In this episode, Monika tackles the challenge of using retirement savings wisely. While most people focus on accumulating a retirement fund, the real challenge is making it last. She explains the Money Trinity, a three-bucket strategy that ensures financial security while combating inflation. The Now Fund covers immediate needs, the Next Fund balances safety and growth, and the Future Fund builds long-term wealth. By strategically allocating money across these buckets, retirees can secure their present while letting a portion of their savings grow.

Next, she breaks down credit risk, explaining why PSU bank deposits offer lower rates than corporate deposits and how investors can assess financial safety. She discusses credit ratings for companies, countries, and individuals, showing how these indicators help measure the likelihood of default. From evaluating debt mutual funds to understanding the risk-o-meter, Monika shares practical ways to navigate the complexities of fixed-income investments.

In the listener Q&A, Lalit Kumar seeks advice on mutual fund selection and systematic transfer plans (STPs). Archanaa Panda questions the negative returns on her lump-sum investment in a balanced advantage fund. Arpita Majumdar, a single mother, asks about withdrawing from NPS and choosing term insurance.

Chapters:(00:30 - 06:55) Cracking the Retirement Nest Egg: Strategies for Longevity and Inflation

(06:56 - 08:46) Understanding Credit Risk: Deposits, Ratings, and Debt Funds

(08:47 - 13:40) Mutual Fund Choices, STP Strategy, and Direct vs. Regular Funds

(13:41 - 16:28) Market Timing, Balanced Advantage Funds, and Long-Term Investing 

(16:29 - 19:49) NPS Withdrawal, Term Insurance, and Financial Planning for Single Moms

http://www.aria.org.in

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

In this episode, Monika explores the three distinct stages of life: learning, earning, and harvesting. She explains how we spend our early years preparing for financial independence, followed by decades focused on building wealth, and ultimately, a phase where we utilize those earnings to support our later years. She highlights key financial milestones across different life decades and the importance of balancing savings with lifestyle needs. Whether planning for early retirement or maximizing earnings during peak career years, understanding these life stages is essential for long-term financial security.

Next, she breaks down the differences between active and passive investing. Active investors aim to outperform the market by strategically buying and selling securities, whereas passive investors seek to match market returns by investing in index-based funds. She discusses the cost implications of both approaches, explaining why active management tends to have higher fees and how investors can determine which strategy aligns best with their financial goals.

In the listener Q&A, Commander Jaskaran Singh, a soon-to-retire naval officer, seeks guidance on investing his provident fund and corpus while ensuring financial security for his family. Deepika wants to understand the best health insurance options for her senior citizen parents and herself as she prepares for the future. Rahul, a business owner, questions whether mutual funds are suitable for ultra-high-net-worth individuals or if they are primarily meant for salaried professionals.

Chapters:

(00:33 - 06:49) The Three Stages of Living and Decadal Milestones

(06:50 - 08:10) Active vs. Passive Investing: What You Need to Know

(08:11 - 12:17) Financial Planning for Retirement and Lump Sum Investments

(12:18 - 15:18) Medical Insurance Decisions for Parents and Yourself

(15:19 - 16:33) Should Business Owners and Ultra HNIs Invest in Mutual Funds?

http://www.aria.org.in

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

In this episode, Monika discusses the excitement of receiving your first salary and how to make the most of it. She shares practical advice on balancing financial responsibility with celebrating this milestone, ensuring that young professionals set themselves up for long-term success. From prioritizing loan repayment and setting up a cash flow system to building an emergency fund, she outlines three key goals for the first year of earning. By following these steps, young earners can develop strong financial habits without feeling overwhelmed by long-term investment planning right away.

Next, she decodes what a portfolio means and why it's essential for wealth building. A portfolio is a mix of different asset classes—debt, equity, and real assets—structured according to an investor’s financial goals. She explains how a young professional’s portfolio differs from that of a retiree and how diversification helps manage risk while achieving growth or income.

In the listener Q&A, Uma wants to invest her son’s savings as he transitions into financial independence and asks for guidance on the best instruments for long-term wealth creation. Sandeep is struggling with an expensive insurance policy and seeks advice on whether to continue or surrender it. Deepali, living in Bangkok, wonders if she should purchase health insurance in India ahead of a potential relocation and whether she should adjust her asset allocation or sell a rental property for better returns.

Chapters:(00:33 - 05:02) Making the Most of Your First Salary

(05:03 - 06:07) Understanding Investment Portfolios

(06:08 - 09:45) How to Invest Savings for a Young Adult

(09:46 - 11:36) Should You Surrender an Expensive Insurance Policy?

(11:37 - 15:53) Health Insurance and Real Estate Decisions for Relocation

https://www.amfiindia.com/Themes/Theme1/downloads/MAMForm-forchangeinstatusfromMinortoMajor.pdf 

https://www.camsonline.com/Investors/Service-requests/Service-Request-Forms/Minor-attains-Major

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

In this episode, Monika explores why even the smartest people fall into common money traps. Our emotions and habits often override logic, leading to costly mistakes like fearing market crashes, selling assets at the wrong time, or waiting too long to invest. She breaks down two key behavioral patterns—mental accounting and anchoring—that drive these poor financial decisions. Mental accounting makes us treat money differently based on its source, leading to suboptimal choices like keeping low-yield savings while carrying high-interest debt. Anchoring causes us to fixate on past prices and unrealistic expectations, preventing sound investment decisions. Monika shares practical ways to sidestep these traps and take a more rational approach to money management.

Next, she explains the concept of purchasing power and how inflation erodes what money can buy over time. While prices rise for most goods and services, she points out that some costs, like mobile phone tariffs, have actually decreased, challenging the assumption that purchasing power always declines across the board.

In the listener Q&A, Kiran asks whether buying term insurance at 48 is worth it when he plans to retire in five years. Anup shares his financial milestones and seeks advice on investing while planning for his daughter’s future and his parents’ health. Jay outlines his strategy for managing his parents’ finances after a recent windfall and wants feedback on how to refine his approach.

Chapters:

(00:30 - 07:19) Why smart people make dumb money mistakes

(07:20 - 08:28) Understanding purchasing power

(08:29 - 11:10) Is term insurance worth it at 48?

(11:11 - 14:28) Investing for short- and long-term goals

(14:29 - 17:10) Managing finances for retired parents

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

In this episode, Monika challenges listeners to examine their portfolios and uncover the story they tell. Using a real-life example of a doctor struggling with scattered investments, she illustrates the importance of organizing financial data in a clear and structured manner. Monika emphasizes that knowing one's net worth, understanding asset allocation, and tracking investments in an accessible format are essential steps in financial planning. She walks through the process of categorizing investments into debt, equity, hybrid, and other assets, ensuring that every investor has a comprehensive view of their financial health.

Next, Monika explains the concept of market capitalization and why it matters in investment decisions. She breaks down how a company's market cap is determined and what differentiates large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Using India's largest companies as examples, she highlights how market cap classification affects risk and return potential. She also answers a fundamental question: can mid-cap companies evolve into large caps or fall into small-cap territory? The discussion sheds light on how stock performance influences classification and investment strategies.

In the listener Q&A, Archana Panda seeks guidance on managing her inherited wealth independently while ensuring she receives sound financial advice. Monika discusses the importance of working with a fee-only financial planner and warns against costly, complex products pushed by banks and PMS schemes. Manpreet Singh questions whether his large-cap allocation is sufficient, considering his diversified mutual fund portfolio. Monika analyzes his holdings and confirms that his indirect large-cap exposure aligns with his investment goals. Lastly, Umang Maheshwari, a 25-year-old NRI, asks if aggressively repaying his student loan is the right move. Monika reassures him that his disciplined financial approach will set him up for long-term success and financial freedom by his late twenties.

Chapters:

(00:51 - 08:35) Does your portfolio tell a story?

(08:36 - 10:42) Understanding market cap

(11:18 - 15:26) Finding the right advisory service

(15:27 - 18:44) Large cap exposure in mutual funds

(18:45 - 22:02) Balancing debt repayment and savings

https://aria.org.in/https://www.valueresearchonline.com/

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

Sponsor Message:

Start your journey towards financial well-being. Download the 1 Finance app now:⁠⁠⁠https://1finance.onelink.me/5Kxt/peh3p2s8⁠⁠⁠

Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment of IA with Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. SEBI RIA Registration No. INA000017523,⁠⁠⁠www.1finance.co.in⁠

In this episode, Monika helps listeners navigate a down market, explaining why market downturns feel more painful than they actually are. Drawing from behavioral economics, she highlights how loss aversion—our tendency to feel losses more strongly than equivalent gains—affects investment decisions. While markets have declined 12% from their peak, the last four years have delivered over 20% annualized returns. Monika urges investors to zoom out, focusing on five-year rolling returns and asset allocation rather than reacting emotionally to short-term losses. She also discusses how seasoned investors weather market swings by sticking to a disciplined strategy.

Shifting gears, Monika breaks down the concept of interest rates and how they impact loans and investments. She explains why interest is essentially the price of a loan, factoring in deferred consumption, inflation risk, and borrower creditworthiness. Using real-world examples, she compares secured loans like home loans, which carry lower interest rates, with unsecured loans like credit card debt, which come with significantly higher costs. Monika challenges listeners to think critically about risk, prompting them to consider why a blue-chip company would pay lower interest than a small real estate firm.

In the listener Q&A, Himanshu Patnekar asks whether shifting PPF maturity proceeds into mutual funds makes sense for long-term goals, especially given his pension-backed retirement. Dhanya James struggles to decide between buying medical insurance online or through an agent, seeking Monika’s guidance on service quality versus cost. Lastly, an anonymous listener questions the viability of market-linked debentures promising high returns, prompting Monika to dissect the risks, taxation, and costs involved in such products.

Chapters:

(01:38 - 06:12) Understanding loss aversion and market downturns

(06:13 - 08:38) Interest rates and their impact on borrowing

(09:18 - 13:05) Should you move your PPF corpus to mutual funds?

(13:07 - 15:52) How to choose the right medical insurance

(15:54 - 18:56) Are market-linked debentures worth the risk?

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

Sponsor Message:

Start your journey towards financial well-being. Download the 1 Finance app now:⁠⁠https://1finance.onelink.me/5Kxt/peh3p2s8⁠⁠

Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment of IA with Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. SEBI RIA Registration No. INA000017523,⁠⁠www.1finance.co.in⁠

In this episode, Monika dives into the debate surrounding Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and whether they are truly the wealth-building tool they are often made out to be. A prominent fund manager recently warned that SIPs in small- and mid-cap mutual funds may not yield the high returns investors expect, igniting a firestorm of discussion. Monika explores the claims, comparing historical returns across different asset classes and reminding listeners of the importance of long-term investing. She recounts a colleague’s decision to exit equity markets in 2020 due to short-term underperformance—only to miss out on the subsequent market boom.

Monika also breaks down the concept of rolling returns, explaining why they offer a more accurate picture of investment performance than simple point-to-point returns. Analyzing Nifty indices over different time horizons, she highlights how long-term SIP investors in well-chosen funds have generally fared well despite market volatility. She stresses that while SIPs are a great tool, they are not a magic bullet—they must be part of a well-structured financial plan that includes asset allocation, rebalancing, and a mix of equity and debt investments.

Listener questions bring in real-life concerns. Tanvi Telang, soon to be engaged, seeks advice on managing finances as a couple when incomes and money attitudes differ. Shakti Kumar wonders if four years of underperformance against the benchmark is a sign to switch funds. Lastly, Mahesh Patnala from Gurugram asks if Monika would personally manage his portfolio, expressing his struggles with long-term financial planning.

Chapters:

(00:48 - 09:37) The great SIP debate and why investors are worried

(09:38 - 12:18) Understanding rolling returns and long-term performance

(12:52 - 16:41) Managing finances as a couple

(16:44 - 17:55) When to switch funds after underperformance

(17:57 - 20:08) Finding the right financial guidance

https://www.advisorkhoj.com/mutual-funds-research/benchmark-rolling-return

https://aria.org.in/

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

Sponsor Message:

Start your journey towards financial well-being. Download the 1 Finance app now:⁠https://1finance.onelink.me/5Kxt/peh3p2s8⁠

Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment of IA with Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. SEBI RIA Registration No. INA000017523,⁠www.1finance.co.in⁠

In this episode, Monika explains why investment planning is just one piece of the larger financial planning puzzle. Many investors focus solely on where to put their money but overlook critical aspects like cash flow management, risk protection, and long-term goal setting. She walks listeners through the fundamentals of financial planning—starting with tracking expenses and setting savings targets, then building essential safeguards like an emergency fund, medical insurance, and life insurance before even thinking about investments. She emphasizes that true financial security comes from having a well-structured plan that includes retirement and estate planning, not just picking the right stocks or mutual funds.

Monika also breaks down the concept of an asset, clarifying common misconceptions. An asset isn’t just something you own—it must generate income or appreciate in value. From stocks and bonds to property and even a taxi used for earnings, she explains how different assets work and why some, like insurance policies, don’t qualify. Understanding assets is key to making informed investment decisions, and Monika highlights why a thoughtful approach to asset allocation is essential for long-term wealth creation.

Listener queries bring up diverse financial concerns. Himanshu Sharma from Wellington questions the need for asset allocation when small caps tend to outperform over the long term. Dr. Aishwarya from Bengaluru faces major life decisions, including moving cities, having a baby, and buying a home, while managing a partner who prefers to keep his money in a savings account. Finally, Dr. Ajith from the UK seeks Monika’s insights on whether index investing in mid- and small-cap funds is a smart strategy.

Chapters:

(00:46 - 08:01) Why investment planning is just one piece of financial planning

(08:02 - 08:56) Understanding assets: What qualifies and what doesn’t

(09:31 - 12:08)Asset allocation and compounding 

(12:10 - 14:43) Balancing homeownership, career moves, and family planning 

(14:45 - 16:44) Index investing in mid and small caps 

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

Sponsor Message:

Start your journey towards financial well-being. Download the 1 Finance app now:https://1finance.onelink.me/5Kxt/peh3p2s8

Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment of IA with Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. SEBI RIA Registration No. INA000017523,www.1finance.co.in

In this episode, Monika unpacks Budget 2025 and what it means for India’s middle class. She explains the government’s bold decision to leave over ₹1 lakh crore in taxpayers’ pockets by making income up to ₹12.75 lakh tax-free and raising the highest tax slab to ₹24 lakh. This massive relief comes amid rising middle-class frustration over stagnant tax breaks, poor public services, and increased welfare spending on lower-income groups. Monika assesses whether this budget signals a shift in economic priorities and what it reveals about the government’s political calculus.

She then dives into the specifics of the new tax regime, breaking down the slab changes and their real impact on disposable income. From the marginal relief provided to those earning slightly above ₹12 lakh to the adjustments in tax deductions for senior citizens and rental income, she deciphers how different taxpayer segments will benefit. Monika also discusses why the market reacted negatively to the exclusion of capital gains from the new tax exemptions and how investors should interpret this policy move.

Beyond income tax, Monika highlights other key proposals that could reshape financial planning for many Indians. She examines the introduction of a centralized KYC system, increased TCS limits on foreign spending, and tax benefits for gig workers and senior citizens. Additionally, she delves into long-awaited pension reforms that aim to streamline regulatory coordination and make retirement planning more investor-friendly. She reflects on whether these measures indicate a maturing economy that acknowledges its growing middle class as a cornerstone of future growth.

Listener queries will return next week, but Monika invites questions on how Budget 2025 affects individual finances. 

Chapters:

(00:033 - 03:47) Budget 2025 highlights and the middle-class impact

(03:48 - 07:04) Key income tax changes and who benefits the most

(07:05 - 15:49) New tax slabs, additional proposals, government strategy, and final thoughts

https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-missing-taxpayer-in-india-s-middle-class-101737903920404.html?utm_source=ht_site_copyURL&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ht_site

https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/a-high-class-budget-for-middle-class-india-101738432389365.html?utm_source=ht_site_copyURL&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ht_site

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

In this episode, Monika investigates a pressing concern: the scale of income tax evasion within India’s middle class. She walks listeners through her extensive research to determine how many eligible taxpayers remain outside the tax net and how much revenue is lost. Using credible reports and official tax data, she arrives at a staggering number—8.3 crore people not paying taxes, leading to a revenue shortfall of ₹7.8 lakh crore. Monika urges policymakers to address this gap rather than burdening existing taxpayers with additional levies.

Monika then breaks down the concept of fiscal deficit, explaining how it arises when government expenditures exceed revenue. She clarifies how borrowing works, the distinction between borrowing for consumption versus capital creation, and why India’s push for infrastructure investment is a positive sign. With fiscal deficit currently at 4.8% of GDP, she highlights the government's target of reducing it to 3% and why this number will be crucial in the upcoming budget.

Listener queries bring up diverse financial concerns. Sujit Kumar asks for insights into Portfolio Management Schemes (PMS) and how they compare to mutual funds. Ajay Kumar worries about mid-cap holdings within his small-cap mutual fund and seeks guidance on rebalancing. Finally, Rohit Sasikumar wants to optimize tax harvesting while switching from an underperforming fund to a Nifty 50 index fund.

Chapters:

(00:34 - 05:09) The missing taxpayer: how much tax is not collected?

(05:10 - 06:34) Understanding fiscal deficit and why it matters

(06:35 - 09:26) Should you invest in a portfolio management scheme?

(09:29 - 12:04) Why does your small cap fund have mid caps?

(12:05 - 13:12) How to harvest tax-free long-term equity gains

https://price360.in/Executive_Summary_Middle_Class.pdf

https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Documents/Direct%20Tax%20Data/Income-tax-statistics-i-t-return-AY_2021-22.pdf

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