As 2026 begins, Monika reflects on how our relationship with money changes over a lifetime, moving beyond year-end numbers, market levels, or growth forecasts. This episode takes a philosophical turn, using the idea of life’s ashrams to frame our money journey — from learning and earning to harvesting and eventual detachment. Monika explores the paradox of money: when we are young, desires are endless and resources limited; later, resources grow but the hunger for more steadily fades.

Monika urges listeners, especially those approaching or living in the “vanaprastha” phase, to simplify and consolidate. She talks about defining what is “enough,” reducing complexity by selling scattered assets, shifting away from stressful real estate management, putting estate plans and wills in place, and freeing time and energy from financial clutter. Giving — of money, time, or skills - becomes central in this stage, as does staying mentally and physically active while consumption naturally slows. For younger listeners still deep in careers and responsibilities, she reminds them that money is a byproduct of disciplined effort, not the goal itself, and that patience, skill-building, and sensible investing remain non-negotiable.

In listener queries, Longekumar, a widowed government school teacher, writes about rebuilding financial security after loss and asks where to safely invest a lump sum; Anand Kumar Bansal from Bengaluru seeks advice on whether to take more risk despite being financially independent; and Vikas Sachdeva asks whether recent changes in NPS alter its role compared to EPF in retirement planning.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) Your Money in 2026: A Changing Relationship With Wealth

(00:00 – 00:00) Vanaprastha Today: Consolidating Assets, Simplifying Life, and Giving Back

(00:00 – 00:00) Rebuilding Financial Security After Loss and Starting From Scratch

(00:00 – 00:00) Should You Take More Risk When You Are Already Financially Secure?

(00:00 – 00:00) NPS vs EPF: How to Think About Retirement Products After Recent Changes

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

As 2025 draws to a close, Monika invites listeners to pause and take stock of their financial lives with a simple but powerful money report card. Using a series of clear yes-or-no questions, this episode walks through the absolute basics of money management — cash-flow systems, emergency funds, insurance, debt control, savings discipline, asset allocation, retirement planning, and the importance of reviewing nominees and wills. The aim is to help listeners check whether their financial foundations are truly in place as they head into a new year. Monika explains why these non-negotiables matter far more than chasing returns or reacting to headlines. From separating bank accounts for income, spending, and investing, to keeping high-interest debt under control, building long-term equity exposure, diversifying across asset classes, and planning well ahead for retirement, this episode serves as a practical year-end audit. Financial freedom, she reminds listeners, is built through systems, consistency, and periodic review — not shortcuts or noise. In listener queries, an anonymous NRI working in the merchant navy asks about portfolio diversification, marriage, and building a second income stream; an anonymous retiree from Pune seeks guidance on government-backed investment options and monthly income after returning from the Gulf; and Reshma from Bengaluru writes about navigating divorce, career transition, retirement planning, and securing her daughter’s future.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) Your 2025 Money Report Card: Are the Basics in Place?

(00:00 – 00:00) Scoring Yourself on Savings, Debt, Insurance, and Retirement

(00:00 – 00:00) Building Wealth and Passive Income as a Young NRI

(00:00 – 00:00) Safe Government Investment Options for Retired Couples

(00:00 – 00:00) Planning Finances After Divorce and Protecting Dignity in Retirement

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

This week, Monika unpacks a busy stretch of economic headlines: a strong 8.2% GDP print, the rupee slipping to 90 against the dollar, and a 0.25% RBI rate cut. She begins by explaining why exchange rates matter, what drives currency demand, and why the recent rupee depreciation reflects global risk aversion, high US rates, and a seasonal widening of the current account deficit. Drawing on economist Sajjid Chinoy’s view, Monika highlights how a softer rupee can improve export competitiveness and why exceptionally low inflation gives the RBI confidence to allow the currency to adjust without triggering instability.

Monika then explains how the RBI’s rate cut fits into the broader macro picture. With the repo rate now at 5.25%, the combination of strong growth, a gently depreciating rupee, and lower rates signals confidence in inflation staying anchored. She outlines what this means for savers and borrowers: FD and RBI bond investors may want to lock in long tenors while real returns remain high, borrowers should see relief ahead, and long-duration debt funds may offer tactical opportunities. Above all, she reminds listeners that stable financial plans should not be derailed by headlines or market noise.

In listener questions, Anonymous from Bengaluru seeks guidance on navigating family wealth differences while choosing a life partner, Akila weighs renting versus buying as she plans a move before eventually settling into a retirement home, and Aravind from Kerala asks whether investing across top democratic countries is practical for an Indian investor.

Chapters:

00:00 – 00:00) RBI Rate Cuts and the Rupee at 90

(00:00 – 00:00) Why the Rupee Fell and What It Means for Inflation

(00:00 – 00:00) Navigating Marriage Decisions When Families Differ in Wealth

(00:00 – 00:00) Choosing Between Renting, Buying, or Retirement Homes

(00:00 – 00:00) Should Indians Invest Internationally? Practical Global Diversification

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9897cGJP0wA

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

This week, Monika breaks down the surprising 8.2% GDP growth print for India’s July–September quarter, and why the cheer hasn’t shown up in the stock market. She revisits the GDP formula and unpacks the drivers — strong private consumption, resilient services growth, a manufacturing boost from PLI schemes and GST cuts, and a surge in MSME credit that signals broad-based momentum. With India on track for ~7.5% growth this year, the fastest among major economies, Monika explains why this is solid, real activity rather than price-led nominal growth, and how that strength is built on rural spending, good monsoons and recent tax breaks.

Monika then turns to the puzzle of why markets remain flat despite a booming economy. She outlines three reasons: money being pulled into IPOs, gold and silver instead of the secondary market; exceptionally low inflation reducing the GDP deflator and therefore nominal growth (the number that drives corporate revenues, profits and market valuations); and stretched valuations that still need cooling. Even so, she emphasises that long-term investors should stay disciplined, maintain asset allocation across debt and equity, and rebalance if needed — the structural growth story remains intact. She also previews next week’s discussion on the RBI’s rate decision and what it means for households.

In listener questions, Shivam asks whether to prepay a low-rate education loan or invest aggressively, and how he and his wife should structure ₹1 lakh of monthly SIPs; Monika explains why, given their stability, keeping the loan and investing for growth works. Piyush writes in from a severe debt trap with home loans, personal loans and card dues far exceeding income; Monika urges him to involve family, liquidate assets and seek structured help through a debt resolution service. Anup, writing from Germany, wants to sell two residential plots and eventually buy a home in India; Monika points him toward Sections 54 and 54F, suggests consulting a CA on capital-gains planning, and outlines why a short-term loan followed by staggered asset sales may be practical.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) Why GDP Is Hot but Markets Are Cool

(00:00 – 00:00) Understanding the Drivers Behind India’s Surprising Q2 GDP

(00:00 – 00:00) EMI vs Investing: Navigating a Low-Interest Education Loan

(00:00 – 00:00) Escaping a Debt Trap: Practical Steps When Repayments Overwhelm

(00:00 – 00:00) Selling Plots or Taking a Loan: Smart Strategies for Buying a Home in India

https://freed.care/ 

https://cleartax.in/s/section-54-capital-gains-exemption#h6

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

This week, Monika unpacks one of the biggest economic reforms since 1991 — the newly implemented labour codes. She recounts a timely moment from recording the Groww-ing India podcast with Amitabh Kant, where a discussion on delayed labour reforms was followed, just hours later, by the government announcing full implementation. Monika explains why India’s post-independence socialist legacy created 29 overlapping, conflicting labour laws that made hiring, firing and compliance incredibly difficult, spawning “dwarf firms,” encouraging informality, and adding nearly 10% to product costs through routine procedural bribes. The new codes — covering wages, social security, industrial relations, and occupational safety & health — replace this maze with a far simpler, unified structure.

Monika breaks down what changes for businesses, workers and the broader economy. Compliance sections drop by 75%, forms by 60%, and registers by 76%, with everything now digital. Unified definitions across laws reduce inspector discretion and bring transparency to how wages, benefits and severance are calculated. For workers, coverage expands beyond formal jobs to include gig and platform workers, with mandated timelines for wage payments and clearer rules on overtime. States can now raise the threshold for prior government approval on layoffs, potentially enabling large-scale manufacturing. Lower compliance costs should translate into better margins, fairer protections for informal workers, and eventually lower prices — feeding into higher growth and better long-term returns for investors. For most white-collar employees, the most immediate change may be a rise in delivery fees as gig-worker welfare contributions kick in.

In listener questions, Mamta - a 50-year-old single woman between jobs - asks where to keep her savings safely. Sanjay, a 22-year-old data analyst saving an impressive 41% of his income, seeks help budgeting for a future Vietnam trip without derailing long-term investing. And Shikha, entering her 40s with a ₹1.5 crore corpus, wants clarity on buying a house versus renting and how to structure her retirement plan. Monika lays out practical paths for each situation, balancing caution with empowerment.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) What the new labour laws mean for you

(00:00 – 00:00) Safe saving options when you can’t take risk

(00:00 – 00:00) How to plan a holiday while investing aggressively

(00:00 – 00:00) Should you buy a house or keep renting?

(00:00 – 00:00) How to plan retirement when starting late

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

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

This week, Monika breaks down the “inflation paradox” India is living through — where official inflation has collapsed to 0.25%, yet households still feel the pinch at checkout counters. She explains how the headline number hides a deeper story: if the impact of gold is removed from the Consumer Price Index, October inflation actually turns negative. An SBI Research estimate suggests that, excluding gold, inflation could remain below zero for the next two months. Food prices have fallen sharply, with vegetables down nearly 28% and pulses over 16%, creating a painful situation for farmers even as households see temporary relief.

Monika unpacks why very low inflation is a problem for the wider economy. Weak prices signal weak demand, hurting production, wages and eventually jobs. Governments too suffer when inflation falls, because tax revenues depend on nominal — not real — growth. With the RBI’s full-year inflation estimate cut to 2.6%, the number now threatens to breach the lower bound of the 2–6% target band, raising the possibility of rate cuts. She also explains why lived inflation can feel higher than official data: lifestyle choices — app-based shopping, food delivery, eating out — inflate household budgets far more than the CPI basket. For savers and investors, a lower-trend inflation world means lower bank FD rates and more moderate long-term equity return expectations, making equity allocation essential for retirement planning.

In listener questions, Srinivas seeks guidance on managing a large education loan, bundled insurance policies, and family assets; Sampath from the US weighs whether to buy property in Hyderabad now or after returning to India; and an anonymous listener asks how to secure term insurance after a past cancer diagnosis. Monika also gives a shout-out to Rinku Jain, who recently shifted from trading to financial education after being inspired by Let’s Talk Money.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) The Inflation Paradox: Why Low Numbers Still Feel Expensive

(00:00 – 00:00) How Low Inflation Impacts Growth, Wages, Taxes & Your Investments

(00:00 – 00:00) How to Fix a Costly Loan, Bundled Insurance & a Risky Family Portfolio

(00:00 – 00:00) Should NRIs Buy Property Now or After Returning to India?

(00:00 – 00:00) Can Cancer Survivors Get Term Insurance? What Your Real Options Are

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ivlio9duh6yemspbdu6rm/Inflation-SBI-Report-Oct-2025.pdf?rlkey=n6fyqfssoz5tw88unhsx0sn3a&dl=0

https://www.stcipd.com/UserFiles/File/Measuring_Trend_inflation_in_India-A_summary.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

This week, Monika unpacks SEBI’s recent caution to the public against dealing in digital gold. The regulator clarified that while SEBI oversees gold ETFs, commodity derivatives, and Electronic Gold Receipts — all backed by strict rules and physical verification — digital gold remains completely outside its supervision. That means investors have no legal protection if something goes wrong. Many platforms may not actually hold the gold they sell, exposing buyers to serious counterparty and fraud risks. Even though major brands like PayTM, Tanishq, and MMTC offer digital gold, these products are still unregulated.

Monika explains how SEBI’s framework ensures transparency and security for gold ETFs — from mandatory physical holdings and custodian oversight to regular audits and purity checks. In contrast, digital gold lacks such verification, leaving investors unsure if the gold even exists. While the ease of purchase and small-ticket investments make digital gold tempting, SEBI’s warning is a timely reminder that convenience can come at a cost. Gold can still have a place in portfolios, but allocations should stay within 5–10%, and SEBI-regulated gold ETFs are the safer route for long-term investors.

In listener questions, Anonymous seeks clarity on how to transition gradually from real estate and ESOPs into equity funds over the next decade, Vijay from Tamil Nadu asks how to begin crypto investing safely, and Padma, a retired investor, wants help streamlining her mutual fund portfolio and understanding the role of index and debt funds.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) Why You Should Not Buy Digital Gold

(00:00 – 00:00) Planning a 9-Year Transition from Real Estate to Equity

(00:00 – 00:00) Should You Invest in Cryptocurrency?

(00:00 – 00:00) Building a Safe and Structured Investment Journey

(00:00 – 00:00) How to Simplify Your Mutual Fund Choices in Retirement

https://www.sebi.gov.in/media-and-notifications/press-releases/nov-2025/caution-to-public-regarding-dealing-in-digital-gold-_97676.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

This week, Monika sits down with India’s Chief Economic Adviser, Dr V. Anantha Nageswaran, for a wide-ranging conversation on governance, regulation, and the challenges of doing business in India. He explains why India must “reduce the cost of being honest,” arguing that excessive compliance and inspection norms often force even well-intentioned businesses into shortcuts. The government, he says, is consciously working to dismantle this structure through deregulation and technology-driven transparency, making it easier for citizens and firms to operate without corruption.

Monika highlights the CEA’s strong stance on financial mis-selling — a problem the Economic Survey 2023–24 identified as widespread in banks and insurance firms. He supports a shift toward a “seller-beware” model for retail financial products, recognising that complex instruments demand stricter accountability from sellers rather than relying on the old “buyer-beware” principle. With the Ministry of Finance and RBI preparing new rules to curb such malpractice, these changes could finally bring relief to customers misled by inappropriate product sales at bank branches.

In listener questions, Ravi asks about why investments made through the RBI Retail Direct platform do not appear in NSDL-CAS statements, Rohit seeks guidance on refining his investment portfolio after returning to India from the US, and an anonymous listener from a PSU bank writes in about NPS allocation, consolidating his mother’s portfolio, and whether to consider investing in SIFs.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) Reducing the cost of being honest

(00:00 – 00:00) Why the CEA wants banks to stop mis-selling

(00:00 – 00:00) Understanding RBI Retail Direct and NSDL-CAS

(00:00 – 00:00) Setting up your financial foundation after returning to India

(00:00 – 00:00) Managing family portfolios and exploring new products

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAEGbvZ-3Ps&t=3516s

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

This week, Monika breaks down the sweeping changes in the National Pension System (NPS) that came into effect from October 1, 2025, and what they mean for investors planning their retirement. The revamped NPS now offers a more flexible and competitive alternative to mutual funds and insurance plans. Monika explains how, for years, the NPS remained a rigid, low-cost product built for simplicity — but one that often left investors frustrated with limited fund choices, compulsory annuity rules, and clunky access. The latest reforms mark a turning point, aiming to make NPS more adaptable and investor-friendly.

Monika highlights the key updates that have transformed the product: investors can now allocate up to 100% in equities, choose multiple schemes within each asset class, and benefit from new fund options tailored to different risk profiles. With a modest increase in fund management costs and upcoming plans to relax the 40% annuity lock, the NPS may soon evolve into a strong, low-cost retirement vehicle. However, Monika cautions that while the direction of reform is promising, existing investors should evaluate the changes carefully and new investors might do well to wait until the new schemes show a track record.

In listener questions, Sonal from Mumbai seeks advice on investing her retirement corpus to generate regular income, Mainak writes about evaluating his bank’s “free” wealth management services and the hidden risks involved, and Aniket from Bengaluru asks how best to invest a small amount received as a gift for his newborn’s future.

Chapters:

(00:00 – 00:00) The New NPS: What’s Changed and Why It Matters

(00:00 – 00:00) Should You Switch or Stay: Understanding the New Options

(00:00 – 00:00) Investing Your Retirement Benefits Wisely

(00:00 – 00:00) The Hidden Cost of “Free” Wealth Management

(00:00 – 00:00) Building a Baby Fund the Smart Way

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

This week, Monika unpacks the buzz around Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs) — the newest category in India’s investing landscape. Positioned between mutual funds and Portfolio Management Services (PMS), SIFs promise more flexibility for fund managers and new opportunities for investors willing to take calculated risks. Monika explains how SIFs differ from mutual funds, which operate within tightly defined categories, and PMS products, which cater to high-net-worth investors. With a ₹10 lakh minimum investment and the ability to use advanced “long-short” strategies, SIFs aim to deliver returns whether markets rise or fall.

Monika highlights that while the product sounds exciting, investors must tread carefully. India’s market culture is still largely “long-biased,” and true shorting strategies require deep conviction and expertise. SEBI’s educational arm, NISM, has already raised questions about whether most fund houses are equipped to use this flexibility effectively. Given the lack of performance history and untested strategies, Monika advises investors to wait for at least a year of data before deciding if SIFs are truly worth the risk or just regulatory innovation without substance.

In listener questions, Chandrasekharan K from Thrissur asks about the best way to invest in smart beta ETFs under a direct plan and whether high brokerage costs can be avoided. Feby Daniel from Bengaluru seeks guidance on making tax-efficient withdrawals while moving from equity ETFs to debt ETFs through a laddering strategy. Madhu, shares a dilemma on whether to buy a ₹90 lakh home outright or take a smaller loan and invest the rest in mutual funds.

Chapters:

(00:00–00:00) Understanding Specialized Investment Funds (SIFs)

(00:00–00:00) The Long-Short Strategy and Its Limitations

(00:00–00:00) Should You Invest in SIFs Now or Wait?

(00:00–00:00) Smart Beta ETFs and Direct Plan Challenges

(00:00–00:00) Buying a Home vs Taking a Loan: Finding Peace in Ownership

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