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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10830 Answers  |Ask -

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 11, 2024Hindi
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Iam 27 yrs old My savings every month is 20000 how to 200 grams gold in coming 20 years for my daughters wedding ?

Ans: Planning for Your Daughter's Wedding: Achieving 200 Grams of Gold in 20 Years

Understanding Your Financial Goal:

Congratulations on planning ahead for your daughter's wedding! It's commendable to prioritize her future financial needs.

Assessing the Goal:

To accumulate 200 grams of gold in 20 years, we need to strategize a disciplined savings plan aligned with your monthly budget.

Analyzing Your Savings Capacity:

With a monthly savings of Rs 20,000, we can explore investment avenues to maximize returns while managing risk.

Setting Realistic Expectations:

It's essential to set realistic expectations regarding the rate of gold accumulation, considering market fluctuations and investment returns.

Investment Options:

We'll explore investment options that offer growth potential over the long term, ensuring the achievement of your target.

Benefits of Regular Investments:

Regular investments through a SIP or other systematic savings plans can harness the power of compounding, amplifying your wealth over time.

Disadvantages of Direct Gold Purchase:

While purchasing physical gold provides a tangible asset, it lacks the potential for capital appreciation and income generation.

Analyzing Gold ETFs:

Gold Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) offer exposure to gold prices without the hassle of physical storage. However, they carry expenses and market risks.

Benefits of Equity Investments:

Investing in equity mutual funds presents an opportunity for higher returns over the long term, outpacing inflation and enhancing wealth accumulation.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:

Index funds may limit potential returns as they track specific market indices, missing out on opportunities for alpha generation through active management.

Maximizing Returns Through Diversification:

Diversifying your investment portfolio across asset classes like equities, debt, and gold can optimize returns while minimizing risk.

Consultation with a Certified Financial Planner:

Seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures personalized guidance tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, achieving the goal of accumulating 200 grams of gold in 20 years requires a disciplined savings approach and strategic investment planning. By leveraging regular investments in equity mutual funds and possibly gold ETFs, we can work towards fulfilling your daughter's wedding dreams.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10830 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2024Hindi
Money
After fulfilling my needs I can save only twenty thousand per month..How can I invest it for my better futures?
Ans: Investing wisely is key to building a secure financial future. Saving Rs 20,000 per month is a solid foundation, and with the right strategies, you can ensure a prosperous future. Let’s explore a comprehensive plan to maximize your savings and investments.

Understanding Your Financial Goals
Before diving into investment options, it's crucial to outline your financial goals. These might include:

Retirement Planning: Ensuring a comfortable life post-retirement.
Children’s Education: Funding your children’s education needs.
Emergency Fund: Building a cushion for unforeseen expenses.
Home Purchase: Saving for a down payment on a house.
Wealth Creation: Generating long-term wealth.
Having clear goals will help you choose the right investment vehicles.

Building an Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is your financial safety net. It should cover at least six months of living expenses.

Recommendation:

Allocate Rs 5,000 per month until you reach your target emergency fund (Rs 1.5 to 2 lakhs).
Keep this fund in a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund for easy access.
Retirement Planning
Planning for retirement early ensures that you can enjoy your golden years without financial worries.

Recommendation:

Contribute to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) through your employer if available.
Start a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account and invest Rs 1,500 per month for tax-free returns and security.
Allocate Rs 5,000 per month in a balanced mutual fund for moderate growth with lower risk.
Investing in Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are an excellent way to diversify your investments and achieve higher returns.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, helping you build wealth over time.

Advantages of SIPs:

Rupee Cost Averaging: Mitigates market volatility by averaging the purchase cost.
Discipline: Encourages regular investing.
Compounding: Helps grow your wealth over time.
Recommendation:

Equity Mutual Funds: Allocate Rs 6,000 per month to diversified equity mutual funds. These funds offer higher returns over the long term, suitable for goals like retirement and wealth creation.
Debt Mutual Funds: Allocate Rs 3,000 per month to debt mutual funds. These funds provide stability and are less volatile than equity funds, suitable for medium-term goals.
Children’s Education Fund
Investing for your children’s education is crucial for their future success.

Recommendation:

Balanced Funds: Allocate Rs 3,000 per month to balanced mutual funds. These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt, providing stability and growth.
Education Savings Plans: Consider specific education savings plans that offer tax benefits and secure returns.
Tax-Efficient Investments
Optimizing your investments for tax efficiency can enhance your returns.

Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)
ELSS funds offer tax benefits under Section 80C and have the potential for high returns.

Recommendation:

Invest Rs 1,500 per month in ELSS funds to save tax and grow your wealth. These funds have a lock-in period of three years but are among the best tax-saving instruments.
Health and Term Insurance
Ensuring adequate health and life insurance is essential for financial security.

Health Insurance:

Ensure you have a comprehensive health insurance policy for yourself and your family. This will protect you from high medical expenses.
Term Insurance:

A term insurance plan is crucial to secure your family’s future in case of any unforeseen events. The premium is affordable, and the cover is substantial.
Diversification for Risk Management
Diversifying your investments helps manage risk and improve returns.

Recommendation:

Equity Funds: Rs 6,000 per month
Debt Funds: Rs 3,000 per month
Balanced Funds: Rs 3,000 per month
PPF: Rs 1,500 per month
ELSS: Rs 1,500 per month
Emergency Fund: Rs 5,000 per month (initially, then redistribute)
Gold as a Hedge
Gold can be a good hedge against inflation and economic downturns, but it should not be a major part of your portfolio due to limited growth potential compared to equity.

Recommendation:

Consider allocating a small portion, Rs 1,000 per month, to gold ETFs or sovereign gold bonds for diversification.
Regular Portfolio Review
Reviewing your investment portfolio regularly ensures that you stay on track to achieve your financial goals.

Recommendation:

Review your portfolio at least once a year.
Rebalance your investments based on performance and changes in your financial goals or market conditions.
Financial Discipline and Consistency
Maintaining financial discipline and consistency in your investments is key to long-term success.

Recommendation:

Stick to your investment plan regardless of market fluctuations.
Avoid withdrawing from your investment funds unless absolutely necessary.
Exploring Additional Income Sources
Consider exploring additional income sources to boost your savings and investments.

Recommendation:

Freelancing: Leverage your skills to earn extra income.
Part-Time Work: Consider part-time opportunities that align with your expertise.
Online Courses: Invest in online courses to enhance your skills and increase your earning potential.
The Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide professional advice and personalized financial planning.

Benefits of Consulting a CFP:

Expertise: Access to professional advice tailored to your financial situation.
Comprehensive Planning: Holistic view of your financial goals and how to achieve them.
Objective Advice: Unbiased recommendations based on your best interests.
Final Insights
Investing Rs 20,000 per month can significantly enhance your financial future. By diversifying your investments, planning for long-term goals, and maintaining financial discipline, you can achieve financial security and prosperity.

Emergency Fund: Start with Rs 5,000/month.
Retirement Planning: Invest Rs 5,000/month in balanced and PPF funds.
Mutual Funds: Allocate Rs 9,000/month to equity, debt, and balanced funds.
Children’s Education: Dedicate Rs 3,000/month.
Tax Efficiency: Utilize ELSS for tax-saving investments.
Regularly review your portfolio, consult a Certified Financial Planner, and explore additional income sources to maximize your savings and investments.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to achieving your financial goals and ensuring a secure and prosperous future for yourself and your family.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10830 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 11, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
I want to buy one gram gold every month for my girl child. Currently she is 6 yrs old. Next 15 years I would like to do sip of one gram gold per month. Which is the best way to do it?
Ans: Buying gold monthly for your girl child is a thoughtful plan. It secures her future financially.

Your goal of accumulating gold consistently for 15 years is achievable. A systematic approach is essential.

Key Considerations for Gold Investment
1. Understand Gold’s Role in Your Portfolio

Gold acts as a hedge against inflation.

It adds stability to your portfolio during economic uncertainties.

Gold should not exceed 10–15% of your overall investment portfolio.

2. Focus on Long-Term Value Appreciation

Gold prices fluctuate in the short term but appreciate over time.

A disciplined approach ensures you buy gold at different price points.

3. Prioritise Safety and Purity

Ensure the gold you buy is genuine and certified.

Avoid sources that compromise on quality or transparency.

Best Ways to Invest in Gold
1. Physical Gold

Buying one gram of physical gold monthly is a direct option.

Opt for BIS Hallmarked gold to ensure quality and purity.

Keep your gold secure, as physical gold carries theft risk.

Storing gold in lockers incurs extra charges.

2. Digital Gold

Digital gold allows you to buy gold online in small quantities.

It eliminates the need for physical storage and reduces risk.

Sellers store your gold in insured lockers.

However, some providers charge maintenance or storage fees.

3. Gold Savings Schemes by Jewellers

Many jewellers offer monthly savings schemes.

After the tenure, you can use the accumulated amount to buy gold.

Check for hidden charges and ensure the scheme is reliable.

4. Gold Mutual Funds or Gold ETFs

Gold mutual funds invest in gold bullion or related securities.

They offer flexibility, liquidity, and professional management.

Gold ETFs trade on stock exchanges and have transparent pricing.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner provide better insights and ongoing support.

Avoid direct funds, as they lack expert guidance.

Factors to Evaluate Before Choosing an Option
1. Cost Efficiency

Compare costs like making charges, locker fees, or fund management fees.

Opt for an option that minimises recurring expenses.

2. Liquidity and Accessibility

Digital gold, gold ETFs, and mutual funds are easy to buy and sell.

Physical gold may require additional effort for transactions.

3. Tax Implications

Gold investments attract tax on profits when sold.

Physical gold and digital gold have similar tax rules.

Gold mutual funds or ETFs fall under mutual fund taxation norms.

Building a Comprehensive Plan
1. Start Early and Stay Consistent

Begin your SIP of one gram gold monthly without delay.

Consistency ensures you achieve your target in 15 years.

2. Combine Gold with Other Investments

Diversify your portfolio for better financial security.

Mutual funds, bonds, and FDs can complement gold investments.

3. Monitor and Reassess Periodically

Review your gold investments annually to check progress.

Adjust strategies if market or personal circumstances change.

Ensuring a Secure Future
1. Focus on Financial Education

Teach your child about saving and investing.

This knowledge will help her manage wealth in the future.

2. Build an Emergency Fund

Maintain a separate fund for unforeseen expenses.

This ensures you don’t sell gold prematurely.

3. Insure Your Life and Health

Adequate insurance secures your child’s future even in emergencies.
Final Insights
Investing in gold monthly for your child’s future is a wise choice. With proper planning and execution, you can build a substantial gold reserve. A Certified Financial Planner can guide you in selecting the best option and ensuring it aligns with your overall financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10830 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
I am 66 years old I have a house of my own worth 1 crore 40lacs there is no loan on.house I earn about 1 lac a month which 20k.goes for my car loan monthly and 20k for home expenses and bills How do I save 2 crores in 10 years and 30lacs of gold in 2 years
Ans: ? Clear financial discipline is your strong point
– You own a house worth Rs. 1.4 crore without any loan.
– Your regular income is Rs. 1 lakh per month.
– Your monthly expenses are only Rs. 40,000.
– This shows a strong surplus of Rs. 60,000 monthly.
– Your goal of Rs. 2 crore in 10 years is bold.
– Your gold target of Rs. 30 lakh in 2 years is short-term.
– Both goals are ambitious, but not impossible.

? Let’s understand your income and spending capacity
– Rs. 1 lakh income offers decent flexibility.
– Rs. 20K car loan EMI is fixed, may continue for few years.
– Rs. 20K for home expenses is low and manageable.
– That leaves Rs. 60K every month to invest.
– This can help in building wealth slowly and safely.
– Consistent investing will matter more than chasing returns.

? Gold target is short term – needs separate focus
– You want Rs. 30 lakh worth of gold in 2 years.
– This is a high-value, short-duration goal.
– Don’t try to buy gold in one go.
– Invest monthly in a gold savings fund or gold SIP.
– These invest in physical gold and are SEBI-regulated.
– Don’t go for physical gold unless you plan to use it.
– Locker cost, purity risks and liquidity are concerns.
– You can accumulate Rs. 30 lakh in gold step by step.
– For 2 years, you need to invest more than Rs. 1.2 lakh monthly.
– But your surplus is Rs. 60K monthly, which won’t be enough.
– You can only save Rs. 14–15 lakh in 2 years this way.
– To reach Rs. 30 lakh, consider extending this goal to 3–4 years.
– Or wait for car loan to end and then divert that EMI.

? Long-term goal of Rs. 2 crore in 10 years
– This is your wealth creation or legacy goal.
– Rs. 2 crore in 10 years needs smart investing.
– Only bank FDs or savings accounts won’t help.
– You need to invest in growth assets like equity mutual funds.
– Mutual funds are well-suited for disciplined investing.
– You can start a long-term SIP of Rs. 40,000 monthly.
– You can invest in a mix of large-cap, flexi-cap and balanced funds.
– Avoid small-cap or thematic funds at your age.
– They are risky and volatile.
– Choose only actively managed mutual funds through a MFD with CFP credential.
– Regular plans are better than direct plans.

? Why direct funds are not suitable for you
– Direct plans look cheaper but have hidden risks.
– No guidance is available for portfolio review or switches.
– Mistakes go unchecked and affect long-term returns.
– A regular plan through a Certified Financial Planner provides review, correction, and rebalancing.
– It avoids panic or greed-based decisions.
– It brings clarity and accountability.

? Why index funds are not right in your case
– Index funds follow the market blindly.
– They cannot protect you from crashes.
– They offer no flexibility to exit underperformance.
– They don’t suit those nearing retirement or post-retirement stage.
– Actively managed funds bring better downside protection.
– They also offer fund manager expertise.
– You need that support now more than ever.

? Asset allocation strategy for you
– At age 66, don’t put all in equity.
– Equity is good for 10-year goals, not short-term ones.
– Divide your surplus of Rs. 60K monthly like this:

Rs. 20K for gold savings fund (until you collect Rs. 15 lakh)

Rs. 40K SIP in a mutual fund mix (for 10-year goal)
– When your car loan ends, you will save another Rs. 20K.
– Add that amount to either gold or equity based on progress.
– This way you balance long-term and short-term needs.

? How your insurance premiums can affect cash flow
– You may be paying life insurance or traditional plans.
– If these are endowment or money-back plans, returns are low.
– They usually give only 4% to 5% per year.
– That’s not enough for your 10-year goal.
– If you have ULIPs or old LIC policies, surrender them.
– Redeem and move money to mutual funds.
– Keep term insurance only if family is financially dependent.
– Don’t mix insurance and investment.

? What happens after your gold target is met
– After 2–3 years, gold goal will be fulfilled.
– Stop that Rs. 20K monthly SIP into gold.
– Redirect that amount into equity mutual funds.
– This will accelerate your Rs. 2 crore goal.
– Compounding will work better in later years.

? What happens when your LIC matures in 2027
– You mentioned one policy will mature in 2027.
– You expect Rs. 20 lakh payout.
– Don’t keep that in savings or FD.
– Invest lump sum gradually through STP into mutual funds.
– This avoids market timing risk.
– Use this amount fully towards your 10-year Rs. 2 crore goal.
– This boosts the final corpus and reduces monthly pressure.

? Create financial buffers for peace of mind
– Keep Rs. 3–4 lakh in bank for emergency.
– Don’t touch this money unless urgent need arises.
– This helps in any medical or sudden repair expense.
– Emergency fund gives you confidence to invest boldly.

? Don’t ignore medical insurance at this age
– At 66, health costs can rise suddenly.
– Keep a family floater plan of at least Rs. 10–15 lakh.
– Add super top-up of another Rs. 20 lakh.
– Premium may be high, but it avoids breaking investments later.
– You can use your Rs. 20K home expense wisely to include this.

? Monitor your plan every 6 months
– Keep checking fund performance and adjust if needed.
– Your planner can guide you on fund switch or rebalancing.
– Stay invested even if market fluctuates.
– Don’t react emotionally to short-term news.

? What not to do now
– Don’t invest in real estate for now.
– It is illiquid and may not grow fast.
– Don’t put lump sum in risky assets like small-caps or NFOs.
– Don’t chase “guaranteed” schemes that give low returns.
– Don’t take advice from agents without CFP credentials.

? Finally
– You have built a stable base with no loans and regular income.
– You can achieve Rs. 2 crore with consistent mutual fund SIPs.
– Rs. 30 lakh in gold needs timeline flexibility.
– Start with smaller targets and scale step by step.
– Keep insurance separate from investment.
– Review every 6 months with a Certified Financial Planner.
– Your dream is big, but your discipline is bigger.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10830 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 02, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 34 yr old male earning 80k per month... I have emergency fund of 1.5 lakhs in fd... Term insurance 80lakhs....home loan emi 20k...outstanding loan amount 13 lakhs .... My investmens are ssy 10k monthly for my 3 yr old daughter... Ppf 10k monthly... Nps 3k...sip 5k in mutual funds monthly... Gold etf 3k monthly silver etf 2k monthly... My home expenses per month comes around 20k without including emi.. I want to close my home loan at the earliest so that i can buy physical gold for my daughter.. Since gold price is increasing in rocket speed.. Suggest some ideas to achieve this... By continuing these investments for 10 to 15 years am i able to achieve the corpus required for my daughter studies, marriage and for my retirement... Kindly advice
Ans: – You are doing very well at this age.
– Emergency fund is neatly maintained.
– You have term insurance which is very wise.
– Investment in your daughter’s name is thoughtful.
– Regular investing habit at 34 is a strong foundation.

» Assessment of Current Cash Flow
– Monthly income is Rs.80,000.
– Home loan EMI is Rs.20,000.
– Household expense is Rs.20,000.
– Monthly investment adds up to around Rs.33,000.
– After these, you still save around Rs.7,000 each month.
– Your lifestyle is disciplined and controlled.

» Loan Repayment vs Investments
– Many think closing loans early is always smart.
– But the interest rate of a home loan is usually low.
– Long tenure loans with tax benefit give breathing space.
– If you rush and repay, you lose liquidity.
– Once repaid, that money is locked in the property.
– Property is not a liquid asset.
– Investments in mutual funds give better long-term returns.
– So, balancing EMI and investments is wiser than rushing repayment.

» Thoughts on Buying Gold for Daughter
– You want to buy physical gold for daughter’s future.
– Physical gold has high making charges and storage risk.
– It does not give regular income or growth like mutual funds.
– Gold price rises but also falls in cycles.
– In long-term, equity mutual funds have outperformed gold.
– Too much gold purchase may disturb your cash flow.
– Small allocation is fine but not large.

» Problems with ETFs for Gold and Silver
– You are investing in gold ETF and silver ETF.
– ETFs look easy but they have drawbacks.
– They only mirror price movements without extra growth.
– They charge expense ratio and brokerage.
– ETFs lack active management benefit.
– Actively managed mutual funds can provide better wealth creation.
– For long-term goals, equity mutual funds are more efficient.

» Evaluation of Your Mutual Fund SIP
– You invest Rs.5,000 in mutual funds monthly.
– This is a good start but too low.
– Equity mutual funds can give long-term growth.
– They can help for retirement, education, and marriage goals.
– Direct funds sometimes tempt investors with low expense ratio.
– But direct funds demand constant monitoring.
– Without expertise, you may underperform.
– Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner give guidance.
– CFP ensures disciplined review and timely rebalancing.

» Disadvantages of Direct Funds
– Many investors get confused with direct funds.
– They think expense saving is big.
– But poor fund choice can erase such savings.
– Wrong exit timing also reduces returns.
– Without guidance, emotions lead to mistakes.
– With regular plans, you get hand-holding by experts.
– This helps you stay invested and achieve goals.

» Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
– Actively managed funds adapt to market conditions.
– Fund managers shift allocation as per trends.
– They identify opportunities beyond index.
– They aim to control downside risk.
– Long-term wealth creation is better than passive funds.
– This helps you achieve multiple life goals in harmony.

» Your Daughter’s Education and Marriage Goals
– Education and marriage costs rise sharply in India.
– At age 3 now, you have 15 years for education.
– You have around 22 to 25 years for marriage.
– Current investments in SSY and PPF are safe.
– But they offer modest returns compared to inflation.
– More equity exposure is needed to beat education inflation.
– Increase SIP amount steadily as income grows.
– Diversified equity mutual funds with active management can build wealth.

» Your Retirement Planning
– You are contributing Rs.3,000 in NPS.
– This is a disciplined start but not enough.
– Retirement needs will be higher than you expect.
– Relying on PPF and NPS alone will not suffice.
– Equities should form the main growth engine for retirement.
– Gradual SIP increase every year helps compounding.
– Build a portfolio mix of equity and debt funds.
– Slowly reduce equity as you near retirement.

» Tax Efficiency in Investments
– Equity mutual funds have favourable tax rules.
– LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual funds are taxed as per income slab.
– SSY, PPF, and NPS are tax saving but less liquid.
– Maintaining a mix improves both growth and tax efficiency.

» Home Loan Strategy
– Outstanding home loan is Rs.13 lakh.
– EMI of Rs.20,000 is manageable in your income.
– Tax deduction on interest reduces effective cost.
– Instead of prepaying aggressively, continue regular EMI.
– Parallel investments will grow much faster than loan interest saved.
– This approach ensures both wealth growth and tax benefit.

» Emergency Fund Position
– You have Rs.1.5 lakh in FD as emergency fund.
– This covers around three months of expense.
– Better to raise this to six months of expenses.
– This gives cushion against job loss or medical emergencies.
– Keep it in FD or liquid mutual funds for easy access.

» Life Insurance Cover
– You have Rs.80 lakh term insurance cover.
– This may not be enough for your family needs.
– At your age, 15 to 20 times annual income is ideal.
– That means around Rs.1.2 crore to Rs.1.6 crore cover.
– Increasing cover will protect your daughter and spouse.
– Premiums are lower when bought earlier.

» Holistic View of Investments
– Your present mix is tilted to safe instruments.
– You also have exposure to gold and silver ETFs.
– Equity exposure is low, which may hurt long-term goals.
– Debt products protect capital but do not fight inflation well.
– A balanced portfolio must include higher equity allocation.
– CFP guidance ensures proper diversification and goal alignment.

» Step-up Strategy for Future
– As income rises, step up SIPs every year.
– Even 10% rise in SIP yearly boosts final corpus.
– Continue SSY and PPF for safety and tax benefit.
– Increase equity SIP to balance growth.
– Avoid unnecessary spending and keep lifestyle moderate.
– This discipline will compound wealth.

» Risks of Overdependence on Gold
– You want to buy physical gold due to rising prices.
– But gold cycles are unpredictable and volatile.
– Long-term, equity has always beaten gold in growth.
– Gold has no dividend or interest benefit.
– Too much gold reduces your overall wealth creation.
– Keep only a small percentage in gold for diversification.

» What Needs Adjustment in Your Plan
– Increase insurance cover to protect family.
– Increase equity SIP for future growth.
– Keep loan repayment on normal track.
– Do not rush for gold purchases.
– Build retirement corpus with long-term view.
– Review plan regularly with a Certified Financial Planner.

» Finally
– You have started early and that is your biggest strength.
– Your current investments are stable but need more equity.
– Avoid overfocus on gold; it is not wealth creator.
– Continue EMI and avoid aggressive loan closure.
– Increase SIP step by step for growth.
– Review protection, insurance, and emergency fund adequacy.
– Stay disciplined and patient for 10–15 years.
– With the right balance, you will meet daughter’s needs and retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |333 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 09, 2025

Money
I am 31, teetotaler, with no bad habits, bachelor, leading celibacy, no chronical ailment, minimalist, investing in various schemes of mutual from the age of 18, now my investment is Rs. 50 lacs, with SIP of Rs. 15K every month in equity funds, and 40 lacs medical insurance 1.5Cr term insurance. Insurance premia are taken care by dividend from equity shares. My average annual expenses at present is Rs.5 lacs. Please guide me at what age should I give up the job and submit my resignation from MNC job, and retire, where I have no dependants nor depending on any one. Please guide me and advise.
Ans: Hi Mani,

You are one of the rare example of someone who is a long term investor and have build quite a good corpus through all these years.
Let us have a look at what can be done:
1. Insurance - you are well covered. Even premiums are being taken care of using dividends.
2. Emergency fund - build a dedicsted fund of minimu 10 lakhs in liquid funds for any emergency situation.
3. Mutual funds - a SIP of 15k has built you a corpus of 50 lakhs in 13 years which is great. You should also focus on increasing your investments to the maximum capacity whenever possible.
4. You are a bachelor and want to retire. But you also have to plan if ou want to get married. Getting married will change the entire plan. You will need funds to get marry, start family, kid's education and marriage. All these things should also be considered before making any decision.
5. Your current expenses of 5lakhs will double easily on getting married, so your resignation and retirement depends on this plan as well.

Hence my suggestion would be to focus on increasing income for now and you are too young to consider leaving your job. Plan your future goals and then take this decision collectively.

Also as your MF portfolio crosses 50 lakhs, would suggest you to 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/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |333 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 18, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello. I'm 41yr old woman have 2 kids age 13 and 7. I own 3bhk duplex house in Bangalore. My monthly income comes upto 60k per month. I have invested 45lakhs in bhive workspace company and getting returns of 64k per month. I have also invested in 5 autos tie-up with rapid and earning 75k returns on tht. I have invested 12 lakhs in motilal Oswal midcap elss fund. Now I'm getting 1cr from my parents property share. Where should I invest for good returns and safe investment for future wealth? And I also love traveling so need to save some money for future for my health and my desire to fulfill. Plz guide me wisely.
Ans: Hi,

You have done great investments with some companies and aree earning out of it. This is the best form of diversification.
I understand, you have your house, monthly income from salary and your investments.
To further diversify the 1 crore that you are getting, can consider investing in a mix of equity oriented and balanced mutual funds. Your current investment in the Oswal midcap ELSS doesn't seem good. Even this can be shifted to a much better fund suited to your requirements wrt your risk appetite.

You can work with a professional advisor who will guide you with exact fund names to invest your 1 crore and also redirect 12 lakhs from elss fund to another fund.

Your goal of travelling can be done using a portion of 15% from 1 crore that you will get. This amount will be invested in debt and small cap funds and you can do a sWP from this amount to fulfil your travel goal.

Regarding health, first make sure to have a dedicated health insurance for yourself and family with a cover of minimum 25 lakhs. And have an emergency fund of around 10-15 lakhs. This would be sufficient to take care of this.

Lastly, refrain from doing investments based on any random tips in mutual funds as any wrong fund selection can hamper the growth of your portfolio.
Hence 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/

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