This week, Monika returns from a whirlwind trip to Berlin and Hamburg with reflections on unpredictable European weather and a newfound appreciation for the Delhi heat. Back at her desk, she dives straight into the world of bonds—those unassuming financial instruments that actually run the show when it comes to signaling the health of an economy. Monika explains why the bond market is far more closely watched than the stock market and what it’s been saying about India’s growth story in a global economy full of mixed signals.

She breaks down the mechanics of bonds and bond yields in her trademark relatable style, comparing them to FDs and detailing how they reflect changing interest rates, inflation, and creditworthiness. With examples from the US bond market’s reactions to policy shifts and deficits, Monika shows how yields offer a real-time assessment of trust in a country’s economic direction. For India, the recent fall in bond yields alongside strong macroeconomic numbers signals growing confidence among investors and hints at a positive future.

The listener questions begin with anonymous from Pune, who is balancing a ₹60 lakh home loan and wants to know whether to prepay the loan or start a ₹50,000 monthly SIP for retirement, while also asking about the need for term insurance for a non-earning spouse. Vaibhav Verma is considering withdrawing from his stock and PF portfolio to buy a ₹20 lakh plot and seeks advice on whether property is a wise investment in the long term. And Naman Nihalani, a 22-year-old MBA student preparing for a financially responsible future, wants help building a budget, handling an education loan, and planning long-term investments to manage life’s many responsibilities.

Chapters:

(00:30 - 07:20) Why Bonds Are the Real Boss of the Economy

(07:21 - 09:10) How Bond Yields Move and What They Signal

(09:39 - 16:50) Should I Prepay My Home Loan or Start Retirement SIPs?

(16:51 - 19:34) Is Buying a Plot Better Than Mutual Funds for Long-Term Investing?

(19:35 - 21:42) How Can a 22-Year-Old Plan Finances for the Future?

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