Home > Money > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 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
Milind Question by Milind on Jul 15, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money

Thank you Rama sir. This evening I received following reply from SBI MF team: This is to inform you that the above-mentioned folio being a Demat folio, we request you to contact your depository participant (DP) for any folio related information. We are unable to share folio related information as the units are De-materialized. Please note that investment of stock exchange folio does not reflect on SBIMF portal. Can you elaborate on this more in detail? Thank you once again.

Ans: Your investments are in a Demat folio, meaning the units are held in electronic form. This is why they don't appear on the SBI Mutual Fund portal.

Role of Depository Participant (DP)

A Depository Participant (DP) manages your Demat account. All transactions and holdings related to your Demat folio are recorded by your DP, not directly by SBI Mutual Fund.

Next Steps
Contact Your DP

Reach out to your Depository Participant. They can provide detailed information about your Demat holdings and current values.

Check DP Platform

Use your DP's online platform to view and manage your mutual fund investments. This platform will show accurate and up-to-date information.

Clarify Any Doubts

If you have further questions, your DP can offer clarification and assistance with your Demat account.

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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 30, 2024

Listen
Money
hello sir arun i am investing in SIP Rs 3000 for Nippon India small cap Fund DG and Rs 2000 HDFC N=Midcap Oppurtunity fund DG and Rs 2000 HDFC Small Cap Fund DG and Rs 1500 HDFC top 100 fund please check this folio is ok or chnage the MF if any please guide
Ans: Assessment of Current Mutual Fund Portfolio

Analyzing Investment Strategy:

Investing Rs. 3000 in Nippon India Small Cap Fund (Direct Growth), Rs. 2000 in HDFC Midcap Opportunities Fund (Direct Growth), Rs. 2000 in HDFC Small Cap Fund (Direct Growth), and Rs. 1500 in HDFC Top 100 Fund (Direct Growth) reflects a diversified approach across small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap segments of the market.

Reviewing Fund Selection:

Nippon India Small Cap Fund:

Investing in a small-cap fund offers potential for high growth but comes with increased volatility. It's suitable for investors with a high-risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon.
HDFC Midcap Opportunities Fund:

Mid-cap funds invest in companies with moderate market capitalization, offering a balance between growth potential and risk. They are suitable for investors seeking capital appreciation over the long term.
HDFC Small Cap Fund:

Similar to the Nippon India Small Cap Fund, HDFC Small Cap Fund focuses on investing in small-cap companies. It provides exposure to high-growth potential stocks but carries higher volatility.
HDFC Top 100 Fund:

Investing in a large-cap fund like HDFC Top 100 Fund provides stability and capital preservation. Large-cap stocks are less volatile and offer relatively stable returns compared to mid and small-cap stocks.
Suggested Changes or Adjustments:

Diversification Across Fund Houses:

Consider diversifying across different fund houses to mitigate concentration risk. Investing solely in HDFC funds may expose your portfolio to specific company or sector-related risks associated with HDFC's portfolio.
Evaluate Expense Ratios:

Compare the expense ratios of your current funds with similar funds from other fund houses. Lower expense ratios can lead to higher net returns over the long term.
Review Performance Consistency:

Evaluate the consistency of fund performance over different market cycles. Look for funds with a track record of delivering consistent returns relative to their benchmark indices.
Benefits of Regular Funds Investing through MFD with CFP Credential:

Professional Guidance:

Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures access to professional guidance and expertise in creating a tailored investment plan aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Portfolio Customization:

A CFP can help customize your investment portfolio based on your unique financial situation, investment objectives, and time horizon.
Continuous Monitoring:

With regular funds investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD), your portfolio is continuously monitored, and adjustments are made as needed to keep it aligned with your goals.
Conclusion:

Your current mutual fund portfolio showcases a diversified approach across different market segments. However, considering factors such as diversification across fund houses, expense ratios, and performance consistency, it may be beneficial to review and potentially adjust your portfolio under the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2024

Listen
Money
I invested in mf sip of sbi contra fund Reg G,Quant small cap fund Reg G, Sbi small cap fund Dir G, And also lumpsum of ?5000 in Parag parikh flexi cap fund Dir G, Nippon India nifty small cap 250 index fund Dir G, Sbi nifty small cap 250 index fund Dir G. Kindly advice is it required any reallocation required,if yes suggest pl.
Ans: It's excellent that you're investing in mutual funds through SIPs and lump-sum investments, which can help you build wealth over the long term. Let's assess your current portfolio and see if any reallocation is needed.

Your portfolio consists of a mix of actively managed funds and index funds, covering different market segments like contra, small-cap, and flexi-cap. This diversification is good, but it's essential to periodically review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Firstly, let's evaluate your actively managed funds. SBI Contra Fund, Quantum Small Cap Fund, and SBI Small Cap Fund are actively managed funds with varying investment strategies. It's crucial to monitor their performance and ensure they continue to meet your expectations. If any of these funds consistently underperform or deviate from their investment mandate, you may consider reallocating your investments to better-performing alternatives within the same category.

Regarding your lump-sum investments, Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund is known for its diversified approach across market caps and sectors, providing flexibility and potential for growth. However, it's essential to review its performance periodically to ensure it continues to deliver results.

Nippon India Nifty Small Cap 250 Index Fund and SBI Nifty Small Cap 250 Index Fund are passive funds tracking the Nifty Small Cap 250 Index. While index funds offer low-cost exposure to specific market segments, they may not outperform actively managed funds consistently. However, they provide diversification and can be a valuable component of a well-rounded portfolio.

There are some advantages to consider direct funds, and the cost savings can be significant in the long run. However, there are some potential benefits to using a regular MFD:
Advantages of Investing Through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):
• Personalized Advice: MFDs can be helpful for beginners or those who lack investment knowledge. They can assess your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon to recommend suitable mutual funds. This personalized guidance can be valuable, especially if you're new to investing.
• Convenience: MFDs handle all the paperwork and transactions on your behalf, saving you time and effort. They can help with account setup, SIP registrations, and managing your portfolio across different funds.
• Investor Support: MFDs can be a point of contact for any questions or concerns you may have about your investments. They can provide ongoing support and guidance throughout your investment journey.

Consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon when evaluating the need for reallocation. If any fund significantly underperforms or if your financial circumstances change, you may need to rebalance your portfolio accordingly.

It's advisable to consult with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice based on your specific financial situation and goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 07, 2024

Money
Dear Sir.. DPVN aged 43 investment in MF as follows 1. Kotak Multicap 5000pm since 2018 2. Canrobecco emerging equity 5000 pm since Jan 2022 3. DSP equity opportunity Rs 1000 pm since 2018 4. LIC large& Mid cap 2000 pm since 2018 5. LIC large cap Rs 2000 since 2018 6. SBI focussed equity 1000 pm 7. SBI blue chip 1000 pm 8 sbI magnum mid cap 1000 pm 9. SBI small & mid cap 1000 pm Last 4 years Should I review, continue? How would rate this folio. Please advice. DPVN 5
Ans: Dear DPVN,

Thank you for sharing the details of your mutual fund investments. I appreciate your commitment to securing your financial future. Let's carefully review your portfolio and explore opportunities for improvement. Your dedication to investing consistently is commendable and shows a strong commitment to your financial goals.

Reviewing Your Current Portfolio

Your portfolio includes a diverse mix of mutual funds. These funds span various categories, such as multicap, large cap, mid cap, and focused equity funds. This diversity helps spread risk across different market segments.

Here's a summary of your current investments:

Kotak Multicap Fund: Rs 5000 per month since 2018
Canara Robeco Emerging Equity Fund: Rs 5000 per month since January 2022
DSP Equity Opportunity Fund: Rs 1000 per month since 2018
LIC Large & Mid Cap Fund: Rs 2000 per month since 2018
LIC Large Cap Fund: Rs 2000 per month since 2018
SBI Focused Equity Fund: Rs 1000 per month
SBI Blue Chip Fund: Rs 1000 per month
SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund: Rs 1000 per month
SBI Small & Mid Cap Fund: Rs 1000 per month
Diversification and Overlap

Your portfolio demonstrates good diversification across different fund categories. However, it's essential to assess if there's any overlap in the underlying assets. Having too many funds within the same category can lead to redundancy, which may not provide additional diversification benefits.

For example, your investments in multiple large cap and mid cap funds could result in overlapping holdings. Evaluating each fund's portfolio can help determine if they're holding similar stocks. If significant overlap is found, consolidating these investments might simplify your portfolio without compromising diversification.

Performance Evaluation

Regularly reviewing the performance of your investments is crucial. Let's look at the historical performance of these funds since you started investing. Consistently underperforming funds should be reassessed.

Kotak Multicap Fund: Multicap funds offer flexibility to invest across market capitalizations. Reviewing its performance relative to its benchmark and peers will provide insights.
Canara Robeco Emerging Equity Fund: Emerging equity funds can be volatile but offer growth potential. Since you started in 2022, it's essential to monitor its performance closely.
DSP Equity Opportunity Fund: This fund's performance since 2018 should be reviewed. Equity opportunity funds aim for growth by investing in companies with potential.
LIC Large & Mid Cap Fund and LIC Large Cap Fund: Large and mid cap funds balance growth and stability. Reviewing their returns will indicate their performance.
SBI Focused Equity Fund: Focused funds hold a limited number of stocks, aiming for higher returns. Assess its performance for consistency.
SBI Blue Chip Fund: Blue chip funds invest in established companies. Evaluate its performance against other large cap funds.
SBI Magnum Mid Cap Fund and SBI Small & Mid Cap Fund: Mid and small cap funds can offer high growth but are riskier. Review their performance since inception.
Risk Assessment

Each fund category carries different levels of risk. Large cap funds tend to be more stable, while mid and small cap funds are more volatile but offer higher growth potential. Your portfolio's risk profile should align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Given your age (43), you likely have a mix of medium and long-term financial goals. Balancing risk and growth is key. Assess if your current mix aligns with your risk tolerance. If any funds seem too risky, consider reallocating to more stable options.

Expense Ratios and Fund Management

Expense ratios impact your returns. Lower expense ratios mean more of your money is working for you. Comparing the expense ratios of your funds with peers can identify cost-efficient options.

Actively managed funds, like those in your portfolio, involve fund managers making investment decisions. Evaluating the fund managers' track records can provide insights into their performance consistency.

Tax Efficiency

Tax efficiency is another important factor. Long-term capital gains tax (LTCG) applies to equity mutual funds held for over a year. Monitoring your portfolio's tax efficiency ensures you're optimizing returns while minimizing tax liabilities.

Benefits of Active Management

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through strategic stock selection. While they come with higher fees compared to index funds, they offer potential for higher returns. Active fund managers can navigate market volatility, making informed decisions based on research and analysis.

Disadvantages of Index Funds

Index funds track a market index and aim to match its performance. While they have lower fees, they also limit the potential for outperformance. They can't adapt to market changes or economic shifts. For investors seeking higher returns, actively managed funds offer better opportunities, despite higher costs.

Assessing Direct vs. Regular Funds

Direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios as they don't involve intermediaries. However, regular funds, invested through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), provide professional guidance. This advice can help in selecting the right funds and managing your portfolio effectively.

Direct funds may seem cost-effective, but the expertise of a CFP can lead to better-informed decisions. Regular funds ensure your investments are aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. The additional cost of regular funds is justified by the personalized advice and management.

Rebalancing Your Portfolio

Periodic rebalancing aligns your portfolio with your investment strategy. Over time, some funds may perform better than others, skewing your allocation. Rebalancing ensures you're not overly exposed to any particular asset class.

Review your investments annually or semi-annually. This helps in making necessary adjustments based on market conditions and your financial goals. Selling overperforming assets and reinvesting in underperforming ones can help maintain your desired risk level.

Investment Strategy Moving Forward

To optimize your portfolio, consider the following steps:

Performance Review: Regularly review the performance of each fund. Replace consistently underperforming funds with better alternatives.

Reduce Overlap: Consolidate funds with significant overlap. This simplifies management and ensures better diversification.

Risk Alignment: Ensure your portfolio's risk profile aligns with your risk tolerance and financial goals. Adjust allocations if necessary.

Expense Ratios: Compare expense ratios and opt for cost-efficient funds. Lower expenses contribute to higher net returns.

Professional Guidance: Leverage the expertise of a Certified Financial Planner for informed decisions and strategic planning.


It's understandable to feel overwhelmed with managing multiple investments. Your diligence in saving and investing is praiseworthy. A structured approach will simplify management and enhance returns. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your portfolio ensures you're on track to achieve your financial goals.

Final Insights

Your commitment to investing regularly in mutual funds is commendable. A strategic review and rebalancing of your portfolio will enhance its performance. Consolidating overlapping funds and ensuring alignment with your risk tolerance are key steps.

Regularly monitor your investments and seek professional guidance when needed. Your financial journey is unique, and tailored advice will help you navigate it effectively. With careful planning and periodic reviews, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial aspirations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x