I have a dilemma where I cannot forget my ex from 15 years ago. We are both married and have supportive spouses. But somehow very hard to get her out of my head. We are in two different continents and try to avoid discussions via WhatsApp etc so it doesn’t keep dragging. No matter how much are current lives are great it always feels like I miss that first true love. I think I just need recommendations from people who might have face such a dilemma. We broke up for careers and now feel it was a great mistake. But family commitments need to keep things going. I want to be friends as that’s what we were through 2 years of online chats etc

Ans: You have done very well to start early, invest regularly, and build a sizeable corpus of around Rs.24 lakh by age 38. Investing as a couple, keeping a long-term view, and accepting moderate-to-high risk clearly show discipline and maturity. This itself puts you ahead of many investors.

» Target Feasibility and Time Horizon
– A 9-year horizon is reasonably good for equity-oriented investing, especially when SIP amount is strong and discipline is visible.
– With a monthly SIP of around Rs.55,000 and an existing corpus already in place, the target range of Rs.1.75 Cr to Rs.2 Cr by 2035 is achievable, but it will not happen by default.
– Market returns will not be even every year. Some years will test patience. Staying invested matters more than timing.
– To improve certainty and reduce pressure in later years, annual step-up is strongly advisable.

» Need for SIP Step-Up
– Without increasing SIP, the gap between effort and target may widen, especially if markets give average returns.
– A yearly step-up of even 8% to 10% can make a big difference over 9 years.
– Step-up should ideally match salary growth, bonuses, or business income rise.
– This keeps lifestyle stable while wealth grows silently in the background.

» Portfolio Structure Assessment
– Overall, your asset mix shows good balance across growth-oriented equity, stability-oriented allocation, and some global exposure.
– Splitting investments between spouses is sensible for long-term planning and tax efficiency.
– Exposure to mid-sized companies adds growth, but it also adds volatility. Your risk profile supports this, but allocation must be controlled.
– Flexibility-oriented funds give stability during market cycles and help reduce sharp drawdowns.
– Multi-asset exposure helps in volatile phases, but too many similar allocations can reduce clarity.

» Observations on Equity Allocation
– There is overlap in categories across both portfolios, especially in flexi and mid-cap styles.
– Too many funds in similar categories do not always improve returns; they often dilute conviction.
– A slightly more streamlined structure can improve monitoring and discipline.
– Growth funds should remain the core, but risk concentration must be watched as the goal year approaches.

» Gold, Silver, and Overseas Exposure
– Limited allocation to precious metals is fine as a stabiliser, not as a return driver.
– Keeping this allocation capped avoids drag on long-term growth.
– Overseas equity exposure adds diversification and currency hedge, but it should not dominate the portfolio.
– Periodic review is important as regulations and valuations change.

» What Changes Can Be Considered
– Reduce duplication across similar equity styles between both portfolios.
– Keep one clear growth-oriented core and one stability-oriented support structure.
– Gradually increase allocation to relatively stable equity styles after age 42–43 to protect accumulated corpus.
– Ensure each fund has a clear role; if the role is unclear, the fund may not be needed.

» Risk Management and Goal Alignment
– As the corpus grows, protecting gains becomes as important as chasing returns.
– Around the last 3 years, volatility management should take priority over aggressive growth.
– Periodic rebalancing is essential, especially after sharp market rallies.
– Emergency fund, health cover, and term protection should be adequate so investments are never disturbed mid-way.

» Tax Awareness While Investing
– Equity mutual fund gains held long term are taxed only beyond the exempt threshold, which supports long-term discipline.
– Short-term exits are costly from a tax point of view and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
– Asset allocation discipline reduces unnecessary churn and tax leakage.

» Finally
– Your goal is realistic, your discipline is strong, and your starting point is solid.
– Annual SIP step-up is not optional; it is the key enabler for reaching the upper end of your target.
– Simplification, role clarity of funds, and periodic review will improve outcomes without increasing stress.
– Staying invested with patience will matter more than reacting to short-term market noise.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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