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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on Nov 03, 2022

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Amit Question by Amit on Nov 03, 2022Hindi
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I have following portfolio:

1) PF: 65 lakh with a monthly investment of 24k (including 20% VPF share)

Ans: This can grow up to Rs. 2.3 crs

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  |8906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2024

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Hi, I am 23 years old earning a salary of 108k per month after all deductions. I am doing SIP of 21k per month in these following funds:- 1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund:- 3500 2. Quant Flexi Cap Fund:- 3500 3. Nippon India Large Cap Fund :- 3000 4. Motilal Oswal Mid Cap Fund:- 3500 5. Bandhan Small Cap Fund:- 2500 6. Axis Small Cap Fund:- 2000. 7. Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund:- 3000 Other than these combined contribution towards EPF (employee+employer) = 12800 per month. Please give a review of my portfolio. My investment horizon is for long terms. I will step up my investment depending on my salary increment
Ans: Your portfolio is well-diversified with a mix of flexi cap, large cap, mid cap, and small cap funds. This strategy spreads your risk across different market segments.

Flexi Cap Funds
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund and Quant Flexi Cap Fund: These funds are flexible and invest across various market caps. They provide good diversification and stability.
Large Cap Funds
Nippon India Large Cap Fund: Large cap funds are stable and provide steady returns. They are less volatile compared to mid and small cap funds.
Mid Cap Funds
Motilal Oswal Mid Cap Fund: Mid cap funds offer higher growth potential. They are riskier than large cap funds but can provide better returns over the long term.
Small Cap Funds
Bandhan Small Cap Fund and Axis Small Cap Fund: Small cap funds have high growth potential. They are volatile and should be monitored closely.
Sector Funds
Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund: Sector funds focus on specific industries. They are riskier and should be a smaller part of your portfolio. Consider replacing with an actively managed fund for better returns.
EPF Contribution
EPF Contribution: Your EPF contribution is a good foundation for your retirement savings. It provides stability and tax benefits.
Investment Horizon
Your long-term investment horizon is ideal for your portfolio. It allows you to ride out market volatility and benefit from compounding returns.

Step-up SIP
Step-up SIP: Increasing your SIP amount with salary increments is a smart strategy. It will help you achieve your financial goals faster.
Final Insights
Your portfolio is well-structured for long-term growth. Consider replacing the index fund with an actively managed fund. Regularly review your investments to ensure they align with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 25, 2025

Money
Please review my MF portfolio. My monthly SIP is 18000/- per month. Current portfolio value is 1.5 Lakh. 1. ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund - 4000 2. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund - 4000 3. Nippon India small cap - 4000 4. HDFC balanced advantage fund- 2000 5. Motilal oswal Midcap fund - 2000 6. JM Aggressive Hybrid Fund - 1000 7. Bandhan Nifty Alpha Low Volatility 30 Index - 1000 (NFO) Traditional investments are as follows, and the current value is 15 Lakh. 1. EPF - 44000/- per month 2. NPS - 22000/- per month 3. RD - 20000/- Per month to build an emergency fund. I am planning to increase my SIP from 18000 to 60000 every month. Please let me know if I need any changes in my portfolio. I am planning to build a portfolio of 5 crore in the next 15 years. Currently, I am 35 years and planning to retire by the age of 50 years.
Ans: Your financial plan is well-structured, and your investment discipline is strong. You have a clear retirement goal and an aggressive investment approach. However, there are areas where you can optimize your portfolio for better returns and lower risk.

Let’s analyze your portfolio from a 360-degree perspective.

1. Strengths of Your Current Portfolio
Your investment approach is well-planned. Here’s what you are doing right:

Disciplined SIP investment – You have a regular SIP plan in equity mutual funds.

Diversified portfolio – You have exposure to large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, flexi-cap, and hybrid funds.

Strong traditional investments – EPF and NPS provide stability in retirement.

Emergency fund planning – Your recurring deposit ensures liquidity for unexpected expenses.

Increasing SIPs – Scaling up SIPs from Rs 18,000 to Rs 60,000 will help wealth creation.

Your financial discipline will help you reach your Rs 5 crore target.

2. Issues in Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
While your portfolio is diversified, some adjustments can improve performance.

Over-Diversification
You have too many funds across categories.

Too many funds dilute returns and make tracking difficult.

Having 4-5 well-chosen funds is better than 7-8 average funds.

Index Fund Exposure
One of your funds is an index fund.

Index funds cannot beat the market, while actively managed funds can.

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps select the best actively managed funds.

Hybrid Funds and Overlapping Categories
You hold two hybrid funds, which can limit aggressive growth.

These funds are not necessary when you have EPF and NPS.

Adjusting these issues will enhance your returns.

3. Optimizing Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Here’s how you can make your portfolio more efficient:

Reduce the Number of Funds
Keep 4-5 funds for focused wealth creation.

Large-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds provide balanced exposure.

Avoid hybrid funds as EPF and NPS already offer stability.

Exit Index Fund
Actively managed funds provide better long-term returns.

Fund managers adjust portfolios based on market conditions.

An index fund will not protect during market corrections.

Adjust Your Portfolio Allocation
Large-cap fund – 30% allocation for stability.

Flexi-cap fund – 30% allocation for fund manager flexibility.

Mid-cap fund – 20% allocation for higher growth potential.

Small-cap fund – 20% allocation for aggressive wealth creation.

This will balance risk and return effectively.

4. Optimizing Traditional Investments
Your traditional investments are strong, but they can be more efficient.

EPF Contribution
EPF is a safe investment with tax benefits.

However, it provides lower returns compared to equity.

Consider redirecting a small portion towards equity SIPs for higher growth.

NPS Contribution
NPS is a good tax-saving tool but has withdrawal restrictions.

You can keep investing but ensure a higher allocation in equity within NPS.

Recurring Deposit for Emergency Fund
RDs are good for liquidity but offer low returns.

Instead, keep emergency funds in a liquid mutual fund for better returns.

A balanced approach between safety and growth is necessary.

5. Increasing SIPs from Rs 18,000 to Rs 60,000
Your plan to increase SIPs is excellent. However, proper allocation is required.

Large-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000.

Flexi-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 15,000.

Mid-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000.

Small-cap fund – Increase SIP from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000.

Liquid fund – Allocate Rs 10,000 for short-term needs.

This ensures strong wealth creation while maintaining liquidity.

6. Expected Growth and Retirement Planning
With disciplined investing, you can achieve your Rs 5 crore goal.

Equity SIPs – Higher allocation ensures compounding benefits.

Traditional investments – EPF and NPS provide stability.

Emergency fund – Ensures liquidity for unexpected needs.

Your current path is excellent. Minor adjustments will enhance your wealth creation journey.

Finally
You are on the right track towards financial freedom. Your disciplined investment approach is commendable. However, some refinements will optimize your returns.

Reduce over-diversification and exit underperforming funds.

Replace index funds with actively managed funds for better returns.

Allocate SIPs strategically for better risk-reward balance.

Re-evaluate traditional investments to maximize efficiency.

Ensure liquidity through a liquid fund instead of an RD.

With these adjustments, you can achieve your Rs 5 crore target confidently.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 28, 2025

Money
pl see my mf portfolio and advise, icici bluechip fund rs 5000/- parag flexi cap rs 5000/-, hdfc flexi cap rs 5000/-,m/o large and mid cap rs 5000/- and nippon india small cap rs 5000/-(all sip monthly )
Ans: You have selected five different mutual fund schemes.

Your SIP contribution is Rs 5000 each in all five funds.

Your total monthly SIP is Rs 25000.

Your portfolio is a mix of large cap, flexi cap, large and mid cap, and small cap funds.

This shows a healthy diversification across market capitalisations.

You have chosen a good combination of growth-oriented equity categories.

Very thoughtful and appreciable planning is visible in your fund selection.

Assessment of Asset Allocation

Your portfolio has strong exposure to large caps through the bluechip fund.

Large cap funds are generally more stable and less volatile.

Flexi cap funds offer diversification across large, mid, and small companies.

Large and mid cap category bridges the gap between stability and higher growth.

Small cap exposure can give potential high returns over the long term.

Small caps are risky but rewarding if you stay invested patiently.

Your asset allocation is balanced towards growth with moderate risk.

Diversification Analysis

You are spreading investments across different market segments.

This is a smart way to balance risk and reward.

You are not overexposed to a single market capitalisation.

Flexi cap funds automatically adjust between different sizes based on opportunities.

It reduces your need to constantly track and rebalance.

Your approach reflects a strong understanding of portfolio construction.

This will help during different market cycles.

Fund Selection Quality

All selected funds belong to reputed fund houses.

Fund houses with a strong track record are always preferable.

The selected schemes are managed by experienced fund managers.

Experienced fund managers can navigate market volatility better.

Your selection of actively managed funds is excellent.

Actively managed funds outperform index funds in India due to inefficiencies.

Index funds often just mirror the market and do not beat it.

Active funds can take advantage of opportunities and protect against downturns.

Hence your preference towards active management is well appreciated.

SIP Strategy Evaluation

You are investing Rs 25000 monthly, which is Rs 3 lakh annually.

SIP method is highly beneficial as it averages cost across market ups and downs.

SIPs encourage disciplined investing without timing the market.

Your regular SIPs will help you build substantial wealth over the years.

Continuation of SIP during market corrections will add great advantage.

You are on the right track with your consistent approach.

Risk Assessment

Small cap funds bring higher risk but also higher potential returns.

Small caps are volatile in the short term but rewarding over 7 to 10 years.

Your portfolio has limited exposure to small caps, which is prudent.

Majority of your investments are in large and flexi cap categories.

This keeps your portfolio volatility under control.

Your risk appetite seems suitable for the portfolio you have built.

Gaps or Missing Elements

One point to highlight is sector diversification within funds.

Most flexi caps and large-mid caps internally manage sector exposure.

You need not add more sector-specific funds to this portfolio.

You have rightly avoided thematic or sectoral funds which are risky.

Global diversification is missing but optional depending on your goals.

For now, it is acceptable to focus on Indian growth story.

Taxation Impact

Equity mutual fund taxation needs careful understanding.

Short-term capital gains within one year are taxed at 20%.

Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

If you redeem after one year, you benefit from long-term tax rates.

Keep this taxation aspect in mind while planning redemptions.

SIP units are treated separately for tax based on their holding period.

Sustainability and Future Readiness

Your SIP amount of Rs 25000 monthly is good but review it yearly.

As your income or savings increase, step-up your SIP amount.

Step-up SIPs ensure that your investments match inflation and life goals.

Monitor fund performance once a year but do not churn frequently.

Give your funds enough time to perform over complete market cycles.

Importance of Investing Through Certified Financial Planner

Regular plans through MFDs with CFPs add tremendous value.

Direct plans require you to do all research, monitoring, and rebalancing.

Regular plans offer expert advice, portfolio reviews, and emotional counselling.

Investors often make mistakes like selling during market falls without guidance.

CFPs ensure discipline, goal mapping, risk profiling, and tax efficiency.

The additional cost of regular plans is very minimal compared to the benefits.

You have made the right decision to invest through an expert channel.

Additional Recommendations for Better Portfolio Health

Maintain an emergency fund separately in liquid funds or savings account.

Emergency fund should be at least six months of monthly expenses.

This ensures that SIPs are not interrupted due to cash flow issues.

Continue SIPs even during market downturns without stopping.

Avoid booking profits too early from equity funds.

Rebalancing can be done once a year to maintain original allocation.

Review your financial goals annually and align investments accordingly.

Insure yourself adequately with pure term insurance, if not already done.

Avoid mixing insurance and investments like ULIPs or endowment plans.

Final Insights

Your mutual fund portfolio is well designed with a good mix.

You have selected quality funds across different market capitalisations.

SIP mode is the right approach for steady wealth creation.

Active fund selection gives you better potential than passive index investing.

Your risk profile matches your current portfolio.

Regular monitoring with the help of a Certified Financial Planner is key.

Stay invested with patience and discipline for long-term success.

Avoid unnecessary changes based on short-term market movements.

Increase SIP amount gradually in line with income growth.

Keep separate provisions for emergencies, insurance, and short-term needs.

You are on a solid path towards achieving your financial 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  |8906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2025
Money
Hi Ramalingam, I am 26 and currently starting SIP 9 months ago . Nippon small cap -2k Quant small cap -3.3k Bandhan small cap - 2k Motilal Midcap - 2.5k Sbi long term equity - 2k Sbi psu - 50k lumpsum Could you please suggest portfolio allocation and if I want to increase my from 13300 to 40000
Ans: You are 26 years old and already doing SIPs. That shows your discipline and future readiness. Starting early builds wealth better over time. Investing Rs. 13,300 monthly and planning to raise it to Rs. 40,000 is smart. Let’s now look at your existing portfolio, assess the risks, and suggest a proper diversified structure.

We will offer a 360-degree solution that balances growth, stability, and future flexibility.

Your Current Portfolio Overview
Your current SIPs are in:

Nippon Small Cap Fund – Rs. 2,000

Quant Small Cap Fund – Rs. 3,300

Bandhan Small Cap Fund – Rs. 2,000

Motilal Midcap Fund – Rs. 2,500

SBI Long Term Equity (ELSS) – Rs. 2,000

Total SIP = Rs. 11,800
Lumpsum in SBI PSU = Rs. 50,000

This is a strong start. You are willing to take risk for long-term growth. But, there are a few important things to fix and improve.

Initial Observations – Risks and Gaps
Overexposure to Small Cap
You have three funds in small cap. That’s about 60% of SIP.
Small caps are volatile. They give good return, but only after 7–10 years.
Too much small cap can cause sharp losses in market correction.

Low Diversification
No allocation to large cap or flexi cap.
These are needed for balance and downside control.
You have only one midcap and one ELSS.

Single Midcap Fund
Midcap helps reduce sharp risk of small caps.
But having only one midcap limits your structure.

PSU Fund Lumpsum
Sectoral funds like PSU are risky.
They depend on government policy and economy cycles.
Don’t add more to this. Hold it, but don’t increase.

Correcting the Allocation
Let’s now divide the total Rs. 40,000 monthly SIP properly.
This will create better balance between growth and stability.

Suggested Allocation:

Large Cap Fund – Rs. 7,000

Flexi Cap Fund – Rs. 8,000

Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 6,000

Small Cap Fund – Rs. 7,000

ELSS Fund (Tax Saving) – Rs. 4,000

Multi-Asset or Hybrid Fund – Rs. 6,000

Total = Rs. 38,000 approx. Keep Rs. 2,000 spare for future increase.

This mix provides:

Stability with large caps

Growth from mid and small cap

Flexibility with flexi cap

Safety cushion with hybrid or multi-asset

Don’t select funds yourself.
Avoid direct funds even if expense ratio is low.
They don’t offer review, rebalancing, or correction.
Invest in regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor who is a Certified Financial Planner.
He will help you choose better performing funds and track progress regularly.

Why Reduce Small Cap Exposure
You have high small cap exposure now.
These funds show big returns sometimes. But also fall fast in bad cycles.

You must have small cap exposure. But limit it to 20%–25% of total SIP.
This keeps your portfolio healthy in all market cycles.

More small cap may look attractive now. But it causes worry in bear markets.

Add Large Cap and Flexi Cap
You are missing large cap completely.
These funds are stable, and invest in top 100 companies.

Flexi cap adds flexibility to shift between segments.
Fund managers move across small, mid, and large based on market trend.
This gives better return with less risk.

Both are must for young investors like you.

Add Hybrid or Multi-Asset Fund
You are 100% equity today.
That’s fine for your age, but not always best.
Diversification is needed.

Hybrid funds combine equity, debt, and gold in one scheme.
This helps control the risk. Especially during market fall.
Keep 15% in hybrid or multi-asset for safety.

Add ELSS for Tax Saving Purpose Only
SBI Long Term Equity is an ELSS fund.
These funds have 3-year lock-in.
Use them only if you need 80C tax saving.

If your Section 80C is already filled with PF, PPF, or insurance premium, then skip ELSS.

Otherwise, keep ELSS under Rs. 4,000 monthly.
Don’t use ELSS only for investment. Use it for dual purpose – tax saving and long-term wealth.

Keep Sectoral Fund Exposure Low
You have Rs. 50,000 in SBI PSU fund.
That’s a sectoral theme.

Sectoral funds are not for long-term SIP.
They work only in a specific market cycle.

Do not do SIP in any sector fund.
Do not add more lumpsum.
Hold this fund and track its performance every 6 months.

If it shows good profit after 3–4 years, you may redeem it.
Invest proceeds in diversified equity mutual fund instead.

Increase SIP Gradually
If Rs. 40,000 is not possible from next month, build gradually.

Use this step-up approach:

Next 3 months – Increase SIP to Rs. 20,000

After 6 months – Raise to Rs. 30,000

After 1 year – Reach Rs. 40,000

This prevents stress on your budget.
Also keeps your cash flow balanced.
But set this plan and stick to it.

Direct vs Regular – Choose Wisely
Never invest in direct funds without expert support.

Disadvantages of direct funds:

No guidance

No regular review

You choose based on returns, not suitability

Wrong fund choice can cause long-term damage

Regular funds cost a bit more, but that is for service and monitoring.
Work with an MFD who is also a Certified Financial Planner.

They know how to build goal-based portfolio.
They will also help in:

Goal mapping

Fund switching

Tax planning

Rebalancing in market ups and downs

This professional help is worth the small cost.

Don’t Go for Index Funds
You may think index funds are cheaper and simple.
But index funds come with key limitations.

Problems with index funds:

Blindly follow index stocks

No active decision in poor market

No risk control or rebalancing

You lose flexibility

Actively managed funds have better risk control.
Fund managers exit poor sectors or companies early.
This helps protect capital in falling markets.

So don’t choose index funds for long-term goals.

Tax Impact of Mutual Funds
Understand the tax on your investments.

Equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt funds and hybrid funds:

Both short and long term gains taxed as per income slab

Plan redemptions carefully.
Redeem in parts if needed to stay within tax-free limits.
Your Certified Financial Planner can guide better here.

Use SIPs for Future Goals
Plan your SIPs around your future goals.

Break your Rs. 40,000 SIP like this:

Retirement goal – Rs. 12,000

Home down payment after 10 years – Rs. 10,000

Wealth creation (flexible goal) – Rs. 8,000

Emergency fund through hybrid fund – Rs. 6,000

ELSS for tax saving – Rs. 4,000

This gives direction to your portfolio.
Also helps avoid early redemptions.
Goal mapping is important for discipline.

Monitor Portfolio Regularly
Review your funds every 6 months.
Track SIP performance and adjust if needed.
Switch non-performing funds.
Rebalance allocation if small caps rise too much.

Don’t wait 5 years to check returns.
Consistent monitoring ensures long-term success.

Avoid These Common Mistakes
Don’t do SIP in 5 small cap funds

Don’t pick funds based on past returns only

Don’t invest in direct plans

Don’t withdraw SIP money unless goal is reached

Don’t mix tax saving and general investing unless necessary

Stick to a disciplined approach.
Don’t stop SIPs in bad market.
That’s when wealth is created.

Finally
You are on the right path. You have started early.
You are now ready to increase SIP from Rs. 13,300 to Rs. 40,000.

But structure is more important than size.
Build a diversified portfolio across categories.
Avoid overexposure to small cap or sector funds.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner.
Don’t invest in direct funds or index funds.
Review your SIPs and rebalance regularly.

This approach will build strong, lasting wealth.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 13, 2025
Money
Hi,my salary is one lakh in hand,I am 33 years old I have sip of 11000,ppf of 1.5 lakh annually and epfo deductions of 13000 monthly.My monthly expenses is rent-8500,food-10000,and other expenses 5000. My concern is how to increase investment as I m expecting a baby this year
Ans: You have shared useful details about your income, expenses, and current investments. This gives a strong foundation to plan effectively.

You are earning Rs. 1 lakh in hand. At age 33, expecting a baby, and already having SIPs, PPF, and EPF — your financial behaviour is responsible and consistent. Let’s evaluate step by step and offer a 360-degree plan.

Income and Expense Assessment
You have a net monthly income of Rs. 1 lakh.

Your expenses are:

Rent: Rs. 8,500

Food: Rs. 10,000

Other: Rs. 5,000

Total: Rs. 23,500

This leaves a monthly surplus of about Rs. 76,500.

Your monthly investment commitments:

SIP: Rs. 11,000

EPF: Rs. 13,000

PPF (annual): Rs. 1.5 lakh = Rs. 12,500 per month

Your total monthly investment is approx Rs. 36,500.

After investments and expenses, you still save about Rs. 40,000 each month. That’s a good position to be in.

Upcoming Life Stage: Baby in the Family
Welcoming a child is a blessing and also a financial responsibility. Your planning must now include the baby’s expenses.

Prepare for the following costs:

Delivery and hospital expenses

Medicines and vaccinations

Baby food and care products

Day care or nanny later

Insurance for child

Education planning

From your remaining Rs. 40,000 monthly surplus, set aside Rs. 10,000 in a separate savings account from now. Use it only for baby-related costs.

Emergency Fund Planning
Currently, your monthly expenses are about Rs. 23,500.

After the baby arrives, expenses will rise. Let’s estimate future monthly expenses at Rs. 35,000 to Rs. 40,000.

You must have 6 months of this amount as emergency fund. That is about Rs. 2.4 lakh.

Build or maintain this in:

Sweep-in FD

High-interest savings account

Liquid mutual funds (regular plan through MFD with CFP)

Avoid keeping too much in hand or in low-interest accounts.

Insurance Protection First
Life Insurance:
Now that you are going to be a parent, life cover is urgent.
You must buy a term life plan of Rs. 1 crore at least.
Choose a plain term plan with no returns.
Don’t mix insurance and investment.

Health Insurance:
You and your spouse must have at least Rs. 5 lakh individual health cover.
A family floater policy for Rs. 10 lakh is also good to add.
Choose a plan with maternity and newborn cover if possible.

Also include critical illness cover for Rs. 10 to 15 lakh.

Optimise Existing Investments
You are already doing SIP of Rs. 11,000.
PPF investment of Rs. 1.5 lakh per year is also healthy.
EPF contribution of Rs. 13,000 monthly is strong.

These are good long-term habits. But let’s fine-tune:

Mutual Funds SIP

Make sure you are investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor who is also a Certified Financial Planner.

Don’t invest in direct plans yourself.

Direct funds may look cheaper but offer no guidance.

Regular plans through qualified experts offer better long-term results and monitoring.

Also, direct plans may lead to poor scheme selection and lack of review.

Prefer Actively Managed Funds

Index funds are not suitable for all.

Index funds follow the market blindly.

No flexibility in changing the stocks in bad times.

Actively managed funds have professional fund managers.

They shift between sectors based on market conditions.

This helps in reducing downside risk.

Talk to your mutual fund distributor and review your portfolio.
Make sure you are not overexposed to one category.
Have a mix of large cap, flexi cap, and hybrid funds.

Avoid too much in small cap or sector-specific funds right now.

Step-Up SIP Option
You may consider increasing your SIP with time.

Use Step-Up SIP option:

Increase SIP by Rs. 1,000 every 6 months.

Or increase Rs. 2,000 once a year.

This uses your future income growth to build wealth.

Save for Child’s Education
Start a separate investment bucket for this goal.
Time is on your side. You have 15 to 17 years.

Start small with Rs. 5,000 a month.
Use a child education goal-oriented fund or a combination of diversified equity and hybrid funds.

Again, invest through regular plan with a Certified Financial Planner.
Avoid ULIPs and child insurance policies — they have high charges and poor returns.

PPF is Good – But Use with Purpose
You are investing Rs. 1.5 lakh per year in PPF.
That’s fine if it is for:

Retirement

Partial use for child’s education

But don’t exceed this limit.
Returns are stable but not high.
It works best for fixed, long-term goals.

PPF has 15-year lock-in.
Liquidity is limited, though partial withdrawals are allowed after a few years.

Don’t stop it. But don’t expect it to fund all your goals.

Tax Planning
You are already investing in PPF and EPF.
Combined, they cover Rs. 1.5 lakh under Section 80C.

If you need more deductions, check:

Health insurance under 80D

Term insurance premiums under 80C

NPS contribution under 80CCD(1B) (optional, if surplus remains)

Avoid ELSS funds if 80C is already full.
They are equity funds, better used for long-term goals instead of just tax saving.

Budget Adjustments Post Baby
After the baby’s arrival:

Expect expenses to rise by Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 12,000

You may need to pause increase in SIPs

Keep insurance premiums up to date

Revisit your budget every 6 months

Be flexible but consistent.
Continue your SIPs even if other expenses rise.
Cut entertainment and non-essential spending if needed.

Child Future Goal Planning
Think in terms of three goals:

Short-term (baby’s early expenses)

Mid-term (schooling, extra-curriculars)

Long-term (higher education, marriage)

For long-term goals:

Continue SIPs for minimum 10 to 15 years

Avoid withdrawal unless really urgent

Add a goal-specific SIP portfolio

Avoid using real estate for these goals.
It blocks liquidity and has low yield.
Also not ideal during rising family responsibilities.

Retirement Planning Must Continue
Even though child planning becomes priority, don’t stop thinking about retirement.
Your EPF is strong, but won’t be enough.

Once you adjust to baby expenses, increase equity SIP slowly.
Retirement planning must not take a back seat.

Also consider starting a separate portfolio for retirement after 35.

Diversify with hybrid and multi-asset funds for risk control.

Debt Planning
Avoid any kind of debt now.
Personal loans, credit cards, BNPL — avoid all.
This phase is for saving, not borrowing.

If you have any EMIs now, prepay them slowly.
Try to stay debt-free during your child’s early years.

Final Insights
You are already doing many things right:

Regular SIP

EPF and PPF

Frugal spending

Now is the time to:

Add insurance cover

Start baby care fund

Begin child's education SIP

Keep a healthy emergency fund

Invest through regular plans with expert help.
Don’t go direct, it may hurt your goals.
Avoid index funds. Active funds are better for your situation.

Review everything every 6 months.
Update your financial plan as life changes.
Track investments with professional support, not DIY tools.

Be consistent, not perfect. That builds wealth over time.

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |3193 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Jun 13, 2025

Career
I am from NIOS Board and my marks have not yet been released, generally they release around 20 or 23rd June and the last date for marks submission for IISERs is 16 June so what should I do, will they allow me to enter and submit the marks during councelling?
Ans: Hello Maksh
Contact your school administration and ask them to acknowledge your complaint and assist you as soon as possible. Meanwhile, call the helpline number of NIOS and send them an email. Additionally, reach out to the IISER helpline and inform them via email about your issue with the NIOS marksheet. Even if they (IISER) permit you to enter the marks, the main question remains unanswered: where is the original marksheet, and from which source are you entering the marks?
Best of luck to you.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

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