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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 08, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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Sir , I am working man ( Age- 52 ) , I invested in MF , LIC , NPS , ULIP , FD , TermPlan etc .. all total the market value cost of invested fund is almost Rs. 50 lakhs.. Now my query is that do I withdraw all the money ( i.e. 50 lakhs) and invested in FD for 10 years to get monthly income ? pls guide me .. I am confused ...

Ans: It's understandable to feel confused when considering significant financial decisions like withdrawing and investing a substantial amount of money. Let's weigh the pros and cons of withdrawing your investments and putting the funds into fixed deposits (FDs) for generating monthly income:
Pros of Investing in FDs:
1. Stable Income: FDs provide a fixed interest rate, ensuring a predictable monthly income stream, which can be beneficial for meeting regular expenses.
2. Capital Preservation: Your principal amount invested in FDs is generally considered safe and protected, offering stability and security.
3. Ease of Management: FDs are relatively straightforward investment instruments, requiring minimal monitoring and management.
Cons of Investing in FDs:
1. Limited Returns: FDs typically offer lower returns compared to equity-linked investments like mutual funds, which may not be sufficient to keep pace with inflation over the long term.
2. Lack of Flexibility: Once you invest in FDs for a specific term, withdrawing funds before maturity may attract penalties or lower interest rates, limiting liquidity.
3. Inflation Risk: FD returns may not always keep up with the rising cost of living, potentially eroding the purchasing power of your income over time.
Considerations:
1. Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance and financial goals to determine if the conservative approach of FDs aligns with your needs. At age 52, preserving capital and generating steady income may be a priority.
2. Diversification: Review your overall investment portfolio and ensure it is well-diversified across asset classes to manage risk effectively. Consider maintaining exposure to growth-oriented investments like mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.
3. Financial Planning: Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals, risk profile, and income needs. They can provide personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions.
In conclusion, while FDs offer stability and regular income, they may not be the most efficient option for long-term wealth accumulation. It's essential to balance safety, liquidity, and returns based on your financial situation and objectives.
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.
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Moneywize

Moneywize   | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 24, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 23, 2024Hindi
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I am Sneha from Chennai. I’m 50 years old with two sons, aged 22 and 18. My husband and I have invested Rs 50,000 a month in mutual funds for the past 10 years. We’re planning for our younger son’s higher education and our retirement in 5 years. Should we start withdrawing or continue investing?
Ans: Congratulations on your disciplined investing for the past 10 years! Your foresight in starting early will pay off handsomely. Given your goals of funding your younger son’s higher education and your retirement within 5 years, it’s crucial to strike a balance between withdrawing and continuing to invest.

Here’s a breakdown of your situation:

Assets:

Mutual fund investments: Assuming an average annual return of 10 per cent (adjust based on your actual returns), your current corpus might be around Rs 1.2 crore.

Goals:

• Younger son’s higher education: Estimate the costs (fees, living expenses) and factor in inflation.
• Retirement: Determine your desired monthly income and lifestyle. Consider expenses like healthcare, travel, hobbies, etc.

Recommendation:

• Create a Detailed Financial Plan: Consult a financial advisor to assess your exact goals, risk tolerance, and expected expenses. This will help you create a personalized plan.
• Diversify Your Investments: While your mutual fund investments have served you well, consider diversifying into other asset classes like real estate or fixed-income products to manage risk.
• Start a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): This allows you to withdraw a fixed amount from your mutual fund investments at regular intervals, providing a steady income stream.
• Maintain Emergency Fund: Ensure you have a readily accessible emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses and avoid withdrawing from your long-term investments.
• Review and Adjust Regularly: As your circumstances and market conditions change, review your financial plan and make adjustments as needed.

Remember, seeking professional advice can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions about your financial future.

Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance and does not constitute financial advice. It’s essential to consult with a qualified financial advisor to address your specific needs and circumstances.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, Iam 40 and below are my funds from 1) icici multiasset fund from p/m 20000 from 3 years 2) icici value discovery fund p/m 20000 from 3 years 3) icici thematic advantage 20000 p/m from 4 months 4) hdfc focus 30 fund 20000 p/m from 3 years 4) aditya birla gennext fund 20000 p/m from 3 years my question is a) shall i continue with above for the next 3 years? b) I want to invest in hdfc midcap opportunity fund 2000 every week rather than 8000 every month as its a risky fund to invest one shot. kindly suggest. thanks
Ans: Reviewing Your Current Investment Setup
You invest a total of ?1.2?lakh per month across five equity funds.

All funds are actively managed, which helps in growth and flexibility.

The current mix leans heavily toward aggressive equity exposure.

There is limited diversification across asset types.

You’ve built good equity discipline over 3+ years.

That consistency forms a strong foundation.

Evaluating Each Fund Category
Multi-Asset & Hybrid Approach
Investing ?20k/month in a flexible hybrid fund balances stock risk.

Hybrid funds add buffer during market volatility.

Retaining this allocation makes sense for risk moderation.

Value Discovery Equity
Value-focused fund adds cycle-based opportunity.

It provides diversification via different investing themes.

Good to retain for broad equity exposure.

Thematic Fund (Recent)
Thematic funds carry sector-specific or theme-based risk.

You’ve only invested ?20k/month for 4 months.

Consider capping thematic exposure at 5–10% of equity.

Too much thematic investment can raise volatility.

Focused 30 Equity Fund
High-conviction, 30-stock fund adds focused diversity.

It’s a distinct equity style useful in long-term portfolio.

Continuing is fine if manager’s philosophy aligns with your goals.

Next-Gen / Gen-Next Fund
This fund invests in future leaders and companies.

Good for capturing innovation-driven growth.

But it’s a thematic/small-mid blend—risky when overweighted.

Keep at 5–10% equity to avoid concentration risk.

Assessing Your Portfolio Allocation
You currently have five equity-heavy funds, totalling ?1.2?lakh/month.

That’s a concentrated equity posture without debt cushioning.

You lack a systematic debt or hybrid corridor to smooth markets.

Without yearly rebalancing, this can amplify risk.

A goal-based breakdown is needed: equity (growth), debt/hybrid (balance), liquid buffer.

Considering HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunity via Weekly SIP
The fund is actively managed and mid-cap focused—fitting your growth bias.

Investing weekly (?2,000/week = ?8,000/month) reduces lump-sum risk.

Weekly SIP averages out entry price—beneficial in volatile assets.

Adds discipline for gradual entry, rather than one-shot allocation.

Mid-cap suits your age and time horizon if balanced well in portfolio.

Proposed Portfolio Rebalancing
To simplify and increase long-term resilience, consider this restructuring:

1. Continue Hybrid Fund: ?20k/month in multi-asset fund

Ensures steady performance and reduces equity-only swings

2. Equity Core Allocation: ?60k/month across:

Large/Flexi-cap equity: ?20k

Mid-cap fund (like HDFC opportunity): ?20k (via weekly SIP)

Value discovery: ?10k

Small/thematic/next-gen combined: ?10k

3. Use Weekly SIP in Mid-Cap: ?2k/week into HDFC

Stabilises entry and control volatility

4. Gold Allocation: ?5k/month into gold ETF/fund

Acts as hedge against inflation and equity dips

5. Liquid Fund: ?5k/month for buffer and redemption flexibility

Total monthly savings becomes ?1.2?lakh + an additional ?8k = ?1.28?lakh.
You can start by adjusting existing SIPs and adding small gold/liquid allocations—it’s tailored to your equity-forward style.

Why Active Funds and Regular Plans Are Beneficial
Active managers can mitigate losses during downturns.

Index funds lack discretion: they ride the entire market movement.

Your timeframe and style suit active equity and theme selection.

Regular plans via CFP-backed distributors give advice, planning, and tax discipline.

Direct plans save cost but lack structure, mental comfort, and monitoring.

Weekly vs Monthly SIP: Benefits Breakdown
Weekly SIP smoothens volatility more than monthly SIP.

Smaller periodic contributions avoid timing mistakes.

If your salary permits, start with ?2k weekly in mid-cap.

Monitor impact before ramping up weekly SIPs further.

Monitoring and Rebalancing Strategy
Review allocation every six months: equity vs hybrid/gold/liquid.

If equity grows beyond 65–70%, shift new SIPs into hybrid or liquid.

Rebalance through future contributions to reduce tax impact.

Annual pass-through checks ensure you stay on risk target.

Tax Implications and Efficiency
Equity LTCG beyond ?1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%; STCG at 20%.

Hybrid and debt funds taxed per your income slab.

Gold ETF gains: LTCG, except if held under 3 years (STCG).

Under a regular plan, your advisor can schedule redemptions to manage tax liabilities and annual allowances.

Protecting Against Downside and Enhancing Stability
Hybrid fund ensures cushion during equity corrections.

Gold adds inflation protection and non-stock exposure.

Liquid fund avoids cash flow disruptions during emergencies.

Balanced equity structure across large, mid, small/theme segments adds stability.

Risk Management and Asset Allocation Ranges
You might aim for these approximate targets:

Equity: 60–65%

Hybrid: 20–25%

Gold: 5–7%

Liquid: 5–10%

These ranges protect from high equity swings and give growth potential for medium to long-term goals.

Protecting Your Health and Personal Safety Net
No mention of life or term-insurance—essential given dependents.

At age?40, buy term life insurance covering at least 10 times your income.

Health insurance of ?5–10 lakh protects against emergencies.

Insurance premiums are minor but crucial for a secure investment plan.

Execution Steps to Implement the Plan
Maintain existing hybrid SIP.

Retain your value discovery fund as core equity.

Shift a portion of thematic/next-gen into a monthly mid-cap SIP.

Begin ?8k weekly SIP into mid-cap fund.

Start ?5k/month gold fund.

Start ?5k liquid fund monthly.

Stop or reduce one overlapping equity SIP to fund liquid and gold.

Regularly check allocation drift and rebalance via contributions.

Review and Adjustment Timeline
Quarterly: Check NAV, returns, and emerging fund performance.

Half-yearly: Rebalance contributions among asset buckets.

Annually: Review goals, inflation, risk tolerance; adjust portfolio if necessary.

Final Insights
You have built solid equity discipline over years—already successful.

Rational portfolio trimming and reallocation adds resilience.

Weekly SIP into mid-cap aligns with your risk appetite and investment style.

Hybrid, gold, and liquid assets help smooth returns across cycles.

Active funds with CFP oversight combine growth, protection, and coaching.

This structured approach supports both capital growth and risk management over the next three years and beyond.

Feel free to connect if you’d like help choosing specific funds or setting periodic review reminders.

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

..Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 10, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Dear Hemant Sir, I am 60 yrs old and just retired with no EMI, no commitment and no pension also. I have per month expense of 200,000 INR/month which needs to planeed wtih te following corpus : a) MF and Shares of value 96,00,000 as on date. I take 20 K per month from this on SWP B) FDs in banks of value 200,000,00 INR and take quarterly interest payout @ 7% C) Have PPF of 17,00,000 where no action d) ULIP of 18,00,000 where I am not taking anything e) Gets 18000 per month from rent out property f) PF of 84,00,000 so far and not taking interest out. I do still lack the target 200,000 INR per month. Please advise where the best place is to withdraw.
Ans: You have managed your wealth carefully. Your savings across assets are good. Many retirees of your age face loan burden. You are free from EMI. This is a strong position. Now the task is to make your Rs.2,00,000 monthly need secure and sustainable. Let me explain step by step from a 360-degree view.

» Understanding your monthly shortfall

Your monthly need is Rs.2,00,000.

You already draw Rs.20,000 from mutual fund SWP.

You get Rs.18,000 from rent.

You also earn quarterly interest from fixed deposits.

You are not touching PF interest, PPF or ULIP now.

Still, there is a shortfall compared to your Rs.2,00,000 need.

The goal is to bridge this gap without harming long-term wealth.

» Assessing your mutual funds and shares

You hold Rs.96 lakhs in mutual funds and shares.

SWP of Rs.20,000 monthly is already set up.

This is about 2.5% annual draw, which is safe.

Actively managed funds are better than index funds.

Index funds lack flexibility and research-based risk control.

In retirement, stability is more important than passive tracking.

You may increase SWP carefully, but not too aggressively.

It is better to use mutual fund growth potential for inflation beating.

» Assessing your fixed deposits

Rs.2 crores in FDs with 7% payout is significant.

This alone gives you Rs.35 lakhs yearly, about Rs.8.75 lakhs quarterly.

That equals around Rs.2.9 lakhs per month on average.

This is more than your monthly need of Rs.2 lakhs.

However, FD interest is fully taxable.

So actual post-tax income will reduce.

Hence, FDs can cover a big part of your expenses, but tax impact must be planned.

» Assessing your PPF

Rs.17 lakhs in PPF is good.

PPF is safe, tax-free, and long-term.

You may keep it untouched for later.

It can act as a reserve in case of medical or family need.

» Assessing your ULIP

Rs.18 lakhs in ULIP is less efficient now.

ULIPs carry high costs and low flexibility.

They also don’t provide strong returns after charges.

It is wise to consider surrender of ULIP.

The maturity value or surrender value can be reinvested in mutual funds.

Mutual funds offer transparency, better performance, and more liquidity.

» Assessing your rental income

You receive Rs.18,000 monthly rent.

Rental yield is low compared to capital value of property.

Still, it is a stable and reliable income stream.

Keep it as supplementary income.

» Assessing your PF

Rs.84 lakhs in PF is a strong corpus.

Currently, you are not withdrawing from it.

PF earns interest, usually tax-free till maturity.

You may delay withdrawals to keep it growing.

Use this as a secondary reserve for later retirement years.

» Balancing your withdrawals

First layer: FD interest payout.

Second layer: Rent of Rs.18,000 per month.

Third layer: SWP of Rs.20,000 per month.

With these, you already cover a large portion.

If FD interest after tax is still short, then draw from mutual funds.

Avoid early withdrawals from PF or PPF.

Keep PF for future inflation years when expenses rise.

» Inflation adjustment strategy

Your expenses of Rs.2,00,000 today will rise in future.

FD interest will remain flat or reduce after renewal.

Mutual funds will help offset inflation with growth.

Hence, avoid over-relying on FDs alone.

Slowly shift some FD maturity into mutual funds.

This balances safety and growth.

» Tax efficiency planning

FD interest is fully taxable.

Rent is also taxable after deductions.

Mutual fund SWP is more tax-efficient.

New tax rule: equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual fund gains taxed at your slab rate.

Still, compared to FD interest, equity MF SWP is better for taxes.

Hence, withdraw strategically between FD and MF.

Use FD interest for fixed expenses.

Use MF SWP for lifestyle expenses.

» Priority order for withdrawals

Continue FD interest as main income.

Add rent income without change.

Maintain current SWP but increase only if required.

Do not touch PF and PPF for now.

Exit ULIP and move money to mutual funds.

This new mutual fund amount can provide additional SWP later.

» Emergency and reserve planning

Keep at least Rs.15-20 lakhs as liquid reserve.

This should be in short-term debt funds or liquid FDs.

Use this only in emergencies like health or family need.

Avoid touching long-term PF or PPF for sudden needs.

» Medical and health protection

At age 60, health costs will rise.

You need health insurance if not covered.

Use FD interest surplus to pay premiums.

Build a separate medical buffer fund of Rs.10-15 lakhs.

This prevents breaking other investments during medical need.

» Family and legacy perspective

If your family depends on your income, plan with them in mind.

ULIP surrender proceeds into mutual funds will create better legacy value.

PF corpus should be preserved as long as possible.

This ensures both income security and inheritance benefit.

» Common mistakes to avoid

Do not redeem PF early for monthly needs.

Do not depend fully on FDs because of tax burden.

Do not increase mutual fund SWP too high.

Do not keep money locked in ULIP with poor returns.

Avoid index funds, as they lack research support in volatile markets.

Regular mutual funds through a CFP give active management.

» Finally
Your base income from FD, rent, and MF SWP already covers most of your need. The gap can be filled by restructuring ULIP and balancing tax-efficient withdrawals. PF and PPF can be left untouched now for future years when inflation pushes expenses higher. With careful planning, your Rs.2,00,000 monthly need is achievable without stress.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..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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