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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 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
Anil Question by Anil on May 08, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am currently 50 years old... Could u guide me as to what amount of monthly SIP should I put and in to which funds so as to generate a monthly retirement payout of 2 lac every month at the age of 60 years

Ans: Planning for Retirement Income
Understanding Your Goal
Planning for a monthly retirement payout of 2 lakhs at the age of 60 is a commendable goal and requires careful financial planning.
Assessing Your Current Situation
As you're currently 50 years old, it's essential to evaluate your existing assets, liabilities, and investment portfolio to determine your financial standing.
Calculating Required Corpus
Estimating Retirement Corpus
To generate a monthly payout of 2 lakhs, you'll need to calculate the required retirement corpus based on your expected retirement age, life expectancy, inflation, and expected rate of return on investments.
Working with a Financial Planner
Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you determine the exact amount of monthly SIP required to achieve your retirement income goal.
Designing Your Investment Portfolio
SIP Amount and Fund Selection
Your monthly SIP amount will depend on factors such as your current savings, expected rate of return, and investment horizon.
A CFP can recommend a suitable asset allocation strategy and select appropriate mutual funds based on your risk tolerance, financial goals, and time horizon.
Diversification for Stability
Diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes, such as equities, debt, and possibly real estate or alternative investments, can provide stability and enhance returns over the long term.
Adjusting Your Financial Plan
Flexibility and Adaptability
It's crucial to periodically review and adjust your financial plan based on changing circumstances, market conditions, and personal goals.
A CFP can help you navigate through life transitions and unexpected events while staying on track towards your retirement objectives.
Conclusion
Planning for retirement requires careful consideration of various factors, including your age, financial situation, risk tolerance, and retirement income goals. By working with a CFP, you can develop a personalized financial plan tailored to your specific needs and aspirations, ensuring a secure and comfortable retirement lifestyle.

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 Apr 08, 2024

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Sir,My age is 43 year which sip or fund will be better to get pension of Rs 25000 per month at the age of 58 year and how much should I have to invest monthly.
Ans: To achieve a pension of Rs 25,000 per month at the age of 58, you need to start investing in retirement-focused mutual funds or pension plans. Here's a suggested approach:
Equity Mutual Funds for Growth: Since you have a long investment horizon until retirement, consider investing a significant portion of your savings in equity mutual funds. These funds have the potential to offer higher returns over the long term, helping you build a substantial corpus.

Diversification: Opt for a diversified portfolio of equity funds across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap segments to spread out risk. Additionally, allocate a portion of your investments to debt funds to provide stability and reduce overall portfolio volatility.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Start a SIP in selected equity mutual funds to regularly invest a fixed amount every month. SIPs help in rupee cost averaging and can smoothen out the impact of market volatility over time.

Asset Allocation: As you approach retirement, gradually shift your asset allocation from equity to debt funds to reduce risk and preserve capital. This can be done gradually over several years to minimize the impact on your portfolio.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Once you retire, consider setting up a SWP from your mutual fund investments to generate a regular income stream. Determine the amount you need for monthly expenses and set up SWPs accordingly from debt or balanced funds.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your investment portfolio and withdrawal strategy to ensure it aligns with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and changing life circumstances. Adjust your asset allocation and SWP amount as needed based on market conditions and your retirement income needs.

Consult a Financial Advisor: Consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help you design a customized investment plan tailored to your specific requirements and risk profile. They can also provide guidance on tax-efficient withdrawal strategies during retirement.

By following this approach, you can benefit from the growth potential of equity investments during your working years while ensuring a steady income stream through SWP during retirement, helping you beat inflation and meet your financial goals.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2024Hindi
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My age is 35 i want to start investment with sip of 25000 per month ,and retire by 55,plz guide ,i have lic of 1 cr in maturity ,ppf, plz guide for 5 cr in retirement
Ans: You aim to retire at 55 with a corpus of Rs. 5 crore. Your current age is 35, giving you a 20-year investment horizon. You plan to invest Rs. 25,000 per month through SIP.

Current Financial Situation
Monthly SIP: Rs. 25,000
Existing Investments: LIC policy maturing at Rs. 1 crore, PPF
Importance of Diversified Investment
Diversification: Essential for risk management and optimal returns.
Balanced Portfolio: Combining equity and debt for growth and stability.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Expert Management: Professional fund managers actively handle investments.
Higher Returns: Potential for better returns compared to index funds.
Flexibility: Adjust investments based on market conditions.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
No Guidance: Lack of professional advice.
Higher Risk: Increased risk without expert management.
Time-Consuming: Requires significant time and knowledge to manage.
Advantages of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Customized Advice: Tailored to your financial goals and risk profile.
Regular Monitoring: Professional oversight ensures investments stay on track.
Expertise: Benefit from the knowledge and experience of certified planners.
Investment Strategy
Step 1: Start with SIP in Diversified Mutual Funds
Equity Funds: High-growth potential over the long term.
Debt Funds: Stability and lower risk to balance equity exposure.
Step 2: Increase SIP Contributions Annually
Annual Increase: Raise SIP amount by 5-10% each year.
Benefit of Compounding: Higher contributions lead to substantial growth.
Step 3: Lump Sum Investments
Bonus or Windfall Gains: Invest any additional funds received.
PPF and LIC: Continue contributions for tax benefits and assured returns.
Step 4: Regular Review and Rebalancing
Quarterly Review: Monitor fund performance and market trends.
Annual Rebalancing: Adjust portfolio to maintain desired asset allocation.
Estimated Growth
Assuming a 12% average annual return on mutual fund investments, your SIP of Rs. 25,000 can potentially grow to achieve your target of Rs. 5 crore in 20 years. Regularly increasing your SIP and making lump sum investments can enhance this growth.

Health and Emergency Fund
Maintain an Emergency Fund
Emergency Fund: Keep at least 6 months of expenses in liquid form.
Health Coverage: Ensure adequate health insurance coverage for unforeseen medical expenses.
Final Insights
To achieve Rs. 5 crore for retirement:

Start with Rs. 25,000 monthly SIP in diversified mutual funds.
Increase SIP contributions annually by 5-10%.
Invest any additional funds from bonuses or windfalls.
Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio.
Maintain an emergency fund and adequate health insurance.
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 Aug 14, 2024

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Hello Madam, I'm a 34 year old mother of 9 years daughter.I am working in IT sector.My salary is 85000 per month.I have monthly SIP of 35,000 for 20 years. I want to get retire by 50 with a corpus of 2cr..Can you please suggest me what must be SIP monthly to achieve the target?
Ans: Assessing Your Current Situation
At 34 years old, you have 16 years until your target retirement age of 50. With a monthly salary of Rs 85,000 and a disciplined SIP of Rs 35,000, you're on a strong path. Your goal is to accumulate Rs 2 crores by retirement. Let's evaluate your current investment strategy and consider any adjustments that might be necessary to reach your target.

Understanding the Power of SIPs
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined way to build wealth over time. They allow you to invest small amounts regularly, leveraging the power of compounding. Over a 20-year horizon, SIPs in well-chosen mutual funds can generate significant returns.

Given your current SIP of Rs 35,000 per month, you're already making a substantial commitment. However, to ensure that this strategy aligns with your retirement goals, it's crucial to assess the potential growth of your investments.

Evaluating Your Retirement Goal
Your target of Rs 2 crores by the age of 50 is realistic, but it requires careful planning and monitoring. Let's break down the factors that will influence whether your current SIPs will achieve this goal:

Expected Rate of Return: Mutual funds typically offer varying returns depending on the market conditions and the fund's performance. Historically, equity mutual funds have provided returns ranging between 10% and 15% per annum over the long term. For a conservative estimate, we will assume a return rate of around 12% per annum.

Investment Horizon: With 16 years left until you turn 50, the power of compounding will work in your favor. The longer your investment horizon, the greater the compounding effect, which can significantly boost your corpus.

Estimating the Future Value of Your SIPs
Assuming a 12% annual return over 16 years, your current monthly SIP of Rs 35,000 could grow to approximately Rs 1.44 crores. While this is a significant amount, it falls short of your Rs 2 crore target. This shortfall suggests that an adjustment in your SIP amount or strategy might be necessary.

Adjusting Your SIP Strategy
To bridge the gap between your projected corpus and your retirement goal, consider the following adjustments:

Increase Your SIP Amount:

Current SIP Shortfall: Given the current projection, you're looking at a shortfall of approximately Rs 56 lakhs.
SIP Adjustment: To cover this gap, increasing your SIP amount to around Rs 50,000 per month could help you reach your target. This adjustment will need to be reassessed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with market conditions and your financial situation.
Diversify Your Investments:

While you are already investing a substantial amount in SIPs, consider diversifying your portfolio. Investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds can spread risk and potentially enhance returns.
Also, consider adding a portion of your investments to debt funds or balanced funds, which provide stability and reduce the overall risk of your portfolio.
Review and Rebalance Regularly:

Regularly reviewing your portfolio is crucial. At least once a year, evaluate the performance of your funds and make necessary adjustments. Rebalancing your portfolio helps to align your investments with your risk tolerance and market conditions.
Consider Increasing SIPs Over Time:

As your income grows, consider increasing your SIPs. Even a 5% annual increase in your SIP amount can significantly boost your corpus over time.
Inflation and Its Impact on Your Goal
Inflation is a critical factor to consider in long-term financial planning. The purchasing power of Rs 2 crores today will not be the same in 16 years. While Rs 2 crores might seem sufficient now, inflation could erode the real value of your corpus by the time you retire.

To safeguard against inflation, it’s wise to aim for a higher retirement corpus. For instance, targeting Rs 2.5 crores or more would provide a cushion against inflation and unexpected expenses during retirement.

Tax-Efficient Investing
To maximize your returns, focus on tax-efficient investments. Equity mutual funds held for over one year are subject to long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax, which is lower than the tax on short-term gains.

Equity-Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS): These funds offer tax deductions under Section 80C and can also be part of your SIP portfolio.
Debt Funds: Consider adding some debt funds for stability and tax efficiency, especially if you foresee a need for liquidity before retirement.
Planning for Contingencies
Life is unpredictable, and it’s essential to prepare for contingencies that might impact your retirement plan. Here are some strategies:

Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of your expenses. This fund should be liquid and accessible, helping you manage unforeseen events without disrupting your retirement savings.
Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance. Health insurance is vital to cover medical emergencies, while life insurance provides financial security to your family in your absence. Term insurance is typically the most cost-effective option for life coverage.
Review Your Retirement Plan:

Periodically reassess your retirement plan to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and changing circumstances. This includes reviewing your SIPs, insurance coverage, and other investments.
Final Insights
Your current investment strategy reflects strong financial discipline. However, to ensure that you achieve your goal of Rs 2 crores by 50, it may be necessary to increase your SIP amount, diversify your portfolio, and periodically review your investments.

A well-rounded retirement plan considers inflation, tax efficiency, and contingencies. By adjusting your strategy now, you can stay on track to reach your target and enjoy a secure and comfortable 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 Sep 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 26, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 50 , to get my retirement amount 1cr how much amount I should invest in mutual funds ie sip ,pls guide me .
Ans: At 50, planning for your retirement is a great step. Your goal is to accumulate Rs 1 crore by the time you retire. To achieve this through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in mutual funds, it’s important to assess various factors like time horizon, risk appetite, and expected returns. Let's break it down step by step to give you a clearer picture.

Factors Affecting Your SIP Investment
1. Time Horizon
Since you are 50 years old, the time left for retirement depends on when you plan to retire. Typically, retirement age is 60, so you may have 10 years. The shorter the time horizon, the larger your monthly SIP investment needs to be. If you have a longer time horizon, you can contribute a smaller amount monthly.

2. Expected Returns from Mutual Funds
In the Indian context, mutual funds—particularly equity mutual funds—can give returns ranging between 10% to 12% annually over the long term. For a 10-year horizon, investing in actively managed equity mutual funds can help you maximize growth. The reason is that equity has historically outperformed other asset classes over long periods. Debt mutual funds are safer but tend to offer lower returns, typically around 6% to 7%.

Choosing actively managed funds over passive index funds can help you get better returns as these funds are overseen by expert fund managers. While index funds follow the market, actively managed funds adjust for volatility and aim for higher returns.

3. Risk Tolerance
Since you are aiming to invest for 10 years or more, you have a moderate-to-long time horizon, which allows you to take on moderate risk. Equity-oriented mutual funds tend to be volatile in the short term but can deliver good returns in the long run. By investing in a balanced mix of equity and hybrid funds, you can ensure both growth and capital preservation.

SIP Calculation for Rs 1 Crore Corpus
To accumulate Rs 1 crore, the exact SIP amount depends on the returns your mutual fund investments generate. Here’s how the investment process works:

If the mutual funds generate 10% returns per annum, you will need to invest a higher amount compared to a 12% return scenario.

You can aim for equity mutual funds to help you reach the Rs 1 crore target within 10 years. Over time, you can shift part of your corpus to debt mutual funds to reduce the risk as you approach retirement.

However, the precise monthly SIP amount will depend on how much you can invest, your risk appetite, and your retirement timeframe. It’s recommended to start higher and adjust your SIP later depending on market performance.

SIP Strategies
1. Equity Mutual Funds
Since your goal is long-term, focusing on equity mutual funds is a smart option. These funds invest in stocks, which have historically provided inflation-beating returns over the long term. A mix of large-cap and mid-cap funds will give you stability and growth potential.

Actively managed equity mutual funds can help you get higher returns. These funds are managed by professionals who constantly adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, unlike index funds which follow the market blindly.

2. Hybrid Mutual Funds
If you want to balance between risk and return, consider hybrid mutual funds. These funds invest in both equity and debt, providing you with a safer option than pure equity funds but better returns than debt funds alone. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you choose the right hybrid funds for your retirement needs.

3. Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds can be included to offer a safety net as you near retirement. These funds are low-risk and offer steady, though lower, returns. As you approach your retirement, you can shift a portion of your investments to debt funds to protect the corpus from market volatility.

Why Not Index Funds?
You might come across index funds as a simpler alternative. While index funds have lower fees, they merely replicate the performance of an index like the Nifty 50. The downside is that they don't outperform the market. In contrast, actively managed mutual funds can offer better returns because skilled fund managers actively choose high-performing stocks and adjust the portfolio to respond to market conditions.

Actively managed funds also allow you to reduce risk over time, as the manager may move assets to safer investments if the market becomes volatile. This flexibility makes them a better choice for someone nearing retirement.

Regular Fund Investments vs Direct Funds
When choosing mutual funds, you might come across direct plans which charge lower fees compared to regular plans. However, direct plans don’t provide the advisory services or professional guidance that come with regular plans. Working with a CFP and investing through mutual fund distributors (MFDs) ensures you get expert advice and a well-constructed portfolio suited to your goals.

Protecting Your Retirement Corpus
As you approach retirement, it’s crucial to protect your investment from risks like market crashes. One strategy is to gradually reduce your exposure to equity funds and move to safer debt funds. A Certified Financial Planner can help you determine the right time to shift and how much to shift, ensuring your Rs 1 crore target remains on track.

Final Insights
To reach Rs 1 crore by the time you retire, investing through SIPs in a combination of equity, hybrid, and debt mutual funds is a balanced and effective approach. You will need to calculate the exact SIP amount based on the number of years to retirement, expected returns, and risk tolerance. Starting early and being consistent with your SIP contributions is key.

Start with Equity Funds: These will help you achieve higher returns in the earlier years.

Gradually Shift to Hybrid and Debt Funds: As you approach retirement, reduce your equity exposure and move to safer assets.

Seek Professional Guidance: A CFP can help you select the right funds and adjust your strategy as needed.

By following this strategy, you can comfortably achieve your Rs 1 crore retirement corpus and enjoy a financially secure retirement.

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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