I am 35 year old with 2.63 lakh in PPF, 2.30 lakh in Mutual funds, 12 lakh in stocks and plot worth Rs 25 lakh.My monthly income is 80 k and have a emi of Rs 13k... Suggest me for future investment and advise
Ans: At 35, you are doing well by saving and investing across different instruments. Your existing mix of PPF, mutual funds, direct stocks, and plot shows good intent. Let’s now look at a detailed, 360-degree strategy to help you build long-term wealth and financial freedom.
++Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Your age is 35, which gives you about 20+ years for wealth creation.
Monthly income of Rs 80,000 offers scope for regular savings.
EMI of Rs 13,000 is manageable. Your debt level seems under control.
Existing assets: Rs 2.63 lakh in PPF, Rs 2.30 lakh in mutual funds, Rs 12 lakh in direct stocks, and plot worth Rs 25 lakh.
++Review of Current Investments
PPF is a good long-term, tax-free, fixed-income option. Continue yearly contributions.
Mutual funds are a smart choice for market-linked long-term growth.
Direct stocks worth Rs 12 lakh are fine, but exposure should be monitored.
Plot worth Rs 25 lakh is an illiquid holding. Avoid further real estate investments.
++Asset Allocation Assessment
You are equity-heavy with Rs 12 lakh in stocks and Rs 2.3 lakh in mutual funds.
Debt side is underweight with only Rs 2.63 lakh in PPF.
A balanced approach needs diversification across equity, debt, and hybrid options.
Equity should be 60% to 65% of your total investments.
Rest can be in debt and short-term liquid instruments.
++Action Plan for Mutual Funds
Increase SIPs gradually to Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per month.
Prefer regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP credentials.
Avoid direct mutual funds. They lack guidance, portfolio review, and goal alignment.
Regular plan ensures ongoing hand-holding and expert monitoring.
++Why Avoid Direct Mutual Funds
They offer no personalised advice or help with rebalancing.
You may miss important exit opportunities during market cycles.
No help with scheme selection or goal tracking.
With regular plans, MFD with CFP credentials will provide ongoing guidance.
++Why Actively Managed Funds are Better than Index Funds
Index funds are passive. They follow the market blindly.
No risk management during downturns or volatility.
Actively managed funds adapt to market changes.
They are curated by experienced fund managers.
They aim to beat the market rather than mimic it.
++Stock Portfolio Guidance
Rs 12 lakh in stocks is a large portion. Keep review every 6 months.
Check for concentration risk. Don’t rely on few stocks or one sector.
Keep only 20% to 25% of your total investments in direct stocks.
Shift excess stock allocation gradually to mutual funds.
Stocks need active tracking and understanding of businesses. Avoid overconfidence.
++PPF Contributions
PPF is risk-free and tax-free. Continue yearly contributions.
Keep contributing Rs 1.5 lakh every year if possible.
PPF can support your retirement or child’s education.
Avoid touching it. Let it compound silently for 15+ years.
++Loan and EMI Review
EMI of Rs 13,000 is not a burden at your income level.
Ensure loan is for productive purpose and not consumption.
Avoid taking any personal loans or credit card dues.
Once this loan is closed, channel EMI amount into SIPs.
++Emergency Fund Planning
Set aside Rs 2 lakh as an emergency fund.
Park it in liquid funds or short-term FDs.
This helps avoid withdrawing investments during emergencies.
Emergency fund should be 3 to 6 months of expenses.
++Insurance Planning
Buy a pure term insurance of Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
It protects your family in case of uncertainty.
Avoid ULIPs, endowment, or money-back policies.
Term plan is cheap and gives high cover.
Also buy health insurance of at least Rs 5 lakh for yourself.
++Retirement Planning Strategy
You have 25 years to build your retirement corpus.
Start SIPs with long-term goal in mind.
Increase SIP amount by 5% to 10% every year.
Use equity mutual funds for long-term growth.
PPF and debt funds will offer stability in retirement phase.
++Suggested SIP Allocation Strategy (Start Gradually)
60% in diversified equity and flexi-cap mutual funds.
20% in large-cap and balanced advantage funds.
20% in short-term debt or conservative hybrid funds.
Avoid sectoral or thematic funds unless advised by a professional.
++Goal-Based Investment Approach
Define goals clearly: Retirement, children’s education, home, travel.
Assign timelines to each goal.
Link each SIP to a specific goal.
This will improve discipline and direction in your investing.
++Monthly Investment Strategy (Assuming Rs 30,000 available)
Rs 15,000 in equity mutual funds.
Rs 5,000 in balanced/hybrid mutual funds.
Rs 5,000 in PPF yearly (Rs 4166 monthly equivalent).
Rs 5,000 in liquid or debt funds for short-term needs.
++Avoid Real Estate for Investment
Real estate is illiquid and has poor tax efficiency.
It involves high maintenance, legal, and documentation burden.
Instead of second property, mutual funds give better flexibility.
Stay away from land, plots, or under-construction properties for investment.
++Don’t Fall for Investment-cum-Insurance Products
Avoid ULIPs, traditional insurance plans, and endowment policies.
They offer low returns, long lock-in, and poor flexibility.
If you already hold such LIC or ULIP, consider surrendering them.
Reinvest proceeds in mutual funds aligned with your goals.
++Tax Efficiency in Mutual Fund Investments
Long-term equity mutual fund gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term equity gains are taxed at 20%.
Debt fund gains are taxed as per income slab.
Mutual funds offer better post-tax returns than FDs or real estate.
++How to Track Progress
Review investments once every 6 months.
Use a professional Certified Financial Planner for periodic reviews.
Stay disciplined. Don’t stop SIPs due to market ups and downs.
Stick to long-term goals and avoid unnecessary portfolio churning.
++Wealth Protection Strategy
Build an emergency fund first.
Have term and health insurance in place.
Avoid loans for lifestyle or consumption.
Invest only surplus after covering all monthly obligations.
++Next Steps
Finalise goals and timelines.
Create a monthly investment plan.
Shift excess stocks into mutual funds.
Keep a professional to guide your journey.
Review and rebalance every 6 to 12 months.
++Finally
Your current financial base is solid. With structured planning, your future looks promising. By shifting focus to disciplined mutual fund investing, controlled risk-taking, and maintaining liquidity, you can build long-term wealth. Stay consistent and guided.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment