This week, Monika tackles a controversial question that might land her in hot water with many women: is a luxury bag truly an investment? From silk saris to high-end handbags, these purchases are often labeled as financial assets. But Monika breaks down what qualifies as an actual investment and whether these luxury items really fit the bill—or if they’re simply expensive indulgences. With her trademark clarity and humor, she walks through the difference between collectibles and income- or profit-generating assets.

Next, Monika explains the term GDP—Gross Domestic Product—a phrase that’s often used but rarely understood in everyday life. What does it really measure? Why is it important? And how does it affect us? She gives a clear and relatable overview, showing how the value of everything produced within a country tells us about its economic health. With a breakdown of the GDP formula and India’s consumer-driven economy, this segment offers a strong foundation for understanding headlines and economic reports.

The Q&A section begins with Anonymous, who wants to understand which equity mutual fund categories in India can invest in foreign shares and whether there are specific limits involved. Somya Shrivastava, a PSU manager, seeks advice on when to rebalance and evaluate her mutual fund portfolio. Mohit Khera asks if it’s a good idea to invest ₹50 lakhs in a Nifty 50 fund and start an SWP for his parents, while Akila Shivkumar wants to know when it makes sense to book profits on her long-term SIP investments.

Chapters:

(00:33-04:42) Is a luxury bag an investment?

(04:43-06:18) What is GDP and why it matters

(06:22-09:39) Which mutual funds can invest in foreign stocks?

(09:40-12:06) How to manage and rebalance your mutual fund portfolio

(12:07-12:57) Is SWP from equity funds a good idea for parents?

(12:58-14:41) When should you book profits in mutual funds?

https://www.valueresearchonline.com/funds/selector/category/118/equity-international/?end-type=1&plan-type=direct&exclude=suspended-plans

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/with-7-billion-limit-breached-only-a-few-mf-schemes-offer-overseas-equity-exposure-here-s-the-list-of-schemes-12971900.html

If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ 

Monika’s book on basic money management

⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/⁠⁠

Monika’s book on mutual funds

⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/⁠

Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life

⁠⁠https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/⁠⁠

Calculators

⁠⁠https://investor.sebi.gov.in/calculators/index.html⁠⁠

You can find Monika on her social media @monikahalan. 

Twitter ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

Facebook ⁠⁠@MonikaHalan⁠⁠

LinkedIn ⁠@MonikaHalan⁠

Production House: ⁠www.inoutcreatives.com⁠

Production Assistant:⁠ Anshika Gogoi