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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 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
Shubham Question by Shubham on May 28, 2024Hindi
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My self Shubham , I have agriculture land whose value is around 1.5 cr and right now i m getting 2 lakh rs annually as i have given my land in lease for farming i m thinking to sell my land to put that money some where else what is ur suggestion whether i sell it or not. N what is the future of agriculture land in india if i keep it with self for more 10-15 years right now my age is 27 Thank you

Ans: Dear Shubham,

Thank you for reaching out with your query. Your decision to either sell your agricultural land or retain it for future gains is a significant one and requires careful consideration. Here’s a detailed assessment to help you make an informed decision.

Evaluating the Future of Agricultural Land in India
Increasing Demand for Agricultural Land
India’s growing population and rising food demand suggest that agricultural land will continue to be valuable. The government’s focus on improving agricultural productivity and rural infrastructure could increase land value. Additionally, advancements in agricultural technology can boost land productivity, making agricultural land a potentially lucrative long-term investment.

Urbanization and Industrialization
As urban areas expand, agricultural land near cities may become prime targets for real estate development. This could significantly increase the land's value. However, this also depends on the land’s location and its proximity to urban centers. If your land is near an expanding urban area, its value might appreciate considerably over the next 10-15 years.

Assessing Your Current Returns and Future Potential
Current Lease Income
Currently, you are earning Rs. 2 lakh annually from leasing your land. This provides a steady, although relatively modest, income. Over the next 10-15 years, lease rates might increase, providing higher annual returns. However, this income may not match potential returns from other investment avenues.

Potential Appreciation
Agricultural land has historically shown significant appreciation in value over time. Keeping the land for another 10-15 years might result in a substantial increase in its value, especially if located near growing urban areas or if agricultural policies favor landowners.

Investment Alternatives if You Sell
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds can offer diversified exposure to different asset classes. Actively managed funds, guided by professional fund managers, can potentially provide higher returns than the agricultural lease income. Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to select funds aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Savings Certificate (NSC)
Investing in PPF or NSC can provide stable, tax-free returns with government-backed security. These are suitable for conservative investors looking for long-term wealth accumulation with tax benefits.

Equities and Bonds
Investing in equities offers potential for high returns, though with higher risk. Bonds, on the other hand, provide stable income and are less risky. A balanced portfolio, combining equities and bonds, can offer a good mix of growth and stability.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs in mutual funds allow for disciplined investing with potential for good returns over the long term. They help mitigate market volatility through rupee cost averaging. This can be a good option for regular and systematic investments.

Pros and Cons of Selling vs. Keeping the Land
Selling the Land
Pros:

Immediate access to a significant amount of capital.
Opportunity to invest in diversified financial instruments.
Potential for higher returns compared to lease income.
Cons:

Loss of a tangible asset that could appreciate over time.
No guarantee that new investments will outperform future land value.
Keeping the Land
Pros:

Steady lease income with potential for future increases.
Possibility of significant value appreciation, especially near urban areas.
Retaining a physical asset provides a sense of security.
Cons:

Lower current returns compared to potential investment alternatives.
Opportunity cost of not utilizing capital for higher returns.
Conclusion
Given your age (27) and the long investment horizon (10-15 years), you have time on your side. If your land is in a promising location near urban expansion, retaining it could be beneficial due to potential appreciation. However, if you seek higher returns and are comfortable with investing in diversified financial instruments, selling the land and reinvesting the proceeds could be a wise choice.

Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner to develop a personalized investment strategy. They can help balance risk and returns, ensuring your financial goals are met effectively.

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 Jun 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 12, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi sir, i have a land of 1.5 cr and no loans. Also I have my own house.My age is 38. I am working in IT, and due to heavy work pressure, I want to quit. Is it fine if i quit my job and can survive for next 30 years by investing land.. Thanks.
Ans: Understanding Your Current Financial Position
At 38 years old, you have a significant asset base. Owning a piece of land valued at Rs 1.5 crore and having no loans is commendable. Your own house further adds to your financial stability. Your achievements are noteworthy, and it's clear you've worked hard to build a secure foundation.

Evaluating the Decision to Quit Your Job
Quitting your job due to work pressure is a significant decision. It's important to assess whether your current assets and potential investments can sustain you for the next 30 years. Let's break down this decision into various factors that need consideration.

Assessing Your Monthly Expenses
First, calculate your monthly expenses. Include all essential costs like food, utilities, healthcare, insurance, and any dependents' needs. Understanding your monthly expenditure is crucial in determining if your investments can cover these costs for the next 30 years.

Estimating Future Inflation
Inflation impacts the purchasing power of your money over time. An average inflation rate of 5-6% per year can significantly increase your expenses over the years. Consider future inflation to ensure your investments can keep up with rising costs.

Potential Income from Land
Your land valued at Rs 1.5 crore is a substantial asset. However, it is essential to understand the potential income it can generate. Selling the land and investing the proceeds is one option. Alternatively, leasing it out could provide a regular income stream.

Investment Options for Long-Term Stability
Investing the proceeds from the sale of land requires a well-thought-out strategy. Given the long-term horizon, a mix of equity, mutual funds, and debt instruments can provide growth and stability. Let's explore these options in detail.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are a strong consideration for your investment strategy. Fund managers actively select securities to outperform the market. This can offer higher returns compared to passive options like index funds, which merely track a market index without active oversight.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds have limitations, as they do not adapt to market changes. They may underperform during market downturns. Actively managed funds can adjust their strategies based on market conditions, providing a more dynamic approach to investing.

Regular vs Direct Funds
Direct funds require significant market knowledge and time. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials offers professional management. This guidance ensures your investments align with your financial goals.

Creating a Diversified Portfolio
Diversification reduces risk. A balanced portfolio includes equity for growth, debt instruments for stability, and some liquid assets for immediate needs. This approach ensures a steady income stream and capital preservation over time.

Importance of Liquidity
Maintaining liquidity is crucial. Keeping a portion of your investments in liquid funds or short-term instruments ensures you can access cash quickly. This prevents the need to liquidate long-term investments in emergencies.

Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs)
Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs) can provide regular income. By investing in mutual funds and setting up an SWP, you can withdraw a fixed amount periodically. This ensures a steady income stream while allowing the remaining investment to grow.

Health Insurance and Emergency Funds
Adequate health insurance is vital to cover medical expenses. Also, an emergency fund with at least six months' worth of expenses ensures you are prepared for unexpected costs. These safeguards protect your financial stability.

Tax Implications
Understand the tax implications of selling your land and other investments. Long-term capital gains tax applies to profits from the sale of land and equity investments held for more than a year. Consulting a tax advisor can help optimize your tax strategy.

Risk Management
Effective risk management is crucial for long-term financial security. Diversifying your investments, maintaining liquidity, and having an emergency fund are key components. Regularly reviewing your portfolio and adjusting based on market conditions helps manage risks.

Long-Term Perspective
Investing with a long-term perspective is essential. Equity investments, while volatile in the short term, tend to deliver higher returns over the long term. Patience and discipline are crucial in achieving long-term financial success.

Regular Monitoring and Review
Regularly monitoring your portfolio's performance is necessary. Setting up a system for monthly or quarterly reporting helps track progress towards your goals. This ensures transparency and accountability in your investment journey.

Leveraging Professional Advice
Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner provides valuable insights. Their expertise helps navigate complex financial decisions and optimize your investment strategy. Regular consultations ensure your financial plan remains on track.

Stress Management and Mental Wellbeing
Quitting your job due to work pressure highlights the need for stress management and mental wellbeing. Consider exploring ways to manage stress, such as taking a sabbatical, seeking professional help, or finding a less stressful job within your field.

Potential Alternative Income Sources
Exploring alternative income sources can provide additional financial security. Freelancing, consulting, or part-time work in your field can generate income while allowing for a better work-life balance. This reduces the pressure on your investments to cover all expenses.

Financial Independence and Early Retirement
Achieving financial independence and retiring early (FIRE) requires careful planning. Ensuring your investments can generate enough income to cover your expenses for 30 years is challenging but achievable with the right strategy. Regularly reassess your financial plan to adapt to changing circumstances.

Importance of Lifestyle Adjustments
Consider potential lifestyle adjustments to reduce expenses. Simple changes like cutting unnecessary costs and adopting a frugal lifestyle can significantly extend the longevity of your investments. Balancing enjoyment and financial prudence is key.

Family and Dependents
If you have family or dependents, their needs should be factored into your financial plan. Education, healthcare, and other expenses should be accounted for to ensure their well-being is not compromised.

Estate Planning
Estate planning is crucial for ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Creating a will, setting up trusts, and nominating beneficiaries for your investments are important steps. This provides peace of mind and clarity for your loved ones.

Final Insights
Quitting your job and relying on your land and investments to sustain you for 30 years is a significant decision. Assessing your monthly expenses, future inflation, and potential income from land is crucial. Investing the proceeds from the land sale in a diversified portfolio ensures growth and stability. Actively managed funds offer professional oversight and potential for higher returns. Maintaining liquidity, having adequate health insurance, and creating an emergency fund are essential. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner and regularly reviewing your strategy will guide you towards achieving financial security.

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 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2024Hindi
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Sir I retd teacher given vrs.i am having no savings.i am getting 42000 as monthly pension.i have personal loan 4lakhs and paying 17000 monthly.i have 5cent of land which if I sell I will get 25lakhs.i have no children.i am in my own house.i am getting 4000 as rent.my age is 55.if I sell the property I can live a comfortable life, but a person known to me is telling not to sell now.my only problem is that if i get money I have to spend for farm land.my husband is an officer and he earns about 1lakhs and have saving in pF . can I see the land and put a small amount in farm 2acres of land or can i wait.5cent is ideal.
Ans: Financial Position Assessment

You have a monthly pension of Rs. 42,000 and a personal loan of Rs. 4 lakhs with a monthly EMI of Rs. 17,000. You also receive Rs. 4,000 as rent. Your primary asset is 5 cents of land, valued at Rs. 25 lakhs.

You have no children and live in your own house. Your husband earns Rs. 1 lakh monthly and has savings in PF.

Debt Management

Prioritize repaying the personal loan. The high EMI reduces your disposable income. Consider using part of the land sale proceeds to clear this debt. This will relieve financial stress.

Asset Utilization

Selling your 5 cents of land could provide immediate liquidity. With Rs. 25 lakhs, you can clear your personal loan and still have a significant amount left. This could enhance your financial stability.

Investment Strategy

Instead of reinvesting in farmland, consider diversifying your investments. Farm land can be risky and illiquid. Here are some options to explore:

Mutual Funds: Opt for actively managed mutual funds. They offer potential for higher returns. They also provide professional management.
Fixed Deposits: For safety and guaranteed returns. They offer peace of mind.
Post Office Schemes: Safe and offer decent returns. Ideal for retired individuals.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): Offers regular interest payments. Safe and government-backed.
Income Generation

Continue renting out your property for Rs. 4,000 monthly. This provides a steady income stream.

Insurance Review

Review your insurance policies. Ensure adequate health and term insurance coverage. This protects against unforeseen events.

Husband's Contributions

Leverage your husband's income and savings. His PF savings can be a good backup. Plan together for a secure retirement.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner

A CFP can help you make informed decisions. They offer professional advice tailored to your needs.

Final Insights

Selling your land can provide immediate financial relief. It allows you to clear your personal loan and invest the remaining amount wisely. Diversifying your investments ensures financial stability and regular income.

Avoid reinvesting in farmland due to its risks. Leverage your husband's income and savings for a secure future. Consulting a CFP ensures you make the best decisions for your financial well-being.

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 Nov 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 03, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, My age is 30 and currently working in corporate in Gurugram and my salary is 30k. Apart from that, I have ancestral 20 acres agricultural land worth 8 to 10Cr approx. My father is a farmer and he is doing farming on it and earn about 20 to 22 lakh yearly (Expenses and labour cost included) We have debt of 20 Lakh as well. So my question is if I sell around 2 acres worth 1.2 Cr of agriculture land and invest on different streams. Like some portions in Matual funds, ETF and some portion in Real estate. It is a good decision? I want to retire early, most probably in next 5 to 10 years. That's why m thinking to do this and create wealth. I am highly against to sell all my land so m just want to take risk with my 2 acres of my land. Thanks.
Ans: Firstly, it's commendable that you are considering early retirement and wealth creation with such a thoughtful approach. Your plan to sell a small portion of your land to diversify investments aligns with your early retirement goal. Let's look at how you can manage this transition effectively for your desired future.

Understanding the Value of Your Agricultural Land
Your ancestral land is a significant asset. With a worth between Rs 8 to 10 crore, it provides stability and potential future income. Selling a portion, while maintaining most of it, is a balanced approach. The sale of 2 acres, worth approximately Rs 1.2 crore, can fund your diversified investments without losing the bulk of this valuable asset.

Debt Clearance: A Priority Step
With a debt of Rs 20 lakh, prioritizing debt repayment is crucial. Clearing debt offers financial relief and boosts your credit profile. Additionally, being debt-free is essential when pursuing early retirement. Consider allocating a portion of the Rs 1.2 crore sale proceeds toward this debt.

Investment Strategy: Exploring Mutual Funds
Instead of considering direct investments in ETFs, let's focus on actively managed mutual funds. These funds provide better potential for growth due to the professional expertise of fund managers. Certified Financial Planners (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributors (MFD) guide you in selecting funds suited to your risk profile and goals.

Long-Term Growth Potential: Actively managed funds generally have more consistent growth compared to ETFs.

Flexibility: Fund managers actively adjust portfolios based on market conditions, enhancing returns.

Tax Efficiency: With mutual funds, you benefit from favorable tax treatment on long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh, taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains (STCG) have a 20% tax rate, applicable if you hold funds for less than a year.

Disadvantages of ETFs and Direct Mutual Funds
While ETFs may seem appealing, their passive nature can lead to missed opportunities. Direct funds, on the other hand, lack the professional guidance a Certified Financial Planner provides, and you might miss out on the benefits of regularly managed investments.

ETFs Lack Active Management: Passive funds mirror indices, often missing opportunities to adapt to market changes.

Direct Mutual Funds Can Be Overwhelming: Investing directly means handling all fund choices and portfolio rebalancing alone, which can be challenging without financial expertise.

Value in Professional Guidance: Working with a CFP ensures a well-monitored portfolio tailored to your early retirement goals.

Evaluating Real Estate as an Investment
Since you already own substantial agricultural land, diversifying further into real estate may not be ideal. The illiquid nature of real estate investments makes them less adaptable to quick financial needs, especially for early retirement.

Early Retirement Planning: Ensuring Financial Security
With an income of Rs 30,000 from your corporate job and agricultural revenue from family farming, early retirement in the next 5 to 10 years is ambitious but achievable. To ensure financial security, your investments should prioritize growth, liquidity, and low maintenance.

Setting Clear Retirement Goals: Establish your financial requirements post-retirement, such as monthly expenses and desired lifestyle.

Building a Diversified Portfolio: Incorporate mutual funds for long-term growth, fixed-income instruments for stability, and possibly some gold bonds as a hedge.

Emergency Fund: Building a Safety Net
Creating an emergency fund is essential, especially if you plan to leave your corporate job. Set aside a portion of the proceeds from your land sale as a buffer for unexpected expenses. Ideally, an amount that covers 6-12 months of your expenses provides peace of mind and financial security.

Focused Wealth-Building Approach
Your wealth creation plan should be structured around a mix of long-term and stable investment avenues:

Mutual Funds for Growth: Actively managed funds can help your wealth grow consistently.

Fixed-Income Instruments for Stability: Debt funds or bonds provide reliable returns and capital preservation.

Periodic Portfolio Review: Ensure regular reviews with your Certified Financial Planner to keep your portfolio aligned with your goals.

Tax Considerations: Maximizing Returns
Selling agricultural land for non-farming use may involve capital gains tax. However, specific exemptions may apply to agricultural land sales, so consulting with a tax expert can help you maximize your returns and manage any tax liabilities.

Final Insights
Your decision to retain most of your ancestral land while diversifying investments is sound. Prioritizing debt clearance and focusing on mutual funds, with the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner, can position you well for early retirement. This diversified approach can help you achieve financial security and independence while holding onto your ancestral roots.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Sunil

Sunil Lala  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

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

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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