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Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |485 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 17, 2025

Reetika Sharma is a certified financial planner and CEO of F-Secure Solutions.
She advises clients about investments, insurance, tax and estate planning and manages high net-worth individual’s portfolios.
Reetika has an MBA in finance from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and an engineer degree from NIT, Jalandhar.
She also holds certifications from the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).... more
Savankumar Question by Savankumar on Dec 16, 2025Hindi
Money

In th period of uncertainity is it better go invest aggressively in Gold/ Silver instead or dropping from modern hedges like Mutual Funds and bonds? Kindly suggest and give your words on the burning issue.

Ans: Hi Savankumar,

It is never a wise move to invest aggressively in any single asset like Gold or Silver. My sole suggestion is to go for a balanced and diversified portfolio.
- Never drop modern hedges such as bonds or mutual funds. They are essential and plays a very critical role in maintaining overall volatility of one's portfolio.
- Ideal gold/ silver allocation should not exceed more than 10% of your overall portfolio value.
- Review your situation wrt your individual profile and work with a professional advisor to assess your risk profile and then design a suitable investment portfolio for you.
- Remember, a properly diversified portfolio always outperform an aggressive speculation.

Make sure to consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/
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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Hello Sir, Which investment is better for long term, Shares or Gold. Kindly suggest
Ans: When considering investments for the long term, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each asset class based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market outlook. Here's a comparison between shares (equities) and gold:

Shares (Equities):

Potential for Growth: Historically, equities have provided higher returns over the long term compared to other asset classes such as gold. Investing in shares allows you to participate in the growth of businesses and economies.
Higher Risk: Equities are more volatile than gold and are subject to market fluctuations, economic conditions, and company-specific factors. However, over the long term, the risk of investing in diversified equity funds can be mitigated through proper asset allocation and diversification.
Dividend Income: Many companies distribute dividends to shareholders, providing additional income in the form of dividends.
Inflation Hedge: Equities can serve as a hedge against inflation as companies have the potential to increase prices and earnings over time.
Gold:

Safe Haven Asset: Gold is often considered a safe haven asset during times of economic uncertainty or market turmoil. It tends to retain its value and may even appreciate during periods of market volatility.
Diversification: Adding gold to a diversified investment portfolio can help reduce overall portfolio risk, especially when other asset classes such as equities are experiencing downturns.
Lack of Income: Unlike equities, gold does not generate income in the form of dividends or interest. Its value primarily depends on supply and demand dynamics and investor sentiment.
Limited Growth Potential: While gold can serve as a store of value, its long-term growth potential may be lower compared to equities.
In summary, both shares (equities) and gold have their place in a well-diversified investment portfolio. For long-term wealth accumulation, investing in diversified equity funds offers the potential for higher returns, albeit with higher volatility. It's essential to assess your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals before making investment decisions.

When considering long-term investments, diversified equity mutual funds are generally preferred over both individual stocks and gold for several reasons:

Diversification: Equity mutual funds pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks across different sectors and market capitalizations. This diversification helps spread risk and reduces the impact of volatility compared to investing in individual stocks.

Professional Management: Equity mutual funds are managed by experienced fund managers who conduct in-depth research and analysis to select and manage the portfolio of stocks. Their expertise can potentially lead to better investment decisions compared to individual investors.

Liquidity: Mutual funds offer high liquidity, allowing investors to buy or sell units at net asset value (NAV) on any business day. This liquidity makes it easy to enter or exit investments, providing flexibility based on changing financial goals or market conditions.

Cost-effective: Investing in equity mutual funds is cost-effective compared to directly investing in individual stocks, especially for small investors. Mutual funds spread transaction costs and management fees across a large investor base, resulting in lower overall expenses.

Risk Management: Mutual funds typically offer different categories based on risk profiles, such as large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, or multi-cap funds. Investors can choose funds that align with their risk tolerance and investment objectives, allowing for effective risk management.

Regulatory Oversight: Mutual funds are regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), providing investors with regulatory oversight, transparency, and investor protection measures.

Considering these factors, investing in well-managed diversified equity mutual funds is generally considered a more prudent approach for long-term wealth creation compared to investing in individual stocks or gold. It's essential to select funds that align with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals, and regularly review your portfolio's performance to ensure it remains in line with your objectives. Consulting with a financial advisor can also provide personalized guidance based on your specific circumstances and investment needs.

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Naveenn Kummar  |241 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Jan 15, 2026

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Hi, I am 55 years of age, an NRI working in Dubai and my company has a medical insurance policy that covers all medical expenses for me and my wife all over the world. In 5 years time, upon retirement, I will relocate back to India. Will I be able to take a medical insurance policy for myself and my wife at the age of 60 years ? If I take a medical insurance policy now, would it help in reducing the insurance premium ? Kindly advice.
Ans: Hi Girish

You are 55, working in Dubai, and currently covered under your company’s medical insurance worldwide. That cover is excellent, but please remember one important thing: it ends the day your employment ends. Health insurance planning has to look beyond employment.

Can you take a health insurance policy in India at age 60?
Yes, you can. Most insurers in India do allow entry at 60 years and even later.
However, at that age:

Premiums are significantly higher

Medical tests and scrutiny are much stricter

Any lifestyle condition or past medical history can lead to waiting periods, exclusions, or higher premiums

So while it is possible, it is not ideal to start fresh at 60.

Will taking a policy now help reduce premium later?
The bigger benefit is not just premium, but certainty and continuity.

If you take a policy now at 55:

You enter at a lower age slab

Mandatory waiting periods (usually 2–4 years) get completed well before retirement

By the time you are 60, the policy becomes mature and far more useful

Underwriting happens when you are younger and healthier

Premiums will still rise with age, but you avoid the sharp jump and uncertainty of entering as a new senior citizen.

But since you already have full medical cover, is this necessary?
Think of this Indian policy as a retirement safety net, not a replacement for your employer cover.

You do not need to actively use it now.
You just need it to run in the background, so that when you return to India, you are not forced to buy insurance at the worst possible time.

Many NRIs make the mistake of postponing this decision and then struggle at 60 when options become limited.

What kind of policy should you consider?
Keep it straightforward:

A family floater for you and your wife

Decent coverage, not the bare minimum

Focus on hospitalisation benefits

Buy it with the intention of continuing it for life

Avoid over engineering the policy. Simplicity works best in health insurance.

Final advice
Health insurance is one area where early action quietly pays off later.
You may never thank yourself at 60 for buying a policy at 55, but you will definitely regret not doing it if a medical issue arises.

Most obvious question how can I take the family floater insurance most insurance will issue when you are visiting India

Few insurance will issue incase your are not able to visit Indian the cost of medical test in your abroad hospital or clinic will cost you heavy on pockets

Naveenn Kummar
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 03, 2025Hindi
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I recently entered menopause, and I’ve noticed my weight going up no matter what I eat or how careful I try to be. Earlier, if I skipped sweets for a week or reduced portions, I could see a small difference, but now it feels like nothing works. My metabolism seems to have completely slowed down, and I also experience sudden mood swings, bloating, and fatigue. It’s quite frustrating because I’m eating mostly home food — chapati, sabzi, dal, very little oil — and I even try to go for walks regularly. Still, my clothes have become tighter and I feel more irritable than before. Some friends say it’s just hormonal and can’t be helped, while others suggest cutting carbs or going on a high-protein diet. But I’m not sure what’s safe or sustainable at this stage. Is there a specific kind of diet that can help women during menopause manage their weight, energy levels, and mood swings without feeling constantly hungry or deprived?
Ans: During menopause, weight gain and fatigue are common due to hormonal changes and a slower metabolism, but the right diet can help. A balanced approach is beneficial, such as a Mediterranean-style diet or a modified high-protein plan that emphasizes whole grains, lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. This supports weight management, stabilizes mood, and boosts energy without leaving you hungry. Pairing this with strength training, good sleep, and stress management can help you manage weight, energy, and mood swings sustainably.

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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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