Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |367 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Oct 18, 2025

Reetika Sharma is a certified financial planner and CEO of F-Secure Solutions.
She advises clients about investments, insurance, tax and estate planning and manages high net-worth individual’s portfolios.
Reetika has an MBA in finance from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and an engineer degree from NIT, Jalandhar.
She also holds certifications from the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).... more
Asked by Anonymous - Oct 09, 2025Hindi
Money

My Goal is to retire in 40-45 age with 5 Crore. I’m 30 now. I invested in PPF (6.75 Lakh till now it’s been 4 years now) and I will continue till I complete 15 years (1.5 Lakh/ Year Plan) NPS- 3.2 Lakh till now FD- 25 Lakh ( All will mature in June 2026) Mutual Fund (Lumpsum & Sip includes 13.5 Lakhs till today. Doing SIP of ₹25500 per month which is below.. MidCap Funds-(HDFC -5k, Motilal Oswal- 5k) LargeCap-(ICICI Pru- 2K, Canara Robeco- 1k) SmallCap-( SBI - 5K, Quant- 1K, Nippon India -1K) Flexi cap- (Parag Parikh-3.5k, HDFC Flexi-1K) Value - ICICI Pru Value Direct Fund-1k Above were all my SIP’s and I have invested lumpsum funds below. ICICI Pru asset allocator -7 Lakh Business cycle fund- 1.14 Lakh SBI Gold Direct plan- 6k EPF- 1.75Lakh till now Physical gold worth-9 Lakh SBI Nifty 50 Gold ETF worth -1 Lakh I recently left my Job where my salary was 14 LPA. I will start looking for new opportunity in few days. I’m also planning to purchase a house since I’m staying in Rented home where my monthly expenses are 30k /Month. I don’t have any responsibilities of kids & family as such . Please suggest me how should I plan accordingly & achieve my targets?

Ans: Hi,

Good that you have invested in various diversified assets at such age. Your dedication shows the sincerity you have towards your goals. Let us have a look at your financials:

1. FD - 25 lakhs. You should keep maximum 10 lakhs in FD as your emergency and other unforeseen expense. Move the remaining amount in multicap funds.
2. Have a dedicated term and health insurance for yourself and family.
3. Your contribution to PPF is not required. Instead redirect it to Balanced Advantage Fund as PPF is locked for 15 years and provide only 7% where as BAF gives 10-11% and is not locked. Contribute minimum amount in PPF to keep it active.
4. Continue with NPS investments.
5. Currently there are no responsibilites but in future, you might get married. Hence you should also be prepared for other major expenses such as your marriage, future family and life post marriage.
6. Currently your expenses - 30k. Factor in future - maximum 60k. You can save and invest the rest amount wholly in equity mutual funds.
7. Current 25.5k monthly inflow in your retirement corpus.
8. Start another SIP of 30k per month for down payment of your house after 4-5 years. It will help with less burden and you not liquidating your other investments.
9. Save the remaining amount from salary for your marriage or other expenses in hybrid funds.

The funds you are investing in currently are very overdiversified and overlapped. Entire scheme selection needs to be worked upon thoroughly.
Although direct mutual funds are quite famous due to their less expense ratio, but maximum times a direct portfolio underperformsto a major expense. That is why a guided portfolio with regular funds in much needed. It is important for you to work with a professional for their expert guidance as it will help in the periodic review of portfolio and any change whenever required.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2024

Money
My current age is 49 Years. I have my own house worth Rs. 90 lakhs, one Flat worth Rs, 50 L, two small Bunglows at Bolkpur worth Rs. 25 L, and 12 katthas of Land worth Rs. 40 L. Having no loan in the market. Through mutual funds I have invested Rs. 50 L. Its market value is 1.25 Cr. Presently I am running (1) SIP of Rs. 4,80, 000 p.m., (2) PPF of Rs. 1,50,000 /- p.a. (3) LIC (Market Linked) Rs. 2.25,000/- p.a. and (4) SBI Life Rs. 6,00,000 p.a. LICs are going to be matured by 2027. Would like to make a total fund og 5 Cr by 2030. So that after retirement at my age of 55, I can earn at least Rs. 3 L p.m. SIPs are : (1) SBI Blue Chip Fund Regular Plan Growth Rs. 60,000 p.a. (2) SBI Focussed Equity Fund Regular Growth Rs. 60,000 p.a. (3) SBI Magnum Global Fund Regular Plan Growth Rs. 60,000 p.a. (4) SBI Magnum Midcap Fund Regular Plan Growth Rs. 60,000 p.a. (5) SBI Nifty 50 Equal Weight Index Fund Regular Plan Growth Rs. 1,00,000 p.a.
Ans: Thank you for sharing detailed information about your current financial situation and goals. You have done an excellent job in building a diversified portfolio. Your goal of achieving Rs. 5 crore by 2030 and earning Rs. 3 lakh per month after retirement is commendable. Let’s delve into how you can achieve this.

Assessing Your Current Financial Status
You own multiple properties worth Rs. 2.05 crore, and your mutual fund investments are valued at Rs. 1.25 crore. Additionally, you are actively investing through SIPs, PPF, LIC, and SBI Life Insurance. This diversified approach is sound and sets a strong foundation for your financial goals.

Understanding Your Investment Strategy
You have allocated Rs. 4.8 lakh per month in SIPs and are contributing to PPF and insurance policies. Your current investment strategy reflects a balanced approach, combining equity, debt, and insurance products.

Evaluating Your SIP Investments
You have invested in several mutual funds, which is a good strategy. Actively managed funds can provide better returns due to professional management. However, index funds, while stable, may not offer the same level of growth as actively managed funds.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds track a specific market index and lack active management. They may not outperform the market and have limited flexibility. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can adapt to market conditions, aiming for higher returns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds have experienced fund managers who make strategic decisions. They aim to outperform the market by selecting high-potential stocks. This can lead to better returns compared to index funds.

Importance of Diversification
Diversification reduces risk and enhances returns. Your portfolio should include a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. This approach balances stability with growth potential, aligning with your risk tolerance.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
Regularly monitoring your investments is crucial. Rebalancing your portfolio ensures it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. This helps maintain the desired asset allocation and optimizes returns.

Maximizing PPF Contributions
Your PPF contributions offer tax benefits and secure returns. Maximizing contributions to PPF can enhance your overall returns while providing safety. The tax-free interest adds to the attractiveness of PPF as a long-term investment.

Reviewing Insurance Policies
Your LIC and SBI Life policies provide insurance coverage and investment growth. However, market-linked insurance plans may have higher costs and lower returns compared to mutual funds. Considering your investment goals, it might be beneficial to surrender these policies and reinvest the proceeds in mutual funds.

Benefits of Reinvesting in Mutual Funds
Reinvesting the surrender value from your insurance policies into mutual funds can potentially offer higher returns. Mutual funds provide greater flexibility and the potential for significant growth, aligning well with your long-term goals.

Achieving Your Goal of Rs. 5 Crore by 2030
To achieve your goal of Rs. 5 crore by 2030, you need to focus on high-growth investments. Continue your SIPs in actively managed funds, maximize PPF contributions, and consider reinvesting insurance policy proceeds into mutual funds. This combined strategy should help you reach your target.

Generating Rs. 3 Lakh per Month Post-Retirement
To generate Rs. 3 lakh per month after retirement, you need a diversified income stream. This can include withdrawals from mutual funds, interest from PPF, and income from other investments. A Certified Financial Planner can help design a withdrawal strategy to meet your income needs.

Importance of Professional Guidance
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner ensures personalized advice. They can help optimize your investment strategy, align it with your goals, and manage risk. Professional guidance is invaluable in achieving financial security.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds require you to manage investments without professional advice. This can be challenging and risky without market knowledge. Regular funds, advised by a CFP, offer better management and informed decision-making.

Conclusion
Your current financial plan is robust and well-diversified. By continuing your disciplined investment approach, considering the surrender of insurance policies for better investment opportunities, and seeking professional advice, you can achieve your goal of Rs. 5 crore by 2030. This will ensure a comfortable retirement with a steady income.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 14, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 36 year old and employed in Govt sector. I have three kids of 9,2&1 years. I have monthly Gross salary of ?2.4 lakhs before tax. I don't have any liabilities in form of loans or EMI. My assets are as follows:- Provident fund - ?70 lakhs Monthly contribution to PF - ?40000/- I have 06 mutual funds with monthly subscription of ?10000 each. Present value of MF is ?23 lakhs. My funds are :- 1. Kotak Emerging Equity Fund 2. SBI Small Cap Fund 3. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund 4. Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver Fund 5. Quant Small Cap Fund 6. Edelweiss Balanced Advantage Fund I have an insurance cover policy of Rs 2 Cr from HDFC. I have an additional insurance cover of ?1.25 Cr from my organisation. I have Sukanya Samridhi Yojna subscription for my 2 eldest kids at monthly subscription of ?12500/-. I have a "Promise for Growth Care" investment plan from "Canara Oriental HSBC" At a monthly subscription of ?12500/- with payment tern of 10 years and coverage for 20 years (insurance cover ?15 lakhs included in it). I have a Bajaj Allianz "Goal Assure II" plan for monthly subscription of ?5000/-. Payment term 5 years and coverage for 20 years (insurance cover of ?6 lakhs covered). I have ?25 lakhs cash in hand. Out of these I am planning to invest ?20 lakhs in Sovereign Gold Bonds. I wish to retire at 56 years. Please suggest me about any requirement to change/ reallocate any investments from existing ones. Will this investment strategy hold me good for requirement during higher education of kids and their other requirements like marriage etc after 20 years. Please suggest any changes if required. Thank you. Regards
Ans: You've done a commendable job in setting up a diverse investment portfolio and securing insurance coverage. Let's evaluate your current strategy and suggest improvements.

Provident Fund and Insurance
Your provident fund balance of Rs. 70 lakhs and a monthly contribution of Rs. 40,000 is a strong foundation for retirement. Your insurance coverage of Rs. 2 crore from HDFC and an additional Rs. 1.25 crore from your organisation ensures financial security for your family.

However, evaluating the insurance cover every few years is advisable to ensure it remains adequate as your financial responsibilities grow.

Mutual Funds
Your six mutual funds with a monthly subscription of Rs. 10,000 each and a present value of Rs. 23 lakhs are diversified across different categories.

This is a balanced approach, but it's essential to review the performance of each fund annually. Underperforming funds should be replaced with better-performing ones to maximize returns.

Sukanya Samridhi Yojna
Investing in Sukanya Samridhi Yojna for your two eldest children is a smart move. The Rs. 12,500 monthly contribution ensures a secure future for your daughters.

This scheme provides tax benefits and a high interest rate, making it an excellent long-term investment for your children's education and marriage.

Investment Plans
The "Promise for Growth Care" and "Goal Assure II" plans offer insurance and investment benefits. However, these plans often come with high costs and lower returns compared to mutual funds.

Consider surrendering these policies and redirecting the funds to better-performing mutual funds or other investment avenues. This approach can provide higher returns and better liquidity.

Cash in Hand and Sovereign Gold Bonds
Holding Rs. 25 lakhs in cash is a good safety net. Planning to invest Rs. 20 lakhs in Sovereign Gold Bonds is a sound decision. Gold is a hedge against inflation and adds diversification to your portfolio.

However, ensure that you maintain an emergency fund equivalent to at least six months of your expenses before making this investment.

Retirement Planning
You plan to retire at 56, which gives you 20 years to build your retirement corpus. Your current investments in provident funds, mutual funds, and insurance plans are a solid start.

Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio can help you stay on track to achieve your retirement goals.

Increasing Mutual Fund Contributions
Consider increasing your mutual fund contributions as your salary grows. This will help you build a more substantial corpus over time.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are an excellent way to invest in mutual funds, providing the benefits of rupee cost averaging and compounding.

Diversifying Investments
While your current investments are well-diversified, consider adding more asset classes to your portfolio. Equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS), debt funds, and balanced advantage funds can provide better risk-adjusted returns.

Tax Planning
Utilize tax-saving instruments like ELSS, Public Provident Fund (PPF), and National Pension System (NPS) to maximize your tax benefits.

These investments not only provide tax deductions under Section 80C but also offer good returns and long-term benefits.

Children's Education and Marriage
Planning for your children's higher education and marriage requires substantial funds. The Sukanya Samridhi Yojna and your mutual fund investments are excellent steps towards this goal.

Education Planning
Estimate the future costs of education considering inflation. Invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments to build a corpus that can meet these expenses.

Marriage Planning
For your children’s marriage, consider long-term investments that provide safety and growth. Fixed deposits, recurring deposits, and balanced funds can be good options.

Reviewing and Rebalancing
Regularly reviewing and rebalancing your portfolio is crucial to ensure it aligns with your goals. Market conditions, financial responsibilities, and life stages change over time.

Annual Review
Conduct an annual review of your investments. Evaluate the performance of your mutual funds, insurance policies, and other investments.

Rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation and risk level.

Financial Advisor Consultation
Engage with a certified financial planner for professional advice. They can provide personalized recommendations and help you navigate complex financial decisions.


I understand the responsibilities of planning for your children's future while securing your retirement. Your commitment to financial planning is admirable.

Balancing short-term needs with long-term goals can be challenging, but your disciplined approach will yield positive results.

Final Insights
You've laid a strong foundation for your financial future. By making a few strategic adjustments and regularly reviewing your portfolio, you can ensure that your investments align with your goals.

Stay committed to your financial plan, and you will achieve your objectives of securing your children's future and enjoying a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 08, 2024Hindi
Money
I'm 47 yrs old PSU Employee. Presently having corpus of 1.20 cr in PF, around 50 lakhs in NPS, Two PPFs of 22 lakhs , mutual fund around 20 lakhs, savings account deposit around 7 lakhs . apartment cost 60 lakhs is in rent (receiving monthly rental Rs.12000 ) , Two lands. Contribution at present 1. PF around Rs.26600 2. NPS around Rs.23600 3. PPF yearly contribution Rs.300000 (will take care education of my two sons of 12yrs age) 4. Mutual fund Rs. 19000 Take Home salary : Rs.135000 Present monthly expenses : Rs. 55000 to 65000 Goals: 1.May think up new apartment disposing present property after 10yrs 2. Child (Twin son of 12yrs) education will be taken care by PPF 3. Marriage of children after 13/14 yrs 4. Retirement corpus >6 crs to generate monthly income at least 3 Lakhs (adjusted inflation) Risk :Considering 13 yrs to retire, I'm redy to take ample risk Mutual fund Portfolio SBI bLuechip fund -Rs.6000 , Kotak emerging equity - Rs.5000, Nippon Small cap fund -Rs.5000, Parag parikh flexi cap fund -Rs.5000, Franklin smaller companies fund- Rs. 1000, ICICI pru value discovery fund- Rs.1000 , HDFC hybrid fund - Rs.1000 Want to invest Rs.45000 in mutual fund SIP with 10% step up , Rs,5000 in ETFs. Kindly suggest how to proceed and suggest changes in my portfolio
Ans: At 47, you have a solid base with Rs 1.20 crore in PF, Rs 50 lakhs in NPS, and Rs 22 lakhs in PPF. Your goal of Rs 6 crore by retirement and generating Rs 3 lakhs monthly income post-retirement is achievable, given a 13-year investment horizon. However, it will require discipline, proper asset allocation, and regular contributions.

Let's break down how you can approach it.

Existing Portfolio Overview
Your current portfolio has a mix of Provident Fund (PF), National Pension System (NPS), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Mutual Funds. This diversified approach is commendable and provides stability for long-term growth.

Provident Fund (PF): You are contributing Rs 26,600 per month. This ensures safety and steady growth but might not beat inflation over time.

NPS: Your Rs 23,600 monthly contribution will also support retirement needs, with tax benefits. NPS invests in a mix of equity and debt, providing moderate growth.

PPF: Rs 3 lakh yearly contribution helps in building a tax-free corpus, especially for your children's education.

Mutual Funds: You currently have Rs 20 lakhs in mutual funds with a monthly SIP of Rs 19,000. This part of your portfolio has growth potential, but it needs some adjustment for better returns.

Current Mutual Fund Portfolio Analysis
Your mutual fund portfolio has a good mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. However, your contribution to some schemes is too small (Rs 1,000 per fund) to make a significant impact. Also, having too many small SIPs can dilute the returns.

Large-Cap Fund: This is essential for stability. But avoid over-exposure here, as large caps grow slower than mid and small caps.

Mid and Small-Cap Funds: You have exposure to mid and small-cap funds, which are essential for long-term growth. These funds provide higher returns but come with higher volatility.

Hybrid Fund: Your hybrid fund offers a balanced approach, but the allocation is very low (Rs 1,000). It may not be impactful.

Suggested Changes to Mutual Fund Portfolio
Focus on High Growth Funds:

You should concentrate more on mid-cap and small-cap funds for aggressive growth.
Reduce Underperforming SIPs:

Some of your small investments (Rs 1,000) in certain funds won't significantly impact your portfolio. You can stop or reduce SIPs in underperforming funds and reallocate this amount to better-performing funds.
Avoid too Many Funds:

Stick to a few funds with larger SIPs. This will help compound your investments better. Simplify your portfolio by reducing the number of funds to 5 or 6.
Increase SIP Amounts Gradually:

Your plan to invest Rs 45,000 per month with a 10% step-up is good. Gradually increasing the SIP amount helps in achieving the Rs 6 crore retirement goal faster.
Focus on Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds can outperform passive funds like ETFs, especially in the Indian market, where there's still scope for fund managers to generate alpha.
Avoid Over-Allocation to ETFs:

While ETFs provide low-cost investment options, they are passive and can underperform in an emerging market like India, where active fund managers can identify better opportunities. Your allocation to ETFs can be kept low or even avoided.
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) Strategy
Your plan to invest Rs 45,000 in SIPs with a 10% yearly step-up is excellent. This strategy ensures that you increase your contributions to match your income growth. SIPs are an ideal way to accumulate wealth gradually, especially when aligned with long-term goals like retirement.

Suggested Allocation:

Large-Cap Funds: 20% (Stability and lower risk)

Mid-Cap Funds: 40% (Moderate risk and high growth potential)

Small-Cap Funds: 30% (High risk but highest growth potential)

Flexi-Cap Funds: 10% (Allows dynamic allocation across large, mid, and small caps)

This mix will provide a good balance between risk and reward, helping you build the desired corpus over the next 13 years.

National Pension System (NPS)
You already contribute Rs 23,600 to NPS monthly. This amount is sufficient to generate a healthy corpus for your retirement. The NPS’s equity allocation helps with growth, while the debt portion provides stability. Given your risk appetite, you can increase the equity exposure in your NPS to maximize growth potential.

Remember, upon retirement, a portion of the NPS will need to be converted into an annuity, which may not generate high returns. Therefore, having a robust mutual fund portfolio as well is crucial.

Real Estate Consideration
Although you’re considering selling your current apartment and buying a new one in 10 years, I suggest thinking carefully before relying heavily on real estate as an investment. Real estate requires maintenance, can have low liquidity, and returns are not guaranteed. Moreover, rental yields are generally low in India (around 2-3%).

Instead, if you continue building your mutual fund portfolio, you will have more liquidity and better returns over time.

Children’s Education
You have wisely allocated your PPF funds towards your children’s education. PPF is safe, and its tax-free nature makes it ideal for funding future education expenses. Given your children are 12 years old, you have around 5 to 6 years before higher education costs kick in. Continue your PPF contributions, but also consider creating a separate mutual fund portfolio specifically for their education to account for rising costs.

You can allocate a part of your existing SIPs towards an education goal to complement the PPF. Equity mutual funds can help you beat inflation over the long term and provide a larger corpus when the time comes.

Retirement Planning and Corpus Goal
You have set a goal of Rs 6 crore for your retirement corpus. This will allow you to generate a monthly income of Rs 3 lakhs post-retirement. To achieve this, your existing investments and SIPs, along with a 10% step-up, should be enough, provided the market performs well.

Suggested Steps for Retirement:
Continue PF and NPS Contributions:

These will form a substantial part of your retirement corpus.
Increase Mutual Fund SIPs:

The plan to step up your SIPs by 10% annually is sound. This will allow you to accumulate the desired corpus.
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) in Retirement:

Once you retire, an SWP from your mutual fund corpus can generate a regular monthly income. It’s a tax-efficient way to withdraw money while your investments continue to grow. Unlike real estate, mutual funds provide better liquidity and growth. An SWP will not deplete your corpus rapidly if planned well.
Tax Planning:

Keep in mind the tax implications when selling mutual funds. The new LTCG tax on equity mutual funds is 12.5% beyond Rs 1.25 lakh of gains. Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab. Plan your withdrawals accordingly.
Final Insights
You’re on the right track with your investments and goals. With a 13-year horizon, focusing on equity mutual funds for growth will help you achieve your retirement goal. Avoid over-reliance on real estate for rental income, as mutual funds offer better liquidity and returns.

Simplify your mutual fund portfolio by reducing underperforming funds.

Concentrate on high-growth funds and step up your SIPs regularly.

Keep your NPS and PF contributions going for retirement stability.

Use SWP as a retirement income tool instead of depending on real estate.

Your children’s education can be secured through your PPF and a separate education-focused portfolio. Continue building your investments with discipline, and you’ll be well-prepared for a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10848 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 22, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 48-years old, single woman working with Central Government. My monthly salary is 1,35,000. I have no pending loans. My investments are 25,000 in stock market, monthly SIP of 15,500. Invested in the following mutual funds since 2017: 1) DSP BlackRock Top 100 Equity Fund-Rs 500 2) HDFC Credit risk debt Fund-Rs 500 3) ICICI Prudential MidCap Fund-Rs 1000 4) SBI Flexicap Fund-Rs 500. Since Jan 2025 I have additionally invested in 1) SBI Nifty Index fund- Rs 2000 2) SBI Flexicap fund- Rs 5000 3) Nippon India Nifty Small cap 250 Index fund-Rs 2000 4) Motilal Oswal Midcap fund-Rs 2000 5) Motilal Oswal gold and silver ETFs Fund of funds-Rs 2000. A lumpsum amount of Rs 40000 has been invested in Tata large and mid cap fund regular plan (since 2003). I have 17 lakhs in PPF (contribution of 1,50,000/year), monthly rental income of 14,500, 8 lakhs in FD, 50000 contribution every year in NPS (Tier 1). My monthly expenses are around 40-50000 per month. Should I invest in NPS Tier 2 too? Is my investment in mutual funds right? Should I invest more in them and which ones? I have 16 lakhs in my savings account wherein I want to keep 5-6 lakhs as emergency funds and invest the rest. How should I go about it? Since the Government covers me for health scheme, I have taken no medical insurance. My future plans are to buy a house 5-6 years before retirement (sell the present one) and to have a comfortable retired life. Kindly suggest.
Ans: You have a stable government job and regular salary.

Monthly salary of Rs 1,35,000 is a good base.

No loans means strong financial health.

Monthly expenses are moderate, around Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.

This gives good surplus each month for investment.

You also earn Rs 14,500 as rental income.

It adds stability to your cash flow.

You already have Rs 16 lakhs in savings bank account.

Rs 8 lakhs is in FD.

Rs 17 lakhs in PPF is a strong tax-saving foundation.

NPS Tier 1 contribution of Rs 50,000 is tax efficient.

You are already doing many things right.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity Planning

You want to keep Rs 5-6 lakhs as emergency fund.

This is appropriate for your lifestyle.

Keep it in liquid or ultra-short term fund.

Avoid keeping too much in savings bank.

Rs 10 lakhs idle in bank is underperforming.

That money should earn more returns.

Do not lock entire amount in FD.

Keep part of it accessible in case of need.

Review of Current Mutual Fund Portfolio

You have invested in both active and index funds.

Older holdings:

Equity large-cap, mid-cap, flexicap are good for long term.

One credit risk fund is not needed now.

Credit risk category carries default risk.

Can exit gradually with support from MFD.

Recent SIPs include:

Multiple index funds and ETFs.

Smallcap and midcap exposure is high.

One fund of fund on gold and silver.

These need refinement.
Here are the observations:

Overlap across funds may lead to inefficiency.

Exposure to index funds brings limitations.

Index funds copy the market, give average returns.

No flexibility for active management during downturns.

They fail to capture superior opportunities.

Tracking error and sector weight imbalance are concerns.

During market corrections, they fall equally hard.

They work only in very long term, with patience.

Instead:

Active funds are managed by professionals.

They adjust portfolio based on market signals.

This helps reduce risk and increase potential gains.

MFD with CFP support will guide timely changes.

A few good active funds with long track record is better.

Regular review improves performance and control.

Gold and silver fund of fund:

Good as hedge, but not core holding.

Avoid making it more than 5% of portfolio.

Long-term return from gold is average.

Silver is more volatile.

Use for diversification, not wealth creation.

Direct funds are not mentioned.
But if you plan to switch in future:

Avoid direct mutual funds.

No advisor support for fund management.

You may miss rebalancing, exit points.

Regular plans via MFD give lifelong handholding.

Certified Financial Planner brings structured asset allocation.

Returns can be better after fees when decisions are guided.

Asset Allocation Strategy

You need balanced exposure across asset classes.

Here is a better structure:

Equity: Around 55-60%

Debt: Around 20-25%

PPF + NPS: Around 15-20%

Gold + silver: Around 5%

FD or Liquid fund: Emergency only

You can build core with 3-4 quality active equity funds:

One flexicap

One large and mid-cap

One midcap

One balanced advantage or hybrid

Add one conservative debt fund for stability.
Use MFD help to switch from overlapping or weak funds.

Avoid small SIPs in many funds.
Instead, consolidate into fewer focused funds.
Increase SIP amount where funds are performing.
Avoid frequent fund changes.
Follow 3+ year holding mindset.

Review of SIP Strategy

Current SIP of Rs 15,500 is good.
You can increase it now with available surplus.
You have capacity to increase it to Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per month.
This will improve retirement corpus in next 10-12 years.
Avoid adding new schemes unless needed.
Use existing good performers and top them up.
Track fund returns every 6 months.
Exit underperformers in consultation with your MFD.

PPF and NPS Investment

PPF:

You contribute Rs 1.5 lakhs per year.

It is tax-free and safe.

Good for retirement planning.

Keep contributing till maturity.

Keep nomination updated.

NPS Tier 1:

Rs 50,000 per year is helpful for tax saving.

It is long term and low cost.

Exposure to equity can be adjusted.

Leave it as it is till 60.

NPS Tier 2:

Not recommended.

No tax benefit.

Lock-in flexibility is poor.

Better to use mutual funds instead.

SIPs in mutual funds are more liquid and transparent.

Your Housing Plan and Asset Liquidity

You want to buy a house after 5-6 years.
You also want to sell current one.
This is fine if it is need-based.
But don’t treat house as investment.
Don’t use too much of savings for it.
Try not to compromise on retirement fund.
Ensure liquidity and diversification stay intact.
Home buying should not disturb your financial independence.

Medical Coverage Planning

You are covered under government health scheme.
But personal health insurance is still advised.
Post-retirement, coverage may be limited or slow.
Private health cover will protect savings later.
Get Rs 10-15 lakh coverage with top-up now.
Premium is lower when taken earlier.
This helps in faster hospital support and wider coverage.
Medical cost is increasing every year.

Taxation on Mutual Fund Gains

Equity fund tax changed recently.

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.

For debt funds, all gains taxed at slab rate.

There is no indexation on debt anymore.

Plan redemptions smartly.
Use MFD support to plan gains in phases.
This avoids high tax in one year.
Avoid frequent buying and selling.
Stay invested for 3 years minimum in equity funds.

Recommendations for Rs 10 Lakh Surplus

From your Rs 16 lakh savings:

Rs 5-6 lakh to remain as emergency fund.

Use liquid fund or ultra-short duration fund.

FD gives low returns and poor liquidity.

Remaining Rs 10 lakh:

Invest Rs 5-6 lakh in 2-3 equity mutual funds.

Add Rs 2 lakh in hybrid or balanced advantage fund.

Keep Rs 1-2 lakh in debt mutual fund.

Spread lump sum over 3-6 months using STP.

Start new SIP or top-up existing funds.

This will ensure diversification and long-term growth.
Also keep Rs 50,000 as buffer for unplanned needs.
Do not invest full lump sum at once.
Gradual investment reduces market risk.

Estate and Nomination Planning

Please check nomination in:

Bank accounts

PPF

NPS

Mutual funds

Insurance policies

Property documents

Single women need to define beneficiaries clearly.
This avoids disputes and delays.
Make a simple Will if not yet done.
Update regularly if your assets or preferences change.

Retirement Readiness and Lifestyle Funding

You are 48 now.
Retirement may come in 10-12 years.
So next decade is crucial for wealth building.
Your current savings are good, but need boost.
You should focus more on:

SIP increase

Fund performance review

Asset rebalancing every year

Retirement goal tracking

Medical support planning

Liquidity and taxation planning

Avoid risky trends or aggressive products.
Consistency and guidance from a CFP-backed MFD matters.
Have annual review and track against your target corpus.
Target corpus should provide post-retirement monthly income.
Adjust corpus for inflation and medical inflation.

Finally

You are on a good path financially.

Your savings, SIPs and discipline are appreciable.

Need to optimise investments and reduce fund overlap.

Avoid index funds due to their limitations.

Active mutual funds with guidance offer better outcomes.

NPS Tier 2 is not recommended.

Medical cover is must, even if covered by employer.

Use MFD support with CFP backing for portfolio review.

Build a clear plan for retirement corpus.

Invest Rs 10 lakh idle money with asset allocation.

Track progress every year with expert help.

You deserve a comfortable and worry-free retired life.

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

..Read more

Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |231 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 05, 2025
Money
Dear Sir, I am 45-year-old and planning to create a fund for retirment till 2032. My take home salary is 2.5L after paying Taxes. I am having 16.5L in PF and contributing 18k per month in it. I am also having 3.6L in NPS and contributing 50k per year. 1k per month on Atal pension scheme 2010. I am having a family health insurance of 10L personnel and 6L from office. Term insurance 1.25Cr personnel and 3Cr office. I am also having 2 home loans of 65L and 6.5 Lakh. current value of houses is 1.5Cr and 55L. apart from this I am having a car loan of 5L and study loan of child of 6.24L. I am getting a rent of 14k from one of the houses. I am investing in mutual funds as details mentioned below (current value is 21.4L):- 1. HDFC Dividend Yield Fund Reg (G) - SIP of 2.5k started on 1.2.2022 and current value is -142.5k(CAGR17.42%) 2. HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund (G) -SIP of 2.5k started on 10.11.2017 and added 2.5k SIP on 10.2.2022 current value is -529.9k(CAGR14.96%) 3. Aditya Birla SL Large & Mid Cap Fund Reg (G)- SIP of 2.0k started on 15.12.2017 and current value is -298.4k (CAGR14.6%) 4. ICICI Pru Equity & Debt Fund (G)- SIP of 5.0k started on 11.12.2017 and added 2.5k SIP on 10.2.2022 current value is -1113.2k (CAGR21.85%) 5. HDFC Multi Asset Fund (G)- SIP of 5.0k started on 28.8.2024 and current value is -62.6k(CAGR9.32%) I have discussed rebalancing of funds with my advisor, and he suggested to stop the fund mentioned in point 3 (Aditya birla) and 5 ( HDFC multi asset) and rest are continued. He has created SWP of 10k from Aditya Birla and started new SIPs now as mentioned below: 1. Bandhan Small cap fund regular plan- Growth- SIP of 5K 2. DSP multiasset allocation fund regular growth- SIP 5k 3. SBI flexicap fund growth- SIP 2k 4. Mirae Asset multicap fund regular plan growth- SIP 5k Just want to check have I got the appropriate return on my portfolio? Was the expense ratio Ok for my fund? and the rebalancing is correct ? Plz guide. Am I doing my overall assets/ investment management correctly or you suggest any changes. Plz guide
Ans: Dear Sir,

Thanks for sharing detailed inputs. You’re doing many things right already ???? but there are some important points to tighten.

???? Retirement Outlook

With just 7 years left (till 2032), your focus should be on maximising corpus build-up.

Today’s expenses (~?40k) will inflate to ~?70k/month by 2032 (assuming 6% inflation). For 20–25 years of retirement, you’ll need ~?4–5 Cr.

???? Observations

Investments are well structured – Your CAGR of 14–21% shows good fund choices and rebalancing is broadly correct.

Loans are eating into cashflow – Multiple small loans (car ?5L, edu ?6.24L, small home loan ?6.5L) can be closed faster.

Expenses not fully mapped – Retirement planning starts with exact expense tracking; do this first.

Insurance cover is decent – Term insurance is strong, family floater is good.

? Action Plan

Close Small Loans First

Knock off car loan, education loan, and small home loan.

Redirect these EMIs fully into SIPs for retirement.

Continue MF SIPs & Rebalancing

The switch your advisor did is fine. Returns are healthy, stick with equity-heavy allocation for next 5 years.

From 2028, start moving some gains systematically into safer debt funds.

Health Insurance Top-up

Your current ?10L personal + ?6L office is good, but medical inflation is high.

Take a Top-up health cover of ?25–50L (very cost-effective) to avoid dipping into retirement corpus for future medical needs.

NPS & PF

Continue PF + NPS contributions. They’ll add stability to your retirement kitty.

???? Summary

Returns & fund choices ?

Need to close small loans and channel EMIs into SIPs ?

Take a top-up health insurance cover to safeguard corpus ?

Expenses tracking must be priority to validate adequacy ?

You’re well placed, just sharpen the cashflow redirection and insurance shield.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
www.alenova.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |367 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 19, 2025

Money
Dear Sir I hope you are doing well. I am seeking your independent opinion on a proposed switch of my existing Bajaj Allianz Goal Assure funds into the Nifty 500 Multicap Momentum Quality 50 Index Fund. My insurance advisor has recommended moving my entire current corpus (~₹10.3 lakh) into this fund gradually at ₹2 lakh per year. For your reference, here are the details of my current portfolio and SIP plans: Current Portfolio (as of latest statement): Fund Name Current Value (₹) Bond Fund 83,226.67 Equity Growth Fund - 2 1,88,982.12 Accelerator Mid Cap Fund - 2 36,080.50 Pure Stock Fund II 6,45,281.48 Small Cap Fund 51,194.39 Midcap Index Fund 29,979.86 Total Portfolio Value: ₹10,34,745.02 Current SIP Allocation (₹10,000/month): Accelerator Mid Cap Fund II: 2,700 Equity Growth Fund - 2: 3,000 Pure Stock Fund II: 2,300 Small Cap Fund: 2,000 Given my long-term investment goal (2035), I would like your expert advice on the following: The impact on portfolio diversification and risk if I move my entire corpus gradually into the Nifty 500 Momentum Fund. How this switch could affect the return of charges feature in my Goal Assure plan. Whether you would recommend a full switch as suggested, or a partial allocation, and why. Expected volatility and downside risk, especially considering the last 1-year market performance. Any hidden conditions or costs associated with this switch. I would greatly appreciate your independent and detailed guidance to help me make an informed decision. Thank you for your time and expertise.
Ans: Hi Rudolf,

Your current holding funds are not that great keeping in mind your time horizon and funds performance. If you keep investing in these funds, much return cannot be expected. Hence switch is necessary into good performing funds which can easily give you a return of 14-15% on an yearly basis.

The entire shift will definitely come with additional cost and taxes for you to pay but it will be better to shift now and move to better performing funds than keep invested in funds like these.

Funds like Assure Funds comes with very high hidden costs and commissions and there are much much better funds out there for loong term investment. One should never consider investing in funds like these.

However, it would be wise not to consult an Insurance Advisor for your investments. An insurance advisor is completely different from Investment Advisors. You should seek the help of a good professional who can help in choosing funds for your long term portfolio. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you with this regard.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |367 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 19, 2025

Money
Dear Sir I hope you are doing well. I am seeking your independent opinion on a proposed switch of my existing Bajaj Allianz Goal Assure funds into the Nifty 500 Multicap Momentum Quality 50 Index Fund. My insurance advisor has recommended moving my entire current corpus (~₹10.3 lakh) into this fund gradually at ₹2 lakh per year. For your reference, here are the details of my current portfolio and SIP plans: Current Portfolio (as of latest statement): Fund Name Current Value (₹) Bond Fund 83,226.67 Equity Growth Fund - 2 1,88,982.12 Accelerator Mid Cap Fund - 2 36,080.50 Pure Stock Fund II 6,45,281.48 Small Cap Fund 51,194.39 Midcap Index Fund 29,979.86 Total Portfolio Value: ₹10,34,745.02 Current SIP Allocation (₹10,000/month): Accelerator Mid Cap Fund II: 2,700 Equity Growth Fund - 2: 3,000 Pure Stock Fund II: 2,300 Small Cap Fund: 2,000 Given my long-term investment goal (2035), I would like your expert advice on the following: The impact on portfolio diversification and risk if I move my entire corpus gradually into the Nifty 500 Momentum Fund. How this switch could affect the return of charges feature in my Goal Assure plan. Whether you would recommend a full switch as suggested, or a partial allocation, and why. Expected volatility and downside risk, especially considering the last 1-year market performance. Any hidden conditions or costs associated with this switch. I would greatly appreciate your independent and detailed guidance to help me make an informed decision. Thank you for your time and expertise.
Ans: Hi Rudolf,

Your current holding funds are not that great keeping in mind your time horizon and funds performance. If you keep investing in these funds, much return cannot be expected. Hence switch is necessary into good performing funds which can easily give you a return of 14-15% on an yearly basis.

The entire shift will definitely come with additional cost and taxes for you to pay but it will be better to shift now and move to better performing funds than keep invested in funds like these.

Funds like Assure Funds comes with very high hidden costs and commissions and there are much much better funds out there for loong term investment. One should never consider investing in funds like these.

However, it would be wise not to consult an Insurance Advisor for your investments. An insurance advisor is completely different from Investment Advisors. You should seek the help of a good professional who can help in choosing funds for your long term portfolio. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you with this regard.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |367 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 19, 2025

Money
Dear Sir I hope you are doing well. I am seeking your independent opinion on a proposed switch of my existing Bajaj Allianz Goal Assure funds into the Nifty 500 Multicap Momentum Quality 50 Index Fund. My insurance advisor has recommended moving my entire current corpus (~₹10.3 lakh) into this fund gradually at ₹2 lakh per year. For your reference, here are the details of my current portfolio and SIP plans: Current Portfolio (as of latest statement): Fund Name Current Value (₹) Bond Fund 83,226.67 Equity Growth Fund - 2 1,88,982.12 Accelerator Mid Cap Fund - 2 36,080.50 Pure Stock Fund II 6,45,281.48 Small Cap Fund 51,194.39 Midcap Index Fund 29,979.86 Total Portfolio Value: ₹10,34,745.02 Current SIP Allocation (₹10,000/month): Accelerator Mid Cap Fund II: 2,700 Equity Growth Fund - 2: 3,000 Pure Stock Fund II: 2,300 Small Cap Fund: 2,000 Given my long-term investment goal (2035), I would like your expert advice on the following: The impact on portfolio diversification and risk if I move my entire corpus gradually into the Nifty 500 Momentum Fund. How this switch could affect the return of charges feature in my Goal Assure plan. Whether you would recommend a full switch as suggested, or a partial allocation, and why. Expected volatility and downside risk, especially considering the last 1-year market performance. Any hidden conditions or costs associated with this switch. I would greatly appreciate your independent and detailed guidance to help me make an informed decision. Thank you for your time and expertise
Ans: Hi Rudolf,

Your current holding funds are not that great keeping in mind your time horizon and funds performance. If you keep investing in these funds, much return cannot be expected. Hence switch is necessary into good performing funds which can easily give you a return of 14-15% on an yearly basis.

The entire shift will definitely come with additional cost and taxes for you to pay but it will be better to shift now and move to better performing funds than keep invested in funds like these.

Funds like Assure Funds comes with very high hidden costs and commissions and there are much much better funds out there for loong term investment. One should never consider investing in funds like these.

However, it would be wise not to consult an Insurance Advisor for your investments. An insurance advisor is completely different from Investment Advisors. You should seek the help of a good professional who can help in choosing funds for your long term portfolio. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you with this regard.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1735 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 11, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Dear madam I have this suitaution in my life. Plz do guide me with this. So i have 2 married sisters and a brother with who i dont get along well. We used to be close back then. Later on my father passed away and then i got busy searching work. After getting work i got carried away with my newly found friendship with a boy i started spending much on him rather then my family. But still then i never neglected my family every kind of help i tried to give them. In the meanwhile i used to take care of my bedridden grandmother who used to stay in another state. Then my second sister started feeding everyone's mind against me saying i dont help them with money and i spend most on my grandmother and cousin. Though my sister were earning well still they waited me to spend on them which i stopped by then as they were earning. And there used to be a real good fight with my sisters and me regarding money issue and als my marriage thing and i gave them bitter words and also curses which i regret to this day thinking how could i do hated thing to my family .In next few years my sister got married but my second sister never invited me for her marriage and did all her wedding plans in my absence and i als never attended her wedding. I attended my 3rd sister wedding. After that my second sister plotted a plan against me by taking everyone on her side and kept me out of all the family functions. I just ignored them and decided to never to get bothered by any of this. Now the problem my 3rd sister is pregnant and they have planned a babyshower and like they are just telling me to attend it. To be honest they just told me a day before the function. How to handle this. Should i attend? And how to deal with such kind of people they seem to take advantage of my helpless. Please guide me on how to become a strong girl while taking desicion.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Learn the skill of staying away from all this drama. If you felt secure with who you are, you wouldn't think much whether you got invited or not. Do remember, people will be on your side sometimes and not on your side at other times. This goes for friends are family; so learn to be comfortable with that...
What you did for your grandmother is a choice that you made; why expect anything in return?
Life lived with least expectations is certainly a happier life...counting what people did or didn't do will take away your peace!
Real strength is not in fighting it out but knowing when to walk away from constant drama.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1735 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 18, 2025

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x