Sir, I have lost my job over a year back and i still find it difficult to get a new job inspite of the fact that I have over 20 years experience in the field. At this stage, all my saving are coming to an end and i do not see any future or any other means of livelihood. I have been told that at my age of 46, it is difficult to find an new job or to change my field. I am not sure as to what I should do. Kindly advise. Please advise. Suresh

Ans: Here's an overview of the mentioned funds:

SBI Balanced Advantage Fund: This fund follows a dynamic asset allocation strategy, aiming to provide capital appreciation and income generation over the long term. It adjusts its equity and debt allocation based on market conditions, offering downside protection during market downturns. It's suitable for investors seeking a balanced approach to investing with lower volatility.
SBI Equity Hybrid Fund: As an equity-oriented hybrid fund, SBI Equity Hybrid Fund invests primarily in a mix of equity and debt securities to provide capital appreciation and income generation. It's suitable for investors with a moderate risk appetite looking for a blend of growth and stability in their investment portfolio.
Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund: This fund falls under the ELSS (Equity Linked Savings Scheme) category, offering tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund primarily invests in equity and equity-related instruments with the potential for long-term capital appreciation. It's suitable for investors looking to save tax while participating in the potential growth of the equity market.
PGIM India ELSS Tax Saver Fund: Similar to Quant ELSS Tax Saver Fund, PGIM India ELSS Tax Saver Fund is an equity-linked savings scheme aiming to generate long-term capital appreciation while providing tax benefits. It invests predominantly in equity and equity-related securities across market capitalizations. It's suitable for investors seeking tax-saving opportunities with exposure to the equity market.
Before investing in any fund, it's essential to consider factors such as your investment goals, risk tolerance, investment horizon, and past performance of the fund. Additionally, consult with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure that the selected funds align with your overall financial plan and objectives. Keep in mind that past performance is not indicative of future results, and diversification is key to managing risk in your investment portfolio.

Ans: HDL is increased by eating more essential fatty acids like in nuts and seeds, Niacin and most importantly with exercise, especially cardio, like running/ swimming/cycling or brisk walking.

Ans: This is a kind of tremor but not necessarily Parkinson's. There are many other causes like essential tremor which runs in families, thyroid problems and other such conditions. So you should get and examination done by a neurologist or a physician.

Ans: Timing the market can be challenging, and attempting to predict the right time to book profits in small and mid-cap mutual funds involves a degree of uncertainty. It's essential to base your decisions on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon rather than trying to time short-term market movements.

Instead of focusing on timing the market, consider reviewing your investment portfolio regularly to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives. Evaluate the performance of your small and mid-cap mutual funds relative to your investment goals and make adjustments if necessary.

If you've achieved your target returns or if your investment objectives have changed, it may be prudent to consider booking partial profits. However, selling your entire investment in small and mid-cap funds solely based on market timing can be risky, as you may miss out on potential future gains.

Before making any decisions, consult with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice based on your individual circumstances and investment goals. They can help you assess the suitability of booking profits in your small and mid-cap mutual funds and provide guidance on portfolio rebalancing to optimize your overall investment strategy. Remember, staying disciplined and focused on your long-term financial goals is key to investment success.

Ans: investing in SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) is a smart way to build wealth over the long term. With a time horizon of 10 to 15 years, you have the opportunity to benefit from the power of compounding and potentially higher returns from equity investments. Here's a suggestion for a diversified SIP portfolio:

Large Cap Fund: Allocate a significant portion of your SIP amount to a large-cap fund. These funds invest in established companies with a proven track record and offer stability to your portfolio.
Flexi Cap Fund: Opt for a flexi-cap fund that provides the flexibility to invest across companies of various market capitalizations based on market conditions. This offers exposure to both large, mid, and small-cap segments, enhancing diversification.
Mid Cap Fund: Allocate a portion of your SIP to a mid-cap fund, focusing on companies with medium market capitalization. Mid-cap companies have the potential for significant growth, providing an opportunity for higher returns over the long term.
Small Cap Fund (Optional): Depending on your risk appetite, you may consider including a small-cap fund in your portfolio. These funds invest in smaller companies with the potential for rapid growth, albeit with higher volatility.
By focusing on large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds, you create a well-diversified SIP portfolio that balances stability with growth potential. Before finalizing your investment decisions, assess your risk tolerance and consult with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your portfolio aligns with your long-term financial goals. Remember to stay disciplined and review your portfolio periodically to make any necessary adjustments.

Ans: It's great to hear that you're proactively planning your investments. Your choice of funds reflects a balanced approach across different market segments, which is commendable. UTI Nifty 50 index fund offers stability, while Parag Parikh Flexi cap fund, ICICI Prudential Midcap 150 index fund, and Quant flexi cap fund provide diversification and potential for growth.

Given your investment horizon of 3 years with regular SIPs and additional purchases during market dips, it's essential to stay vigilant and adjust your strategy as needed. Since you anticipate a job loss by 45, it's wise to build a robust emergency fund and reassess your financial situation accordingly.

Regarding expected returns, it's crucial to note that past performance is not indicative of future results. However, historically, equity investments have provided higher returns over the long term compared to fixed-income options like FDs. With a diversified portfolio like yours, you may expect returns in line with market performance, but it's essential to remain flexible and adapt to changing market conditions.

Considering your age and risk tolerance, ensure you periodically review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your financial goals and circumstances. Overall, your approach seems well-thought-out, but ongoing monitoring and adaptability will be key to achieving your investment objectives.

Ans: Sham, while guaranteed return schemes offer stability, it's crucial to note their limitations. Such schemes often yield lower returns, failing to outpace inflation over time. Consequently, the real value of your investment may decrease due to the erosion of purchasing power. Instead, consider alternatives like Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP), which provide flexibility and potential for higher returns. SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly from your investment, providing a steady income stream while potentially preserving your capital's value better than guaranteed schemes. Before deciding, consult with a Certified Financial Planner to explore options that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Ans: It's commendable that you're actively managing your mutual fund portfolio to align with your financial goals, especially with retirement on the horizon. Your diversified approach across various mutual fund categories reflects a well-thought-out strategy.

Starting SIPs in UTI Nifty 50 index fund, Parag Parikh flexicap, Quant flexi cap, ICICI Midcap 150 index fund, and Kotak large & midcap fund indicates a mix of passive and active strategies catering to different market segments. This diversification can potentially help mitigate risk while optimizing returns over time.

Given your investment horizon of 2-3 years for SIPs and a plan to hold the accumulated amount for the next 5 years, it's crucial to regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed. Additionally, ensure that your overall asset allocation remains in line with your risk tolerance and retirement timeline.

Considering your existing investments in equity shares, SGBs, and FDs, maintain a balanced allocation that aligns with your retirement goals and risk appetite. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance and ensure your investment strategy remains on track towards achieving your retirement objectives. Keep up the proactive approach, and with disciplined investing and periodic reassessment, you're on the right path towards a secure retirement.

Ans: It's admirable that you're thinking ahead about your financial future and seeking ways to build a robust portfolio for retirement and early financial freedom. With your disciplined approach towards existing investments like SIPs, PPF, and LIC, you're already laying a strong foundation.

Considering your net take-home pay and existing commitments, it's essential to strike a balance between debt repayment and wealth accumulation. As your home loan nears completion in five years, redirecting the freed-up funds towards high-yield investments like mutual funds or National Pension System (NPS) can accelerate your journey towards financial independence.

A Certified Financial Planner can help tailor a diversified investment strategy that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance, optimizing returns while mitigating risks. Remember, achieving financial freedom requires patience, discipline, and a long-term perspective. By staying committed to your financial plan and periodically reviewing and adjusting it as needed, you can pave the way towards a secure and fulfilling future.