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Naveenn

Naveenn Kummar  |233 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF, Insurance Expert - Answered on Oct 26, 2025

Naveenn Kummar has over 16 years of experience in banking and financial services.
He is an Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI)-registered mutual fund distributor, an Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)-licensed insurance advisor and a qualified personal finance professional (QPFP) certified by Network FP.
An engineering graduate with an MBA in management, he leads Alenova Financial Services under Vadula Consultancy Services, offering solutions in mutual funds, insurance, retirement planning and wealth management.... more
bakul Question by bakul on Oct 07, 2025Hindi
Money

which mutual fund shall i take so that i manage the 5 lac for my daughter education after 6 years & how much amount sip or mutual fund

Ans: Goal

Create a corpus for your daughter’s education after 6 years.
You currently have ?5 lakh available to invest.

Step 1: Expected Return Range

For a 6-year goal, a mix of equity and hybrid mutual funds can generate a realistic annual return of around 10–12% with moderate risk.

Step 2: Growth Estimate

If you invest ?5 lakh today and allow it to compound for 6 years, it can grow approximately to ?9–10 lakh assuming 11–12% annual returns.
If your goal amount is higher (for example ?12–15 lakh), you will need to add a small SIP alongside your lump sum.

Step 3: SIP Requirement

To reach ?12–15 lakh in 6 years, you can add a SIP of ?3,000–?6,000 per month.
This helps you stay on track for the education goal even with market fluctuations.

Step 4: Recommended Investment Approach

Allocate the ?5 lakh across diversified equity and balanced advantage funds.

Add a small portion in short-duration debt for stability.

Continue monthly SIPs in equity-oriented funds for growth.

In the final year, gradually shift part of the corpus to short-term debt to protect gains from market volatility.

Step 5: Summary

Lump sum: ?5,00,000 now

SIP: ?3,000–?6,000 per month for 6 years

Tenure: 6 years

Expected return: 10–12% annualised

Estimated corpus: ?12–15 lakh

Key Points

Use only regulated mutual fund platforms.

Select growth option, not IDCW.

Review the portfolio annually to maintain balance and risk level.

Shift to safer funds as the goal approaches.

Disclaimer / Guidance:
The above analysis is generic in nature and based on limited data shared. For accurate projections — including inflation, tax implications, pension structure, and education cost escalation — it is strongly advised to consult a qualified QPFP/CFP or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD). They can help prepare a comprehensive retirement and goal-based cash flow plan tailored to your unique situation.
Financial planning is not only about returns; it’s about ensuring peace of mind and aligning your money with life goals. A professional planner can help you design a safe, efficient, and realistic roadmap toward your ideal retirement.

Best regards,
Naveenn Kummar, BE, MBA, QPFP
Chief Financial Planner | AMFI Registered MFD
https://members.networkfp.com/member/naveenkumarreddy-vadula-chennai
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 Jul 22, 2024

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Dear Sir, I seek your advice on starting a Mutual Fund SIP for my daughter's higher studies. She is currently in Class 7 and aspires to be a doctor. I am 47 years old, with a monthly net income of ?3 lakhs. Currently, I invest ?1.25 lakhs per month in SIPs across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and aggressive hybrid funds. I own a loan-free home in Navi Mumbai and am in the process of buying a ?90 lakh flat, for which I have already paid ?52 lakhs. I plan to work for another four years. My total savings, including PF, PPF, SSY, land, and mutual funds, amount to ?2.7 crores. My current household expenses are ?75,000-?85,000 per month. Could you please recommend a suitable Mutual Fund SIP for my daughter's education? Additionally, I would appreciate guidance on how much money I should have to ensure a comfortable retirement.
Ans: Current Financial Situation
You are 47 years old.

Your monthly net income is Rs 3 lakhs.

You invest Rs 1.25 lakhs per month in SIPs across various mutual funds.

You own a loan-free home in Navi Mumbai.

You are in the process of buying a Rs 90 lakh flat and have paid Rs 52 lakhs.

You plan to work for another four years.

Your total savings, including PF, PPF, SSY, land, and mutual funds, amount to Rs 2.7 crores.

Your household expenses are Rs 75,000 to Rs 85,000 per month.

Planning for Daughter's Higher Education
Investment Horizon
Your daughter is currently in Class 7.

She aspires to be a doctor.

You have an investment horizon of 6-7 years until she starts her medical studies.

Suitable Mutual Fund SIPs
Consider equity-oriented mutual funds for long-term growth.

Focus on diversified equity funds for balanced risk and returns.

Look for funds with a good track record and consistent performance.

Monthly SIP Amount
Determine an affordable SIP amount based on your current investments and savings.

Aiming for Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per month would be prudent.

This ensures adequate funds for her higher education.

Ensuring a Comfortable Retirement
Retirement Corpus
Estimate your retirement needs based on current expenses.

Assume an inflation rate to maintain purchasing power.

Aim for a retirement corpus that supports your lifestyle for 20-25 years post-retirement.

Existing Savings and Investments
You have Rs 2.7 crores in savings and investments.

Continue your current SIPs and other investments.

Ensure your portfolio is diversified across equity, debt, and fixed income.

Additional Retirement Savings
Consider increasing your SIP amount if possible.

Maximize contributions to PF, PPF, and other fixed income instruments.

These provide safety and stable returns.

Reducing Expenses and Debt
You are buying a new flat.

Ensure you manage the remaining payment without straining your finances.

Avoid taking on unnecessary debt.

Focus on reducing household expenses where possible.

Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner.

They will help assess your financial goals and create a detailed retirement plan.

Strategies for Education and Retirement
Education Fund
Start a dedicated SIP for your daughter's education.

Choose equity-oriented funds with a strong performance history.

Ensure regular reviews and adjustments based on market conditions.

Retirement Fund
Maintain a balanced portfolio for retirement savings.

Include a mix of equity, debt, and fixed income.

Consider systematic withdrawal plans post-retirement for regular income.

Regular Monitoring
Review your investment portfolio regularly.

Make adjustments based on market performance and personal goals.

Seek professional advice for tailored guidance.

Final Insights
You have a stable financial situation with a good income.

Starting a SIP for your daughter's education is a wise decision.

Focus on equity-oriented funds for long-term growth.

Ensure your retirement corpus is sufficient for a comfortable life.

Diversify your investments and avoid unnecessary debt.

Regularly review and adjust your portfolio.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for expert advice.

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 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 13, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir, I seek your advice on starting a Mutual Fund SIP for my daughter's higher studies. She is currently in Class 7 and aspires to be a doctor. I am 47 years old, with a monthly net income of ?3 lakhs. Currently, I invest ?1.25 lakhs per month in SIPs across large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and aggressive hybrid funds. I own a loan-free home in Navi Mumbai and am in the process of buying a ?90 lakh flat, for which I have already paid ?52 lakhs. I plan to work for another four years. My total savings, including PF, PPF, SSY, land, and mutual funds, amount to ?2.7 crores. My current household expenses are ?75,000-?85,000 per month. Could you please recommend a suitable Mutual Fund SIP for my daughter's education? Additionally, I would appreciate guidance on how much money I should have to ensure a comfortable retirement.
Ans: Overview of Financial Goals
You have two main financial goals: funding your daughter's higher education and ensuring a comfortable retirement. Let's address both in detail.

Daughter's Higher Education
Time Frame: Your daughter is in Class 7. Assuming she will start her medical studies in Class 12, you have about 5-6 years to build this fund.

Target Corpus: Considering the rising cost of medical education in India and abroad, aim for a corpus of Rs. 50-75 lakhs.

Suggested Mutual Fund SIP Strategy
To accumulate this corpus, a well-diversified portfolio is essential. Here are the suggested fund types:

Aggressive Hybrid Funds

These funds invest in both equity and debt, providing balanced growth and stability.
Mid-cap and Small-cap Funds

These funds can offer higher returns, suitable for the 5-6 year horizon.
Equity-linked Savings Schemes (ELSS)

These funds provide tax benefits under Section 80C and have a mandatory lock-in period of 3 years, aligning well with your goal.
Monthly SIP Amount
To accumulate Rs. 50-75 lakhs in 5-6 years, you need to invest approximately Rs. 60,000-70,000 per month.

Retirement Planning
Current Age: 47 years

Retirement Age: 51 years (planning to work for another four years)

Monthly Expenses: Rs. 75,000-85,000

Target Retirement Corpus
Assuming you need Rs. 2 lakhs per month post-retirement and considering inflation at 6%, your retirement corpus should be substantial.

Post-retirement Monthly Expenses: Rs. 2 lakhs (in today's terms)
Inflation-adjusted Monthly Expenses: Calculate for 30 years (average life expectancy up to 80 years)
Investment Strategy for Retirement
Balanced Advantage Funds

These funds dynamically adjust the equity-debt mix based on market conditions.
Large-cap and Flexi-cap Funds

These funds invest in large, stable companies, offering relatively lower risk.
Debt Funds

Include short-term and medium-term debt funds for stability and regular income.
National Pension System (NPS)

Continue contributing to NPS for tax benefits and a steady retirement income.
Monthly Investment Amount
To achieve a comfortable retirement, continue your current SIPs of Rs. 1.25 lakhs per month and allocate an additional Rs. 75,000-1 lakh towards balanced funds and NPS.

Final Insights
Daughter's Education:

Increase your monthly SIPs to Rs. 60,000-70,000 across aggressive hybrid, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
Retirement Planning:

Continue your current SIPs and allocate extra towards balanced advantage funds, large-cap funds, and NPS.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund to cover at least 6-12 months of expenses.
Regular Reviews:

Conduct annual reviews of your investment portfolio to ensure alignment with your financial goals.
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 Oct 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 14, 2024Hindi
Money
dear sir, I am planning to invest ?5,000 per month for my daughter's education or their marriage expenses, with a timeframe of at least 20 to 25 years in a SIP. Which fund would you recommend for this duration? and is it advisable to open a demat account on her name, she is currently 7 years old?
Ans: You are planning to invest Rs 5,000 per month for your daughter’s education or marriage expenses, with a timeframe of 20 to 25 years. This is a great step towards securing her future. It gives you a long-term horizon to grow your wealth. Let's explore the best way to approach this.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) for Long-Term Goals
For a long-term goal like your daughter's education or marriage, SIP is a smart choice. SIPs offer disciplined investing, and the power of compounding can work in your favour over 20-25 years.

Equity Mutual Funds: Since your goal is long-term, equity mutual funds are a good option. They tend to perform better than other investment options over longer durations.

Flexibility of SIP: One of the advantages of SIP is that you can start small and increase the amount later as your income grows. This flexibility ensures that you can stay consistent with your contributions.

Ruled by Market Cycles: Equity mutual funds are subject to market ups and downs. But over a 20-25 year horizon, these fluctuations tend to even out. Historically, equity mutual funds have delivered inflation-beating returns over the long term.

Actively Managed Funds vs Index Funds: Actively managed funds could be a better option than index funds in this case. While index funds track a market index, they might miss out on the ability to outperform the market. Fund managers in actively managed funds can take advantage of market opportunities to generate better returns.

Importance of Diversification
Diversification reduces risk and gives better stability to your portfolio. Over 20 to 25 years, market conditions will vary. A well-diversified portfolio ensures your money grows steadily.

Equity Diversification: You can diversify within equity by investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds. Large-cap funds are more stable, while mid-cap and small-cap funds have the potential for higher returns but come with higher risk.

Adding Debt Mutual Funds: Adding some portion of debt mutual funds can provide stability, especially as you get closer to your goal. Debt funds are less volatile and can act as a cushion when the equity markets go down.

International Exposure: Some portion of your portfolio can also have international exposure, which adds a layer of diversification across geographies.

Regular vs Direct Funds: What Should You Choose?
If you have heard about direct mutual funds, it may seem tempting because they offer lower expense ratios. But direct funds are not always the best option unless you are an experienced investor who can manage everything on your own.

Direct Funds Drawbacks: Investing in direct funds means you need to track the market yourself. You will have to decide when to buy, switch or exit. It can be time-consuming and requires knowledge of market trends. There is no professional guidance or hand-holding.

Benefit of Investing Through an MFD with CFP Credential: Instead, choosing a regular plan through a certified financial planner (CFP) ensures you get expert advice. Your CFP will track the market for you, rebalance your portfolio when needed, and help you align it with your financial goals. The cost of a regular fund might be slightly higher due to the expense ratio, but the guidance and personalised planning are worth it.

Tax Implications You Should Know
When investing for such a long period, it's important to consider the tax implications as well.

Capital Gains Tax: In equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%. It’s advisable to plan your withdrawals smartly, keeping these tax rates in mind.

Debt Funds Taxation: In debt mutual funds, both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab. Debt funds are more tax-efficient than FDs, especially over the long term.

Should You Open a Demat Account for Your Daughter?
Now, let’s address the question of whether it’s advisable to open a Demat account in your daughter’s name.

Demat Account for Minors: Technically, you can open a Demat account in your daughter's name even though she is 7 years old. However, as a minor, she won't have any control over the account until she turns 18. You, as the guardian, will have to manage it on her behalf.

Practicality of Opening a Demat Account: It’s more practical to invest in your own name and earmark these funds for your daughter's education or marriage. You can always transfer the money or investments to her when needed. Opening a Demat account at this stage might add unnecessary complexity, especially when you can manage her investments easily from your own account.

Ownership Considerations: While it may seem like a good idea to keep her investments separate, the tax liabilities will still be on you until she turns 18. Managing investments from your account simplifies the process and keeps everything in one place.

Keeping Inflation in Mind
Inflation is an important factor to consider when investing for long-term goals like education or marriage. Costs, especially in education, rise significantly over time. It’s crucial to choose investment options that can give you inflation-beating returns.

Equity for Higher Returns: Equity mutual funds can help beat inflation in the long term. Over a 20-25 year period, equity investments have the potential to generate returns higher than inflation.

Regular Review: While you don’t need to check your investments every day, it's wise to review them annually or semi-annually. This ensures that your investments are on track to meet your goals, and you can make adjustments if needed.

Don’t Depend on Insurance-Based Investment Plans
It’s common for parents to be attracted to investment-cum-insurance policies for their children's future. However, these policies often give lower returns compared to mutual funds.

Investment-Cum-Insurance Policies: Such policies may promise assured returns, but the returns are often quite low. It is better to keep your insurance and investment separate.

Consider Surrendering: If you currently hold any investment-cum-insurance policies, you might want to consider surrendering them and reinvesting the proceeds into mutual funds. A dedicated mutual fund portfolio will grow much better over the long term.

Final Insights
Your decision to invest Rs 5,000 per month in SIP for your daughter's future is a wise one. With a 20-25 year horizon, equity mutual funds offer you the best opportunity for growth. Actively managed funds, diversified across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap, provide stability and the potential for higher returns.

Opening a Demat account in your daughter’s name is not necessary at this stage. Managing her investments from your account is more practical, and you can transfer the funds to her when needed.

Keep insurance and investments separate. Focus on long-term growth through mutual funds, and consider investing through a certified financial planner (CFP). They can guide you to ensure your portfolio stays on track for your daughter’s future education or marriage expenses.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Nitin

Nitin Narkhede  | Answer  |Ask -

MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 14, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
dear sir, I am planning to invest Rs. 5,000 per month for my daughter's education or their marriage expenses, with a timeframe of at least 20 to 25 years in a SIP. Which fund would you recommend for this duration? and is it advisable to open a demat account on her name, she is currently 7 years old?
Ans: For your daughter’s education or marriage expenses, with a 20-25-year horizon, investing Rs. 5,000 per month in equity mutual funds via a SIP is a good approach. Long-term investments benefit from the power of compounding and have the potential for higher returns in equity markets.
Consider the following types of funds: 1. Flexi-cap Funds- These invest in companies of various sizes, balancing risk and returns. Funds like Parag Parikh Flexi Cap or UTI Flexi Cap are solid choices. 2. Large Cap Funds- These focus on established companies and offer stability. Examples include SBI Blue-chip and Axis Blue-chip Fund. 3. Child-Centric Funds- These are tailored for long-term educational goals, such as the HDFC Children’s Gift Fund.
Opening a Demat account in your daughter’s name isn't necessary. You can hold investments in your name under a minor account, and when she turns 18, the account can be transferred to her. Investing through mutual fund SIPs is a simple, efficient method that doesn't require a Demat account.
This strategy will help you build a substantial corpus for your daughter’s future needs over the next 20-25 years by reviewing your investments periodically.
Nitin Narkhede
Founder & MD, Prosperity Lifestyle Hub https://Nitinnarkhede.com
Free Webinar https://bit.ly/PLH-Webinar

..Read more

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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