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Should I Invest My Son's Matured Policy in Corporate Bonds?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 02, 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
Peeyush Question by Peeyush on Aug 29, 2024Hindi
Money

Recently one of the policies of my son (aged 19 yrs) has matured and I want to invest that 10 lakhs in corporate regular income bonds for a span of 4-5 yrs and use its monthly payouts to invest in mutual funds through SIP. This is to help him with sufficient corpus by the time he is out of his college to complement his job or support him if he wants to start a business. Is this strategy right to utilize the sum of money available? Kindly guide me and also which type of regular income bonds to go for and whether to go for a bouquet of bonds or invest in only one?

Ans: Investing in corporate bonds and using the payouts to invest in mutual funds via SIPs is a thoughtful approach. It aims to balance safety and growth. But, let’s evaluate this from a 360-degree perspective to ensure it aligns with your goals.

Corporate Bonds: A Closer Look
Corporate bonds offer regular income and are considered safer than equity investments. They are ideal for preserving capital while generating steady returns. However, corporate bonds come with risks:

Credit Risk: The company may default on interest payments.

Interest Rate Risk: Bond prices may fall if interest rates rise.

Diversification: A Better Approach
Investing in a single bond can be risky. A better approach is to diversify across multiple bonds:

Different Credit Ratings: Invest in bonds with varying credit ratings to balance risk and return.

Different Sectors: Invest in bonds from different industries to spread sector-specific risks.

Maturity Periods: Choose bonds with different maturity periods to manage liquidity.

Diversifying reduces the impact of a single bond underperforming or defaulting.

Regular Income vs. Growth
Your strategy of using bond payouts to fund SIPs in mutual funds is sound. It provides a regular flow of capital into equity, which has the potential for higher long-term returns. However, consider the following:

Reinvestment Risk: If the bond's interest payments are low, the amount invested in mutual funds may be insufficient to meet your long-term goals.

Market Conditions: Bond yields are influenced by market conditions. Lower interest rates might reduce your payouts.

Inflation Impact: Over 4-5 years, inflation can erode the real value of your bond interest.

Assessing the Duration
You mentioned a 4-5 year horizon for bonds. This timeframe is relatively short for long-term wealth accumulation. Bonds typically perform better over longer durations. If you are looking for growth, a portion of the Rs 10 lakhs could be directly invested in mutual funds or other growth-oriented instruments. This would allow for compounding, which is essential for long-term wealth creation.

Mutual Funds: The Power of SIP
SIPs in mutual funds allow you to benefit from rupee cost averaging. They also enable disciplined investing. However, the effectiveness of your SIPs depends on:

Fund Selection: Actively managed funds can outperform index funds in the long term. Choose funds with a consistent track record.

Investment Horizon: Longer horizons (7-10 years) allow your investments to ride out market volatility.

Portfolio Review: Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals.

The Role of Asset Allocation
Asset allocation is crucial. It’s not just about bonds and mutual funds; it’s about the right mix of equity, debt, and other asset classes. Consider the following:

Equity Exposure: Given your son’s age and the long-term horizon, a higher equity exposure could yield better returns.

Debt Allocation: Corporate bonds can form a part of your debt allocation, providing stability.

Alternative Investments: You might also explore hybrid funds or other conservative instruments that offer a balance between growth and safety.

Liquidity Considerations
Corporate bonds are less liquid than stocks or mutual funds. If you need access to your capital before maturity, you may face penalties or have to sell at a loss. Ensure that the portion of your investments in bonds doesn’t tie up funds you might need for emergencies or other immediate goals.

Tax Implications
Interest from corporate bonds is taxable as per your income slab. SIPs in equity mutual funds, on the other hand, attract long-term capital gains tax after one year, which is more tax-efficient. The tax aspect should be factored into your overall strategy:

Tax-Efficient Bonds: Look for bonds offering tax benefits, if available.

Tax on SIPs: Consider equity-linked savings schemes (ELSS) if you need tax-saving options.

Evaluating Your Financial Goals
Your goal is to provide your son with a substantial corpus by the time he finishes college. To achieve this:

Revisit Goals Regularly: Financial goals can evolve. Revisit and adjust your strategy every year.

Education Fund: If education is a priority, consider a dedicated education plan or child-focused mutual funds.

Business Backup: If there’s a possibility of your son starting a business, ensure that part of the investment is easily accessible and not locked into long-term bonds.

Final Insights
Your strategy is thoughtful but requires careful planning. Diversifying your bond investments is essential. Consider a mix of growth and safety to meet your long-term goals. Regularly review your investments and adjust them based on market conditions and your evolving financial needs.

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 Apr 12, 2024

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Money
Hi Joshi Ji, I am 42 years male and having no such exposure in SIP or any other growth funds. Kindly suggest me in which way I can invest at least 35 k/month to generate maximum corpus for my retirement and 20 k/month for my kid's higher education. I have one son and he is currently in class 6th. I have some (approx 50 k/yearly) insurance linked investment rest PF and term insurance, son's tution fees generally fulfill the income tax related requirement. Kindly suggest how to plan my finances. I am seriously feeling that I am late at my financial planning but want to leap it from hereon.
Ans: Dear Sanjay,

Thank you for reaching out for financial advice. It's commendable that you're taking proactive steps towards planning your finances, even if you feel you're starting later than desired. With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can still work towards achieving your financial goals.

Given your objectives of building a corpus for retirement and your child's higher education, here's a suggested plan:

Retirement Planning:

Start investing ?35,000 per month in mutual funds through SIPs targeting retirement. Allocate funds across diversified equity mutual funds to maximize growth potential over the long term.
Consider funds that align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Since you're starting relatively late, you may need to take a slightly higher risk to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Regularly review your investment portfolio and adjust asset allocation as needed based on changing market conditions and your evolving financial situation.
Child's Higher Education:

Allocate ?20,000 per month towards building a corpus for your child's higher education.
Invest this amount in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds to balance growth potential with stability. Since your child is in class 6th, you have approximately 6-10 years until higher education expenses arise. You can afford to take a moderate risk with this investment.
Monitor the performance of the funds regularly and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your goal.
Insurance and Other Investments:

Continue with your existing insurance-linked investments, PF contributions, and term insurance. Ensure that you have adequate coverage to protect your family's financial future in case of unforeseen events.
Utilize tax-saving investment options such as ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) mutual funds to optimize tax benefits while building wealth.
Regular Financial Review:

Schedule regular financial reviews with a qualified financial advisor to assess your progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure that you're on track to meet your financial goals.
Take advantage of any surplus income or windfalls by channeling them towards your investment goals to accelerate wealth accumulation.
Remember, it's never too late to start planning for your financial future. By staying committed to your goals, investing wisely, and seeking professional guidance when needed, you can achieve financial security and provide for your family's needs.

Best regards,

Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Money
Dear Dev, I have shortlisted a few funds that I am considering for investment and wanted to seek your guidance. I plan to invest approximately 20 lacs to 25 lacs in a lumpsum and additionally set up a monthly SIP of about 2 lacs. The minimum investment horizon I am looking at is 7 to 8 years. Regarding the SIP, I intend to invest for a minimum period of 3 years, with a maximum duration of up to 50 months, and I do not plan to withdraw both the investment not before completion of 7 to 8 year or if the market is favoring i would like to keep it invested for 10 year also.after that i can switch few about to arbitrage funds or structures and rest to be withdrawn as SWP. also you can suggest me for government bonds Could you please go through the selected funds and advise if any changes are necessary? 1 DSP Equity Opportunities Fund 10.00% 2 HDFC Flexi Cap Fund 10.00% 3 Quant Large Cap Fund 10.00% 4 Canara Robeco Multi Cap Fund 8.00% 5 Invesco India Small Cap Fund 8.00% 6 Kotak Multicap Fund 8.00% 7 Quant Active Fund 8.00% 8 SBI Contra Fund 8.00% 9 SBI Large & Midcap Fund 6.00% 10 Kotak Emerging Equity Fund 6.00% 11 HDFC Small Cap Fund 5.00% 12 ICICI Prudential Dividend Yield Equity Fund 5.00% 13 SBI Infrastructre Fund 5.00% 14 ICICI Prudential Focused Equity Fund 3.00% Total 100% Thank you for your assistance. Regards S.Bala
Ans: You have taken time to shortlist your funds. That itself shows good research and intent.

Your plan—Rs. 20–25 lacs in lumpsum, and Rs. 2 lacs monthly SIP—is sound.

You are looking at 7 to 8 years minimum. Optionally, extending to 10 years.

This long horizon gives space for equity funds to grow well.

Below is a detailed review of your plan from a Certified Financial Planner’s perspective.

I have evaluated it from multiple angles—allocation, category, fund strategy, and diversification.

Also included are suggestions on government bonds and post-investment strategies.

Let’s take it step by step for better clarity.

Overall Asset Allocation Strategy

You are aiming for 100% equity allocation. That’s suitable for your long horizon.

Since there is no withdrawal pressure in short-term, equity volatility is manageable.

However, from a 360-degree view, having 5–10% in debt can bring balance.

Equity does best over 7–10 years, but risk control is equally important.

You may consider adding a dynamic asset allocation fund instead of another pure equity fund.

Category-Wise Evaluation of Your Fund Mix

Let’s review your selected categories step by step. I’ll explain the strengths and risks too.

Flexi Cap / Multi Cap / Large & Midcap Funds

You have a good spread here.

These funds can shift allocation between market caps. That brings flexibility.

4 to 5 funds in this space may be excessive.

You can trim one and increase allocation to small or mid cap.

Small Cap Funds

You have 3 small cap funds. That’s aggressive, but okay with your horizon.

Small caps are very volatile but deliver well over 8–10 years.

Keep total allocation below 20%. You are currently near that. That is acceptable.

Large Cap / Focused / Dividend Yield

Your exposure here seems slightly low. These bring stability to the portfolio.

One fund focusing on dividend yield is a good diversifier.

Focused funds can outperform but also bring concentration risk.

A single focused fund in the portfolio is enough. You have done that right.

Contra / Value / Thematic Funds

A contra fund adds strategy diversity. It suits long-term investors like you.

Infrastructure fund is thematic. These are cyclical in performance.

Consider reducing allocation here or keeping them under 5%. You already did that. Good.

Fund Count and Consolidation Advice

You have 14 funds. That’s on the higher side.

8 to 10 well-chosen funds are enough to diversify.

Too many funds bring overlap and reduce manageability.

Consider trimming 3 to 4 schemes. Focus on quality, consistency, and style difference.

Avoid similar funds from same category. Multi-cap and flexi-cap from different AMCs often overlap.

SIP Strategy Review

SIP of Rs. 2 lacs per month is well thought.

3 to 4 years of SIP with long holding is effective for wealth creation.

Use STP from liquid funds for lumpsum. Helps manage entry-point risk.

Don’t increase SIPs too fast. Let it match your surplus income and liquidity comfort.

Exit Planning: SWP and Arbitrage Funds

SWP post 8 to 10 years is suitable for regular income.

Use arbitrage or ultra-short duration funds as SWP source.

Shift from equity gradually, not all at once. Use 1–2 year transition for SWP.

Choose SWP funds with low volatility and stable NAV.

Don’t chase high return during SWP phase. Capital protection is key.

Structured Products Review

These are complex products. Often hard to track.

Only consider them with clear understanding of risk and payoff logic.

Prefer simple, transparent MF structure unless tax or liquidity need justifies structured product.

Government Bonds: How to Use Them

You may keep 5–10% in government bonds. Good for risk balancing.

Look at RBI Floating Rate Bonds. No credit risk. 7.5% interest.

Sovereign Gold Bonds also are an option if you like gold exposure.

Avoid long-term G-Secs unless interest rate outlook is clear.

Use Bharat Bond ETFs only if liquidity and exit are not a concern.

New Capital Gains Tax Rules: What to Know

On equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%. This rule is new and matters for your exit strategy.

Track realized gains each year. Use tax harvesting if needed.

For debt mutual funds, gains taxed as per your slab.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Plans

Direct funds may look cheaper. But they lack human guidance.

You miss strategy alignment and real-time help during volatile markets.

Regular plans via Certified Financial Planner offer long-term clarity.

Right advice avoids wrong exits and wrong fund choices. That benefit is much bigger.

Portfolio Monitoring Strategy

Review your portfolio once in 6 months. Don’t do frequent changes.

Evaluate on fund consistency, AMC quality, and style fit. Not only past returns.

Avoid changing funds based on short-term ranking. Focus on long-term behaviour.

Stick to your plan unless there is a major reason to change.

Additional 360° Suggestions

Use a capital gains tracker every year. Helps tax planning.

Don’t ignore health insurance and term insurance. It protects your financial goals.

Set clear goal amounts for each future purpose—child education, retirement, etc.

Your financial plan should integrate income, insurance, expenses, goals, and liquidity.

Assign nominees and maintain a digital record of investments. Keep family informed.

Finally

Your fund shortlist is well selected across styles and themes.

Few small changes can bring sharper structure and clarity.

Trim overlapping schemes. Reduce to 10 or 11 funds.

Maintain discipline in SIP and avoid panic in market dips.

Plan withdrawal early. Don’t leave decisions for the last year.

Consider Certified Financial Planner for review and monitoring. Regular review ensures alignment.

Stay long term, stay invested, and stay balanced.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..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.
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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.
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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.
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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

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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