Home > Relationship > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1622 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Sep 06, 2021

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
VC Question by VC on Sep 06, 2021Hindi
Listen
Relationship

I am in a very difficult situation I am not getting what to do so I am writing you this mail for your suggestion.

I was in love from 6years our love life was very good . We were very happy and promised to get married also but suddenly my boyfriend said we can’t marry because of his family issues so I accepted that with a big heart. He asked me to marry another guy I accepted that also. And after some days my marriage got fixed with another guy and I got married also.

But soon after my marriage my boyfriend realised my love and started crying.

He started calling me and soon after 2 days of my marriage he was continuously calling me and this created a very big problem.

My husband saw his calls and msgs and started chatting with my boyfriend pretending to be me only. They both talked and my boyfriend told my husband everything about our past things.

My husband got angry he started beating me getting angry on me started following me and due to all this he left me.

After my husband left me I called my boyfriend and said: Now my husband left me so what to do. You are also not accepting me.

My boyfriend said: I don't have anything to do with you I don't need you at all and plz go away from my life. Now I don’t know what to do. Can you plz help me or guide me.

Ans: Dear V, I can only imagine what you are going through.

One man (husband) judges your situation and as hard as it is for any person, it would have been great if he didn’t play peeping Tom and instead confronted you to work things out with you. And the other man (boyfriend) dumps you in sheer fright and runs for his life.

Do you seriously want to beg either of them for a place in their lives?

They have both displayed total lack of maturity! But in their defense, they have felt cheated and not known how to deal with the situation. BUT nothing justifies physical abuse…

I do work with couples to bring them together where it seems possible. Reconciliation with your husband is possible both of you choose that path. Involve a senior member from both sides of the family and bring it to a neutral place; shedding egos along the way.

Work with a Marriage Therapy expert who can then help you re-evaluate your priorities and put things in perspective.

Work as a team (if both of you want that) and rebuild the marriage. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s possible…So, move in that direction if you see that glimmer of hope as well.

Best wishes.

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Love Guru

Love Guru   | Answer  |Ask -

Relationships Expert - Answered on Aug 25, 2022

Listen
Relationship
Hello love guru. I wanted to know if I am wrong or right. As my husband has blocked me from phone by all means and do not even talk to me, so what should I do? I am working far from my Father in laws home where he stays with his brother (divorcee). He is not working and I am working and taking care of two daughters. Whenever he comes here, he fight a lot saying insane and sarcastic words to me. Since two and half months he stayed with us and left us (though he sometimes talk to my daughters only). I feel alone and nobody is there to support me or even talk to me for my emotional support. Now somebody has started talking to me and even I started, I really do not know what to do. Kindly guide. I told this to my husband also and he says whatever you wish you do.. I do not know why he says like this..He did not even tried to search a job where I am working, but when he went to inlaws there he started searching interestingly. If we do not talk then how  our relation will continue being husband. Also I found many times that he keep on searching call girls from his mobile phone search history and even his friends at inlaws told me that they saw girl accompanying him..but even I want to forget all these things as I found my daughters feel happy to talk to him..but what about my emotions and my physical needs..who will take care of if this keep on continued...as after marriage I found no happy-happy situations for me atleast..he says he lost all his jobs because of me..But all baseless objections...and blames me, harms me by beating also some times..I some times cry alone... but  this is not the life I expected after working so hard...I also used to pay him all money whatever he and whenever he demnaded.. I paid more than 10 lakhs of savings to him till date and did not even ever counted..he also stolen all gold from home without even asking me..I want to forgive him for all but when he is not interested in talking to me and just ignores me then how and why I should continue with him..just because he is my husband..or should I remarry to someone who is really willing to marry me...knowing all these things..or should I dont? As a mother of two daughters I sometimes think..that my only responsibility is to upbring my daughters...but then I also needs someone's emotional support...though economically independent..I also said to him to give me alimony as he does not pay anything to me and also file for divorce...as even I have a right to live happily...kab tak aise hi aansu bahau uske liye jisne mujhe block hi kar rakha hai from phone? I am confused please help me out!!
Ans: You have a husband who is an unemployed, good-for-nothing bum, who doesn't show you respect, steals from you, lives apart from you, likes to associate with call girls, blames you for his failures, beats you and doesn't care if you have an affair. He ‘talks to your daughters sometimes’. Honey, you need to be emailing a divorce lawyer, not this column. And do it immediately. Yes, you're more than just a mother and you do deserve emotional support. You should cut him loose immediately.   

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1622 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 01, 2023

Listen
Relationship
Hi I am 38 year married woman with one 12yr boy and living in joint family. I am doing everything very honestly and sincerely as a lady does as housewife but I never got love respect as wife from my husband and few years after our marriage I had seen changes in his behavior and day by day he is getting very rude towards me. So I decided to enquire the reason behind these and came to know that he is having affairs with someone whom he is treating as his wife and giving everything to her as his wife and also wants her to get married. I told these to both of our parents and after talking with him he assured of not continuing the affair. But after that incident I had not seen any change in his behavior and still acting in the same way. I told these to my parents but because of some compulsion we both discussed and decided to accept it and continue it the way as it is but these is very difficult for me to accept these and continue these relationship. In my schooldays I likes a boy, we love each other but after my marriage we had never been in contact with each other and he also not contacted me respecting my decision.But after these incident and during Corona I contacted him to know how he is and came to know that he is still unmarried and waiting for me and I told him about my married life.As he loves me very much and still wants me as his wife and told me that he will accept me as I am. As I also loves him a lot and after knowing that he is still waiting for me its become very difficult for me live without him as now i doesn’t feel complete without him. I remain honest in my married life but after these incident I dont want to live here and also unable to leave because of family condition and also because of the society we lived in. We shares everything with each other . He respects me and my feelings and loves me a lot and I feel that he is always there for her and will support me in all respect. Kindly guide me what shall I do.
Ans: Dear P,
It is unfortunate that you had to snoop around and find out about your husband's affair.
And it is understandable that you are trying to ease the pain but HOW?

The way the mind responds is to immediately move away from pain to feel better. But that doesn't mean you jump into another relationship. It is not healthy. This person from your past can be a good friend who can support you as you go through your marriage challenges and decisions that you might eventually make. take time to get to know each other. Who you knew him in the past, may not be the person who he is now. Priorities change, situations change.
Do not assume the same attraction till you have given each other the time and space with each other to gauge this. Even a bit of care and attention will seem like attraction especially when you have a husband who is being just the opposite.
So, my suggestion is to start on a friendly note and see how it grows first before thinking of a committed relationship AND don't forget you have a child too. Your friend will have to understand that if he accepts you, he also needs to be willing to take responsibility to treat your son as his. So, go slow and don't let this connection become a mere distraction. You will both end up spoiling it and you would not done anything to fix your marriage as well.
Does this make sense? You probably wanted a better response from me to get a go-ahead. I can't do that as it will just bring you more heartbreak. Close one door to be able to walk through another one confidently.

All the best!

..Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |607 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 05, 2023

Listen
Relationship
Hi I am 38 year married woman with one 12yr boy and living in joint family. I am doing everything very honestly and sincerely as a lady does as housewife but I never got love respect as wife from my husband and few years after our marriage I had seen changes in his behavior and day by day he is getting very rude towards me. So I decided to enquire the reason behind these and came to know that he is having affairs with someone whom he is treating as his wife and giving everything to her as his wife and also wants her to get married. I told these to both of our parents and after talking with him he assured of not continuing the affair. But after that incident I had not seen any change in his behavior and still acting in the same way. I told these to my parents but because of some compulsion we both discussed and decided to accept it and continue it the way as it is but these is very difficult for me to accept these and continue these relationship. In my schooldays I likes a boy, we love each other but after my marriage we had never been in contact with each other and he also not contacted me respecting my decision.But after these incident and during Corona I contacted him to know how he is and came to know that he is still unmarried and waiting for me and I told him about my married life.As he loves me very much and still wants me as his wife and told me that he will accept me as I am. As I also loves him a lot and after knowing that he is still waiting for me its become very difficult for me live without him as now i doesn’t feel complete without him. I remain honest in my married life but after these incident I dont want to live here and also unable to leave because of family condition and also because of the society we lived in. We shares everything with each other . He respects me and my feelings and loves me a lot and I feel that he is always there for me and will support me in all respect. Kindly guide me what shall I do
Ans: Dear P
Dear P

Big hugs

It sounds like you are in a very difficult and complex situation. Your husband's behavior towards you is not acceptable, and it is understandable that you feel hurt and unsupported in your marriage. It is also understandable that you have feelings for someone from your past who has always been respectful of your marriage and who now wants to be with you.

However, it's important to remember that any decision you make will have consequences, and it's important to carefully consider all the potential outcomes before making a choice. It's also important to think about what is best for you and your son, as well as for the other people involved.

Here are a few things to consider:

Talk to a professional: It may be helpful to speak with a therapist or counselor to help you sort through your feelings and make a decision that is right for you. A professional can provide an objective perspective and help you explore your options.

Think about your priorities: Consider what is most important to you in your life. Do you want to prioritize your own happiness and pursue a relationship with the person you love, or do you want to prioritize your family and the stability of your current living situation?

Consider the impact on your son: Think about how any decision you make will impact your son. Will he be able to adjust to a new living situation, and how will he be affected by your decision to leave your current marriage?

Talk to your husband: If you haven't already, it may be helpful to have an honest conversation with your husband about how his behavior has made you feel and what you need from him in order to feel supported and respected in your marriage.

Think about the long-term: Consider the long-term implications of any decision you make. How will it impact your financial situation, your relationships with family members, and your own emotional well-being?

Ultimately, the decision about what to do is yours, and it's important to make a choice that feels right for you. Just remember to take your time, think carefully, and seek support from those you trust.

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1622 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Mar 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 07, 2025Hindi
Relationship
I had a very bad past where I was in physical relationship with like 10 guys that was due to the earlier relationship I had where I was being used financially and physically that hurt and me and I got really f***** up in my mind so I started dating guys just for physical relationship then the last guy I was in relationship with I got pregnant with a baby and I aborted it because I did not want to have a future with him and also I did not have confidence to grow that baby. then 4 months later I met my husband I fell in love with him at the first meet and we had physical thing at the very first meet. during the second meet he read the group chat between me and my friends where we spoke bad words ,my husband was not okay with that and he was really feeling bad about it and he started to talk about our break up.I was waiting for my final yr results when I met him soon I got my result then I have to start my internship my husband paid 5 lacs rupees for me but he was anxious that I will be with the friends who I was talking bad words with in college and he wanted to have a breakup and he fighted everyday with that reason .I promised him that I will not be that person anymore and I won't talk to my friends. one day I helped my friend with work for which my husband got angry and he wanted to have a break up and he started to talk about the last guy which I said that he was a friend before and I don't talk to him anymore then he raised question about him and then I told him that I was having a Friends with benefit relationship with him, then things got bitter and he seriously wants break up this time,.everyday he talks to me about that and fights with me I stop going to college .one day I made a suicide attempt and then 2 days after he started talking to me normally. soon again he started asking all those questions about the last guy I have been with, he asked very minute questions about the day and dates and he fighted with me everyday for that. there is a friend of mine who knows everything about my past ,in all these chaos,things got bitter between me and her and we stop talking. one day my husband talked to her and he asked everything about me and he got to know all about my past and he said that he took all the history of my chats ,apps and photos and asked me questions repeatedly and I told him everything completely without hiding anything. then things got messed up. I was really distressed, then my family got involved and things got very bitter, he told everything about my past to my mother. one day, they made me stop talking to him. he sent message to my sister in law and brother about my past, then my mother went to my husband's sister and told her that my husband is making a big mess not allowing me to go to internship and he has all our intimate pictures then things got Messed up more and he stopped talking to me. he was just asking me the 5 lakhs rupees he paid for me and then we stopped talking for about a week, I turned completely insane during that period and I sent him txt that I am not able to live without him .then we started talking, few days after he was okay with me going to the college then again he started fighting he was not ok with me to go to college. then we decided to get register married which a day later he denied.then I ran away from my house to him ,he received me and I was with him for 3 months we lived together for 3 months during which period he spoke really bad of me because of my past which I endured because I was really feeling guilty of my past and I thought I deserved it. he was asking even all those small personal things and he hurted me so much with his words which was mere verbal abuse ,meanwhile I got pregnant then he introduced me to his family and then we got married registered in front of our family. it was an inter religious marriage. all this time he controls me for every little thing like I should do this and I should do that which I did not take seriously then. now everything got secured my mom wanted me to complete my degree in my hometown because I was not able to complete it anywhere else but my husband was not ok with me going to my hometown to complete my degree because of my past things. I have financial things to take care of because of the money spent for my degree so I was thinking to make a deal either to finish my degree or I wanted my husband to give back the money that was spent for my degree because he said so but then later he started to humiliate my family for expecting money from me and he told that they we just see me as an investment to earn back the money they spent on me. But my family wanted me to complete the degree at the first place.this created a lot of arguments between me and him . Finally,one day my mom approach his family and she wanted me to come with her to complete my degree but my husband was not ok with it and I was still supporting him my mom told that she will die if I didn't complete my degree because that was all that she dreamed for me her entire life. then they sent me to my hometown with my mom to complete my degree. after coming here my husband did not talk to me for 2 days, then he texted me that he does not want to live with me. he told that I and my family were being fake and we were using him and we broke him into pieces and made him go through the pain which he did not deserve. I got really emotional and I told him that I wanted to go back to him. he told me that he will take me to him the next day that he will book a bus for me to reach back to him but he did not contact me the next day .then a day later he started making arguments again this time, he said that he wanted divorce from me because he cannot have a life with me .he told that he does not want to be in my life and our child's life, if I want he can give financial support for my child's growth. I denied the money and I told him that I am not willing for a divorce unless or otherwise he wants to marry another girl then he 3 hrs later, he sent a letter of intent to divorce and I did not reply for it .what should I do now?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
As bad or hurtful as it may sound to you, you have simply thrown your life at the mercy of others. They have used you as a puppet only because you have given them permission to do so...past relationships and even now.
What you should do now is:
1. Ask an elder member (not your mother) of the family to intervene and talk to him and his side of the family to see if there is any scope for reconciliation. If there is, then your husband has got to stop playing these games of wanting you one day and then not wanting you the next. It's highly toxic to live with someone who trusts you for a moment and then asks you to prove your innocence the next moment. The two of you will need to get into Intensive Therapy as a couple to put things back together.
2. If there is no scope for reconciliation, please get a good lawyer who can secure the baby's future and yours.

Though you haven't asked me this, for your own good I suggest:
Please understand that no man is going to make you happy. So, depending on them despite the fact that can act toxic, is only draining you mentally and emotionally. Evaluate for yourself what you want from life besides being in relationships constantly. A break from it all will actually help you, you know. At least it will give you sense of how you can be by yourself and what you value the most in your life. Once you get past this stage, you will be stronger to draw boundaries and know how to enforce them. No one will be able to walk over you and you will be able to reclaim your identity.
You come first and your baby is going to need a strong mother raising them. So, step up NOW!

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6587 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir my daughter got 1839 in comedk and 1821 in ts EAMCET which colleges should we prefer ...
Ans: With a COMEDK rank of 1,839, your daughter is eligible for CSE or ECE in top Karnataka colleges such as BMS College of Engineering, MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering, and Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology, all of which offer excellent placement records and strong academic environments. With a TS EAMCET rank of 1,821, she can secure CSE or ECE in premier Hyderabad colleges like Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology (CBIT), Vasavi College of Engineering, VNR Vignana Jyothi Institute of Engineering & Technology, and Gokaraju Rangaraju Institute of Engineering & Technology, all known for high placement rates (above 90% for CSE/ECE), robust industry connections, and modern infrastructure. Both cities offer vibrant campus life and strong industry exposure, but Hyderabad colleges have a slight edge in placement rates and recruiter diversity, while Bengaluru colleges are renowned for their tech ecosystem and opportunities in the IT sector.

Recommendation: Prefer CSE or ECE at CBIT Hyderabad, Vasavi, or VNR VJIET via TS EAMCET for top placements and academic reputation; if Bengaluru is preferred for location or campus culture, BMSCE, MSRIT, or DSCE through COMEDK are excellent alternatives. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9024 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I'm at 39 and Working with NMC. monthly package of 1.4Lac. Investment 30Lac ESOP 30Lac MF 15Lac PPF (matured) 25K - ULIP yearly 12K - SIP monthly 21K - Health insurance yearly 40K - Term insurance yearly Expenses 30K - Expenses monthly 30K - Home loans monthly EMI ( 8 years completed out of 20years 20Lac is a outstanding) 1Lac - Education of my kid yearly. Pl let me know, shall I close the home loan by 15Lac PPF and save the EMI amount in SIP, since I'm planning to migrate to New Tax regime which will not allow any Principal or Interst deduction. And does my investment are in proper way or any correction to be done..
Ans: You’ve shared thoughtful details about your income, investments, expenses, and goals. Let’s examine your position from a 360-degree view, without using a table, as requested.

Income and Expense Overview

Your monthly take-home salary is Rs. 1.4 lakhs.

Monthly expenses are about Rs. 30,000.

Your home loan EMI is Rs. 30,000.

Annual costs include health insurance (Rs. 21,000), term insurance (Rs. 40,000), and child’s education (Rs. 1 lakh).

You maintain a good savings rate after expenses.

This shows disciplined spending and space for better investments.

Debt Management: Home Loan

You have Rs. 20 lakhs outstanding in home loan.

8 years out of 20 years are completed.

You’re planning to close it with Rs. 15 lakhs from your matured PPF.

EMI savings (Rs. 30,000/month) can then be redirected to SIPs.

Analysis of Loan Closure Decision:

Home loan interest is not deductible under the new tax regime.

Emotional peace and zero EMI stress are valuable post-closure.

You save interest and get freedom to channel money to wealth creation.

This step improves your cash flow significantly.

So, yes, closing the home loan is a smart move, especially if emotional peace matters more than return from PPF.

PPF and Its Use

PPF maturity proceeds are safe, tax-free, and risk-free.

But returns are modest and not tax-saving under new regime.

Using this idle corpus for debt repayment improves efficiency.

Just ensure some liquidity is retained post repayment.

Mutual Fund Investments

Your MF investment is Rs. 15 lakhs. SIP is Rs. 12,000/month.

You plan to increase SIP by Rs. 30,000 after closing loan.

This is a great strategy for long-term compounding.

Ensure SIPs are in diversified, actively managed funds across:

Large cap

Flexi cap

Mid cap

Hybrid or Balanced advantage funds

Actively managed funds outperform in volatile and uncertain markets, unlike passive index funds which lack downside protection and portfolio customisation.

Avoid index funds due to:

No flexibility in sector rotation

No protection in falling markets

No active decision-making by fund managers

Stick to regular plans via a CFP-certified Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) for:

Handholding during market volatility

Goal-based rebalancing

Behavioural coaching

SIP top-up tracking

Risk management

Direct plans miss this personalised guidance. Regular plans offer long-term value through consistent handholding.

NPS and Tax Regime

You contribute Rs. 12,000 yearly to NPS.

New tax regime gives no 80C or NPS deductions.

But continue NPS as it helps retirement building.

NPS Tier-1 offers better returns than debt and PPF.

Do not stop NPS because:

It provides long-term retirement corpus

Equity-debt mix suits accumulation goals

But don’t over-rely on it. Use MFs too.

ULIP Contribution

ULIP premium is Rs. 25,000 yearly.

These are bundled products with low transparency.

High charges reduce compounding benefits.

After 5-year lock-in, surrender and redirect amount into mutual funds.

This improves long-term corpus generation, gives liquidity, and avoids lock-in.

ULIPs are not wealth creators. Keep insurance and investment separate.

ESOP Investment

You’ve Rs. 30 lakhs in ESOPs.

Concentration risk is high if ESOP is from one company.

Sell a portion and diversify.

Diversify into actively managed MFs, bonds, and PPF. Never depend on single-company stock for future goals.

Health and Term Insurance

You’ve a term insurance of Rs. 40,000/year.

Ensure sum assured is 15–20 times of annual income.

Health cover seems adequate.

Maintain health insurance with a top-up plan to cover large hospitalisation costs.

This protects retirement corpus from health shocks.

Child’s Education Planning

Current yearly education cost is Rs. 1 lakh.

This may grow to Rs. 5–8 lakh per year after 10–12 years.

Start a dedicated SIP for this goal.

Allocate investments in long-term mutual funds for education.

Use Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) if applicable.

This ensures education needs don’t disturb retirement savings.

Tax Planning Strategy

New tax regime removes 80C, NPS, home loan deductions.

So avoid tax-oriented investments.

Focus on real wealth creation through SIPs, PPF, and diversified mutual funds.

Invest based on goals, not tax-saving.

Emergency and Liquidity Planning

Keep Rs. 3–6 lakh as emergency fund in savings or liquid fund.

This gives peace during medical or job-related situations.

Don’t keep all funds locked in ULIPs, PPF, or NPS.

Ensure some liquidity always.

Retirement Goal and Strategy

If you plan to retire early, create a retirement goal SIP.

Allocate monthly fixed SIP into hybrid and flexi cap funds.

Use step-up SIP every year to increase amount.

Corpus should generate 30 years of income post retirement.

Start with goal-based investing to track progress.

Portfolio Correction Suggestions

Surrender ULIP after lock-in and reinvest in MFs

Close home loan and start SIP of Rs. 30,000

Diversify ESOP proceeds

Keep 10% in hybrid funds for cushion

Don’t invest in direct mutual funds

Avoid index funds for lack of active management

Work with a CFP-certified MFD to review funds every year

Finally

You are financially disciplined and show high clarity. With a few changes:

Close home loan for peace and better cash flow

Increase SIP and reduce debt burden

Exit ULIP after lock-in

Maintain insurance and emergency fund

Use mutual funds for all goals like education and retirement

Avoid direct and index funds. Stick to regular funds with certified help. This helps in long-term wealth and retirement readiness.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9024 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2025Hindi
Money
15 K Sip Every month for 20 Year long term how can do diversification? here Is My fund 1- motilal oswal mid cap fund 2- parag parikh flexi cap fund 3- bandhan small cap fund 4-Sbi long term equity fund 5-Invesco India Psu equity fund 6- Frankline india opportunity fund plz suggeste how many amount for which fund for long term become more sufficient return
Ans: A 20-year SIP is powerful if it is focused and well-diversified.

You are investing Rs 15,000 per month.
This is a strong commitment. Your future self will thank you.

Now, let’s review the portfolio in a 360-degree manner.

SIP Amount and Investment Tenure Review
Rs 15,000 SIP monthly is a good starting amount

20-year horizon is long enough for compounding to work

Asset allocation must be aligned to goals and volatility

Fund choice should cover various market caps and styles

It must avoid concentration in same segment or style

Fund List Given by You
You are investing across six different schemes. Let’s see the current structure.

Motilal Oswal Mid Cap Fund

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund

Bandhan Small Cap Fund

SBI Long Term Equity Fund (ELSS)

Invesco India PSU Equity Fund

Franklin India Opportunities Fund

This mix gives exposure to mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, thematic PSU, and ELSS.

But there are major gaps in style balance, risk alignment, and long-term suitability.

Portfolio Strengths
You have exposure to mid cap, small cap, and flexi cap styles

You are investing in equity for long-term wealth creation

Some funds are known for disciplined investment philosophy

Total SIP of Rs 15,000 builds a large corpus over time

ELSS adds tax benefit and long-term lock-in discipline

Key Issues in Current Portfolio
1. Too many sector-specific and opportunistic funds

PSU equity fund and opportunity fund are thematic

They are risky and return may come in short bursts

Not suitable for core long-term SIP for 20 years

2. No pure large cap or balanced exposure

No dedicated fund for large caps in current portfolio

No allocation to dynamic or balanced advantage funds

This makes the portfolio more volatile and unbalanced

3. Overlap and duplication across funds

Flexi cap, mid cap, and opportunity funds may hold same stocks

Overlap leads to poor diversification and low alpha

4. No guidance or exit plan visible

If investing in direct funds, there is no Certified Financial Planner support

Asset allocation, goal linking, and tax planning may be missing

Problems with Direct Plans (If You Are Using Them)
Direct plans have no advisor to restructure portfolio

You may not know when to switch, redeem or rebalance

Coin apps and platforms don't give personalised fund guidance

Long-term strategy cannot be managed with only platforms

Use regular plans through MFD channel with CFP for better results

Why Index or ETF Funds Are Not Recommended
Your question doesn’t include index funds, which is good.

Still, here is why you must avoid index funds:

Index funds follow market passively without adjusting in crashes

Overexposure to few large stocks can damage portfolio in downtrend

No downside protection or active decision-making by fund manager

Cannot beat inflation or create alpha in changing India economy

Recommended SIP Allocation Plan
Let us now structure your Rs 15,000 SIP for 20-year wealth building:

1. Flexi Cap Fund – Rs 4,000/month

Acts as a core holding across all market caps

Offers flexibility to shift allocation with changing market conditions

2. Mid Cap Fund – Rs 3,000/month

Good growth potential over 20 years

Suitable for long horizon investors

3. Small Cap Fund – Rs 2,000/month

Adds high return potential with volatility

Limit exposure to 15% of total SIP

4. Balanced Advantage Fund – Rs 3,000/month

Dynamic asset allocation reduces risk in volatile years

Gives cushion when markets fall sharply

5. ELSS Fund – Rs 3,000/month

Saves tax under 80C and gives market-linked returns

3-year lock-in improves long-term discipline

This structure gives you balance, growth, stability, and tax efficiency.

It reduces risk from over-thematic or over-concentrated positions.

Funds You Should Exit or Reduce
Invesco India PSU Fund

Sector-specific. PSU stocks may perform erratically

Not suitable for long-term SIP unless you track sector

Franklin Opportunities Fund

Highly volatile. May not be suitable for passive SIP

Exit if underperformance continues for 2+ years

Tax Planning and Exit Strategy
Equity SIP gains are taxed as per new capital gain rules

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh yearly taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

ELSS gives tax benefit on investment up to Rs 1.5 lakh yearly

Use goal-based exit plan after 10th or 15th year

Importance of Goal-Linked Investing
Tag each SIP to a life goal like retirement, child education or freedom fund

Don’t invest blindly or for highest return

Goal-based investing gives purpose and discipline

You stay motivated during market corrections

Emergency Fund and Protection Plan
Keep Rs 2–3 lakhs in liquid fund for emergencies

Ensure you have Rs 10–15 lakh health cover for family

Take term insurance if dependents exist

Don’t mix insurance with investment anymore

What If You Hold LIC or ULIP?
If you hold LIC or investment-cum-insurance plans:

Check surrender value and maturity return

Most LIC and ULIPs give poor return (less than 6%)

Surrender them and shift to mutual fund-based SIP or lump sum

Use regular plan and get proper monitoring from a CFP

Why You Need a Certified Financial Planner
You need full support in fund review, risk planning, and retirement strategy

A Certified Financial Planner helps reduce fund overlap

They suggest when to rebalance based on market cycle

They help avoid panic selling or buying in volatile years

They keep your asset allocation healthy and suitable to your age

Final Insights
Your intention to invest Rs 15,000 monthly for 20 years is excellent.

But your current fund mix needs realignment for long-term suitability.

Avoid sector and thematic funds as core portfolio.

Use flexi cap, mid cap, balanced advantage, and ELSS as base allocation.

Avoid direct plans. Choose regular plans with guidance from Certified Financial Planner.

Rebalance your portfolio once a year. Stay consistent with SIP during all market cycles.

Your 20-year discipline will create strong, inflation-beating wealth.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9024 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, I am currently managing multiple loans, including house loan of 48.5 lakhs taken in November 2020 with remaining tenure 261 months an interest rate 8% and an EMI 40800. In addition I have three top up loans: the first taken in November 2020 for outstanding 24.57 lakhs with remaining tenure 242 months remaining, 8.2% interest, 19800 EMI, the second in January 2021 with outsanding 11 lakhs, 153 months remaining, 8.2% interest and third loan taken in Feb 2025 with outstanding 4425000 with 176 months remaining, 7.9% interest, 45000 EMI which was used to purchase a plot as a future investment. I also have a gold loan of approximately 10 lakhs. Over past 6 years I have invested around 15 lakhs in gold and 60 lakhs in property construction which now generates a monthly rental income of 85000. Additionaly I have been consistently contributing 1.2 lakhs annually to the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for my daughter over past 10 years which I had to pay for 4 more years. My monthly salary is 2.85 lakhs and regular monthly expenses are around 40000, which includes house hold needs and weekly intercity travel for work. Presently I have 10 Lakhs in cash. I am 43 years old, my wife 38 and a homemaker and we have two children and aged 11 and 6 studing 6th standard and UKG respectively. I have no prior experience or interest in mutual funds or the stock market primarily due to concerns over hearding about other's losses. Given the current job market uncertainity, I am now focused on becoming debt-free as early as possible and would appreciate guidance on how to prioritize and plan my finances effectively.
Ans: Your clarity and concern for your family's future goals are commendable. You have made strong progress in building assets and creating rental income. Now let us explore a structured, 360-degree plan to help you become debt-free early, manage risks, and cautiously consider new investment avenues that align with your comfort level.

1. Your Current Financial Snapshot
Age & family: You’re 43 with two children (11 and 6).

Income: Rs?2.85 lakh monthly salary; no spouse income.

Expenses: Rs?40,000 monthly.

Cash on hand: Rs?10 lakh liquid savings.

Rental income: Rs?85,000 per month.

Loans:

Home loan: Rs?48.5 lakh @?8%, EMI?Rs?40,800

Top-up 1: Rs?24.57 lakh @?8.2%, EMI?Rs?19,800

Top-up 2: Rs?11 lakh @?8.2%, EMI unspecified

Plot loan: Rs?44.25 lakh @?7.9%, EMI?Rs?45,000

Gold loan: approximately Rs?10 lakh

Existing investments:

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Annual contribution Rs?1.2 lakh, continues for 4 more years.

Rental property and constructed property (~Rs?60 lakh invested).

Around Rs?15 lakh spent historically on gold.

2. Priorities: Debt Reduction First
Your current situation features substantial loan repayments. Here’s why debt should be your top priority:

High interest costs (~8%+) on these loans can drain wealth faster than any investment can grow it.

Clearing loans early reduces monthly outgo and frees cash flow.

Suggested Stepwise Action:

Pay off gold loan first

Highest interest? Likely 8%+ and short tenor.

Use part of your Rs?10 lakh cash to clear this loan quickly.

Target small top-up loan (Rs?11 lakh next)

EMI on this is presumably smaller.

Once gold loan is cleared, redirect that EMI + saved interest to this loan.

Plan for larger home and top-up loans

Long tenure but high EMIs.

Use monthly rental income surge + any bonus to accelerate prepayment.

Refinance plot loan?

Plot may not serve child or family needs directly.

Consider refinancing at lower rate or evaluating if low-return assets should be sold later.

Create a clear repayment timeline

Aim to clear all consumer-related loans (gold + top-ups) within next 2–3 years

Then aggressively reduce home and plot loans using surplus cash flow

3. Maintain Family Security and Emergency Buffer
Debt reduction must not jeopardize your financial stability:

Retain at least Rs?5 lakh in FD or liquid fund as emergency corpus.

Maintain Sukanya Samriddhi contributions—leveraging its known return and tax benefit for daughter’s future.

Health insurance is currently unaddressed:

Buy family floater policy (~Rs?10 lakh cover) ASAP.

This covers medical costs, leaving your cash for goals.

Term insurance for yourself and spouse:

Aim for coverage of 15–20 times income (~Rs?5 crore eligibility).

Ensures children and home remain secure if anything unforeseen occurs.

4. Begin Careful Segregation of Funds
Let’s allocate your Rs?10 lakh effectively:

Purpose Amount Objective
Emergency Fund Rs?5 lakh Quick-access buffer
Gold Loan Paydown Up to Rs?5 lakh Immediate EMI reduction

Post repayment, use freed EMI amount to continue accelerating other loan repayments. Keep close watch to avoid over-leveraging.

5. Avoid Mutual Fund Fear—Start Slowly and Wisely
You mentioned reluctance due to heard losses. Understandable. But with the right guidance, investing is essential for long-term growth:

Begin with readymade low-risk funds:

Conservative hybrid funds (Equity + Debt balanced)

Short-term debt funds for corridor security

These are more stable than equity and don’t behave like FDs

Invest via regular plans (not direct) through a Certified Financial Planner or MFD:

Regular plans include advisor support, portfolio monitoring, and goal-based review

Direct plans may cut commission but offer no guidance

Start SIPs small:

Once gold loan EMI is unlocked, begin with Rs?10,000–15,000/month

This establishes the investment habit

Avoid index funds for now:

They track markets but can drop sharply in downturns

No active management means lack of downside protection

Avoid equity for now if you're not comfortable

Let conservative hybrid and debt help ease you into investing

6. Continue Sukanya Samriddhi—and Consider Goal-Based Investing
Reserve SSY for your younger daughter—it’s a reliable asset.

For your older daughter and their education, gradually start low-volatility mutual funds once loan load lightens.

Align all investments to goals:

Short-term buffer

Mid-term (3–7 years) for daughters

Long-term (10+ years) for post-retirement or goal targets

7. Mortgage vs. Loan Prepayment Strategy
As loan repayments reduce, complete the following steps:

Block 50–70% of freed EMI into loan prepayments

This reduces total interest cost significantly

Direct remaining surplus into mutual funds

But only after creating an emergency and insurance safety net

Gradually transition to goal-based SIPs

Build balanced allocation across short, medium, and long-term horizons

8. Putting It All Together – Year-by-Year Roadmap
Year 1:

Gold loan cleared

Emergency fund bolstered and secured

Health and term insurance in place

Begin low-risk SIPs

Years 2–3:

Small top-up repaid

Funds from that EMI redirected into accelerated home loan prepayment and SIPs

Children’s goal-based funds initiated

Years 4–5:

Major home loan component tackled

SIPs fully operational in conservative hybrid and short-term debt

Consider small shift to balanced funds only when comfortable

Years 6–8:

Move towards long-term retirement and child goal funds

Asset allocation gradually increases with income and discipline

9. Why This Approach Works – 360 Perspective
Debt-free faster: Reduces interest burden, builds stability

Emergency and insurance secure you: Prevents financial crisis derailment

Investing cautiously builds confidence: While getting accustomed to markets

Goal-based investing gives purpose: Tailoring funds to specific needs

Professional guidance ensures consistency: With disciplined tracking and planned rebalancing

Finally
You have taken strong, strategic actions already with property and savings. Redirecting that energy to accelerating debt clearance, protecting your family, and gradually stepping into low-risk investing will provide long-term stability and growth. Slowly increase your financial comfort using conservative mutual funds under CFP guidance. Your goal—to be debt-free and secure—is absolutely achievable with this structured, transparent plan.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9024 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 16, 2025Hindi
Money
I am planning to leave a legacy with 3 Cr. now at 65 no commitment on finance, medical or family chores, having passive income for survival and insurance premium commitments are being met out of TDS and incometax refund. Having corpus of 50L in equity and balanced fund and 70 l life insurance out which 50 L term plan. 15L in healath insurance, with minimalist life style and no bad habits or ailment including diabetic, or hypertension. I may not invest further to the corpus, but needs to leave 3 Cr. including insurance of Rs.70L, so for how many years should I live or in how many years I can hit 3 Cr. (out of 50L corpus and 70L life)
Ans: You are 65 and financially free.

Lifestyle needs are already funded by passive streams.

You hold Rs?50?lakh in equity and balanced funds.

Insurance cover totals Rs?70?lakh.

You wish to leave Rs?3?crore to heirs.

You do not plan to add fresh capital.

Health profile is excellent, boosting investment horizon.

Clarify how legacy value will be measured
Legacy target equals investments plus insurance payout.

Investments must therefore grow to about Rs?2.30?crore.

Insurance adds final Rs?70?lakh on demise.

Legacy can be left sooner if markets perform well.

Longevity allows compounding to do heavy lifting.

Time estimates under three sensible growth paths
Balanced growth path: Healthy equity mix, moderate risk.

Higher growth path: Equity?tilted, accepts drawdowns.

Safety?first path: Hybrid focus, slower growth.

Each path gives different timeframes to reach Rs?2.30?crore.

Actual years depend on market returns and discipline.

Indicative horizons

Balanced path may need 15–17 years.

Higher growth could need 13–15 years.

Safety?first may need 19–20 years.

These ranges already include inflation drag.

You can refine timing every three years.

Portfolio construction for disciplined compounding
Equity Core – 60?% of corpus

Use two flexi?cap funds and one mid?cap fund.

Pick actively managed regular plans through CFP?guided MFD.

Flexi?cap gives freedom to move across segments.

Mid?cap adds extra growth kicker.

Avoid direct or index funds due to lack of oversight.

Hybrid Cushion – 30?% of corpus

Choose balanced advantage and conservative hybrid funds.

Dynamic equity shift protects downside in weak markets.

Hybrid income stabilises yearly withdrawals, if any.

Debt Sleeve – 10?% of corpus

Park in short?duration debt funds for liquidity.

Avoid locking funds in long FDs at low rates.

Debt sleeve can top up hybrid funds after crashes.

Rebalancing discipline to keep risk aligned
Review portfolio semi?annually with certified planner.

Keep equity weight near 60?%, hybrid near 30?%.

Trim equity after big rallies.

Add to equity during sharp falls.

Hybrid funds automate part of this process.

Clear written rules remove emotional mistakes.

Drawdown management for peace of mind
You have no spending need from corpus.

Allow equity bucket to compound without interruption.

Hybrid cushion dampens shocks during volatile years.

Debt sleeve ensures liquidity for emergencies.

Avoid panic selling when media creates fear.

Why active funds suit your situation best
Actively managed funds can cut exposure before crashes.

Managers shift across sectors and market caps.

Downside protection shortens recovery periods.

Regular plans supply ongoing professional support.

Direct plans leave you without behavioural coaching.

Index funds lock you into full market risk.

Your legacy goal needs certainty, not shortcuts.

Step?by?step action list for next four weeks
Engage one trusted CFP?backed MFD immediately.

Consolidate current Rs?50?lakh into three equity funds, two hybrid funds, one debt fund.

Sign systematic transfer instructions for periodic rebalancing.

Set quarterly digital statement reviews.

Record nominees across all folios and policies.

Draft a Will mentioning each folio explicitly.

Store soft copies in cloud and hard copies with executor.

Schedule half?yearly video review dates with planner.

Defining review milestones every three years
Track corpus value versus target glide path.

If value outpaces goal, shift surplus into hybrid.

If value lags after long slump, stay patient; do not raise risk.

Re?check fund performance against peers.

Replace chronic laggards quickly on planner advice.

Insurance integration with investment plan
Maintain Rs?50?lakh term plan premium promptly.

Keep health cover active; upgrade if medical costs surge.

Inform nominees of claim process clearly.

Store policy soft copy with investment documents.

Tax planning to maximise effective growth
Hold equity funds beyond one year to enjoy lower tax.

Trim gains gradually to stay within lower tax slab.

Use debt sleeve redemptions when equity gains exceed annual exemption.

File returns on time to secure TDS refunds that pay premiums.

Estate clarity for your beneficiaries
Write your Will in simple language.

Specify percentage each heir receives.

Appoint reliable executor younger than you.

Register Will if possible to avoid disputes.

Review document every five years or after major life events.

Longevity projections and practical mindset
Indian urban male life expectancy already touches mid?seventies.

Healthy habits could push your lifespan to mid?eighties.

That gives corpus 15–20 years to grow.

Even conservative returns will cross Rs?2.30?crore in that window.

Legacy target, therefore, looks comfortably within reach.

Guarding against common derailers
Avoid new loans or real?estate temptations.

Ignore hot tips or speculative small?cap punts.

Do not chase exotic alternative investments.

Do not withdraw from corpus for luxury splurges.

Trust the plan and the power of compounding.

Simple monitoring sheet you can maintain
Date, fund, units, NAV, value, weight.

Add insurance cover details at bottom.

Update after each quarterly statement arrives.

Visual progress keeps motivation high.

Summary of the journey ahead
Target legacy: Rs?3?crore.

Current assets: Rs?50?lakh investments plus Rs?70?lakh insurance.

Required investment growth: about Rs?2.3?crore net.

Time estimate with balanced strategy: roughly 15–17 years.

Higher equity tilt can shorten to 13–15 years.

Conservative path may stretch to 19–20 years.

Discipline, active fund selection, and periodic review ensure success.

Final Insights
You have no financial burden, which is a great advantage.

Properly structured investments will compound smoothly.

Active, regular?plan mutual funds with CFP oversight give best balance.

Avoid index or direct plans; guidance is priceless.

Stay patient, stay invested, review often, and your Rs?3?crore legacy will materialise.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9024 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Money
Want to accumulate 50lakh within 7 years.how to do?guide please
Ans: Accumulating Rs?50?lakh in 7 years is achievable. Let us plan with a 360-degree approach. We will look at your current situation, investment strategy, risk management, and review process.

1. Clarify Your Starting Point
How much do you have invested currently?

What is your monthly surplus or savings?

Do you have any financial obligations like loans, insurance, or dependents?

This will give a baseline to project how much you need to invest monthly.

Please provide these details so the plan fits reality and your cash flow.

2. Estimate Monthly Investment Needed
To reach Rs?50?lakh in 7 years, you may need Rs?45,000–60,000 per month, assuming a 12–14% annual return

If your current savings or surplus is enough, you may need to adjust monthly contributions.

Once you share current assets and monthly savings, I can give precise allocation guidance.

3. Build a Goal-Specific Investment Structure
We break your 7-year goal into tailored baskets:

A. Equity SIPs via Actively Managed Funds

Put around 50–60?% of your savings here.

Equity helps build capital over time.

Active funds reduce market downside risk.

Buy through regular plan via Certified Financial Planner for driven fund reviews.

B. Hybrid or Conservative Funds

Allocate 20–30?% to smooth returns and guard capital.

Works well as you approach year 5–6 into your goal.

Helps reduce volatility and preserve gains.

C. Debt Funds or FDs for Safety

Use remaining 10–20?% in liquid or ultra-short debt.

Ideal for maintaining liquidity and protecting emergency funds.

4. Avoiding Direct and Index Fund Pitfalls
Index funds mirror the market. They cannot avoid cyclical losses.

Direct funds lack professional guidance and are hard to manage alone.

Actively managed regular plans from trusted MFD/CFP provide dynamic oversight and informed decision-making.

5. Tax and Exit Planning Strategy
Equity funds: Long-term gains free up to Rs?1.25 lakh, then taxed at 12.5?%.

Debt funds: Gains taxed as per income slab.

Plan redemption in tranches near the end of 7 years to manage tax efficiently and avoid short-term costs.

6. Wrap-Up Checklist
Share your current financial position

Plan monthly investment to reach the goal

Set up SIPs in actively managed equity, hybrid, and debt funds

Track performance every quarter

Rebalance yearly

Monitor progress towards Rs?50 lakh target at year-end intervals

Final Insights
With discipline, you can reach Rs?50 lakh by year seven.

Monthly investment ranges from Rs?45k to Rs?60k at assumed returns.

Equity builds growth, hybrid smooths returns near goal, debt secures capital.

Use professional fund selection and rebalancing.

Monitor tax and withdrawals carefully at goal end.

Let me know your current investments and monthly surplus. I can tailor the plan to your exact situation.

Best Regards,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9024 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Money
I am currently investing a total of Rs.10,000 per month. The breakup of my investments is as follows: Rs.1,000 each in Mirae Asset Large & Midcap Fund and Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund through direct SIPs via Coin by Zerodha. Rs.3,000 in ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund through direct SIP via Coin by Zerodha. Rs.2,500 each in Bandhan Mutual Fund and Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund through regular SIPs via a distributor. Please let me know if any changes or suggestions are required for better portfolio diversification or performance.
Ans: You are saving regularly and diversifying—this effort is deeply appreciated.

Now, let us assess your portfolio with a 360-degree view for long-term suitability.

This reply will be long, thorough, and focused on Indian context and simple language.

Overall Portfolio Review
You are investing Rs 10,000 monthly

Half of it is through direct plans via Coin by Zerodha

The rest is through regular plans via distributor

Exposure is across large-midcap, flexi-cap, balanced, and hybrid categories

This mix shows a good intent to diversify

But it has gaps in guidance, tax planning, and style alignment

Split Between Direct and Regular Plans
Direct Plans (Rs 6,000 via Zerodha Coin):

Rs 1,000 in Large & Mid Cap Fund

Rs 1,000 in Flexi Cap Fund

Rs 3,000 in Balanced Advantage Fund

Regular Plans (Rs 4,000 via distributor):

Rs 2,500 in Bandhan Mutual Fund

Rs 1,500 in Franklin Templeton Mutual Fund

Problems with Direct Plans for Long-Term Investors
Many investors choose direct plans thinking cost-saving is everything.

But in reality, there are many hidden disadvantages:

No help to review or restructure based on life changes

No one guides when market crashes or corrections happen

Asset allocation becomes confusing and unmanaged

Investors are left alone without a Certified Financial Planner’s support

Portfolio becomes a mixed bag with no focus or goals

No tracking of tax optimisation or exit planning strategy

Why Regular Plans Through CFP are Better
A regular plan via MFD and Certified Financial Planner gives full-time support

They guide you during ups and downs in market

They realign portfolio yearly based on goals

Help avoid emotional selling during bad market phases

You get a system-driven exit when goal is near

Better management of short-term and long-term capital gains

True wealth is built through advice, not just cost saving

Index Fund Not Recommended
Though not directly mentioned, many direct investors consider index funds next.

You must avoid index funds for the following reasons:

Index funds follow market blindly—no downside protection

Overexposure to top 5 stocks creates risk concentration

They can’t change allocation when market turns volatile

Index funds lack human expertise and sector judgement

You miss out on fund manager-driven alpha returns

Category-Wise Fund Assessment
Let’s go deeper into each fund category and see if it's serving your goal.

1. Large & Midcap Fund (Direct SIP)

Good blend of large and mid-cap stocks

But Rs 1,000 monthly is too small to make any impact

Fund overlaps with other equity funds in your portfolio

Suggestion: Consolidate or increase allocation if it is core holding

2. Flexi Cap Fund (Direct SIP)

Flexi cap gives diversification across market caps

Suitable for medium to long-term investors

But with only Rs 1,000 SIP, returns will not compound meaningfully

Suggestion: Increase allocation and shift to regular plan with CFP

3. Balanced Advantage Fund (Direct SIP)

This fund dynamically moves between equity and debt

Good for reducing risk during market corrections

You have invested Rs 3,000 monthly—decent allocation

Suggestion: Shift this to regular plan for guided withdrawal later

4. Bandhan Mutual Fund (Regular SIP)

Rs 2,500 is invested, but fund category is not mentioned

Earlier some funds from this house underperformed

Recent improvements are seen but not uniform across all schemes

Suggestion: Evaluate performance with CFP and switch if needed

5. Franklin Mutual Fund (Regular SIP)

Franklin has had liquidity and regulatory challenges in past

Current performance in some funds has recovered

But trust and liquidity risk remain a concern

Suggestion: Keep only if performance is strong and transparent

Key Issues Noticed in Your Portfolio
Direct plans are unmanaged with no retirement or wealth strategy

SIP amounts are too low in most funds for compounding

Fund house selection is not based on investment style consistency

There is no tax harvesting or capital gain planning

Multiple funds with small SIPs can dilute overall return

Ideal Portfolio Re-Structure
You must now restructure your Rs 10,000 monthly SIP as follows:

Rs 4,000 in a Flexi Cap Fund (via regular plan with CFP)

Rs 3,000 in a Balanced Advantage Fund (via regular plan)

Rs 3,000 in a Multi Cap or Mid Cap Fund (with regular support)

This gives diversification, expert support, and good market exposure.

Avoid investing Rs 1,000 in 3–4 funds. Instead, concentrate in 2–3 funds with higher SIP.

Future Step-Up Strategy
Increase SIP every year by at least Rs 2,000–Rs 3,000

Set goals like retirement, child education, or corpus by 50s

Tag every SIP to a goal and time horizon

Don’t invest blindly just to save money

SIP with advice brings financial clarity and peace

If You Have LIC, ULIP, or Insurance Policies
If you hold LIC, ULIP or any investment-linked insurance policies:

Check surrender value of these policies

Don’t continue for maturity if return is below 6%

Reinvest that in long-term mutual funds with SIP/STP

Insurance should be only term plan with no investment attached

Emergency and Health Preparedness
Ensure Rs 2–3 lakhs in liquid fund or savings for emergency

Take a health insurance cover of minimum Rs 10 lakh for family

Include super top-up if needed later

Emergency fund must not be mixed with SIP investments

Tax Awareness and Mutual Fund Exit Strategy
Equity mutual funds attract LTCG if held over 1 year

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%

Short-term gains are taxed at 20%

Debt funds follow income tax slab rates for both gains

Regular plan via CFP helps plan redemptions with tax impact in mind

Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid too many SIPs of small value in different funds

Don’t stick to direct plans just for lower cost

Don’t chase best past performance—look for long-term consistency

Don’t depend on Coin platform or mobile apps for financial advice

Don’t pick index or passive funds for core portfolio

Finally
Your discipline in saving is truly appreciated.

But now is the time to align your SIPs with long-term goals.

Avoid direct plans. Shift to regular plans with MFD backed by CFP.

Consolidate funds. Choose 2–3 schemes based on life stage and risk.

Invest with purpose—not just through platforms.

Take help. Review portfolio yearly. Focus on peace, not just return.

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

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x