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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Sunish Question by Sunish on May 11, 2024Hindi
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Sir, l retir in feb24. I have 40 lakh case and 65000 monthly income. How can get in after ten years 2 lakh per month

Ans: Your goal of achieving a monthly income of ?2 lakh after ten years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined planning. Here’s a detailed plan to help you meet this goal using your ?40 lakh corpus and current monthly income of ?65,000.

Step 1: Assess Your Current Financial Status
Your current financial standing includes:

?40 lakh corpus.
?65,000 monthly income.
To achieve a future monthly income of ?2 lakh, focus on disciplined savings, strategic investments, and regular reviews.

Step 2: Define Investment Goals
Your primary goal is to grow your corpus sufficiently to generate a monthly income of ?2 lakh after ten years. This requires your investments to grow significantly, taking into account inflation and taxes.

Step 3: Strategic Investment Allocation
Diversified Portfolio
A diversified investment portfolio can balance risk and return effectively. Here’s a suggested allocation:

Equity Mutual Funds (60%):

Amount: ?24 lakh.
Rationale: Equity mutual funds have the potential for high returns over the long term. They can help your corpus grow substantially. Choose actively managed funds to benefit from professional expertise.
Debt Mutual Funds (20%):

Amount: ?8 lakh.
Rationale: Debt funds provide stability and regular income with moderate risk. They help in balancing the volatility of equity investments.
Public Provident Fund (PPF) (10%):

Amount: ?4 lakh.
Rationale: PPF is a safe, long-term investment with tax-free returns. It adds a layer of security to your portfolio.
Fixed Deposits (10%):

Amount: ?4 lakh.
Rationale: Fixed deposits offer guaranteed returns and liquidity. Keep these funds accessible for emergencies or short-term needs.
Monthly Investment from Income
SIP in Equity Mutual Funds:

Amount: ?35,000 per month.
Rationale: Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) help in averaging out market volatility and benefit from the power of compounding.
Recurring Deposit or Debt Mutual Fund SIP:

Amount: ?20,000 per month.
Rationale: Provides stable and assured returns, ensuring a balanced risk profile.
Step 4: Regular Reviews and Adjustments
Monitor your investments regularly. Review and adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and performance. Rebalancing your portfolio annually can help in maintaining the desired asset allocation.

Step 5: Focus on Tax Efficiency
To minimize taxes, consider:

Equity Funds: Long-term capital gains on equity funds are taxed at a lower rate.
Debt Funds: Hold for more than three years to benefit from indexation, which reduces taxable income.
Step 6: Inflation Adjustment
Ensure your investments are growing at a rate higher than inflation. Historically, equity mutual funds have provided returns that outpace inflation, making them essential for long-term growth.

Step 7: Projected Growth and Future Income
Assuming an average annual return of 12% from your equity investments and 7% from debt investments, your ?40 lakh corpus, along with monthly SIPs, should grow significantly over ten years. Regularly increasing your SIP amount in line with salary increments can further enhance your corpus.

Conclusion
Achieving a monthly income of ?2 lakh after ten years requires a strategic investment approach. Diversifying your portfolio, focusing on equity mutual funds for growth, and maintaining tax efficiency are crucial steps. Regular reviews and disciplined investing will guide you towards your financial goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Money
I m arniban frm assam.i m 30 years old nd I m a central govt employee presently my salary 112000 almost nd my wife is assam govt employee with 32000 salary both have pension scheme frm govt my target is 10cr duration 20 years pls provide some trick nd advice I have no savings yet.nd no loan
Ans: Arniban!

Congrats on your stable jobs and secure future with government pensions! It’s fantastic that you’re thinking ahead and aiming for Rs. 10 crore in 20 years. Let's create a detailed plan to achieve this goal.

Current Financial Situation
You and your wife have a combined monthly income of Rs. 1,44,000. Since you mentioned you have no savings yet, it’s a good time to start planning.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
Aiming for Rs. 10 crore in 20 years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined saving and smart investing. Let’s break it down.

Building an Emergency Fund
First, create an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least 6 months of your expenses. It provides a safety net for unforeseen expenses like medical emergencies or job loss.

Starting with SIPs in Mutual Funds
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

SIPs are a great way to start investing regularly. By investing a fixed amount monthly, you can benefit from rupee cost averaging and the power of compounding.

Diversify Your Portfolio:

Invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap mutual funds. This diversification helps spread risk and enhances potential returns.

Actively Managed Funds:

Actively managed funds have skilled fund managers who can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions. This can potentially deliver higher returns compared to index funds.

The Power of Compounding
Compounding:

Compounding means earning returns on your returns. The earlier you start, the more your money grows over time. It’s essential to stay invested and reinvest the returns.

Example:

If you invest Rs. 50,000 monthly in mutual funds with an average return of 12%, in 20 years, you can reach your goal of Rs. 10 crore. The power of compounding significantly boosts your wealth over time.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Monitor Your Investments:

Regularly review the performance of your mutual funds. If a fund is underperforming, consider switching to a better-performing fund.

Stay Updated:

Keep yourself updated with market trends and economic news. It helps in making informed decisions and adjusting your investment strategy if needed.

Tax Efficiency
Tax-Saving Investments:

Some mutual funds, like ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme), offer tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. They not only provide tax deductions but also have the potential for high returns.

Long-Term Capital Gains Tax:

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) from equity mutual funds are tax-free up to Rs. 1 lakh per year. Gains above this limit are taxed at 10%. Holding investments for the long term can be tax-efficient.

Risk Management
Understanding Risks:

All investments carry some risk. Higher returns often come with higher risks. Assess your risk tolerance and invest accordingly.

Managing Volatility:

Equity investments can be volatile. During market downturns, stay invested and don’t panic. Regular investments through SIPs can average out the costs and reduce the impact of market volatility.

Financial Discipline
Stick to Your Plan:

Financial discipline is crucial. Stick to your investment plan, avoid unnecessary expenses, and prioritize your financial goals.

Automate Your Investments:

Set up automatic SIPs from your bank account. This ensures regular investments without manual intervention.

Windfall Gains
Utilize Bonuses and Extra Income:

Any bonuses, tax refunds, or unexpected income should be directed towards your investments. This can accelerate your wealth-building process.

Financial Protection
Life Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate life insurance coverage. It provides financial security to your family in case of unforeseen events.

Health Insurance:

Adequate health insurance coverage is essential to protect against high medical costs. Review your existing policies and ensure they provide comprehensive coverage.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner:

While this guide provides a comprehensive strategy, consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation. Professional guidance can help optimize your financial plan.

Benefits of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Regular Funds:

Investing through regular funds with a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) who has a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential can be beneficial. MFDs provide expert advice and help you choose the right funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Direct funds require you to do all the research and management yourself. It can be time-consuming and challenging without expert knowledge. Regular funds, through an MFD, offer personalized advice and support.

Regular Review and Adjustment
Stay Flexible:

Regularly review your financial plan and adjust based on your progress and market conditions. Flexibility is key to achieving your financial goals.

Celebrate Milestones:

Celebrate small milestones along the way. It keeps you motivated and reinforces positive financial behavior.

Final Insights
Achieving Rs. 10 crore in 20 years is ambitious but possible with disciplined saving and smart investing. Here’s a quick recap:

1. Start with an emergency fund:

Cover at least 6 months of expenses.

2. Invest through SIPs in diversified mutual funds:

Focus on actively managed funds.

3. Utilize the power of compounding:

Start early and reinvest returns.

4. Monitor and adjust your investments regularly:

Stay informed and flexible.

5. Ensure tax efficiency:

Utilize tax-saving investments like ELSS.

6. Manage risks and stay disciplined:

Stick to your plan and avoid unnecessary expenses.

7. Seek professional guidance:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

Your determination and strategic planning will help you achieve your financial goals. Keep up the good work and stay focused on your journey to financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 24, 2024

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Sir i am 47 now married and 2 children one is 7 years daughter and 13 years son. I have 25 lakhs as corpus and my monthly salary is around 1.5 lakhs. I need at least 2 cr as corpus at 55. How can make this happen. Please.
Ans: You are 47, married, with two children, aged 7 and 13.

You have a corpus of Rs 25 lakhs.

Your monthly salary is around Rs 1.5 lakhs.

You aim to accumulate Rs 2 crores by age 55.

Setting Clear Financial Goals

Identify specific goals for each financial milestone.

Prioritize your children's education and your retirement.

Allocate funds accordingly to ensure balanced growth.

Investment Strategy

Invest regularly in a diversified portfolio.

Focus on equity mutual funds for higher returns.

Allocate some funds to debt mutual funds for stability.

Consider investing in gold for diversification.

Keep a small portion in fixed deposits for safety.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)

Start or increase your SIP contributions.

SIPs offer disciplined investing and rupee cost averaging.

Allocate a higher percentage to equity funds for growth.

Choose actively managed funds over index funds for better returns.

Review and Adjust Portfolio Regularly

Review your investments every six months.

Adjust your portfolio based on market conditions.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for professional advice.

Stay informed about market trends and economic changes.

Emergency Fund and Insurance

Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6 months of expenses.

Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage.

Avoid investment-linked insurance policies.

Focus on pure term insurance for life coverage.

Tax Planning

Invest in tax-saving instruments under Section 80C.

Utilize other sections like 80D for health insurance benefits.

Plan your taxes to maximize returns and minimize liabilities.

Avoid Common Investment Mistakes

Do not chase high returns without understanding the risk.

Avoid frequent buying and selling of investments.

Stick to your investment plan and be patient.

Education and Retirement Planning

Plan for your children's higher education.

Consider education loans to avoid depleting your corpus.

Ensure your retirement corpus is inflation-adjusted.

Review your retirement plan annually.

Benefits of Regular Funds through a CFP

Regular funds offer better advisory support.

Certified Financial Planners provide tailored advice.

Actively managed funds often outperform index funds.

Contingency Planning

Have a plan for unforeseen circumstances.

Ensure your family is financially secure in case of emergencies.

Consider estate planning and writing a will.

Final Insights

Stay disciplined and focused on your goals.

Review and adjust your investments regularly.

Seek professional advice when needed.

Stay informed and educated about financial planning.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Money
I am 43 years old. Monthly salary at 2 lakhs. Two Daughters in 4th & 5th Grade. Monthly SIP of 32k, PPF 5k, SSA 7k, Gold chit - 15k, Mutual funds of 6 lakhs, PPF of 7 lakhs, SSA - 3.5 Lakhs, stocks(Large cap) - 4.8 Lakhs, Rental income -23k, Real estates Assets - vacant land 50L worth, Family property share - 1.5cr, individual house worth 1.3Cr. Last but not least liability 16 Lacs House loan Retirement at the age of 49 is possible with monthly income of 2 lakhs with Financial asset worth 5 Cr. Please advice
Ans: Assessing Current Financial Situation
At 43, you have a commendable financial portfolio. Your monthly salary is Rs 2 lakhs. You are investing in various financial instruments. Your current assets include mutual funds, PPF, SSA, large-cap stocks, and real estate. You also have a rental income of Rs 23,000.

Your key assets:

Mutual funds: Rs 6 lakhs
PPF: Rs 7 lakhs
SSA: Rs 3.5 lakhs
Large-cap stocks: Rs 4.8 lakhs
Real estate: Rs 1.8 crore (vacant land and individual house)
Liability:

House loan: Rs 16 lakhs
Your goal is to retire at 49 with a monthly income of Rs 2 lakhs and financial assets worth Rs 5 crore. Let’s evaluate how to achieve this.

Evaluating Current Investments
Your investments are diversified across different asset classes. This is a good strategy for balancing risk and returns. However, we need to ensure these investments align with your retirement goal.

Mutual Funds: You have Rs 6 lakhs invested in mutual funds. Increasing your SIPs will help you accumulate wealth faster. Actively managed funds might provide better returns than index funds, especially in volatile markets.

PPF and SSA: These are safe investments with guaranteed returns. However, they have a lock-in period and might not provide the high returns needed to achieve your Rs 5 crore goal. You should continue investing in them for their tax benefits and security, but consider directing more funds towards higher-growth investments.

Stocks: Your investment in large-cap stocks is a strong component of your portfolio. They offer good growth potential. You may consider adding mid-cap and small-cap stocks to diversify further.

Real Estate: While real estate is a valuable asset, it is not very liquid. The focus should be on financial assets that can generate steady income during retirement.

Setting a Retirement Strategy
Given your goal to retire at 49 with Rs 5 crore in financial assets, we need to create a focused strategy.

Increase SIPs: Consider increasing your SIPs to Rs 50,000 per month. This will significantly boost your mutual fund corpus over the next 6 years. Focus on equity-oriented mutual funds with a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.

Reassess Gold Investments: Gold is a good hedge against inflation, but it doesn’t generate regular income. You might consider reducing your gold chit contribution and redirecting those funds into equity mutual funds.

Reduce Debt: Your Rs 16 lakh house loan is a liability. It’s essential to pay this off before retirement to reduce financial stress. Consider using part of your rental income or bonus payments to clear this debt faster.

Build an Emergency Fund: Ensure you have a sufficient emergency fund, ideally covering at least 12 months of expenses. This will protect your investments from being liquidated in case of unforeseen expenses.

Focus on Growth Assets: To achieve Rs 5 crore in financial assets, a significant portion of your portfolio should be in growth-oriented investments like equity mutual funds and stocks. These assets typically offer higher returns, though with higher risk.

Consider a Retirement Corpus Strategy: You need to accumulate Rs 5 crore by the age of 49. This means an annual growth rate of around 12-15%. Diversifying your portfolio with a mix of high-return mutual funds and stocks can help achieve this.

Ensuring a Steady Retirement Income
Your goal of Rs 2 lakh monthly income during retirement is achievable with a proper withdrawal strategy.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP): Once you retire, consider using SWPs from your mutual funds to generate regular income. This will provide a steady cash flow while allowing your investments to grow.

Diversified Income Streams: In addition to SWPs, maintain a mix of PPF, fixed deposits, and bonds for secure, guaranteed income. Your rental income will also contribute to your monthly cash flow.

Healthcare Planning: As you approach retirement, ensure your health insurance covers potential medical expenses. Consider increasing your cover if needed, as healthcare costs tend to rise with age.

Final Insights
You are on the right track with your diversified investments. However, to meet your retirement goals, a few adjustments are needed:

Increase SIPs: Boost your mutual fund SIPs to Rs 50,000 monthly.
Reduce Debt: Pay off your Rs 16 lakh home loan before retirement.
Focus on Growth: Prioritize equity mutual funds and stocks for higher returns.
Plan Withdrawals: Use SWPs for steady retirement income.
Reassess Gold: Redirect some gold investments to equities.
Maintain Emergency Fund: Ensure at least 12 months of expenses are covered.
With these strategies, you should be well-prepared to retire at 49 with Rs 5 crore in financial assets and a monthly income of Rs 2 lakhs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Dear sir,I am 28 years old.l have a total amount 25lacksy salary just 12,000 thousand
Ans: You are 28 years old with Rs. 25 lakhs in hand and a monthly salary of Rs. 12,000. This is a strong position to start building your financial future. Let's plan step by step to secure and grow your wealth.

Understand Your Financial Position
You have a large sum of Rs. 25 lakhs.

Your monthly income is Rs. 12,000.

Your expenses must be carefully managed to ensure savings.

Your goal is to grow your wealth and secure your future.

Build an Emergency Fund
Set aside 6 months of expenses as an emergency fund.

This ensures you can handle unexpected situations without stress.

Keep this fund in a separate savings account for easy access.

Allocate Funds for Short-Term Needs
Identify any upcoming expenses in the next 1-2 years.

Allocate funds accordingly to avoid dipping into long-term investments.

Use fixed deposits or recurring deposits for these short-term needs.

Invest in Low-Risk Instruments
Consider investing a portion in fixed deposits for steady returns.

These are safe and provide predictable income.

Suitable for your current low-income situation.

Explore Mutual Funds for Growth
Allocate a portion to mutual funds for long-term growth.

Choose funds that match your risk appetite and investment horizon.

Start with small amounts and increase as you become comfortable.

Avoid High-Risk Investments
Stay away from speculative investments like cryptocurrencies or penny stocks.

These can lead to significant losses, especially with limited income.

Plan for Retirement Early
Start contributing to retirement schemes like the Public Provident Fund (PPF).

Early contributions benefit from compounding over time.

Secure your future by planning now.

Monitor and Review Investments Regularly
Keep track of your investments and their performance.

Review your portfolio periodically and make adjustments as needed.

Stay informed about market trends and economic changes.

Seek Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.

They can help tailor a plan that suits your specific needs and goals.

Maintain Financial Discipline
Stick to your budget and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Prioritize savings and investments over discretionary spending.

Financial discipline is key to long-term success.

Final Insights
You have a solid foundation with Rs. 25 lakhs at the age of 28. By carefully planning and investing wisely, you can secure your financial future. Remember to build an emergency fund, invest in low-risk instruments, and seek professional guidance when needed. Stay disciplined and review your financial plan regularly to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

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

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

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

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

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

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

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

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

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

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

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

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

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

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

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

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

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

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

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

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

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

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

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

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

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

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

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

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

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

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

...Read more

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