Can I invest in these MF funds with the market down in Feb/Mar 2025?

Ans: Thank you for reading the ‘Money’ section regularly and for your kind words. It is encouraging to see readers thinking deeply about advice quality and not just products. Your questions are very relevant and show a mature approach to personal finance.

» How Certified Financial Planners usually charge
– A Certified Financial Planner can operate under different models
– If the CFP is also registered as an Investment Adviser (RIA):

They may charge a fixed annual fee

Or an hourly / project-based fee

Or a combination of fixed fee plus a small percentage of assets under advice
– If the CFP is also a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):

They do not charge fees directly to the client

They earn performance-linked commissions from mutual funds

This commission is built into the product cost and paid by the fund house
– The key point is transparency: a good CFP clearly explains how they are compensated before engagement

» How to choose the right Certified Financial Planner
– Start with credentials, not popularity
– Check that the person is an active CFP professional and not just using the term loosely
– Important selection criteria to consider:

Years of experience in comprehensive financial planning, not just selling products

Ability to cover all areas like goal planning, tax, insurance, retirement, estate basics

Process-driven approach rather than product-driven conversations

Willingness to understand your full financial picture before suggesting solutions
– During the first interaction, observe:

Are they asking more questions than giving quick answers?

Are they explaining concepts in simple language?

Are they comfortable saying “this is not suitable for you”?
– Comfort and trust matter; financial planning is a long-term relationship

» Ratings, reviews, and public information – practical view
– Unlike doctors or hotels, CFPs do not have a universal rating or grading system
– Online reviews can help, but should not be the only filter
– Consistency of thought, clarity of communication, and ethical positioning are more important than star ratings

» Directories and where to find CFPs
– FPSB India is the primary and official body that lists Certified Financial Planners
– Their directory helps you find CFPs city-wise, which is a good starting point
– The limitation, as you noticed, is that it mainly provides names and basic details
– Beyond this:

Many CFPs maintain their own websites, blogs, or YouTube channels where their thinking is visible

Articles, interviews, and long-form content give a better sense of philosophy than a simple profile
– There is no single platform today that provides detailed write-ups and comparisons of CFPs
– Hence, shortlisting 2–3 CFPs and having an introductory discussion is often the most practical method

» How to make an educated final choice
– Prefer planners who focus on planning before products
– Avoid those who push for immediate switches or drastic actions in the first meeting
– Ask clearly:

How will my progress be reviewed year after year?

How do you handle market ups and downs with clients?
– A good CFP aims for long-term discipline and peace of mind, not short-term excitement

» Final Insights
– Your approach of understanding the advisory ecosystem before engaging is wise
– There is no “perfect” charging model; clarity, alignment, and ethics matter more
– Spend time evaluating the planner, just as they evaluate your finances
– The right Certified Financial Planner adds value not only through returns, but through structure, clarity, and confidence

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ans: Hi Srinathan,

Can you please elaborate your monthly expenses for me to help you in a better way.
What you have mentioned is confusing, 25k - currently SIPs and insurance running or want to take that.

List things with little more clarity. Looking for your reply.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

Ans: Guava allergy is uncommon, especially compared with well?known fruit allergies like kiwi, banana, or citrus. But it can happen. Discuss your child’s symptoms with a pediatrician or allergist. Gentle, child?friendly substitutes include oranges, strawberries, pineapple and mango. Some high ?fiber fruits include apples (with skin), pears, berries, papaya. Hydrating fruits include watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, peaches. To avoid triggering discomfort offer one new fruit at a time.

Ans: Long?term weight change is much more about habits and structure than about strict rules. Some diets are too restrictive. Many people swing between perfect days (clean eating, strict rules) or off days (overeating, guilt, giving up). Irregular timing makes hunger unpredictable and increases impulsive eating. Lack of sleep and chronic stress increase appetite. Follow balanced meals. Prioritize protein at every meal. Add foods that are high in volume but low in calories. Stop when you feel satisfied, not stuffed. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep and be active.

Ans: Eating at consistent intervals supports smoother insulin response and reduces spikes and crashes. Long gaps between meals can cause the liver to release stored glucose, raising blood sugar. Skipping meals often leads to overeating later, causing sharp spikes. Late dinners tend to cause higher overnight glucose because insulin sensitivity drops in the evening. The balance of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and fiber in a meal strongly affects how quickly glucose enters your bloodstream. Eat protein + vegetables first, carbs last. This order has been shown to reduce post?meal glucose spikes. Even healthy foods can raise blood sugar if portions are too large. Aim for protein (eggs, yogurt, tofu, lentils); fiber (vegetables, oats, whole grains) and moderate carbs. Exercise regularly and stay well hydrated.

Ans: Children’s skin reflects their overall nutrition. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s consistency. Key food groups that help skin stay healthy include fruits like oranges, berries, kiwi, mango, watermelon, apples,; vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, cucumbers; healthy fats from avocado, nuts (if safe), seeds, olive oil, fatty fish like salmon; protein from eggs, chicken, beans, lentils, yogurt, tofu and whole grains like oats, whole?wheat bread, brown rice. Follow simple daily structure and use sweets and packaged snacks as “sometimes foods,” not forbidden foods. Regular activity improves circulation, which helps skin look healthy and bright. Emotional well?being matters too.

Ans: A normal, healthy range for this age is generally 25.8–42.7kg in weight. Your daughter’s weight (~88 lbs) falls well within this broad range. But weight alone doesn’t tell the whole story. We need to look at BMI?for?age percentile, growth pattern over time, family body types, puberty stage. Children need steady energy and nutrients for brain and body development. Instead, focus on healthy habits for the whole family. Include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins (eggs, beans, chicken, fish), dairy or fortified alternatives. Keep sugary drinks as occasional treats. Kids need about 60 minutes of activity per day, but it doesn’t have to be structured exercise. Also, she would need need 9–12 hours of sleep.

Ans: Yes you shall get pension after retirement

Ans: Hello, i understand your point of view but this is as per the marketing budgets of the companies.
Also you have to understand that market does not perform in linear manner, it has multiple cycles like Up cycle, Down cycle and Consolidation phase. So when someone invests in Mutual funds or equities, they need to have a long term investment horizon and by long term i mean 5-7 years plus.
Hence, please do not blame it on media as they just advertise and not provide you with the solution you need as the solution you need is very customized and the advertisements they run is for the entire population of India.
Get yourself an advisor who can make you understand these concepts before you invest your hard earned money, and not randomly on the basis of any advertisements.