Action: Explore opportunities for side hustles, freelancing, or upskilling to boost your income.
Budgeting:
Goal: Manage expenses effectively.
Action: Create a monthly budget to track income and expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can save more.
Remember, financial planning is not a one-time activity. It's an ongoing process that requires regular review and adjustments as your life circumstances change. It's also essential to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your plan aligns with your goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 25, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am 27 newly married with a salary of 2lakhs per month in bengalore and my wife earns 1.5 lakh. We are planning to buy a house but currently we do not have any saving as we spent it on the wedding. We can afford the emis but without any savings currently we are not able to proceed. Also we are planning to buy a house of around 1.5cr so want to save up around 40-50 lakhs before we can proceed. Can you please guide me accordingly?
Ans: You are in a strong position, earning a combined income of Rs. 3.5 lakh per month. This is a good starting point to plan your future financial goals, such as buying a home worth Rs. 1.5 crore. Since you don’t have savings right now, your priority should be to build a solid financial foundation first.

Saving for the Home
You mentioned the goal of saving Rs. 40-50 lakh before buying the house. This is a practical approach because it helps you reduce the loan burden and increase your chances of securing a better mortgage rate. Here’s how you can go about it:

Emergency Fund: First, start by setting aside an emergency fund of around Rs. 6-8 lakh. This fund should cover 6 months of your expenses in case of unexpected events. You and your wife should have access to this fund in liquid forms like a savings account or liquid mutual funds.

Building Savings: You have the capacity to save a substantial amount. With your current income, you can aim to save Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1.5 lakh each month. You should consider directing this amount into systematic investment plans (SIPs) in equity mutual funds, given your 5-7 year horizon before buying the house.

Investment Strategy
Given your goal of saving Rs. 40-50 lakh over the next few years, here’s how you can structure your investments:

Equity Mutual Funds for Long-Term Growth: Invest in actively managed equity funds with a long-term view. Equity funds have the potential to generate higher returns over the long term. Choose funds focusing on large-cap and flexi-cap categories, as they offer a good mix of stability and growth potential.

Debt Mutual Funds for Stability: For the portion of savings you want to keep relatively safe, consider debt mutual funds. They provide better returns than savings accounts and fixed deposits, while keeping the risk lower than equity funds. This will balance out your portfolio and reduce the volatility in your savings.

SIPs: Set up SIPs for both types of funds. This will allow you to invest systematically, building wealth gradually, without trying to time the market. You could split Rs. 1 lakh into Rs. 70,000 in equity and Rs. 30,000 in debt funds, but feel free to adjust as per your risk tolerance.

Keep Track of Progress: Given your high savings rate, you should be able to accumulate Rs. 40-50 lakh in 3-4 years, assuming an average return of around 10-12% from equity investments.

Mortgage and Home Loan
Once you accumulate the required savings for the down payment, you can start looking for a home loan. Ideally, a down payment of 20-30% (around Rs. 30-45 lakh) is recommended. With your combined monthly income of Rs. 3.5 lakh, you should be eligible for a home loan. Ensure that your monthly EMI does not exceed 35-40% of your combined income, so that it remains manageable.

Key Points to Keep in Mind
Avoid Over-leveraging: Do not stretch your budget to the limit. Stick to your planned savings and down payment target. This will ensure that you do not end up with too high an EMI that affects your cash flow and lifestyle.

Review Your Expenses: Track your monthly expenses and cut down on non-essential spending. The money saved can be redirected towards your house savings or investments.

Spouse’s Income Utilization: Your wife’s income can also be used for the savings plan, particularly in the early years of your marriage. This can help you build the corpus faster.

Loan Eligibility: Once you have saved for the down payment, get in touch with banks to understand your loan eligibility. Keep a good credit score and avoid large purchases or credit card debts.

Final Insights
The combination of aggressive savings and systematic investments in equity and debt funds will allow you to reach your goal of Rs. 40-50 lakh within a few years. By setting aside a portion of your income for SIPs and maintaining a disciplined approach, you can gradually accumulate wealth and achieve your dream of buying a home. Moreover, always ensure that you keep a check on your lifestyle expenses to ensure that your savings rate remains high.

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 Mar 10, 2025

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Hello...I am planning to construct a home in next 5 years. My monthly salary is only 35000. I dont have any idea how to make my dream into a success. Please give me an idea how I can save my money to make a home with a budget of 30 lakhs.
Ans: Building a home is a big financial goal. You want to construct a house worth Rs 30 lakh in 5 years. Your monthly salary is Rs 35,000. With the right savings and investment plan, you can make this dream a reality.

 

Step 1: Understanding the Total Budget Requirement
The house construction cost is Rs 30 lakh.

You will need to save or arrange this amount in 5 years.

Costs may increase due to inflation.

Having a buffer amount is important for unexpected expenses.

 

Step 2: Evaluating Your Savings Capacity
Your monthly income is Rs 35,000. The goal is to save a portion consistently.

 

First, identify your essential monthly expenses.

Reduce unnecessary spending to increase savings.

The more you save, the less you need to borrow.

 

Step 3: Creating a Dedicated Home Fund
Open a separate investment account for home savings.

Invest in growth-oriented mutual funds.

Avoid keeping all money in fixed deposits due to lower returns.

 

Step 4: Choosing the Right Investment Strategy
A 5-year investment plan should have a balance of growth and safety.

 

1. Avoid Index Funds and ETFs
Index funds cannot adjust to market risks.

Actively managed funds perform better in volatile markets.

 

2. Avoid Direct Mutual Funds
Direct funds need market tracking and knowledge.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures proper management.

 

3. Maintain Liquidity for Construction Costs
Keep some funds in liquid investments for easy access.

Avoid locking money in long-term illiquid assets.

 

Step 5: Considering a Home Loan as an Option
If saving Rs 30 lakh is difficult, a home loan can help.

 

Banks may provide up to 80% of the home cost.

Your EMI should not exceed 40% of your income.

Higher down payment reduces loan burden.

A shorter loan tenure saves interest costs.

 

Step 6: Cutting Expenses to Boost Savings
Reduce unnecessary spending like eating out and entertainment.

Avoid impulse purchases.

Use discounts and cashback options to save more.

A simple lifestyle today helps in building your dream home sooner.

 

Step 7: Reviewing Your Plan Every Year
Track savings and investments regularly.

Adjust plans if income increases or expenses change.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for guidance.

 

Finally
A Rs 30 lakh home in 5 years is possible with proper planning. Focus on consistent savings, smart investments, and controlled spending. If needed, a home loan can bridge the gap. With discipline and patience, your dream home can become a reality.

 

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 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 19, 2025Hindi
Money
I am earning 1 LPA a month planing to buy a home range 60-70LPA. Saving 5LPA as FD there is no other saving apart. May be next year nursery of kid will start. Can you please suggest how to save money and buy a home within next 5-6 month.
Ans: You are earning Rs 1 lakh per month. You save Rs 5 lakh annually in fixed deposit. You are planning to buy a house of Rs 60 to 70 lakh within 5 to 6 months. Your child may also start nursery soon. Let’s create a plan that supports your home purchase and also builds financial stability.

? Understanding the Big Picture

– You want to buy a house in 5–6 months.
– Budget is Rs 60 to 70 lakh.
– You have no other savings except Rs 5 lakh FD.
– Monthly salary is Rs 1 lakh.
– Expenses will increase when nursery starts.
– So your cash flow must be planned carefully.
– Home loan is required in this case.
– Own contribution also needs to be arranged soon.

? Importance of Margin Money

– Banks usually fund 75% to 80% of property value.
– You need to pay 20% to 25% as down payment.
– For Rs 60 lakh home, Rs 12–15 lakh is your share.
– For Rs 70 lakh home, your share becomes Rs 14–17.5 lakh.
– This amount must come from your savings.
– Your current FD is Rs 5 lakh only.
– So you still need Rs 7–10 lakh more for the purchase.

? Action Plan to Arrange Own Contribution

– You have 5–6 months.
– Save at least Rs 40,000–45,000 monthly from salary.
– That gives Rs 2.4 to Rs 2.7 lakh in 6 months.
– Combine that with Rs 5 lakh FD.
– You may still need Rs 2–4 lakh more.
– Ask if any family support is available.
– Or liquidate non-core assets if available.
– Or choose a smaller flat in Rs 55–60 lakh range.
– That reduces your margin money burden.

? Prepare for Home Loan Eligibility

– Lenders check income, age and repayment capacity.
– Rs 1 lakh salary can support loan of Rs 40–50 lakh.
– Loan tenure of 20 years may be suitable.
– EMI should not cross 40% of your salary.
– That is around Rs 40,000 monthly.
– Choose a bank offering low interest and high eligibility.
– Keep credit score above 750 for better deal.
– Avoid new loans or credit card defaults now.
– Prepare all salary slips, IT returns and bank statements.

? Managing Expenses Before and After Purchase

– Create a detailed monthly budget.
– Include child education, groceries, utilities and EMIs.
– Keep Rs 10,000–15,000 buffer monthly for emergencies.
– Don’t stretch loan beyond your comfort.
– If EMI is too high, you may miss other goals.
– Nursery fees may increase over time.
– Plan for rising child expenses also.
– Avoid taking any car loan or consumer loan now.

? Emergency Fund is a Must

– Don’t use all money for house down payment.
– Keep minimum Rs 1.5–2 lakh in separate FD.
– This is for medical or job-related emergencies.
– House buying can bring sudden expenses.
– Having a backup gives peace of mind.

? What You Must Avoid

– Don’t buy a bigger house just for status.
– Don’t take maximum possible loan just because bank offers it.
– Don’t buy under-construction properties with uncertain timelines.
– Don’t borrow money from unregulated sources.
– Don’t delay child education savings for house EMI.
– Don’t ignore EMI insurance or home insurance.
– Don’t keep entire down payment in equity or risky funds.

? Ideal Property Selection Strategy

– Look for ready-to-move homes.
– Choose a reputed builder or resale in developed area.
– Location should have access to school and hospital.
– Property should have clear legal documents.
– Home loan process becomes smoother with clean title.
– Try to choose a property below Rs 60 lakh if possible.
– That helps reduce loan EMI pressure.
– A lower EMI will leave room for other goals.

? After Home Purchase – Start Other Investments

– Buying a house is just the beginning.
– You must start saving for your child’s school and college.
– Start SIP in child-focused mutual funds after house buying.
– Use actively managed funds, not index funds.
– Index funds don’t protect from market crash.
– Child education goal needs better control on risk.
– Start with small SIPs of Rs 2,000–3,000 per child.
– Increase SIP once your salary grows.

? Use Actively Managed Mutual Funds for Future

– Avoid direct funds unless you’re an expert.
– Regular plans via trusted MFD with CFP give better support.
– They track goals, adjust portfolio and provide advice.
– Direct funds miss this benefit.
– You may get stuck or exit at wrong time.
– Active mutual funds with regular guidance protect your goal.
– Always go with Certified Financial Planner’s advice.

? Home Loan Repayment Plan

– Try to pay extra towards principal every year.
– Even Rs 50,000–Rs 1 lakh extra reduces years of loan.
– Whenever you get bonus or hike, prepay 5% loan amount.
– Don’t extend the loan for 25–30 years.
– Keep tenure short to reduce total interest.
– But don’t overburden monthly EMI.
– Balance is important.

? Life and Health Cover

– Before buying a house, check your insurance.
– If something happens, EMI burden should not fall on family.
– Take a pure term insurance of Rs 50–75 lakh minimum.
– Premium is low if taken early.
– Also buy family health insurance if not covered.
– Medical emergency can ruin your EMI discipline.
– Protect your house and family together.

? Involving Spouse in Financial Planning

– Your spouse takes care of current expenses.
– After EMI starts, both incomes will be needed.
– Discuss financial goals together.
– Keep joint plan for expenses and savings.
– Joint home loan also improves loan eligibility.
– Register property in both names if possible.

? Tax Benefits from Home Loan

– You can claim Rs 1.5 lakh on principal repayment under Section 80C.
– You can also claim Rs 2 lakh interest deduction under Section 24(b).
– This gives tax savings every year.
– Keep all loan and payment proofs safe.
– Use savings for children’s future goals.

? Final Steps Before Purchase

– Finalise the builder or seller after checking property documents.
– Apply for loan only after site is confirmed.
– Pay token advance only after agreement.
– Use cheque or digital payment for record.
– Register the property properly after loan approval.
– Keep separate file for all papers, loan sanction and EMI details.

? Finally

– You are already saving and planning responsibly.
– Try to reduce house cost slightly to make things easy.
– Use current FD and save aggressively next 6 months.
– Don’t compromise emergency fund or child needs.
– Keep home loan EMI within 40% of salary.
– Start child education SIP once EMI begins.
– Use actively managed mutual funds through CFP-guided MFD.
– Avoid index funds, direct funds, and risky advice.
– With proper steps, you can buy your home peacefully.
– Plan next goals only after settling this properly.

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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