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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1587 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 19, 2022

Anu Krishna is a mind coach and relationship expert.
The co-founder of Unfear Changemakers LLP, she has received her neuro linguistic programming training from National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, USA, and her energy work specialisation from the Institute for Inner Studies, Manila.
She is an executive member of the Indian Association of Adolescent Health.... more
T Question by T on Oct 19, 2022Hindi
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Relationship

Hi Anu, I am 35, male. We had a love marriage seven years ago after being together for eight years in friendship.
During our courtship, she was in other city in India for three years her higher education.
There she befriended a guy, her college mate and eventually we broke up. I was hurt badly.
In 2013 she messaged me and asked to marry her but I didn't respond on social media.
She would message me every 5-6 months initiating a talk but I never responded.
She was in a relationship with the guy while she was messaging me (I read her messages post marriage hence I know).
She also had one or two guys interested in her where she had casual talk relationship also while she was not interested in marriage with the first guy from her college. Meanwhile she kept messaging me also between 2013 and 2014.
Somehow we met in 2015 and got married. Lately I happened to read messages somewhere on social media about her intimate relationship with the first person (the reason we broke up ) and I was devastated to know that as she had promised she didn't have any relationship with the particular person as it was the first condition for marrying her.
Recently I read her messages again with some old friend of her where she approached him and instantly got into intimate chat with him to the extent that she said she loves him and plans to go on a trip with him citing official trip since she works.
I am stunned since then. She claims to love me and plans our future and everything but somewhere I sense something is fishy.
My queries
Should I trust her?
Should I confront her?
What to do if she plans to go on trip with him while lying to me and I know about it? Should I confront her before she goes on trip?
If she says sorry after confronting how can I trust?

Ans:

Dear T,

The very fact that you have approached me, a total stranger on the topic of whether you can trust your spouse or not, simply means that somewhere you have lost trust in her.

The timelines are a little confusing to me and hence what I would say to you is that: Past is the past and what happens there and what people do is what they can in the best possible manner. So, do not bring the past into a present decision.

But if there are any parallel relationships brewing now that are threatening your mind and the marriage, kindly confront her calmly and with ample evidence in your kitty to produce in case she denies them. But make sure that the evidence that you have is all real with time stamps on it.

Do make sure that the confrontation is not for you to prove a point and score high but it comes from a place where you want to know where this marriage is headed.

This helps avoid unnecessary arguments and will help you both be in a solution space.

If she says sorry, you need to ask yourself, if you can move ahead placing trust on her again.

What must she do to gain your trust? State this clearly to her. Move on this quickly before it eats your peace of mind.
All the best!

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1587 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jul 26, 2023

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Relationship
Hi Anu Myself 38 Male, Government Employee and married. I married to a girl in 2013 as per chosen by my parents. Prior to marriage, I was in relationship of 6 years, but could not marry due to caste differences. Its a bit long story. In last december 2021, a women, 9.5 years elder to me, initiated relationship and proposed me. After few initial days, her husband expired, who was 60 years at the time of death. After her proposal, I accepted it, although, she was in another relationship with a man of 27 years continuously, on the pretext that her husband used to drink, and do not use to work and often used to cast her away from home and that man took care of her and her children. When she entered in my life, I inquired about that and she told me that that man is just friend now, as that man took care of her and her children. One strange thing that came into my mind that women told me that man left her as he got involved in another women and that man is only for doing household and outside chores, and nothing else. How come a person remain in relationship obviously being aware of other partner infidelity. One particular strange I like to share with you that when I met her for first time at her home, as there was no body else, she was with her female friend and that man came to her house, around 10 pm. When she got to know that that man is coming, she hurriedly asked me to leave the house for some 1 and half hours and then come back as she told me that her uncle is coming to pay a visit. I came to know about that man around 10 february, 2021. I totally relied on her conversation that he is only acquaintances now and no more a lover and she totally loves me. After that, she loved me a lot, had physical relationship and she told me that she wanted to live the rest of her life with me. Seeing her love, I also accepted her fully and totally. That other man remained in her life, apart from husband, for the last 27 years. But she used to say ill about him, like he looted her money, got involved with other women, despite her. That used to make me very sceptic thinking that she must be having feeling for him, as together for 27 years is very long time. But her problem is that she is too sceptic a person. she cannot tolerate a name of any women from my lips, let alone my sister. She used to doubt my concern towards her daughter as her daughter is younger to her and I might fall for her daughter. I clearly told her that your daughter is like my daughter. Recently, she started to doubt about my sister in law. I took the oath of all the Gods and my children, but she brushed aside all my Oaths. This was going on from 28 May to 27 June, 2023. She levelled all the filthy allegation that I was having the sight on her daughter and on my sister in law. I also came in rage. She was in the mode of character assassination and I did not take that lightly. I expressed all my displeasure and anger on her and finally, on 27 June, 2023, I blocked her from whatsapp and phone. She is kind of person who would show off about her materialistic things, her status, but in reality, in her bad times, when she was not having any money, I took care of her, her ration and money problems. But being sceptic about relationship with my sister in law, who is just 22 and I call her beta, she was adamant in proving that I was having relationship with my sister in law. She was such a possessive person that she even cannot tolerate my wife with me. She called on my wife phone saying that she is talking from Bank etc. But now, my wife is almost certain that I am having affair. I relied on her thinking that i should give life a second change. But now, I am regretting in relying on that women words. I have blocked her, but she is not trying to contact me from other phones. Help..
Ans: Dear Harish,
You seem to be running after a woman who either cheats or lies or both. From what you have described this lady wants it all from you but will be who she is and not change.
Doesn't all this look like a red flag to you? What more should she do for you to know that she is unsure about herself and you as well?

And because of all this drama, you don't have the time, energy and inclination to give your marriage a fair chance. Why should your wife be at the receiving end of all this drama? Does she not have the right to know and also have the option of deciding if she wants to continue in the marriage or not?

It's time you re-evaluate your life and PAUSE. Take a wise decision that is good for you and your life in the long-term. Riding on emotions mindlessly only means anyone can take advantage of your vulnerabilities and 'use' you which obviously will not feel good at all. So, be wise...

All the best!

..Read more

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |577 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 20, 2025

Relationship
Hi , I am 42 year married man in love with 37 yr old married girl , her husband is not a good man in every accepts and my wife is same we are with our partners due to children, Our relationship is 14 year old. We lived in different cities which are 6 hour run away from each other , We often meet 2 to 3 times in a month. Before relation with me she was in love another guy (Before marriage) and this was continued after marriage too. After 1 year of marriage her boy friend passes away in an accident and then Then I enter in her life , Now I come to the point from last 2 year due to some differences and due to corona effect we could not meet and our telephonic conversation was very minimum even once in 10 days and due to some financial problems she started a Job in a school , There she meet with a guy and they become closer and physical too and that guy was in relation with another girl too. After 3-4 month I doubt that she is talking with someone else So I asked her directly that question but she denied, By the time we again start meeting frequently Then After more 3-4 months she accepted that she is in relation with another guy, She told me that he looks like his Ex-boyfriend that why she attracted towards him. She give him 35 K Rs , Then I told her that Why she did not tell me that before ?? She reply that she was in trap of that guy because he is in the same school in which she was a teacher. She left that school then she get a courage to told me that all things. She cry a lot an apologizes many times then I told her we can continue if she never talk with him. She agreed after another 3-4 months later she expose another truth that she is in touch with him through Google chat but she never meet him neither she talk him about past on phone , she told me that she only talk with with him to know his well being only. She told me that one day that guy offer him to again physical and after that she started hating him and stop talking him. Now She is teaching in another school and that boy in other school , When ever she shaw him on Road she tells me about that . Now she asking me that if I caught her again cheating then I can do whatever I want. I love her so much and She loves me too Even we remain in touch on phone 10-12 hr in a day. Now my Question is that Can I believe her again ?? That she will not get in touch that boy in future ?? Should I continue this relation ??
Ans: Dear SPPL
Both of you are in an extra-marital relationship while staying with your respective spouses for the sake of your children. This adds complexity because, beyond trust issues between you and her, there’s the underlying emotional weight of being tied to marriages that neither of you seems emotionally invested in anymore.

Your relationship with her has lasted for 14 years, which shows that there’s a deep emotional bond between you. But the fact that you’re both staying in unhappy marriages out of responsibility to your children means that there’s always going to be a limit to how much emotional and physical freedom you both have in this relationship. That creates emotional pressure because even if you love each other deeply, you’re still navigating within the confines of your separate family lives.

Her getting involved with another man during this time reflects not just on her emotional state but also on the emotional limitations of your relationship. Being in an extra-marital affair means that neither of you can fully give yourselves to each other because of the realities of your existing family commitments. She might have sought comfort or distraction in someone else because the emotional fulfillment she gets from you isn’t enough to bridge the gap created by her marriage and life circumstances.

The fact that she confessed and apologized after initially denying it suggests that she feels guilty and wants to rebuild trust with you. But the emotional vulnerability created by this betrayal will make it hard for you to trust her completely, especially since your relationship already exists in a morally complicated space. Staying with your respective spouses for the children means that your emotional connection with each other will always have to exist in the shadows, which makes it more vulnerable to external distractions and temptations.

The big question here is whether you can genuinely move past the betrayal and continue to trust her despite the complexity of your situation. Love is present, but love alone isn’t always enough when trust is broken—especially in a relationship that already carries emotional and moral complications. If you feel that you can forgive her and she remains consistent in her actions, the relationship might survive. But if this betrayal has planted a seed of doubt that you can’t shake, it could slowly erode the emotional foundation you’ve built over the years.

You also need to consider whether this pattern will repeat itself. Since both of you are married and emotionally unavailable to each other in a fully committed way, emotional gaps might emerge again, and similar situations could arise. You need to have an honest conversation with her about whether you both have the emotional strength to maintain this connection long-term under these circumstances. If you can rebuild trust and stay emotionally strong despite the limitations of your married lives, then you might be able to continue. But if you feel like this betrayal has permanently altered the emotional safety you once felt with her, stepping back to protect your emotional health might be the better choice.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8235 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 15, 2025Hindi
Money
I want to invest in my daughter's education. She is 3 years now. I am investing in Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. I would like to invest Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 every month for her education and future. Can you please suggest the best schemes?
Ans: It’s truly wonderful that you’re thinking about your daughter’s education early.
This habit of planning ahead gives her a strong foundation.

Let’s look at the best way to invest Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 monthly.
We will build a 360-degree plan that is simple, stress-free, and goal-focused.

Understanding the Time Horizon
Your daughter is now 3 years old.

You need funds in two stages – school and college.

School needs may arise in 5 to 8 years.

Higher education needs come in 12 to 15 years.

This gives us two time horizons – medium-term and long-term.

Your strategy must match these time goals for right growth.

Your Existing Investment: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
This is a good step.

The interest is tax-free.

It gives capital safety and fixed returns.

But returns are not high enough to beat future inflation.

So, this is only a partial solution.

You must add growth-oriented investments for better wealth.

Risk and Reward Balance
Since the goal is more than 10 years away, equity helps.

Equity gives higher returns over the long term.

But it has ups and downs in the short run.

Don’t worry, we will balance this with stable options.

Let us now split your monthly investment.

Suggested Investment Structure (Rs 15,000 Monthly Plan)
You can adjust to Rs 10,000 also.
The structure stays same.

1. Equity Mutual Funds – Rs 9,000
Invest in actively managed equity mutual funds.

Choose diversified funds with consistent past performance.

Actively managed funds are handled by expert fund managers.

They aim to beat the market.

These funds can give better returns than index funds.

Index funds only follow the market.

They don’t protect you in falling markets.

In your case, beating inflation is more important.

So, avoid index funds. Choose regular active mutual funds.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner or MFD.

Don’t invest directly.

Direct funds look cheaper but give poor guidance.

You may miss fund reviews, rebalancing, or right asset mix.

A Certified Financial Planner ensures your portfolio stays aligned to your goal.

2. Hybrid or Balanced Mutual Funds – Rs 3,000
These funds mix equity and debt.

They reduce risk, and give more stable returns.

Use them for medium-term needs.

School education and coaching expenses may start in 5–7 years.

These funds give moderate returns with lower risk than pure equity.

Invest regularly through SIPs.

Keep investing even during market ups and downs.

3. Debt Fund or Short-Term Recurring Deposit – Rs 2,000
Use this for very short-term or emergency school needs.

Or yearly fees, books, school trips, etc.

Recurring deposits give capital safety and fixed returns.

You can also use debt mutual funds.

These have slightly better tax benefits if held long.

But debt fund returns are now taxed like interest.

Both options are safe and useful for predictable needs.

Investment Planning for Rs 10,000 Monthly Option
If you want to start with Rs 10,000, here is the split.

Rs 6,000 in equity mutual funds (long term)

Rs 2,500 in hybrid mutual funds (medium term)

Rs 1,500 in RD or debt funds (short term)

Benefits of SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans)
SIP builds discipline.

You invest monthly without timing the market.

It gives compounding benefits.

You average the cost by buying in both low and high markets.

SIPs are best for long-term goals like education.

Why Not Index Funds or ETFs?
Index funds copy the market.

They don’t aim to beat it.

No protection in falling markets.

No professional risk management.

Your goal needs customised solutions.

Active funds give this edge.

ETFs are passive. You also need a Demat account.

They suit traders more than long-term savers.

Avoid them for your child’s goal.

Why Not Direct Plans?
Direct funds skip distributor cost.

But they give no human advice.

You are alone to monitor, rebalance, and manage.

Over 15 years, this becomes difficult.

Mistakes can reduce your final amount.

Better to invest via regular plans with Certified Financial Planner.

You get proper handholding and goal tracking.

You can revise portfolio when goals or risks change.

Review and Rebalance Every Year
Your SIPs must be reviewed every year.

You may need to change funds or amount.

Your daughter’s education needs may increase.

So, rebalancing is important.

Don’t keep investing blindly.

Check performance yearly with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.

Create a Goal-Based Investment Tracker
Write your goal in a book or Excel file.

Write monthly SIP, total invested, and expected returns.

Track this once every year.

This gives motivation and clarity.

You will know if you are on track.

Prepare an Emergency Backup
Education plans can face surprises.

Health issues or job loss may affect savings.

Keep a separate emergency fund for 6–12 months expenses.

Don't use your daughter’s fund for other needs.

This helps you stay committed to her dream.

Prepare Mentally for Long Term
Market may go up and down.

Don’t stop SIPs in bad times.

These phases give the best returns later.

Stay patient and goal-focused.

Avoid panic decisions.

Every rupee invested today brings peace later.

Education Inflation is Real
Education costs are rising 8–10% every year.

A Rs 15 lakh course today may cost Rs 30 lakh in 15 years.

Only growth investments can beat this.

Bank FDs and fixed deposits will not be enough.

Use Sukanya for stability and mutual funds for growth.

Tax Considerations You Should Know
Equity mutual funds give tax benefit if sold after 1 year.

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per your income slab.

Sukanya returns are tax-free.

NPS has tax benefit also, but partial withdrawal only.

Diversify in a Smart Way
Use 3–4 good mutual fund schemes.

Not more than that.

Too many funds confuse tracking.

Keep it simple.

Focus on long-term performance and fund quality.

Add a Term Plan for Yourself
If you’re the earning parent, take term insurance.

It protects your daughter’s education in case of your absence.

Don’t mix insurance with investment.

ULIPs or money-back plans are not suitable.

Take pure term plan. Low premium and high cover.

Don’t Stop SIPs Midway
Many parents stop SIPs after few years.

Don’t do that.

Continue till her college admission.

You will be thankful later.

Start Early, Benefit More
Your daughter is just 3.

You have 15 years.

Starting early gives big compounding benefits.

Even small monthly SIPs become big corpus.

Educate Your Child Gradually
As your daughter grows, teach her about money.

Let her understand savings and goals.

This habit will help her in adult life.

Finally
Planning your daughter’s future is a noble goal.
You have already started the right steps.

Sukanya Yojana gives stability.
Mutual funds give long-term growth.

Use SIPs in actively managed regular plans.
Take guidance from a Certified Financial Planner.

Keep goals written and reviewed.
Invest every month without fail.

Let your money work while you sleep.
And your daughter’s dreams grow strong.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8235 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2025

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1527 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 13, 2025Hindi
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8235 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 15, 2025Hindi
Money
I have sip of 15k in mutual fund & 5k in stock also 1.5k rd, 1k sukanya samriddhi nps 18k pf 7k how much can be amount after 20 years.
Ans: You are already on a steady path.

Your monthly investments are spread across mutual funds, stocks, RD, NPS, PF and Sukanya Samriddhi. A well-diversified structure like this can give strong long-term results.

Let us now look at each part closely.

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Mutual Fund SIP – Rs 15,000 per month

This is the core of your long-term wealth growth.

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Equity mutual funds can give higher returns than FDs or RDs.

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Actively managed funds are better than index funds in many ways.

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Fund managers adjust the portfolio as per market conditions.

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Index funds follow the market blindly without any strategy.

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Your Rs 15,000 SIP for 20 years can become a big amount.

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Discipline is the key. Keep investing without stopping during market falls.

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Use regular plans through MFDs guided by a Certified Financial Planner.

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Direct plans may look cheaper but come with zero guidance or monitoring.

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A regular plan gives long-term relationship-based advice from a certified expert.

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A well-managed SIP for 20 years can build wealth over Rs 1 crore.

?

Keep reviewing SIP performance every year with your planner.

?

Make changes only if fund consistently underperforms for 2-3 years.

?

Stock Investment – Rs 5,000 per month

Investing in stocks shows good risk-taking ability.

?

Stock investment can give higher growth than other options.

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But it needs more knowledge and time to track companies.

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Stocks can be volatile. So, stay calm during market ups and downs.

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Avoid panic selling when markets crash.

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Long holding gives the best results in stocks.

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After 20 years, even this Rs 5,000 per month can become a sizeable amount.

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Prefer quality businesses with strong track record and future potential.

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If unsure, shift this to mutual funds under expert guidance.

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Recurring Deposit – Rs 1,500 per month

RD is safe, but returns are low compared to other options.

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RD interest is fully taxable as per your income tax slab.

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Over 20 years, RD will give lowest return in your portfolio.

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You can keep it only for short-term goals or emergency reserve.

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For long-term, shift this to equity mutual funds.

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Or you can put in hybrid mutual funds for slightly lower risk.

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Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana – Rs 1,000 per month

This is a very good scheme for girl child.

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It is safe and backed by the government.

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Interest is tax-free. Maturity is also tax-free.

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Lock-in until 21 years, so it suits long-term education/marriage goal.

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Keep contributing regularly to get maximum maturity benefit.

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You can expect a large corpus after 21 years with steady investment.

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Ideal for disciplined investors who want safe and tax-free returns.

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NPS – Rs 18,000 per month

NPS helps to build retirement corpus over long term.

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Investment is split between equity and debt automatically.

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You can also choose allocation yourself with active choice.

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Equity part can grow well in long term.

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Returns are market-linked, but more stable than pure equity.

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There is lock-in till age 60, so ideal for retirement goal only.

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After retirement, partial amount is tax-free.

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Some part must be used to buy pension (annuity), which is taxable.

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Although annuity is compulsory in NPS, you can plan withdrawals smartly.

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NPS of Rs 18,000 monthly can build a large retirement fund.

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Keep track of performance every year and rebalance if needed.

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Provident Fund – Rs 7,000 per month

EPF or PPF is a low-risk long-term savings tool.

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Interest is tax-free and withdrawal is also tax-free.

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Suits conservative investors looking for safe capital.

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PF works well with equity for balanced growth.

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You already have good exposure across products, which is positive.

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Over 20 years, this amount grows slowly but steadily.

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Don’t stop contributions. It’s your retirement backup.

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You can also open Voluntary PF to increase savings.

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Expected Total Value After 20 Years

Your total monthly savings is Rs 47,500.

?

This is very strong commitment for your future.

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With average returns, you may build Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 3 crore.

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If equity performs well, you may reach Rs 3.5 crore or more.

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This depends on discipline, patience and smart review every year.

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Market ups and downs are normal. Stay focused on the 20-year goal.

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Avoid stopping SIPs during crisis. That’s when real wealth is built.

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Diversification helps to reduce risk and increase stability.

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Your current portfolio is well-diversified across equity, debt, and government schemes.

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It is the right balance for long-term investors.

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360 Degree Suggestions for Better Results

Do annual review of all investments with a Certified Financial Planner.

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Check if asset allocation needs to be changed based on your age and goals.

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Increase SIP amount every year as income grows.

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Shift RD money to mutual funds or hybrid funds for better returns.

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Continue Sukanya Samriddhi regularly for daughter’s future.

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Monitor NPS and PF for performance and tax efficiency.

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Avoid direct stocks if you don’t have time or expertise.

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Do not invest in index funds or ETFs.

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Index funds give average returns without any flexibility.

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Active mutual funds have skilled fund managers who track markets better.

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Use regular mutual fund plans through a CFP and MFD channel.

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Direct plans look cheaper but offer no advice or monitoring.

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Regular plan ensures review and goal tracking with expert help.

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Do not invest in real estate unless for own use. It gives low rental returns.

?

No need for annuities. They lock your money with low returns.

?

Focus on growth-oriented, flexible investment tools like mutual funds.

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Create an emergency fund with at least 6 months’ expenses.

?

Take term insurance to protect your family financially.

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Health insurance should also cover family members adequately.

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Tax Rules to Remember

Mutual Fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

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STCG in mutual funds is taxed at 20%.

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RD interest is taxed as per your income slab.

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Sukanya Samriddhi, NPS (partial), PF – tax-free on maturity.

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Plan withdrawals smartly to save taxes in future.

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Finally

You are doing a great job by saving across different tools.

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This structure can give you financial freedom and peace of mind.

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With smart review and regular investing, your 20-year goals can be fulfilled easily.

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Stay committed. Be patient. Don’t chase quick profits.

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Keep it simple. Focus on goals and expert-guided investment.

?

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

...Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8235 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2025

Money
I want to invest in my childs education born in 2023. What is the best thing in the market?
Ans: Absolutely appreciate your intention to invest early for your child’s education.

This is a thoughtful and wise move.

Your child born in 2023 will likely need funds for college around 2040.

That gives you a long investment horizon of 15+ years.

This gives enough time for compounding to work well.

Let me share a 360-degree investment roadmap for this goal.

This plan is written in a simple tone but with professional depth.

Let us now explore the best available options in the market today.

Understand the Nature of the Goal
Education is a non-negotiable goal.

You cannot postpone or compromise it easily.

It is a high-cost goal due to inflation in education fees.

Hence, your investment must beat education inflation.

Regular savings in a bank will not be enough.

You need growth assets with better long-term returns.

Also, safety and discipline are important.

Tax efficiency matters because the goal is long-term.

You must track progress regularly and adjust if needed.

You must not withdraw before maturity, even during emergencies.

Begin with a Clear Goal Plan
Estimate the year your child will need funds.

For UG courses, it could be in 2040.

For PG, it may be 2043 or later.

Estimate cost of education in today’s value.

Then adjust for education inflation.

Usually, education inflation is around 8–10%.

Do not ignore living costs, books, and hostel fees.

Add buffer for foreign education or special courses.

Split the goal into 2 phases: UG and PG.

Assign different timelines and amounts to each.

Then plan SIPs or lump sums accordingly.

Why Fixed Deposits Are Not Suitable
FD returns are lower than education inflation.

Tax on FD interest reduces actual returns.

Compounding works poorly in FDs.

FDs do not allow automatic step-up in investment.

They also don’t offer any growth during long tenure.

Reinvesting maturity amount each time is inefficient.

Your long-term wealth will remain stagnant.

They are only okay for short-term parking.

Not ideal for a 15 to 20-year education goal.

Avoiding Index Funds for Education Planning
Index funds only copy the market.

They lack human intelligence and decision-making.

They do not outperform in volatile markets.

They carry full market risk without active adjustment.

In falling markets, they fall fully with no defense.

Index funds cannot shift from poor sectors.

Actively managed funds can change strategy mid-way.

Fund managers can shift to better sectors.

Hence, for education goals, prefer active mutual funds.

Debt Mutual Funds: Use Them Carefully
Debt funds are useful for short-term education goals.

Also useful 2-3 years before goal maturity.

They reduce risk from sudden equity fall.

But returns are not high for long-term.

Tax treatment is as per income tax slab.

You may pay more tax if in higher slab.

So use debt funds only during last few years.

Do not start education investing with them.

Gold ETFs or Sovereign Gold Bonds: Limited Use
Gold may give inflation-like returns over time.

But it is not consistent year after year.

No dividend or income from gold investment.

Gold prices can stay flat for years.

SGBs are tax-free after 8 years, but lack flexibility.

Hence, use only 5–10% of corpus in gold.

Do not depend only on gold for education goal.

Best Core Strategy: Active Mutual Funds
These are managed by skilled fund managers.

They aim to beat market by smart decisions.

They adjust portfolio based on market situation.

They change allocation between sectors and themes.

They select good companies and avoid weak ones.

Over long term, they can outperform passive funds.

Also, they are well-regulated and transparent.

SIP in active funds gives rupee cost averaging.

Over 15 years, this can create strong corpus.

These are ideal for long-term child education needs.

Disadvantages of Direct Plans
In direct funds, you invest without any guidance.

You need to monitor and rebalance yourself.

Most investors do not review portfolio regularly.

No help to handle underperforming funds.

No one reminds or guides you during market changes.

You may miss out on newer, better opportunities.

Wrong selection or wrong asset mix causes damage.

Instead, choose regular plans through Certified Financial Planner.

You get professional support with goal-based planning.

You stay on track and reduce mistakes.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Best Route
SIP builds habit and discipline in investing.

It removes the pressure of timing the market.

Even small amounts can become big with time.

You can increase SIP every year as income grows.

It helps in averaging cost during market ups and downs.

You remain invested even during market falls.

SIP is a good match for long-term education goals.

Use Step-up SIP for Higher Growth
Step-up SIP means increasing SIP yearly.

This matches your salary or business growth.

It helps beat inflation better over 15 years.

You invest more without much effort.

This results in higher maturity amount.

A Certified Financial Planner can help calculate ideal step-up.

Mix of Equity Mutual Funds Based on Child’s Age
When your child is 0 to 10 years old:

Allocate 90–100% to equity mutual funds.

Use a mix of large-cap, flexi-cap and mid-cap funds.

Add small-cap only if you can tolerate volatility.

Avoid thematic or sectoral funds now.

Keep it simple and diversified.

When your child turns 11–13 years:

Gradually reduce mid- and small-cap exposure.

Shift 20–30% into conservative hybrid funds.

Reduce equity to about 70–80%.

From 14–16 years onward:

Move 40–60% to short-duration debt funds.

This will protect the goal from equity volatility.

Keep rest in flexi-cap and large-cap funds.

1–2 years before goal:

Move entire corpus to liquid and short-term debt funds.

Ensure capital is safe and ready for use.

Use Goal Tracker Every Year
Track if your corpus is growing as per plan.

Review fund performance every year.

Replace underperforming funds with better ones.

Adjust SIP amount if needed.

Increase SIP if inflation rises more than expected.

Use XIRR to check overall returns.

A Certified Financial Planner will do this yearly.

Use Separate Folio for Education Goal
Don’t mix this goal with other investments.

Use one folio for this specific purpose.

This gives clear visibility and control.

You won’t accidentally withdraw for other needs.

It keeps your mental focus intact.

Insurance is Not Investment
Do not mix insurance with child education.

Avoid ULIPs, endowment plans or money-back policies.

They give poor returns and long lock-in.

Mostly 3–5% return only, after charges.

Instead, buy pure term insurance separately.

Invest remaining in good mutual funds.

If you hold any investment-cum-insurance policy:

Do a cost-benefit analysis.

If returns are low, surrender and reinvest.

Redeem carefully to avoid exit load or tax.

Emergency Fund and Term Insurance
Always keep 6–12 months expense as emergency fund.

This avoids breaking child investment during crisis.

Use liquid mutual funds or FD for this.

Also buy term insurance to protect child’s goal.

It should cover at least 15–20 times your annual income.

If anything happens to you, the child’s goal stays safe.

Tax Impact and Smart Withdrawals
Equity MF gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

This applies only after one year holding.

If sold within 1 year, 20% tax applies.

For debt funds, tax as per income tax slab.

Plan withdrawals over 2–3 financial years.

This reduces tax burden and keeps money liquid.

A Certified Financial Planner can guide tax-efficient exit.

Avoid Lump Sum Late Investment
Don’t wait to invest in final 3–5 years.

Lump sum at that time is risky and stressful.

It may coincide with market downturn.

Start early and do SIP consistently.

Early investment reduces pressure later.

Final Insights
Starting early is your biggest advantage.

You already made a great first step.

Continue SIPs for 15 years with discipline.

Do not panic during market fluctuations.

Review every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust based on inflation, market and child’s career path.

Keep insurance separate and invest only in mutual funds.

Never stop SIP mid-way unless emergency.

Child’s future deserves consistent planning and care.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

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