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Jinal Mehta | Answer |Ask -Follow

Financial Planner - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Jinal Mehta is a qualified certified financial professional certified by FPSB India. She has 10 years of experience in the field of personal finance.
She is the founder of Beyond Learning Finance, an authorised education provider for the CFP certification programme in India.
In addition, she manages a family office organisation, where she handles investment planning, tax planning, insurance planning and estate planning.
Jinal has a bachelor's degree in management studies. She also has a diploma in in financial management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
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Asked by Anonymous - Jun 26, 2025Hindi

Money

Dear FA, I am 35 years old lady and single parent of a 5 years old kid. My take home salary is 75k and a widow pension 3k, so total my income is 78k monthly. I have a home loan of 10Lacs of 3 years Expenditure: 1) Spending 30k/month as EMI 2) 90k School fee/year 3) 60k/ year maintainance of my flat FD savings has 45Lac in SBI, another 4 Lacs in FD, 2 lacs in liquid fund and one RD of Rs.2500 per month in Post Office and recently started investing in two SIPs, 10k each. Each month i can save hardly 15k after all expenditure. Sir, please guide me how i can save more and where i should invest so that after 10 years i can reach 1.5-2 crore. Your suggestion will be highly appreciated. Thank You

Ans: While it’s possible to create broad estimates based on the details shared, this question cannot be fully answered with precision because some important information is incomplete or not specified. We suggest you meet a Financial Advisor to get appropriate solutions to your problems. Also, 1- 2 crores in 10 years is unrealistic. You may meet an advisor and reconstruct your budget and investment strategies. This will help you save more.

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 Kalirajan |10872 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2025

Question by Ashish - May 30, 2025

Money

Dear Sir, My age is 48 years and I have taken house loan of Rs. 25 Lacs two years back, EMI per month is 20K, my monthly salary is 75 k. I m investing Rs. 39 k per year in LIC, 50k in PPF per year and 12500 per month in SIP. After all this investment at the end of the month I barely able of save Rs. 15K. My son age is 5 years . Please suggest any changes and further future planning so that after retirement I have atleast 1 Cr.

Ans: You have shown good discipline in managing your finances. You have started early planning for your child and your retirement. That is very good. You also have a good monthly income and manageable loan EMI. But, a few adjustments will help build stronger wealth for retirement.

Let me now help you with a step-by-step review of your current financial structure and suggest better ways for future financial well-being.

1. Income and Expense Overview

Your monthly salary is Rs. 75,000.

You are paying Rs. 20,000 as home loan EMI.

You are investing Rs. 12,500 in SIPs every month.

You are investing Rs. 50,000 per year in PPF. That is around Rs. 4,167 per month.

You are paying Rs. 39,000 per year in LIC premium. That is around Rs. 3,250 per month.

After all expenses and investments, you save around Rs. 15,000 per month.

Your savings habit is strong. That is a great quality. But now, you need to optimise your savings and investments better.

2. Home Loan Management

Rs. 25 lakhs loan is manageable with your income.

Rs. 20,000 EMI is reasonable. But loan closure before retirement is important.

Aim to close the loan by 58 years. That will reduce stress after retirement.

If you receive any bonus or surplus, use that partly to reduce loan.

But do not stop SIPs or long-term investments for loan prepayment.

Balance is important.

3. LIC Policy Assessment

You are paying Rs. 39,000 yearly in LIC.

Most likely, this is a traditional endowment or money-back policy.

Such plans give very low returns. Usually below 5% per year.

Also, mixing insurance with investment is not ideal.

What to do now?

If the policy has completed more than 3 years, check surrender value.

If surrender is financially suitable, stop and reinvest in mutual funds.

Take pure term insurance separately if not already taken.

Term plans give large cover at low cost.

This one change will free up funds and give better returns.

4. PPF Investment Review

You are investing Rs. 50,000 per year in PPF.

PPF is safe and gives tax-free returns.

Current interest is around 7% to 7.5% per annum.

But this return may not beat inflation over 15–20 years.

Still, PPF is good for safety and diversification.

Continue PPF, but do not increase allocation too much.

Keep PPF limited. Focus more on higher return options.

5. SIP Investment Strategy

You are investing Rs. 12,500 per month in SIPs.

SIP in mutual funds is one of the best long-term tools.

Ensure you are investing in diversified, actively managed funds.

Actively managed funds give better returns over long term.

Avoid index funds. They copy the market and don’t beat inflation strongly.

Avoid direct funds unless you are experienced and review portfolios often.

Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP support are better.

You get proper guidance, rebalancing, and tracking.

SIP should be your main engine for wealth building.

6. Retirement Goal Planning

You want Rs. 1 crore at retirement. That is a good starting goal.

At age 48 now, you have around 12 years left to build this.

You are already investing in SIP and PPF.

After surrendering LIC, redirect that amount into mutual funds.

Even your current Rs. 12,500 SIP + Rs. 3,250 LIC (if re-directed) = Rs. 15,750.

This amount, if invested in equity mutual funds, can create strong growth.

Also, your savings of Rs. 15,000/month is available.

Use part of this savings also to boost your SIP.

Retirement goal can be achieved. Just need disciplined investing and small adjustments.

7. Child’s Education Planning

Your son is 5 years old. You have time to build corpus.

Higher education expenses will start after 13–15 years.

Create a separate SIP for this goal. Do not mix with other investments.

Invest in diversified equity mutual funds for child goal.

Even Rs. 5,000–7,000/month SIP can build good corpus by then.

Review the portfolio every year with your Certified Financial Planner.

Do not depend on insurance plans or ULIPs for child goals.

They give poor returns and lock your money for long.

8. Insurance Protection Plan

At 48, insurance is critical. You are the family’s main earning member.

Take pure term insurance of minimum 10–12 times your yearly income.

That is Rs. 75,000 × 12 × 10 = Rs. 90 lakhs at least.

Premium will be low if taken soon.

Do not mix insurance with investment.

Also take health insurance for family if not already covered.

Company cover is not enough. Take personal health policy also.

9. Tax Planning and Optimisation

You are using LIC and PPF for tax benefits.

Also SIPs in ELSS funds can give tax benefits.

Consider ELSS only if you need 80C limit and can take 3-year lock-in.

Do not over-focus on tax saving. Wealth creation is more important.

If your 80C is already full, invest in non-tax saving mutual funds.

SIPs in equity mutual funds held for more than one year will attract LTCG.

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Keep track of capital gains yearly. Use your limit smartly.

10. Emergency Fund Management

Keep at least 4 to 6 months of expenses in emergency fund.

Use liquid mutual funds or savings account for this.

Do not invest emergency funds in PPF or SIP.

You should be able to withdraw anytime when needed.

Use your Rs. 15,000 monthly saving to slowly build this buffer.

11. Key Adjustments You Can Make Now

Surrender low-return LIC policy if suitable.

Redirect Rs. 3,250/month to mutual funds.

Increase SIP by at least Rs. 5,000 more monthly using your surplus.

Start a child education SIP separately.

Build emergency fund of Rs. 3 to 4 lakhs gradually.

Do not increase EMI. Prioritise investment and loan closure balance.

Finally

You have already done many things right. That is a great starting point.

Just fine-tune your investment structure now. Shift from low-return products to higher growth investments. Don’t stop your SIPs. Keep increasing SIP as income rises.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner. Review your plan every year. This is not a one-time setup. Financial planning is a regular process.

With the right steps, Rs. 1 crore for retirement is very much possible. Also, your child’s education will be secure. Just stay consistent and focused.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ramalingam Kalirajan |10872 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2025

Question by divyanshu - Jun 05, 2025Hindi

Money

Dear Sir,please note i ha e a home loan of 90 lkhs and 9.15 lakh car loan. Im earning 4 lakhs per month. Also the rent of flat is 1.05 lakhs. Invested 1 lakhs in stocks and 1 lakh in Mutual funds. I have 2 kids with a yearly expenditures of 8 lakhs.Kindly advise on how to save and where to save.

Ans: You have a high income, which is encouraging. At the same time, your home and car loans are quite significant. Your family responsibilities and lifestyle expenses also need strong planning.

Let’s now review your situation from every angle to create a sustainable saving and investment plan.

Understanding the Current Picture

Your gross income is Rs 4 lakhs monthly.

Your rental income is Rs 1.05 lakhs monthly.

This gives you a total monthly inflow of Rs 5.05 lakhs.

However, two large loans weigh on this cash inflow:

Home loan: Rs 90 lakhs

Car loan: Rs 9.15 lakhs

You've started investments in equity and mutual funds with Rs 1 lakh each. That’s a good beginning.

Your children’s annual cost is Rs 8 lakhs, around Rs 67,000 monthly. It’s essential to protect their needs through planned savings and not impulse expenses.

Cash Flow and Expense Discipline

Let's now focus on where your income is going.

You didn’t mention your monthly EMI amount. But for Rs 90 lakhs home loan, even with a long tenure, EMI could easily exceed Rs 80,000.

Car loan EMI would be another Rs 20,000 to Rs 25,000 minimum.

Add lifestyle and household expenses (excluding children) of Rs 1 lakh monthly.

That means your monthly outgo might be:

Home loan EMI: Rs 80,000

Car loan EMI: Rs 25,000

Household and lifestyle: Rs 1,00,000

Children’s expenses: Rs 67,000

Total monthly outgo = Around Rs 2.72 lakhs

This means you have around Rs 2.33 lakhs remaining (from Rs 5.05 lakhs total income).

This is a very healthy surplus.

Now let us focus on how to use this surplus for your future goals.

High-Priority Goals to Address

Before we talk about investing, fix these urgent gaps:

Emergency Fund: Minimum Rs 5 lakhs should be parked in liquid or ultra-short-term debt funds.

Term Insurance: If you don’t have a large-term insurance cover, take one today. It should be at least 10-15 times your annual income.

Health Insurance: A family floater of Rs 15 to 20 lakhs is important beyond your employer coverage.

These are not expenses. These are protection pillars for your family and future.

Action Plan for Loan Management

Home loan is a long-term burden. But it gives tax benefits and also serves as a forced savings tool. Yet, it is wise to reduce the burden gradually.

Car loan offers no tax benefit and is depreciating debt. Settle this early.

Suggestions:

Use your Rs 2.3 lakh surplus wisely each month.

First 3 months, build emergency fund of Rs 5 lakhs.

Then, from month 4 onwards, use Rs 75,000 each month to prepay car loan.

You can close car loan in about 12 months.

After car loan is cleared, use that Rs 75,000 monthly to partly prepay your home loan.

Keep Rs 1.5 lakhs monthly for investments once emergency and car loan are sorted.

This approach clears bad loan faster and lightens monthly EMI load without stress.

Building Your Investment Strategy

You are already invested in equity and mutual funds. But Rs 2 lakhs invested is just a start. You can do much more.

Please avoid direct stocks unless you have time and skill to monitor markets daily. Stick to mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Invest via regular plans through MFDs with CFP credential. Avoid direct funds.

Why? Let us explain:

Direct funds look cheaper but offer no human guidance.

You lose the benefit of rebalancing support and behaviour coaching.

Regular plans with CFP-MFD ensure your money is actively tracked.

You receive tax advice, review calls, goal updates, and exit planning.

Avoid index funds:

They blindly follow the market and don’t adjust to changing conditions. In volatile times, active funds outperform passive ones.

Also, index funds tend to carry heavy exposure to few large companies. This leads to concentration risk.

Active funds managed by skilled professionals give better long-term results with lower risk.

Where to Invest Monthly

Once emergency fund and car loan are handled, your monthly investable surplus will rise to Rs 2.25 lakhs.

Here’s a diversified way to deploy:

Rs 60,000 in large and flexi-cap funds

Rs 40,000 in mid and small cap funds

Rs 25,000 in hybrid equity funds

Rs 25,000 in balanced advantage or multi-asset funds

Rs 25,000 in debt funds or short duration

Rs 50,000 in goal-based child education funds

Balance your risk and time horizon with this mix.

Each of these can be regular plans with a CFP’s support. Review performance every 6 months.

Children’s Future Planning

Rs 8 lakhs annual cost now will rise steadily due to inflation.

Two major milestones to save for:

Higher education: Starts in 8-10 years

Marriage: Starts in 15-20 years

Start SIPs in child-focused mutual funds today.

You can allocate Rs 50,000 monthly across both kids.

Also consider a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana if both are daughters.

Don’t rely on insurance policies for children’s future. They give poor returns and lock-in money.

If you already have any ULIPs or LIC endowments, please surrender and reinvest in mutual funds. Don’t mix insurance and investment.

Tax Planning Suggestions

You earn Rs 48 lakhs yearly (Rs 4 lakhs x 12).

Use Rs 1.5 lakhs 80C via PPF, ELSS, or EPF contributions.

Buy Rs 50,000 NPS to claim extra under Section 80CCD(1B).

Health insurance premiums can offer another Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 deduction.

Interest on home loan gives Rs 2 lakh deduction under 24(b).

Also claim HRA if applicable.

These strategies will reduce your tax outgo and enhance savings.

Sensible Investment Vehicles to Avoid

Please stay away from:

ULIPs: Low return, high cost

Endowment plans: Poor liquidity and low IRR

Annuities: Low returns, taxed heavily

Index funds: No flexibility, lack of downside protection

Direct mutual fund investments: No advice, no handholding, no goal clarity

Choose guided investing over low-cost isolation.

Use the power of compounding with support from certified professionals.

Build a Retirement Foundation Now

Though not your immediate priority, retirement planning must begin today.

With Rs 2.25 lakhs surplus monthly, you can allocate Rs 40,000 purely for retirement.

Invest in equity-oriented mutual funds with regular review and rebalancing.

Start with a 20-year horizon in mind. Build a Rs 5 crore plus retirement corpus without stress.

Monitoring and Review Strategy

Every investment decision must be reviewed every 6 months.

Also, every year review these:

Are you progressing towards child’s goals?

Is your debt coming down as planned?

Are your mutual fund SIPs performing better than benchmarks?

Is your asset allocation still matching your risk appetite?

A Certified Financial Planner can help monitor, report, and update your plan on time.

Don’t try to manage everything alone.

What You Should Immediately Do

Here’s a step-by-step to-do list:

Build Rs 5 lakhs emergency fund in 3 months

Review and buy personal term and health insurance

Start prepayment of car loan from month 4

Begin SIPs of Rs 1.5 lakhs monthly across mutual fund categories

Allocate Rs 50,000 for children’s education investments

Surrender any LIC, ULIP, or endowment plans if you hold

Avoid direct and index mutual fund plans

Choose regular funds via MFD with CFP

Keep Rs 40,000 monthly for retirement corpus

Conduct semi-annual reviews with a Certified Financial Planner

Finally

Your income gives you the power to live well and save wisely.

But loans, child responsibilities, and inflation demand discipline.

With a clear investment strategy, professional help, and patience, you will build long-term wealth.

Don’t chase random products. Choose clarity, consistency, and certified guidance.

Start early, stay focused, and involve your spouse too in planning.

You don’t need to take extreme risks. Even balanced steps can secure your future.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan |10872 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 02, 2025Hindi

Money

Dear FA, I am 35 years old lady and single parent of a 5 years old kid. My take home salary is 75k and a widow pension 3k, so total my income is 78k monthly. I have a home loan of 10Lacs of 3 years Expenditure: 1) Spending 30k/month as EMI 2) 90k School fee/year 3) 60k/ year maintainance of my flat FD savings has 45Lac in SBI, another 4 Lacs in FD, 2 lacs in liquid fund and one RD of Rs.2500 per month in Post Office and recently started investing in two SIPs, 10k each. Each month i can save hardly 15k after all expenditure. Sir, please guide me how i can save more and where i should invest so that after 10- 15 years i can reach 1 crore. Your suggestion will be highly appreciated. Thank You

Ans: At 35 years old, your focus on saving towards a corpus of Rs. 1 crore in the next 10–15 years is both practical and achievable. Let us go through a structured, 360-degree plan to increase your savings, optimise investments, and create a clear path to your goal.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Here is a concise breakdown of your current finances:

Monthly Income: Rs. 75,000 (salary) + Rs. 3,000 (widow pension) = Rs. 78,000

Home Loan: Rs. 10 lakh remaining, EMIs of Rs. 30,000 per month for 3 years

Annual School Fee: Rs. 90,000

Flat Maintenance: Rs. 60,000 per year

Fixed Deposits: Rs. 45 lakh in SBI FD + Rs. 4 lakh in another FD

Liquid Fund: Rs. 2 lakh

Recurring Deposit: Rs. 2,500 per month at Post Office

SIPs: Started two SIPs of Rs. 10,000 each per month

Monthly Savings Surplus: About Rs. 15,000 after expenses

You have commendable investments and savings in place. You have loan, insurance, corpus, and savings clarity. Now, we will focus on improving savings by optimising these assets, curbing expenses where possible, and ensuring every rupee works for your Rs. 1 crore target.

Building a Healthy Budget and Cash Flow Plan
Breakdown of monthly outflow

EMI: Rs. 30,000

Flat maintenance + school fees average out to Rs. 12,500/month

Household expenses take up the remaining Rs. 20,500 approximately

This leaves you with Rs. 15,000 in savings

Look for expense savings

Can school and flat expenses be crunched? Evaluate each line item

Is there scope to reduce utilities, groceries, or subscriptions?

Even saving Rs. 3,000–5,000 monthly helps boost investible amount

Accelerating current SIP setup

You are investing Rs. 20,000 monthly in mutual funds

Aim to increase this to Rs. 30,000 by gently reducing less productive instruments

Optimising FD and liquid investments

FDs earn low interest and lack tax efficiency

TDS is deducted regularly, reducing liquidity

Liquid and short-term funds can give better post-tax returns

Instead of immediately breaking all FDs, start by allocating future maturing FD amounts smartly

You are already saving; now let us direct savings more efficiently toward your Rs. 1 crore target.

Short-Term Goal: Clear the Home Loan Smartly
The home loan EMI of Rs. 30,000 per month occupies a large space. You will complete it in 3 years, but you can accelerate and free this cash flow.

Use part of your large SBI FD corpus to prepay the loan if it is cost-effective

A reduction in loan principal shortens tenure and interest outflow

Even a small prepayment annually reduces burden and interest

Once EMI ends, redirect freed-up funds toward your mutual fund goals

By clearing the loan earlier, you free up cash flow that can dramatically speed up reaching Rs. 1 crore.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity Safety
Your deposit of Rs. 2 lakh in a liquid fund is a good start. Post-Office RD can also act as reserve.

Maintain an emergency buffer equal to 6–9 months of expenses including EMI

That means Rs. 2.5–3 lakh should be accessible quickly

Keep this amount in liquid or ultra-short-term funds

Avoid locking this money in FDs or instruments with penalties

This buffer ensures you can handle crises without derailing your investment plan.

Reallocating Existing Fixed Deposits More Productively
You currently hold over Rs. 49 lakh in FDs.
This amount is generating low interest and losing purchasing power due to inflation and tax.

Here is how to phase it out efficiently:

Do not break all FDs at once
Sudden breakup triggers liquidity loss or breakup penalties

Review maturity dates
Let smaller FDs mature in next 1-2 years

Upon maturity, allocate sums into:

Low-cost liquid/ultra-short-term funds (for emergencies and short-term needs)

Short/mid-duration debt funds (for medium-term security)

Balanced/hybrid equity mutual funds (for longer-term wealth building)

Tax advantage
Liquid and debt funds incur gains taxed at slab rates, but shifting earlier begins compounding

This gradual reallocation reduces risk and improves returns over time.

Validating Your Insurance Coverage
You said all insurance needs are met. Let us ensure in detail:

Life Insurance: Term cover should be at least 10–12 times your current income

Health Insurance: Cover yourself and your child adequately

Loan Insurance: Already in place for the home loan—good

At age 35 and as a single parent, you must ensure multipliers are sufficient. Revisit cover every few years.

Educating Investment Allocation for Rs. 1 Crore Target
You aim to build Rs. 1 crore in 10–15 years. This is an achievable goal with disciplined investing.

Why mutual funds are ideal:
Equity mutual funds offer inflation-beating returns in long term

Active funds adjust strategy with market cycles, protecting you in downturns

Index funds simply copy market performance and don’t guard in declines

Direct plan investing may reduce costs, but lacks behavioural guidance

You already have two SIPs of Rs. 10,000 each. Increase them to Rs. 30,000 monthly within the next few months.

Suggested Investment Architecture:
Rs. 30,000 per month for 10–12 years

70% in diversified equity mutual funds

30% in hybrid equity-oriented funds

Staggered top-up from exiting FD

Add Rs. 20,000–30,000 monthly once FDs mature

Rebalance every year to maintain equity-debt mix

RD continued

Rs. 2,500 per month is fine, acts as reserve

Consider swapping RD to mutual fund SIP after emergency buffer is secure

Use Systematic Investment Plans through regular mutual funds to spread risk and improve discipline.

Aligning Investment Strategy with Your Time Horizon
You seek Rs. 1 crore in 10–15 years. Investment strategy should suit timeline:

First 5 years: High equity exposure (75–80%) to grow corpus

Years 5–10: Maintain equity, add hybrid funds to reduce volatility

Last 2–3 years: Shift gradually to debt/hybrid to protect capital

This dynamic allocation secures growth and reduces potential loss as the target nears.

Systematic Rebalancing and Monitoring
Review your portfolio annually

If equity component grows beyond 75%, shift excess to hybrid or debt

This controls risk and smooths returns

Your CFP will help with tracking and analysis

Regular plans make rebalancing easier through consistent guidance

Without discipline, portfolio could drift too risky or too safe. Regular oversight is key.

Optimising Tax Efficiency
You will face capital gains taxes along the journey:

Equity funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

Short-term gains aggregate taxed at 20%

Debt and hybrid taxed as per normal slabs

Keep investments long-term to minimise tax. Avoid frequent switching. CFP can optimise redemption timing and tax liability.

Potent Supplement: Increasing Income Streams
Your monthly savings capacity is limited by your income. With time and planning, you can increase capacity:

Boost salary savings

Any salary increment should go into investment

Tax-free components and EPF contributions can help

Monetise unused skills

Freelancing or tutoring could bring Rs. 5–10k/month

This directly strengthens SIP capacity

Use rent or asset income (if applicable)

Reallocate bonus or any irregular income to investment

These boosts may accelerate your path to Rs. 1 crore.

Managing Risks and Contingencies
Keep home and term insurance valid through the period

Extend health insurance to your child

Update beneficiary nominations

Maintain liquidity buffer so you don’t withdraw during market crashes

Avoid investing in unregulated schemes, gold, or cryptocurrencies

Your CFP will help you stay disciplined during emotional market swings and sudden life changes.

Tracking Your Progress Over Time
Maintain a goals tracker with details:

SIP contributions, NAV history, and fund performance

Total corpus accumulated vs goal amount

Time remaining and required monthly investment

Adjust SIP contributions annually based on performance and income changes

This transparency helps you stay confident and focused on your target.

Final Insights
You are on strong footing with clear goals, disciplined saving, and safety covers. Now, redirect FD savings gradually into equity and hybrid mutual funds. Boost monthly SIP to Rs. 30,000 and plan to increase further as income grows or home loan ends. Keep a robust emergency buffer, maintain insurance coverage, and re-balance annually. By staying goal-oriented and maintaining discipline, you can build a corpus of Rs. 1 crore in 10–15 years.

Act-driven steps today will yield peace and security tomorrow for both you and your child.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan |10872 Answers |Ask -Follow

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 19, 2025Hindi

Money

Hello Sir, Would like seek your advise on my financials and how well I can save more. Im from Bangalore, Married and I have a kid who is 2.6y old. My Monthly inhand salary post tax deduction 1.09L. Below are my expenditures and savings. Rent: 11250 House hold exp: 19K Mutual Fund SIP:20k Monthly Current mutual fund investment amount:2.56L Stock Investment:1.44L Im also investing in Gold ETF monthly 6k Current investment 11k For my Child education which im going to join her from next year Im doing SIP of 8K in liquid fund. Current savings 41K Emergency fund: 1.60L Doing monthly RD of 20k to save atleast 3lakh emergency fund. Ive term insurance for 1cr Health insurance company sponsored:10lakhs Im also doing cheeti for 4 lakhs this is for 20 months. Completed 11 months 9 months pending. For this I generally pay per month around 17-18k. For my daughter im doing Sukanya samridh yogana monthly 3.5k So far invested 50k in SSY LIC this is for 16years and maturity is on 25years Premium is around 43k yearly. Paid for almost 5 years. Every month im saving 4k for this. These are my savings and investments other than this I do not have savings. Ive EPF amount of 3.5l Monthly deductions from both employee and employer combinedly is 10.1k I do have a plan to buy house in may be 3-5years and also want to plan for retirement amount. How well I can save to achieve the above goals.

Ans: You are already doing very well in terms of awareness and savings. You are just 2.6 years into parenthood, yet you are saving across mutual funds, gold, Sukanya, RD, EPF, and insurance. That is a strong foundation. With a little more structure, you can save even better for house purchase, child education, and retirement. Let me guide you with a 360-degree plan.

» Present Income and Expense Position

Your monthly income after tax is Rs.1.09 lakh.

Your rent is Rs.11,250 and household expenses Rs.19,000.

Your cheeti outgo is Rs.17,000 to 18,000 for nine more months.

You are already saving through SIPs, RDs, Sukanya, LIC, and gold.

Overall, your saving percentage is high compared to many families.

This shows discipline and commitment. With this, we can refine further.

» Emergency Fund and Liquidity

You currently have Rs.1.6 lakh in emergency fund.

You are saving Rs.20,000 in RD every month to reach Rs.3 lakh.

For a family with child, 6 months of expenses is safer.

That means you should target Rs.5 to 6 lakh over time.

Emergency fund must stay in liquid or savings-linked instruments only.

So, continue your RD until Rs.3 lakh. Then shift Rs.20,000 monthly to other goals.

» Insurance Protection

You have a Rs.1 crore term insurance. This is good for your family.

Company health insurance is Rs.10 lakh. That is helpful but not lifelong.

After job change or retirement, this cover may stop.

So, add a personal health cover of at least Rs.10 lakh.

This will safeguard child’s education money from medical emergencies.

» Analysis of LIC Policy

You are paying Rs.43,000 yearly for LIC.

It is an investment-cum-insurance policy.

Such policies give poor returns over long term.

They lock your money and give only 4% to 5% returns.

You already have term insurance, so you don’t need insurance-linked savings.

You can surrender this LIC and shift the yearly Rs.43,000 into mutual funds. That will grow faster.

» Sukanya Samriddhi Account for Daughter

You are saving Rs.3,500 monthly here.

It gives fixed return with government backing.

It is safe and tax efficient.

But returns are lower compared to mutual funds.

Keep Sukanya contribution but don’t increase too much.

A small portion in Sukanya ensures guaranteed part of child education fund.

» Mutual Fund Investments

You are already investing Rs.20,000 SIP.

Your current value is Rs.2.56 lakh.

You are also doing Rs.8,000 in liquid fund for child.

SIP in equity mutual funds will give good long-term growth.

Equity funds are better than index funds for you.

Disadvantages of index funds:
– They just copy the market, no chance of higher returns.
– No active professional management to protect from downturns.
– Limited flexibility.
– Can give lower return compared to active funds after tax and inflation.

Benefits of actively managed mutual funds through CFP or MFD:
– Professional monitoring and rebalancing.
– Potential for higher returns over index.
– Personalised fund selection.
– Helps you avoid emotional mistakes.

So, continue your Rs.20,000 SIP in actively managed funds. Increase when possible.

» Gold Investment

You are putting Rs.6,000 monthly in Gold ETF.

Gold protects against inflation but grows slow.

Don’t allocate too much here.

Maximum 5% to 8% of total wealth is enough.

Equity mutual funds give better long-term wealth growth.

Keep your current gold savings but don’t increase.

» EPF and Retirement Planning

Your EPF is Rs.3.5 lakh. Monthly contribution is Rs.10,100.

This will grow steadily till retirement.

EPF is safe, but growth is limited compared to equity.

For retirement, you must build a large equity mutual fund corpus.

At least 25% to 30% of monthly savings must go to retirement.

You are young. So equity allocation for retirement should be high now.

» Chit Fund Participation

You are paying Rs.17,000 to Rs.18,000 for chit fund.

Chits are risky compared to regulated instruments.

Continue till your current chit ends.

Avoid starting new chits.

After maturity, shift this money to mutual fund SIPs.

This will keep your money safe and productive.

» Child Education Planning

Your child is 2.6 years now.

Higher education cost after 15 years may be Rs.30 to 50 lakh.

Current Rs.8,000 in liquid fund is too safe.

Education goal is long term, so you need equity exposure.

Move Rs.8,000 liquid SIP to equity mutual funds.

Continue Sukanya for small guaranteed portion.

By increasing equity SIPs, you will build a bigger fund for education.

» Buying House in 3 to 5 Years

You plan to buy a house in 3 to 5 years.

For this short horizon, avoid equity mutual funds.

Equity can fluctuate in 5 years.

Use RDs, debt funds, and balanced funds for down payment.

When chit fund matures, use that money towards house goal.

So, separate a monthly amount into safe options for house purchase.

» Retirement Goal Focus

Retirement will need bigger corpus than education.

Don’t depend only on EPF.

Increase retirement SIP to Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 monthly in equity mutual funds.

This will compound better over 20+ years.

Do not use annuities because they give low returns.

Proper allocation today will reduce pressure later.

» Step-by-Step Saving Restructure

Continue emergency fund till Rs.3 lakh.

Build further emergency cash slowly to Rs.6 lakh.

Add personal health insurance Rs.10 lakh.

Surrender LIC and move yearly premium to equity SIP.

Continue Sukanya with Rs.3,500 monthly.

Shift child’s Rs.8,000 liquid fund SIP to equity mutual fund SIP.

On maturity of chit, stop new chit and invest Rs.18,000 monthly in equity SIPs.

Increase retirement SIP by Rs.5,000 now, and another Rs.5,000 when chit ends.

Keep gold investment capped at Rs.6,000 monthly.

This way, your money will be well-balanced for all goals.

» Final Insights

You are already saving more than 40% of income. Very strong start.

By restructuring, you will improve returns and safety.

Education goal will be supported by Sukanya plus equity SIPs.

Retirement goal will be secured by EPF plus higher equity allocation.

House goal in 3 to 5 years will be supported by chit maturity and debt instruments.

Insurance restructuring will protect your family against shocks.

With discipline, you can achieve all your goals without stress.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Latest Questions

Nayagam P P |10852 Answers |Ask -Follow

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Question by Sreelekshmi - Dec 06, 2025Hindi

Career

Hello, I’m a student who recently joined the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. I’m aiming for a strong academic foundation and a clear career path. Could you please guide me on the following: How good is this course for research careers or higher studies (IISc, IITs, abroad)? What are the placement prospects after Integrated M.Sc Physics at Amrita? Does the program help in preparing for alternate options like UPSC, CDS/AFCAT, or technical roles? What skills (coding, research projects, certifications) should I start early to make the most of this degree?

Ans: Sree, Program Overview and Academic Foundation: Congratulations on joining the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. This five-year integrated program represents a rigorous pathway designed to equip you with advanced theoretical and experimental physics knowledge combined with cutting-edge scientific computing skills. The curriculum uniquely integrates a minor in Scientific Computing, which adds substantial computational capability to your profile—a critical advantage in today's research and professional landscape. The program incorporates comprehensive coursework spanning classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, advanced laboratory work, and specialized topics in materials physics, optoelectronics, and computational methods, positioning you excellently for both research and professional careers.
Research Career Prospects: IISc, IITs, and Beyond: For research-oriented careers, the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita provides an exceptional foundation. Amrita's curriculum specifically aligns with GATE and UGC-NET examination syllabi, and the institution emphasizes early research engagement. The faculty at Amrita actively publish research in Scopus-indexed journals, with over 60 publications in international venues within the past five years, exposing you to active research environments.
To pursue research at premier institutions like IISc, you would typically follow the PhD pathway. IISc accepts M.Sc graduates through their Integrated PhD programs, and with your Amrita M.Sc, you're eligible to apply. You'll need to qualify the relevant entrance examinations, and your integrated program's emphasis on research fundamentals provides strong preparation. The final year of your Integrated M.Sc is intentionally structured to be nearly free of classroom commitments, enabling engagement with research projects at institutes like IISc, IITs, and National Labs. According to Amrita's data, over 80% of M.Sc Physics students secured internship offers from reputed institutions during academic year 2019-20, directly facilitating research career transitions.
Placement and Direct Employment Opportunities: Amrita University boasts a comprehensive placement ecosystem with strong corporate and government sector connections. According to NIRF placement data for the Amrita Integrated M.Sc program (5-year), the median salary in 2023-24 stood at ?7.2 LPA with approximately 57% placement rate. However, these figures reflect general placement trends; physics graduates often secure higher packages in specialized technical roles. Many graduates join software companies like Infosys (with early offers), Google, and PayPal, where their strong analytical and computational skills command competitive compensation packages ranging from ?8-15 LPA for entry-level positions.
The Department of Corporate and Industrial Relations at Amrita provides intensive three-semester life skills training covering linguistic competence, data interpretation, group discussions, and interview techniques. This structured placement support significantly enhances your employability in both government and private sectors.
Government Sector Opportunities: UPSC, BARC, DRDO, and ISRO: Your M.Sc Physics degree opens multiple avenues for prestigious government employment. UPSC Geophysicist examinations explicitly list M.Sc Physics or Applied Physics as qualifying degrees, enabling you to compete for Group A positions in the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board. The age limit for geophysicist positions is 32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories), and the exam comprises preliminary, main, and interview stages.
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) actively recruits M.Sc Physics graduates as Scientific Officers and Research Fellows. Recruitment occurs through the BARC Online Test or GATE scores, with positions in nuclear science, radiation protection, and atomic research. BARC Summer Internship programs are available, offering ?5,000-?10,000 monthly stipends with opportunity for future scientist recruitment.
DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) recruits M.Sc Physics graduates through CEPTAM examinations or GATE scores for roles involving defense technology, weapon systems, and laser physics research. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) regularly advertises scientist/engineer positions through competitive recruitment for candidates with strong physics backgrounds, offering opportunities in satellite technology and space science applications.
Other significant employers include the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recruiting as scientific officers, and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited), offering stable government service with competitive compensation packages exceeding ?8-12 LPA for scientists.
Alternate Career Pathways: UPSC, CDS, and AFCAT: UPSC Civil Services (IFS - Indian Forest Service): M.Sc Physics graduates qualify for UPSC Civil Services examinations, with the forest service offering opportunities for science-based administrative roles with potential to reach senior government positions.
CDS/AFCAT (Armed Forces): While AFCAT meteorology branches specifically require "B.Sc with Maths & Physics with 60% minimum marks," the technical branches (Aeronautical Engineering and Ground Duty Technical roles) require graduation/integrated postgraduation in Engineering/Technology. An M.Sc Physics integrates well with technical qualifications, though you would need engineering background for direct officer entry. However, you remain eligible for specialized technical interviews if applying through alternate defence channels.
UGC-NET Examination: This pathway leads to Assistant Professor positions in central universities and colleges across India. NET-qualified candidates receive scholarships of ?31,000/month for 2-year JRF positions with PhD pursuit, transitioning to Assistant Professor salaries of ?41,000/month in government institutions. This route provides long-term academic career security with research opportunities.
Private Sector Technical Roles
M.Sc Physics graduates are increasingly valued in data science, software engineering, and technical consulting. Companies actively recruit physics graduates for software development, where strong problem-solving and logical reasoning translate to competitive packages of ?10-20 LPA. Specialized domains including quantum computing development, financial modeling, and scientific computing offer premium compensation. Your minor in Scientific Computing makes you particularly attractive to technology companies requiring computational expertise.
International Opportunities and Higher Studies Abroad
An M.Sc from Amrita facilitates admission to PhD programs at international institutions. German universities offer tuition-free or low-fee MSc Physics programs (2 years) with scholarships like DAAD providing €850+ monthly stipends. US universities accept M.Sc graduates directly for PhD positions with full funding (tuition coverage + stipend). These pathways require GRE scores and strong Statement of Purpose articulating research interests. Research collaboration opportunities exist with Max Planck Institute (Germany) and CalTech Summer Research Program (USA), both welcoming Indian M.Sc students.
Essential Skills and Certifications to Develop Immediately: Programming Languages: Start learning Python immediately—it's universally used in research and industry. Dedicate 2-3 hours weekly to data analysis, scientific computing libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), and machine learning fundamentals. MATLAB is equally critical for physics applications, particularly numerical simulations and data visualization. Aim to complete MATLAB certification courses within your first year.
Research Tools: Learn Git/version control, LaTeX for scientific documentation, and data analysis frameworks. These skills are indispensable for publishing research papers and collaborating on projects.
Certifications Worth Pursuing: (1) MATLAB Certification (DIYguru or MathWorks official courses) (2) Python for Data Science (complete certificate programs from platforms like Coursera) (3) Machine Learning Fundamentals (for expanding technical versatility) & (4) Scientific Communication and Technical Writing (develop through departmental workshops)
Strategic Internship Planning: Leverage Amrita's research connections systematically. In your third year, apply to BARC Summer Internship, IISER Internships, TIFR Summer Fellowships, and IIT Internship programs (like IIT Kanpur SURGE). These expose you to frontier research while establishing connections for future PhD or scientist recruitment. Target 2-3 research internships across different specializations to develop versatility.

TO SUM UP, Your Integrated M.Sc Physics degree from Amrita positions you exceptionally well for competitive research careers at IISc/IITs, prestigious government scientist roles at BARC/DRDO/ISRO, and international PhD opportunities. The program's scientific computing emphasis differentiates you in the job market. Immediate priorities: (1) Master Python and MATLAB within the first two years; (2) Engage in research projects starting year 2-3; (3) Target internships at premiere research institutions; (4) Prepare GATE while completing your degree for maximum flexibility in recruitment; (5) Consider UGC-NET for long-term academic stability. Your career trajectory will ultimately depend on developing strong research fundamentals, demonstrating consistent excellence in specialization areas, and strategically selecting internship and research opportunities. The rigorous Amrita program combined with disciplined skill development positions you for exceptional career success across multiple sectors. Choose the most suitable option for you out of the various options available mentioned above. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

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Asked on - Dec 07, 2025 | Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Ans: Welcome Sree.

Nayagam P P |10852 Answers |Ask -Follow

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Question by Krishu - Dec 05, 2025Hindi

Career

Maine jee mains session ka form ews apply wale se bhara tha lekin ews nh ban paya aur ab form date bhi khatam ho chuka h aur correction window band ho gya h to kya maine ji form pehle ews wala bhara tha wo form rahega ya rad ho jayega

Ans: Krishu, Your form remains valid for exam participation. NTA doesn't reject forms during registration without certificates. However, during counseling document verification, a missing EWS certificate will automatically shift you to the General category. You cannot change your category now since the correction window closed. Contact NTA immediately for guidance on possible relief measures by mail or by contacting them over phone. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Radheshyam Zanwar |6736 Answers |Ask -Follow

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Question by ANSHU - Dec 06, 2025Hindi

Career

I am a neet aspirant Sir meri class 12 m physics m repeat thi aur chemistry bio aur English m pass hu toh mene nios k through physics k exam dia m usmin pass hu toh mere pass 2 marksheet hogyin h toh sir neet counselling m koi problem toh nhi aaegi

Ans: As per my knowledge, you will not face any problem in NEET counselling. Passing Physics through NIOS is valid. Just carry both mark sheets for verification. Yet, it is highly recommended to have a single marksheet for PCB to avoid any complications. You did not anything about when you cleared the 12th grade and NIOS examination. It is also not clear that when you are appearing to NEET. Whether you are are fresher or repeater is also not clear. Recommending asking the question in English with clarity to answer it correctly.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Asked on - Dec 06, 2025 | Answered on Dec 07, 2025

Sir I completed my 12 in 2024 and I gave my nios exam in oct 2024 in nios marksheet I am passed in physics and sir I am a droper student

Ans: OK. Appear for NEET 2026 and aim to score higher first, and forget what has happened in the past. Think about the verification process after the examination is over; until then, remain cool, calm, and quiet, and focus only on NEET. Best of luck for your bright future ahead.

Dr Nagarajan J S K |2576 Answers |Ask -Follow

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Question by swarnesh - Dec 04, 2025Hindi

Career

hi sir, wish to know the careeer option for my daughter after 12th PCB, apart from NEET what are the other ExamsPCB stream , she can appear. please guide .

Ans: Hi Swamesh,
Please wait a few more days; changes have occurred in the education sector, particularly regarding NEET. Several courses have been added, and you need to obtain eligibility through NEET to pursue them. I will share the details within a few days.
BEST REGARDS

Mihir Tanna |1090 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tax Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 04, 2025Hindi

Money

Tax returns ka confirmation nahi aya it department se

Ans: It may be under review. Many returns are still under process.

Ramalingam Kalirajan |10872 Answers |Ask -Follow

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

Radheshyam Zanwar |6736 Answers |Ask -Follow

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 04, 2025Hindi

Career

Hello sir, i am a NEET aspirant and in 11th........but these past months i have left one coaching to join other but have not been able to accomodate so now i will be starting fresh and doing self study.....i want to go to afmc....pls guide me regarding everything....pls pls really urgent, would appreciate it.

Ans: Starting afresh in 11th class is completely fine, but initially focus on strong NCERT fundamentals for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through daily self-study, consistent revision, and weekly mock tests. Aim for the NEET cutoff plus medical fitness standards for AFMC, build physical fitness alongside academics, and maintain discipline with a clear daily routine to stay on track. Usually, switching between coaching institutes is not recommended, but if there are serious issues with teachers, it's understandable to make a change. However, success does not solely depend on the coaching institute; dedicated studying is essential. Self-study with passion, consistency, completing the syllabus on time, extensive revision, and practising past papers are crucial for cracking the exam. If you have that strong desire, you can attempt NEET; otherwise, choose your path without hesitation. NEET is not the ultimate measure of success in life.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar |6736 Answers |Ask -Follow

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Question by Shriyansh - Dec 04, 2025Hindi

Career

I am aiming pec chd cse data science which on josaa shows to open at 16000 and closed at 19000 ews rank. How hard is to achieve this rank. Is it possible with boards prep? Do consider these are ews category ranks not crl rank , so any guess about crl and overall percentile?

Ans: Getting an EWS rank of 16k–19k is moderately tough and usually needs 90–93 percentile (90k–110k CRL), which is very difficult with only boards preparation and typically requires focused JEE-level practice. One should have a burning desire, dedicated motivation, and a target to achieve the goal. Without these parameters, not possible to achieve success in JEE. Hence, around 95% studentsare are unable to achieve the target of cracking the examination. From your question, it is not clear that where you are aiming for 2026 or 2027 examination.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar |6736 Answers |Ask -Follow

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Question by Amit - Dec 05, 2025Hindi

Career

My son while filling the application form for JEE Mains2026 , has inadvertently added the prefixes Mr. and Mrs. before his parents’ names. However, in both the Aadhaar card and the Matriculation certificate, the names of his parents appear without any prefixes. He missed to do the correction in the correction window timeline. Will he be allowed to sit in the exam and any challenge during JOSSA counselling, if yes, what is remedial action for this.?

Ans: Please do not worry. He will be allowed to appear for JEE Mains and will be allowed to participate in JoSAA counselling. Just submit an affidavit/self-declaration with Aadhaar and matric certificates during document verification to clarify the prefix discrepancy. Yet, recommended to fill the application form very carefully by taking the help of an expert. If NTA opens the correction windows once again, then try for the same. Keep a close eye on the NTA JEE site.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Dr Dipankar Dutta |1837 Answers |Ask -Follow

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Question by Murari - Dec 05, 2025Hindi

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.

See more questions »

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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