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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 02, 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 - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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I have a corpus fund of 20 Lacs. Could you please suggest any investment strategy where I can earn monthly income

Ans: Crafting a Monthly Income Strategy for Your Corpus Fund of Rs 20 Lakhs

Understanding Your Investment Goals

To create a monthly income from your corpus fund of Rs 20 lakhs, we need to understand your financial goals and risk tolerance.

It’s crucial to balance risk and returns to maintain financial stability.

We aim to provide a steady income stream while preserving and potentially growing your capital.

Allocating Your Investment Corpus

A well-diversified portfolio is key to achieving a steady income and capital preservation.

We will discuss various investment options that suit your needs.

Fixed Deposits and Monthly Income Schemes

Fixed Deposits (FDs) offer safety and regular income. Banks provide options for monthly, quarterly, or annual interest payouts.

Monthly Income Schemes (MIS) from post offices are another safe option. They offer regular monthly payouts, though the returns are moderate.

Debt Mutual Funds

Debt mutual funds invest in bonds and fixed-income securities, providing regular income with lower risk compared to equities.

They come in various types, including short-term, medium-term, and long-term funds. Choosing the right one depends on your investment horizon and income needs.

Corporate Bonds and Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs)

Corporate bonds and NCDs can offer higher interest rates than traditional FDs. They come with varying credit ratings.

Investing in high-rated bonds reduces risk, while slightly lower-rated bonds can provide higher returns.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in Mutual Funds

An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments regularly. This can provide a steady monthly income.

You can invest in equity or hybrid funds, which have potential for growth while offering regular withdrawals.

Balanced Advantage Funds

Balanced Advantage Funds dynamically allocate investments between equities and debt based on market conditions.

These funds aim to provide growth with reduced volatility, making them suitable for monthly income and capital appreciation.

Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS)

SCSS is a government-backed scheme offering regular income for individuals above 60. It provides higher interest rates than FDs and MIS.

The interest is paid quarterly, ensuring regular income for retirees.

RBI Floating Rate Savings Bonds

These bonds offer interest rates linked to government securities, providing a hedge against inflation. Interest is paid semi-annually.

They are safe investments with guaranteed returns, suitable for conservative investors.

Diversification for Risk Management

Diversifying your portfolio across various asset classes reduces risk and ensures a steady income stream.

Combining safe options like FDs and SCSS with growth-oriented mutual funds and corporate bonds can optimize returns.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing

Regularly monitoring and rebalancing your portfolio is essential. It ensures that your investments align with your financial goals and market conditions.

Understanding Tax Implications

Different investment options have varied tax implications. It’s important to choose tax-efficient investments to maximize your returns.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help in making tax-efficient investment decisions.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds mirror market indices, offering average market returns. They lack flexibility and can’t adapt to market changes.

Actively managed funds, on the other hand, aim to outperform the market by selecting the best-performing securities.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds have professional fund managers who make strategic decisions. They have the potential to provide higher returns than index funds.

Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a CFP credential ensures expert guidance and better fund selection.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds

Direct funds require investors to select and manage investments themselves. This can be time-consuming and challenging without financial expertise.

Regular funds, managed by professionals, offer the benefit of expert advice and active management.

Building a Customized Plan

A customized investment plan tailored to your financial situation, goals, and risk tolerance is essential.

A CFP can help design a strategy that provides regular income while preserving and growing your corpus.

Conclusion

Creating a monthly income from a corpus fund of Rs 20 lakhs requires a well-thought-out strategy.

Diversifying across various investment options ensures a steady income and capital preservation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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 May 26, 2024

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Corpus fund of 20 Lacs, any monthly income scheme
Ans: Thank you for reaching out regarding your corpus fund of Rs. 20 lakhs and your interest in a monthly income scheme. Your diligence in planning for a steady income stream is commendable. Let's explore your options and provide you with a detailed plan.

Understanding Monthly Income Schemes
Monthly Income Schemes (MIS) are designed to provide regular income to investors. These schemes can include a mix of fixed income and market-linked investments. The goal is to balance safety with returns to meet your income needs.

Key Considerations for Monthly Income
1. Safety and Security
Your primary concern might be the safety of your principal amount. Ensuring that your investment is secure is crucial.

2. Steady Income
You require a reliable monthly income from your investment. Consistency in payouts is essential for planning your expenses.

3. Inflation Protection
It's important to ensure your income keeps pace with inflation. Rising costs can erode the purchasing power of your fixed income.

Options for Monthly Income
1. Monthly Income Plans (MIPs)
MIPs are mutual funds that invest primarily in debt and a small portion in equities. They aim to provide regular income and potential capital appreciation.

2. Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investment regularly. This ensures a steady income while your remaining investment continues to grow.

3. Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS)
If you are 60 years or older, SCSS offers a secure investment with regular interest payouts. It’s backed by the Government of India.

4. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme
This scheme offers a fixed monthly income and is a safe investment backed by the Indian postal department.

Evaluating the Options
1. Risk and Return Profile
Evaluate the risk and return profile of each option. MIPs offer higher returns but come with some market risk. SCSS and Post Office MIS offer lower, but guaranteed, returns.

2. Tax Efficiency
Consider the tax implications of each investment. For example, returns from SCSS and Post Office MIS are taxable, while SWPs from equity funds can be more tax-efficient.

3. Liquidity
Assess the liquidity of your investments. SWPs offer flexibility in withdrawals, while SCSS has a fixed tenure with limited withdrawal options.

Recommended Strategy for Monthly Income
1. Diversified Approach
Diversify your investment across multiple schemes to balance risk and return. A mix of MIPs, SWPs, and government-backed schemes can be beneficial.

2. Regular Review and Adjustment
Regularly review your investments with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They can help adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and personal changes.

3. Plan for Inflation
Include investments that offer potential growth to combat inflation. This ensures your income doesn’t lose value over time.

Sample Allocation Strategy
Here is a sample allocation strategy for your Rs. 20 lakh corpus:

MIP and SWP: Rs. 10 lakhs in a balanced MIP for potential growth and regular income through SWP.

SCSS: Rs. 6 lakhs in SCSS for secure and regular interest payouts.

Post Office MIS: Rs. 4 lakhs in Post Office MIS for stable and guaranteed monthly income.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide immense value in managing your investments. A CFP can offer:

1. Personalized Advice
A CFP will assess your financial goals, risk tolerance, and income needs to create a customized investment plan. They bring professional expertise to align your investments with your objectives.

2. Ongoing Management
A CFP continuously monitors and adjusts your portfolio. This proactive management helps in adapting to market changes and personal life events.

3. Tax Planning
CFPs are well-versed in tax implications and can help you structure your investments in a tax-efficient manner. This maximizes your after-tax returns.

4. Peace of Mind
With a CFP managing your investments, you can have peace of mind. You will be confident that your financial future is in expert hands.

Final Thoughts
Your goal of securing a regular monthly income is achievable with a diversified investment approach. Combining MIPs, SWPs, SCSS, and Post Office MIS can provide a balanced, steady income while preserving your capital.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can further tailor these suggestions to your specific needs and risk profile. Your proactive steps towards financial security are highly commendable.

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 May 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 27, 2024Hindi
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I am 52 and want to retire now. Want to have 2 lac/ month income. My corpus has 4.5Cr in FDs/EPF/PPF, 30 Lac in MFs, 75 Lac in Stocks. No liabilities. Let me know how should i invest my funds to get desired or better income
Ans: Congratulations on reaching this milestone and planning for your retirement! With your substantial corpus and clear income goal, here are some suggestions on how you can invest your funds to generate a monthly income of 2 lakhs:

Fixed Deposits (FDs):
While FDs offer stability and guaranteed returns, they typically provide lower returns compared to other investment options. Consider keeping a portion of your corpus in FDs to ensure liquidity and meet short-term expenses.
Equity Mutual Funds (MFs) and Stocks:
Given your long investment horizon and the need for higher returns to sustain your desired income, consider allocating a significant portion of your portfolio to equity MFs and individual stocks.
Equity investments have the potential to generate higher returns over the long term but come with higher volatility. Diversify your equity portfolio across different sectors and market caps to manage risk.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP):
Consider setting up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from your MF investments to generate a regular income stream. You can specify the withdrawal amount and frequency based on your income needs.
SWP allows you to liquidate a portion of your MF units systematically while keeping the remaining investment intact to continue growing.
Dividend Income:
If you have invested in dividend-paying stocks or equity MFs, you can receive regular dividend income. However, dividend payouts are subject to market conditions and may vary over time.
Retirement-oriented Investments:
Explore retirement-focused investment options like Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS), Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY), or annuity plans from insurance companies.
These instruments offer regular income with varying degrees of safety and liquidity.
Consult a Financial Advisor:
Given the complexity of retirement planning and the need for personalized advice, consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner.
A professional can assess your financial situation, risk tolerance, and income needs to create a customized retirement plan and recommend suitable investment strategies.
Remember to regularly review your investment portfolio and adjust your asset allocation and withdrawal strategy based on changing market conditions and your evolving financial needs. With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can achieve your goal of generating a monthly income of 2 lakhs in retirement. Best of luck on your retirement journey!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

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Hi I have 15 lacs and need to invest which will give me steady monthly income
Ans: You have Rs. 15 lakh and seek steady monthly income. Let’s explore the best options for your needs.

Benefits of Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs)
Regular Income: SWPs provide steady cash flow.
Capital Protection: Keeps your principal relatively safe.
Tax Efficiency: Better tax benefits compared to fixed deposits.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds in SWPs
Expert Management: Funds managed by professionals.
Better Returns: Potential for higher returns compared to index funds.
Flexibility: Adjust investments based on market conditions.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
No Guidance: Lack of professional advice.
Higher Risk: More risk due to lack of management.
Complexity: Requires significant time and knowledge.
Benefits of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Expert Advice: Helps in making informed decisions.
Regular Monitoring: Keeps investments on track.
Customized Portfolio: Tailored to your goals and risk profile.
Investment Strategy for Steady Monthly Income
Step 1: Allocate Funds to a Balanced Portfolio
Equity Funds: For growth potential.
Debt Funds: For stability and lower risk.
Hybrid Funds: Combine equity and debt for balanced growth.
Step 2: Set Up Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
SWP Mechanism: Withdraw a fixed amount monthly.
Start with Small Amount: Ensure sustainability of the corpus.
Step 3: Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Quarterly Review: Check fund performance.
Rebalance Annually: Adjust the portfolio to maintain balance.
Step 4: Tax Efficiency
Long-Term Capital Gains: Lower tax rate compared to short-term.
Tax-Free Withdrawals: Certain portions of withdrawals can be tax-free.
Estimated Monthly Income
Assuming a conservative return of 8%, you can withdraw a fixed monthly amount while keeping your principal relatively intact. This could provide a stable income stream while also potentially growing your investment.

Health and Emergency Fund
Maintain a Buffer
Emergency Fund: Keep at least 6 months of expenses.
Health Coverage: Ensure adequate insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.
Final Insights
To achieve steady monthly income:

Invest Rs. 15 lakh in a balanced portfolio.
Use a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for regular income.
Seek professional advice for customized planning.
Monitor and adjust your investments regularly.
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 Oct 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 01, 2024Hindi
Money
Age 62 Corpus 1.30 Cr Require 1 Lakh per month how to invest
Ans: At the age of 62, you have accumulated a corpus of Rs 1.30 crore, and you require Rs 1 lakh per month to cover your living expenses. This translates to an annual withdrawal requirement of Rs 12 lakhs. Ensuring that your corpus lasts for the rest of your life while meeting your monthly requirements is a delicate balance. Let’s assess the best investment strategy to achieve this goal.

Assessing Withdrawal Needs
Your corpus of Rs 1.30 crore needs to generate a consistent income of Rs 12 lakhs per year. A sustainable withdrawal rate that prevents your corpus from depleting too quickly is around 6-8%. At a withdrawal rate of Rs 12 lakhs per year, you’re targeting roughly a 9-10% return on your investments. This is feasible but requires a careful balance between risk and return.

Investment Strategy for Regular Income
Debt and Fixed Income Investments
A significant portion of your portfolio should be invested in safer, debt-based instruments. These will provide you with stable returns and protect your capital. Consider allocating 60-70% of your portfolio to the following options:

Senior Citizens’ Saving Scheme (SCSS): This is a safe, government-backed scheme that offers decent returns. It also provides regular payouts to meet your monthly needs.

RBI Floating Rate Bonds: These bonds are safe and provide a regular income that can help cover part of your expenses.

Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS): This scheme provides steady monthly income and is a low-risk investment option.

Corporate Bonds or High-Rated Debt Funds: While slightly riskier than government schemes, corporate bonds or high-rated debt funds offer higher returns and can be considered for a portion of your investment.

Balanced or Hybrid Mutual Funds
Since you need regular income and want to preserve your capital for the long term, hybrid or balanced mutual funds are ideal. These funds invest in both equity and debt, providing moderate returns with lower risk. Consider allocating 20-30% of your portfolio to:

Aggressive Hybrid Funds: These funds invest about 65% in equities and the rest in debt. They offer growth potential while maintaining some level of safety.

Balanced Advantage Funds: These funds dynamically shift between equities and debt based on market conditions, offering a mix of growth and safety.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
To ensure a regular income stream, you can set up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in your mutual fund portfolio. This will allow you to withdraw a fixed amount every month while the remaining corpus continues to grow. SWPs from balanced or hybrid funds can help you generate income and offer some capital appreciation over time.

Inflation and Rising Expenses
One of the key challenges in retirement planning is inflation. While your expenses are Rs 1 lakh per month today, they will likely increase over time. Therefore, it’s important to invest in instruments that can offer growth above inflation. This is where equity investments come in.

Equity Exposure for Long-Term Growth
To counter the effects of inflation, a small portion of your corpus should be invested in equity mutual funds. Consider allocating 10-15% of your portfolio to equity mutual funds. These funds will help grow your corpus and ensure you don’t run out of money in the long term. Focus on:

Large-Cap Equity Funds: These funds are relatively stable and invest in established companies, offering consistent long-term returns.

Dividend Yield Funds: These funds invest in companies that regularly pay dividends, providing you with an additional income stream.

Emergency Fund
Given your need for regular income, it’s important to have an emergency fund. Set aside 6-12 months of expenses in a liquid form, such as a savings account or short-term FD. This will ensure you don’t have to dip into your investments for unforeseen expenses.

Tax Implications
Tax planning is crucial, especially when withdrawing from your corpus. Here’s a brief overview of taxation on mutual funds:

Equity Mutual Funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Mutual Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.

By withdrawing strategically using an SWP, you can reduce your tax liability and ensure efficient tax management.

Final Insights
At 62, preserving your capital while generating regular income is essential. A diversified portfolio of debt instruments, balanced mutual funds, and a small exposure to equity can help you achieve your goal of generating Rs 1 lakh per month. Focus on:

Allocating 60-70% to debt instruments for stable, regular income.
Investing 20-30% in hybrid mutual funds for growth and safety.
Allocating 10-15% to equity mutual funds for long-term growth and inflation protection.
Setting up an SWP for monthly withdrawals while allowing your corpus to grow.
Maintaining an emergency fund to cover unforeseen expenses.
By following this balanced approach, you can ensure a steady income throughout retirement and maintain your financial independence.

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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