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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 09, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Anand Question by Anand on Jul 08, 2025Hindi
Money

I had purchased land in 1996 and agreement was registered in joint name with wife. Both of us were earning but the payments for plot were done from my bank account. Her salary was mostly used for house expenditure and my savings were used in the payments. On sale of plot in 2024, sale amount was split 50-50 and deposited in our individual account and TDS was also cut from respective amounts. This information is reflecting in our individual AIS. Both of us were filing Tax returns then in 1995 and today as well. I do not have any bank statements of 1995 except IT returns filled to substantiate the source of fund for me as well for wife. Under these circumstances, is it better to show entire capital gain in my name or split between two of us?

Ans: Property Ownership and Financial Contribution Clarity

The property was registered jointly with your wife in 1996.

Both were working and filing income tax returns back then.

Entire payment for the plot came from your bank account.

Your wife’s salary mostly handled household expenses.

This makes you the financial contributor towards the asset.

However, the legal ownership shows both names equally.

Hence, the situation combines legal and beneficial ownership.

Documentation to prove this division is now unavailable.

Only income tax returns are available from that time.

Capital Gains Split and Its Tax Reflection

You sold the property jointly in 2024.

Sale proceeds were split 50-50 in your bank accounts.

TDS was deducted on both shares equally.

This has been reported in both of your AIS records.

Income Tax Department will treat this as joint income.

This is because the property was jointly registered.

Taxation is aligned with the ownership structure, not funding source.

Ownership Versus Contribution Debate

Legally, both of you are co-owners.

Financially, you solely funded the property.

This creates a classic ownership-contribution mismatch.

As per income tax law, ownership holds more weight than contribution.

Clubbing of income applies only for certain gifting cases.

This is not a gift situation since your wife was a co-owner from beginning.

So, both will be considered as rightful owners by law.

Importance of Clear Documentation

You don’t have old bank statements from 1996.

Only income tax returns from that time are available.

These do not confirm the funding source with full clarity.

In absence of clear proof, ownership document will dominate.

This weakens your case to claim 100% of capital gains alone.

AIS and TDS Records Support Joint Ownership

AIS (Annual Information Statement) shows 50-50 split clearly.

TDS deducted in equal amounts from both your accounts.

These reinforce the equal ownership story to the tax department.

Reversal of this position now may raise red flags.

It may lead to questions, scrutiny or even notices.

What Should You Do Now?

It is better to assess the situation from a 360-degree lens:

You should declare 50% capital gain in your return.

Your wife should declare the other 50% in her return.

This is more aligned with ownership, TDS and AIS data.

Trying to show 100% under your name may cause mismatch.

Any mismatch with AIS may trigger tax department inquiries.

Risk Assessment: Showing 100% Gain in Your Name

This approach may invite scrutiny.

You don’t have proof of 100% funding.

AIS will mismatch if you try to declare all gains.

TDS credit mismatch will create refund or processing delay.

It is legally not defendable after many years.

Legal ownership still stays 50-50 on record.

Risk Assessment: Splitting 50-50 Between You and Wife

This approach is legally stronger.

It matches sale deed, TDS and AIS reports.

No mismatch will appear in your ITR.

It ensures smooth return filing and refund, if any.

No questions will arise from IT Department.

You are also not violating any rule.

Handling Past Contribution with No Proof

Unfortunately, old bank records are not retrievable now.

Income Tax Department won’t rely on assumptions.

Contributions must be backed by proper documentation.

Absence of proof weakens your claim to full gain.

Property was bought almost 28 years ago.

Any ownership change now won’t be accepted for past.

It’s better to work with the legal status as is.

Things You Should Immediately Do

Mention correct ownership share in your capital gains schedule.

Declare gains under ‘long-term capital gains’ section.

Match sale consideration and TDS as per AIS.

File return carefully under correct head.

Avoid any ambiguity in source or ownership declaration.

Declare sale proceeds in exact split as received.

Planning Capital Gains Reinvestment Smartly

Avoid locking funds in insurance-linked products.

ULIPs or LIC policies mix insurance and investment poorly.

If you hold such policies, consider surrendering and reinvesting.

Prefer diversified mutual funds through regular plans.

Choose experienced Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP qualification.

Direct plans lack continuous review and personalised guidance.

Regular plans offer better suitability analysis by a certified professional.

What to Avoid During Reinvestment

Do not chase returns only.

Avoid direct mutual funds unless fully equipped.

Regular plans offer goal-based asset allocation.

Direct funds may misalign with your risk profile.

Avoid taking advice from informal sources.

ULIPs and Endowment Plans are not tax-efficient either.

Stick with regulated, low-cost, actively managed funds.

Stay away from annuities due to their illiquidity and poor returns.

Family Wealth Management Insights

Joint ownership of property requires joint capital gain management.

Reinvest based on combined family goals.

If children are dependents, plan for their education and marriage.

Create an emergency fund with 6-9 months of expenses.

Use liquid funds or ultra-short duration mutual funds for this.

Keep life and health insurance separately, not bundled with investments.

Monitor goals like retirement, travel, and healthcare costs.

Tax Filing Strategy for 2024-25

Match TDS and sale value with AIS exactly.

Choose ITR-2 if you have capital gains.

Attach relevant documents like sale deed and 26AS.

Avoid revising returns due to incorrect reporting.

Do not delay filing to avoid interest or penalty.

Keep computation documents for future references.

File both your and your wife’s return as per income received.

Family Communication and Estate Planning

Maintain open discussions with spouse about money.

Plan joint goals like home upgrade, retirement, travel.

Draft a Will for both of you separately.

Include all assets like MF, property, insurance, PF.

Nominate each other properly in all investments.

Avoid confusion during succession or legal matters.

Finally

Continue to file your and your wife’s return separately.

Show 50-50 capital gains for smooth compliance.

This avoids tax mismatch and unnecessary stress.

Do not try to claim full ownership unless documents support it.

For future investments, always maintain clear ownership pattern.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner regularly for review.

Build an asset allocation strategy for long term peace.

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

Hardik Parikh  | Answer  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 10, 2023Hindi
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Money
Dear Hardik ji, My mother sold her old house and against it purchased two plots wherein she added me as joint owner (all transactions are from her saving account). Now i have following two questions: 1. Under which ITR form and which head in ITR she has to declare /report following 4 things: sales proceeds, long term capital gain, capital gain tax paid and declare purchase value of plots.( So far, I file her ITR on her behalf every year under Form1 -Sahaj). 2. Do i need to also declare /report purchase of plots while filing my ITR ,since she made me co-owner and under what head (So far I file under form2 as have share investements). Kindly guide ?
Ans: Namaste,

I understand your situation and I'll try to provide a simple explanation.

For your mother's case, since she has sold a property and made a long-term capital gain, she will need to file her Income Tax Return (ITR) using Form 2 instead of Sahaj (Form 1). The reason being, Form 1 is for individuals having income from salaries, one house property, other sources (interest etc.) and having total income up to Rs 50 lakh. However, in your mother's case, there is a capital gain involved, so Form 2 is more appropriate.
The sale proceeds of the house will be reported under the head 'Capital Gains'. The purchase value of the plots will be reported as the 'Cost of Acquisition' under the same head. The capital gain tax paid will be reported in the 'Taxes Paid and Verification' section.
As for your case, since you have been made a co-owner of the plots, you should also declare this in your ITR. However, as you have not contributed to the purchase, it will not have any tax implications for you. You can mention it under the 'Asset and Liability' section if your taxable income exceeds Rs 50 lakh.
Please note that this is general advice and the exact details may vary based on the specifics of the transactions. It's always a good idea to consult with a tax advisor or chartered accountant to ensure all details are accurately reported.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 18, 2024

Listen
Money
Hello Sir, I'm a retired person, 66 years old. Before retirement, I had invested Rs.93.5 lakhs in a commercial real estate in Navi Mumbi in Feb.2017 and registered the property jointly with my wife on 50/50 basis. The value of the property as determined by stamp duty registrar at that time was Rs.73.41 lakhs. The expenses on stamp duty, registration and brokerage was Rs.7.53 lakhs and improvement expenditure was Rs.4 lakhs. So total cost of purchase worked out to Rs.1.09 crores. I sold this property in Feb.2024, exactly after 7 years, for Rs.1.1 crore. Market value (for stamp duty purpose) on the date of sale was Rs.89.89 lakhs. While filing my ITR2 in AY 2024-25, I had split all the above values by 2 and 50% was shown in my ITR2 and the remaining 50% was shown in my wife's ITR2 under CG for showing the capital gain. The incometax system has calculated and shown the capital gain as minus Rs.31.24 lakh, i.e. Rs.-15.62 lakh in each of our ITR2. The system has also automatically set-off my LTCG arising out of other share transactions during the FY against this loss. The system allows the remaining loss to be carried forward to next year under CFL. My questions are: (1) Can we both go ahead and finalise & submit the ITR2 as shown above? (2) Can we use the losses carried forward during the next AY to set off our incomes arising out of share market transactions? Thank you so much in advance for your valuable time and advice.
Ans: Understanding Your Capital Gains Scenario
You invested Rs. 93.5 lakhs in a commercial property in 2017. This property was jointly owned with your wife. The total cost, including expenses, was Rs. 1.09 crores. You sold the property in 2024 for Rs. 1.1 crore. This transaction resulted in a loss of Rs. 31.24 lakh, split equally between you and your wife.

Filing ITR2 with Capital Losses
The income tax system calculated a capital loss of Rs. 15.62 lakh for each of you. This loss has been set off against your long-term capital gains from other share transactions. The remaining loss can be carried forward.

Submit ITR2: Yes, you can finalize and submit ITR2 as shown. The system's calculation is correct.
Carry Forward and Set-Off of Capital Losses
The Income Tax Act allows you to carry forward capital losses for eight years. These losses can be set off against future capital gains.

Using Carried Forward Losses: Yes, you can use the carried forward losses to set off against future capital gains from share market transactions. This helps in reducing your taxable income in future years.
Analytical Insights
Loss Set-Off: By setting off the loss against your other gains, you reduce your tax liability for the current year. This is a strategic move.

Carry Forward Benefit: Carrying forward losses provides a cushion for future gains. It helps in managing tax liabilities efficiently.

Key Considerations
Record Keeping: Ensure you maintain all documents related to the sale and purchase of the property. This includes agreements, receipts, and tax filings. These documents are crucial for future reference and any tax scrutiny.

Tax Planning: Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner for comprehensive tax planning. They can help optimize your investments and tax liabilities.

Future Investment Strategy
Diversification: Diversify your investments to balance risk and return. Consider mutual funds, bonds, and fixed deposits.

Risk Management: Assess the risk of each investment. Balance high-risk investments with safer options to protect your capital.

Final Insights
Managing capital gains and losses is crucial for effective tax planning. You have used the tax provisions wisely by setting off the losses against other gains. Carrying forward the remaining losses will help reduce your future tax liabilities.

By diversifying your investments and consulting with a Certified Financial Planner, you can optimize your financial portfolio for better returns and risk management.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10852 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 07, 2025

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
Thankyou
Ans: Welcome Sree.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

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

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

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