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Kirtan

Kirtan A Shah  | Answer  |Ask -

MF Expert, Financial Planner - Answered on Jul 28, 2023

Kirtan A Shah is a certified financial planner and managing director, private wealth, at Credence Family Office.
He is also a Certified International Wealth Manager and Financial Engineering and Risk Manager.
Shah is the co-author of Financial Service Management and Financial Market Operations, which are used as reference books for Mumbai University.
He is frequently seen on CNBC, Zee Business, ET NOW & BQ Prime as an expert guest.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2023Hindi
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Dear Sir I would be retiring next year....i would be getting rs 50 lacs from a sale of ancestral property....kindly let me know how and where i could invest so that i get some regular income from this amount or it would be advisable to deposit the same in FD'S ( post office/bank)....kindly advise on the tax part too as income is from sale of property.....thanks in advance

Ans: There is going to be a 20% tax on the capital gains with indexation. Because you want to use this for regular cashflow, there is no other way to save not paying the tax. Deposit the same in Senior Citizen Savings Scheme + LIC PMVVY and if there is remaining money, invest in Debt MF & take 6% SWP.
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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Hardik

Hardik Parikh  | Answer  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2023

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Hi..i am 48..i want to invest 50 lacs in total out of which I want Rs.25000 as fixed monthly income and remaining amount I wish to invest for 5 years+.. please suggest.regards
Ans: Dear Rajshekhar,

Thank you for reaching out for financial advice. Based on your requirements, I suggest the following investment strategy to achieve a fixed monthly income of Rs. 25,000 and invest the remaining amount for 5 years or more.

Fixed monthly income:
To achieve a fixed monthly income of Rs. 25,000, you can consider investing in a combination of fixed deposits, post office monthly income schemes, or debt mutual funds with a dividend payout option.
For instance, if you invest Rs. 30 lakhs in a fixed deposit or a post office monthly income scheme with an annual interest rate of around 6%, you can generate a monthly income of approximately Rs. 25,000. However, please note that the interest rates might vary depending on the bank, post office, or financial institution you choose. Do consider taxes and inflation while making these investments.

Investment for 5 years+:
For the remaining Rs. 20 lakhs, you can consider a mix of equity and debt mutual funds. A balanced or hybrid mutual fund, which invests in both equity and debt securities, can be a good option for a 5-year investment horizon. This diversified approach can help in achieving moderate returns with lower risk exposure.
You can also explore other investment options such as National Pension System (NPS) or tax-saving fixed deposits if you're looking to save for your retirement or avail tax benefits.

Please note that this is general advice, and I would recommend consulting with a certified financial planner or advisor for a personalized investment plan based on your risk tolerance, financial goals, and specific circumstances.

I hope this helps you in achieving your financial objectives.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 09, 2024Hindi
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Hi I sir I a m 52 PSU bank employee. Planning to retire at 55 .Savings of 1 CR in FD .pension expected 60000.Retirement benefits arround 1 CR. Other savings in PLI 15 lacs NSC 10 lacs,LIC 5 lacs Planning to sell 1 property worth 1.5 CR.Daughter pursuing 2nd year . Aged mother and handicapped brother dependant on me. Housing loan 9 lacs outstanding.planning to avail 50 lacs for renovation of another property.Need monthly income if 2 lacs .Please advise investment avenues
Ans: Planning for a Comfortable Retirement: Steps to Achieve Your Goals
You are 52 years old, working in a PSU bank, planning to retire at 55. Your savings include Rs 1 crore in FDs, Rs 15 lakhs in PLI, Rs 10 lakhs in NSC, and Rs 5 lakhs in LIC. You expect a pension of Rs 60,000 and retirement benefits of around Rs 1 crore. You also plan to sell a property worth Rs 1.5 crore. Your dependents include your daughter in her second year of studies, an aged mother, and a handicapped brother. You have an outstanding housing loan of Rs 9 lakhs and plan to borrow Rs 50 lakhs for property renovation. You need a monthly income of Rs 2 lakhs. Here's how to plan your investments to achieve your goals.

Understanding Your Current Financial Position
You have significant assets and income streams, including:

Savings in FD: Rs 1 crore
Expected Pension: Rs 60,000 per month
Retirement Benefits: Rs 1 crore
Property Sale Proceeds: Rs 1.5 crore
Savings in PLI: Rs 15 lakhs
Savings in NSC: Rs 10 lakhs
Savings in LIC: Rs 5 lakhs
Evaluating Your Financial Goals
You aim to secure a monthly income of Rs 2 lakhs post-retirement. This requires careful planning and strategic investments.

Creating a Retirement Corpus
To achieve a monthly income of Rs 2 lakhs, you need to build a substantial corpus. Here’s how to calculate it:

Monthly Income Required: Rs 2,00,000
Annual Income Required: Rs 2,00,000 x 12 = Rs 24,00,000
Assumed Safe Withdrawal Rate: 4%
Required Retirement Corpus: Rs 24,00,000 / 4% = Rs 6 crores
Steps to Achieve the Retirement Corpus
Achieving Rs 6 crores by retirement requires a strategic approach. Here’s a step-by-step plan:

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs in mutual funds can help build wealth over time. Here’s why:

Regular Investments: Investing monthly promotes disciplined saving.
Rupee Cost Averaging: It averages out the cost of investments, reducing market volatility impact.
Professional Management: Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market.
Building a Diversified Portfolio
Diversification reduces risk and maximizes returns. Here's how to create a balanced portfolio:

Equity Mutual Funds: Allocate a significant portion to equity funds for growth.
Debt Mutual Funds: Invest in debt funds for stability and predictable returns.
Balanced Funds: These funds offer a mix of equity and debt, balancing growth and stability.
Reviewing Existing Investments
You have investments in PLI, NSC, and LIC. These plans typically offer lower returns. Here’s what you can do:

Evaluate Returns: Check the returns on these plans.
Consider Surrendering: If returns are low, consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds.
Utilizing the Proceeds from Property Sale
The sale of your property worth Rs 1.5 crore provides substantial capital. Here’s how to use it:

Pay Off Loans: Clear the Rs 9 lakhs housing loan to reduce liabilities.
Invest the Remaining Amount: Invest the remaining Rs 1.41 crore in a diversified portfolio for growth.
Setting Up a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Determine Monthly Savings: Calculate how much you can invest monthly after expenses.
Select Actively Managed Funds: Choose funds with a strong performance history.
Start Early: The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow.
Emergency Fund and Insurance
An emergency fund and proper insurance are crucial for financial security. Here’s what you need:

Emergency Fund: Keep 6-12 months' expenses in a liquid fund.
Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health coverage for yourself and your dependents.
Life Insurance: Review your life insurance to ensure sufficient coverage.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are managed by professionals aiming to outperform the market. Here’s why they are beneficial:

Expert Management: Fund managers make informed decisions based on market analysis.
Flexibility: They can adjust the portfolio to mitigate risks.
Potential for Higher Returns: Aiming to outperform the market, these funds often yield higher returns.
Disadvantages of Index Funds
While index funds offer low-cost diversification, they have drawbacks:

Lack of Flexibility: They strictly follow the index, missing opportunities to outperform.
Average Returns: Aim to match market performance, leading to average returns.
Full Market Exposure: They are fully exposed to market downturns without active management.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds have no commission costs but require more involvement. Here’s why regular funds with a CFP are better:

Professional Guidance: Regular funds come with expert advice and management.
Convenience: CFPs handle administrative tasks and provide tailored advice.
Performance Monitoring: Regular reviews by professionals ensure optimal performance.
Planning for Dependents
You have significant responsibilities, including your daughter’s education, and supporting your mother and brother. Here’s how to plan:

Education Fund: Allocate part of your savings for your daughter’s education.
Healthcare Fund: Ensure sufficient funds for your mother’s and brother’s healthcare needs.
Living Expenses: Plan for your brother’s living expenses, ensuring a stable future for him.
Renovation Loan and Its Impact
You plan to borrow Rs 50 lakhs for property renovation. Here’s how to manage it:

Evaluate Necessity: Ensure the renovation is essential and will add value.
Loan Repayment Plan: Create a clear repayment plan to manage the additional debt.
Impact on Savings: Assess how the loan will impact your overall savings and investments.
Creating a Withdrawal Strategy
Having a withdrawal strategy ensures you don’t outlive your savings. Here’s how to create one:

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Set up SWPs in mutual funds to provide regular income.
Safe Withdrawal Rate: Withdraw at a safe rate (4%) to ensure the corpus lasts.
Adjust for Inflation: Increase withdrawals periodically to keep up with inflation.
Final Insights
Achieving a monthly income of Rs 2 lakhs post-retirement is challenging but possible. Start with SIPs in actively managed funds, diversify your portfolio, and regularly review and rebalance your investments. Utilize the proceeds from your property sale wisely and plan for dependents' future needs. Ensure you have adequate insurance and an emergency fund. With careful planning and disciplined investing, you can achieve your retirement 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 Jul 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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I am 57 year old and would retire at the age of 60.. I have two residential properties worth Rs 2.00 crore. I have loan liability of Rs 6.00 lacs.. I would get a monthly penesion of Rs 65000.00 after retirement. I will also get a terminal benefits of Rs 1.30 crores at the time of tetirement..I will also get insurance maturities valued Rs 25.00 lacs at the time of retirement.. Kindly advise me to how to invest my tetirement benefits
Ans: Planning your investments at 60 is crucial for a comfortable retirement. Let’s analyze your situation and suggest a strategy.

Current Financial Situation
Age: 57 years

Retirement Age: 60 years

Properties: Two residential properties worth Rs 2 crores

Loan Liability: Rs 6 lakhs

Pension: Rs 65,000 per month post-retirement

Terminal Benefits: Rs 1.3 crores at retirement

Insurance Maturities: Rs 25 lakhs at retirement

Goals and Considerations
Clear Loan: Pay off the Rs 6 lakh loan.

Steady Income: Ensure a steady income post-retirement.

Wealth Preservation: Preserve and grow wealth to beat inflation.

Emergency Fund: Maintain a fund for emergencies.

Steps to Invest Retirement Benefits
1. Clear Outstanding Loan
Loan Repayment: Use Rs 6 lakhs from terminal benefits to clear the loan. This ensures a debt-free retirement.
2. Emergency Fund
Build Fund: Set aside Rs 10 lakhs for emergencies. Keep it in liquid funds for easy access.
3. Regular Income from Investments
Monthly Income Needs: Supplement your pension to maintain lifestyle. Invest in instruments providing regular income.

Debt Funds: Invest in debt mutual funds for stability and regular returns. They are less risky and provide consistent income.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): Invest in SCSS. It offers high interest and regular payouts.

Monthly Income Plans (MIPs): Consider MIPs for regular income. They provide a mix of debt and equity exposure.

4. Long-term Growth
Equity Mutual Funds: Invest a portion in equity mutual funds for growth. They offer higher returns to combat inflation.

Balanced Funds: Choose balanced funds mixing equity and debt. They balance risk and return effectively.

5. Professional Management
Actively Managed Funds: Choose actively managed funds. Fund managers aim to outperform the market.

Avoid Index Funds: Index funds lack professional management and have lower returns. Actively managed funds can adjust to market conditions for better performance.

6. Avoid Direct Funds
Disadvantages: Direct funds lack advisory services. Managing them requires effort and knowledge.

Regular Funds: Invest through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). They provide valuable advice and manage investments efficiently.

7. Health Insurance
Adequate Cover: Ensure you have adequate health insurance. Medical emergencies can drain savings quickly.
8. Regular Review
Monitor Investments: Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio. Adjust investments based on performance and life changes.
Investment Allocation
Debt Funds and SCSS: Allocate Rs 60 lakhs. Ensure regular and stable income.

Equity Mutual Funds: Allocate Rs 40 lakhs. Aim for long-term growth.

Balanced Funds: Allocate Rs 20 lakhs. Balance risk and return.

Emergency Fund: Rs 10 lakhs in liquid funds.

Health Insurance: Review and enhance if needed.

Final Insights
Clear your loan to ensure a debt-free retirement. Build an emergency fund and invest in a mix of debt, equity, and balanced funds. Avoid index and direct funds; choose regular funds with professional management. Regularly review and adjust your investments. Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized 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 Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 24, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir, I am 70 years old and retired. I have 3 crores in shares, 1 crore in mutual funds, 60 lacs in PPF, 30lacs in SCSS AND 15 lacs in PMVVY. This gives me a monthly income of Rs. 50,000, including dividends. I have recently inherited Rs. 1 crore, and need your advice on where to invest this to get an additional income of Rs. 50,000 monthly. Thank you.
Ans: You have built a strong and disciplined foundation. At 70, your focus on regular income is correct and practical. Now, let us work on optimising this additional Rs. 1 crore inheritance.

We will take a complete view of your current portfolio, risk level, tax angle, and income need.

Let’s understand your need step-by-step.

   

Current Financial Assessment
You have Rs. 3 crores in shares. These are market-linked and can be volatile.

   

Your Rs. 1 crore in mutual funds is also subject to NAV-based fluctuations.

   

Rs. 60 lakhs in PPF is safe but non-liquid. It won’t help for regular income.

   

Rs. 30 lakhs in SCSS gives assured quarterly interest. This gives you regular and safe returns.

   

Rs. 15 lakhs in PMVVY gives monthly pension. This is also fixed and safe.

   

Your monthly income of Rs. 50,000 is moderate considering your large capital. This should be higher.

   

Your age and life stage require safety and consistency more than high returns.

   

You have inherited Rs. 1 crore now. You want an extra Rs. 50,000 monthly from this.

   

Let us now look at the right steps.

   

Risk Profiling and Allocation Strategy
At your age, capital protection is most important. Avoid high-risk products.

   

You can still have a small portion in equity mutual funds for beating inflation.

   

Majority of your Rs. 1 crore should go into safe income-generating options.

   

Maintain liquidity to handle any emergency or medical need.

   

Do not depend heavily on share market income. It is irregular and unreliable.

   

Prioritise options that give monthly or quarterly payouts directly to bank.

   

Asset Rebalancing Insights
Rs. 3 crores in shares is large. It is not ideal for your current age and risk level.

   

Sell a part of shares. Shift to safer regular-income assets.

   

Use actively managed mutual funds with balanced allocation for controlled equity exposure.

   

Avoid direct plans. Direct funds may seem cheaper, but no guidance is available.

   

Through regular plans, you can get advice, monitoring, and service from a Certified Financial Planner.

   

In this stage, mistakes in execution can cost more than saving fees.

   

Generating Monthly Income from Rs. 1 Crore
Here is a balanced method to generate Rs. 50,000 monthly from Rs. 1 crore:

   

Allocate around Rs. 30 lakhs in short-term debt mutual funds. These give better returns than FDs.

   

Use Rs. 30 lakhs in conservative hybrid mutual funds. These blend debt and equity safely.

   

Set up monthly SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) of around Rs. 25,000 from mutual funds.

   

Use Rs. 20 lakhs in SCSS or senior citizen bonds (if limit permits). They give steady interest.

   

Balance Rs. 20 lakhs can be in liquid mutual funds for any unexpected need.

   

Keep medical emergency corpus of at least Rs. 10 lakhs separately in safe liquid fund.

   

Review monthly cash flows every six months with your Certified Financial Planner.

   

Always match your withdrawals to returns. Don’t draw more than what is earned.

   

This will give you stability and longevity of funds.

   

Tax Efficiency Planning
Mutual fund returns are more tax-friendly than interest from FDs or bonds.

   

SWP from mutual funds gets capital gains tax, not interest tax.

   

For equity funds, gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.

   

For debt funds, gains taxed as per your income slab. But indexation is not allowed now.

   

Still, mutual funds are better than FDs or other fully taxable instruments.

   

Senior citizen interest exemptions also apply up to Rs. 50,000 per year under section 80TTB.

   

Divide investment in multiple family members' names to reduce tax impact.

   

Estate Planning and Legacy Management
At this stage, start documenting your wishes. It is important.

   

Make a registered Will. Appoint an executor. Keep nominee details updated.

   

Avoid joint holding in all assets. It may lead to confusion.

   

Keep one emergency contact person aware of your financial structure.

   

Use simple instruments. Avoid complex products with lock-in or market dependency.

   

Never invest based on any agent's promise. Always consult a Certified Financial Planner.

   

Avoid ULIPs, annuities, or structured products. They are not suited at this stage.

   

Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t chase high returns. It invites high risk.

   

Don’t invest fully in equity now. You already have enough in shares.

   

Don’t keep too much in PPF. It has long lock-in and is illiquid.

   

Don’t break your SCSS or PMVVY now. Let them continue till maturity.

   

Don’t invest in index funds. They cannot protect capital in falling markets.

   

Actively managed funds are better for your situation. They provide risk control.

   

Don’t invest directly in mutual funds yourself. It lacks personalisation.

   

Use a Certified Financial Planner who understands your need and monitors your portfolio.

   

Health and Contingency Cover
Ensure you have a valid health insurance policy.

   

It should cover minimum Rs. 10 lakhs. Health costs are rising.

   

Have a top-up or super top-up cover if possible.

   

Do not rely only on savings for medical emergencies.

   

If you have no insurance, use part of Rs. 1 crore to fund it.

   

Also, plan for long-term care. Homecare or assisted living may be needed in future.

   

Periodic Review and Monitoring
Your portfolio must be reviewed every six months.

   

Track the income generated, tax paid, and fund performance.

   

Ensure your SWP does not exhaust capital prematurely.

   

Use performance reports and statements to stay updated.

   

Your Certified Financial Planner should meet and guide regularly.

   

If your expenses increase, revisit allocation immediately.

   

Life changes need changes in portfolio too.

   

Income Laddering Approach
Use mix of monthly, quarterly, and annual income products.

   

This keeps income steady and protects against sudden gaps.

   

Create a ladder of maturity dates across 1–5 years.

   

Use bank sweep-in FDs to park idle money between withdrawals.

   

Don’t withdraw full returns monthly. Reinvest a part for growth.

   

This ensures your capital lasts longer.

   

Finally
Your discipline and foresight have created a solid financial base.

   

Now, make this base work safely for your needs.

   

Avoid risky instruments. Use balanced income plans.

   

Invest in regular mutual fund plans through MFD with CFP guidance.

   

Use SWP only after asset allocation and planner’s monitoring.

   

Document your assets and pass instructions to your family.

   

A Certified Financial Planner will help protect and grow your wealth responsibly.

   

Review regularly, stay informed, and live with peace of mind.

   

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
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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

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