Episodes

  • Your Money in 2025

    Your Money in 2025
    Jan 2 2025
    In this episode, Monika shares a roadmap for managing your finances in 2025, reflecting on the market correction at the end of 2024 and its implications for investors. She delves into the fundamentals of projecting returns, linking them to GDP growth and inflation, and highlights the importance of having a solid financial plan. By emphasizing principles like asset allocation, long-term equity focus, and disciplined rebalancing, Monika demonstrates how to navigate uncertainties while building wealth sustainably in the years ahead. Monika explains the essentials of asset allocation, starting with the balance between equity and debt. She outlines the need for emergency funds and insurance as prerequisites for equity investments, which are critical for long-term wealth creation. Sharing examples, she highlights the power of patient, disciplined investing through diversified portfolios, including index funds and active mutual funds. She stresses a "thali" approach, balancing different asset classes to align with individual goals, and the importance of periodic rebalancing to maintain the desired risk level. Listener queries address diverse financial scenarios. Anubhav Agarwal asks whether to use separate funds for multiple long-term goals. Madhu Thakur seeks advice on buying a house versus renting, using parental retirement savings. Kiran Subramanium asks about managing his PF account post-retirement, including tax implications and reinvestment strategies. Chapters: (00:34 - 9:21) Your money in 2025: Ground rules for financial planning and investing (9:22 - 12:45) Choosing funds for multiple goals: Should you separate or combine investments? (12:46 - 15:59) Using parental retirement savings to buy a house: Balancing fairness and financial prudence (16:01 - 17:58) Managing EPF post-retirement: Maximizing returns and tax implications https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_en/FAQ.php If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠ 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
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    19 mins
  • Will Your Credit Card Unpaid Dues Cost More Now?

    Will Your Credit Card Unpaid Dues Cost More Now?
    Dec 26 2024
    In this episode, Monika discusses a recent Supreme Court judgment that impacts credit card holders, overturning a 2008 ruling by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) that capped interest rates on unpaid credit card dues at 30% per year. This decision now allows banks to set higher rates, arguing that credit cards, being unsecured loans, necessitate such charges. Monika highlights the pitfalls for consumers, such as interest being levied on the full bill amount if partial payments are made and the significant cost of revolving credit card debt. She advises listeners to use credit cards wisely to avoid excessive interest rates of 36-49% annually and warns against accumulating debt that could take years to pay off. The conversation moves to practical financial advice for listeners. Monika shares essential tips to avoid credit card debt traps, emphasizing timely payments, limiting the number of cards, and breaking fixed deposits if necessary to pay off high-interest debt. She underscores the importance of thoughtful financial planning to steer clear of costly mistakes. Monika then explains the role of benchmarks in evaluating investments. Just as the perception of height varies by country, investment returns need context to be meaningful. Benchmarks provide a standard for comparing performance, showing if an investment outperforms or underperforms the market average. Monika stresses that understanding and using appropriate benchmarks is crucial for making informed investment choices, as it puts returns in the right perspective. Listener queries focus on practical financial challenges. Nagendra from Bengaluru seeks advice on managing risks and tax implications of company ESOPs, exploring diversification strategies. Hiren, a retiree, asks whether to withdraw additional income from mutual funds or PPF to meet leisure expenses. Sukhjeevan from the U.S. seeks guidance on minimizing losses from a mis-sold whole life insurance plan and reallocating funds into better investments. Chapters: (00:33 - 4:05) Higher credit card interest rates and how to manage credit card debt (4:06 - 6:34) Understanding benchmarks and their importance in portfolio performance (6:38 - 9:31) Managing ESOPs: Balancing risks and tax implications (9:33 - 11:44) Retirement planning: Deciding between PPF and mutual funds for withdrawals (11:45 - 13:20) Dealing with dud insurance policies: Max Life and other mis-sold products If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠ 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
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    14 mins
  • Does your health insurance company pay its claims?

    Does your health insurance company pay its claims?
    Dec 19 2024
    In this episode, Monika explores the troubling issue of health insurance companies denying claims, a problem that has taken center stage globally and in India. A shocking incident in the U.S. on December 4, 2024, saw Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, America’s largest health insurer, shot dead as he walked to an investor conference. Reports suggest the attack may be linked to mounting public frustration over insurers' tactics to “deny, delay, and depose” claims to boost profits, with UnitedHealthcare rejecting 32% of claims. Shifting focus to India, Monika highlights worrying trends documented by the Insurance Brokers Association of India. Public sector insurers perform far better than private firms, with New India Assurance paying 98.74% of claim amounts, while Star Health lags behind at just 54.61%. Disparities in claim metrics—by number of policies versus amounts—indicate some insurers may settle low-value claims quickly while dragging their feet on higher payouts. Loopholes in fine print and a lack of transparency add to policyholders' struggles. The conversation emphasizes the challenges of a three-party system involving insurers, hospitals, and policyholders. Unregulated hospitals often inflate bills or unfairly charge patients, further complicating matters. Monika stresses the urgent need for IRDAI to improve transparency, mandate better disclosure, and ensure smooth portability for customers switching insurers. Until then, buyers must remain vigilant: analyze claims data, compare insurers, and port policies with poor claims records before renewal. Listener queries focus on practical financial challenges. Abhishek asks about the difference between holding mutual fund units in a demat account versus a statement of account, seeking clarity on costs, flexibility, and their respective pros and cons. Nakaashi from Mumbai raises concerns about his retired parents' financial portfolio, exploring how to balance medical expenses, inflation-proof investments, and their desire to leave an inheritance. Purva from Pune wants to know how to plan portfolio exits during market corrections, focusing on asset allocation and strategies for rebalancing investments effectively. Chapters: (00:33 - 8:00) The truth about health insurance claims and what you can do about it (8:04 - 11:46) Understanding the demat account vs statement of account for mutual fund holdings (11:48 - 14:48) How to manage your retirement portfolio for long-term financial health (14:51 - 16:29) Timing your exit strategy for retirement investments https://www.ibai.org/storage/media/news_letter/general_insurance_claim_insights_2024_04122024-180441.pdf (see pages 83 and 84) https://www.livemint.com/Money/9i0qJW6mkQ9e9W7v8FUswN/History-of-mutual-funds-in-India-as-told-by-the-first-inves.html If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠ 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
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    18 mins
  • How to Redeem your Mutual Funds

    How to Redeem your Mutual Funds
    Dec 13 2024
    In this episode, Monika delves into the RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 6.5% despite market expectations of a 25 basis point cut. She explains the repo rate’s role as the interest rate at which the RBI lends to banks, influencing liquidity and inflation. The decision stems from the central bank's inflation-targeting mandate, which restricts easing rates amidst high inflation. However, the RBI cut the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) to 4%, injecting ₹1.16 lakh crore into the banking system. Monika further discusses the rationale behind the RBI’s cautious approach. While core inflation remains within target, persistently high food inflation limits the scope for rate cuts. The CRR reduction is seen as a move to boost liquidity, with many viewing it as a precursor to a potential rate cut in early 2025. Lower growth forecasts and rising inflation add complexity to the economic outlook, reflecting the challenges of balancing growth and stability. The episode also covers the concept of bond duration, a critical measure of interest rate risk in debt instruments. Monika explains how duration quantifies the sensitivity of bond prices to interest rate changes. Longer durations mean greater risk as bond prices drop sharply when rates rise. This segment sheds light on how advisors evaluate debt funds based on duration to align risk with investors’ goals, ensuring informed decision-making in volatile markets. Listener queries focus on practical financial challenges. Miranda seeks clarity on mutual fund redemptions, comparing lump-sum investments and SIPs for short-term goals, and understanding the first-in-first-out rule for selling units. Nishant, a PSU employee, explores strategies to invest ₹18 lakh gifted by grandparents for his daughters’ future while weighing the merits of NPS Vatsalya versus index funds. Finally, Bunti seeks guidance on claiming bank FDs without a nominee, underscoring the importance of updated nominations and succession planning. Chapters: (0:33 - 5:48) RBI's decision on interest rates and what it means for growth (5:50 - 7:13) Understanding bond duration and interest rate risks (7:18 - 11:22) Should you invest in ultra-short-term funds for 6-month goals? (11:24 - 14:48) Mutual funds vs. NPS Vatsalya: Which is better for gifting money to your daughters? (14:50 - 16:18) Dealing with FDs and mutual funds when there’s no nominee: What to do https://tradingeconomics.com/india/interest-rate https://npstrust.org.in/sites/default/files/inline-files/nps_vatsalya_borchure_marged.pdf If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠ 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
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    17 mins
  • What slowing GDP means for you

    What slowing GDP means for you
    Dec 5 2024
    In this episode, Monika examines India’s slowing GDP growth, which fell to 5.4% in the second quarter (June-September 2024), pulling the first-half growth to 6%. A sluggish industrial sector, slower urban consumption, and muted private investments are key drivers, while rural spending and services have shown resilience. To meet the RBI’s projected 7% growth, faster economic activity is essential—a goal that now seems unlikely. Monika explores potential government spending and RBI rate cuts as possible solutions to reignite growth. Slower GDP growth affects everyone, from limited job opportunities and salary hikes to reduced returns for investors. Monika highlights the need for employees to enhance job security and for investors to maintain disciplined asset allocation. Avoiding reactive shifts between equities and safer instruments is critical to navigating these challenging times. The episode also introduces the government’s PAN 2.0 project, which consolidates PAN, TAN, and TIN into a single identifier to simplify compliance for businesses. Monika reassures listeners that while this benefits businesses, individuals only need to verify their contact details to receive the updated QR-coded PAN card. Links to government resources for further information are shared. Listener queries explore diverse financial topics. Nagendra from Bengaluru asks about balancing active and index funds across market caps. Akhila, starting a new job abroad, seeks advice on debt repayment, emergency savings, and retirement planning. Varun from Chennai discusses efficient gold investments and portfolio management, raising questions about long-term strategies and intergenerational financial planning. Chapters: (0:33 - 3:56) What slowing GDP growth means for you and your finances (3:57 - 5:53) PAN 2.0: What it means for taxpayers (5:57 - 8:43) Should you invest in small and mid-cap index funds? (8:45 - 10:57) Financial priorities for expats with debt (11:00 - 14:29) Best ways to hold gold for your child’s future https://www.incometax.gov.in/iec/foportal/help/e-filing-know-tan-faq#:~:text=TAN%20must%20be%20obtained%20by,in%20communications%20with%20the%20ITD https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2077922 https://incometaxindia.gov.in/Lists/Press%20Releases/Attachments/1214/Press-Release-PAN-2.0-Project-of-the-CBDT-receives-CCEA-Approval-dated-27-11-2024.pdfIf you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠ 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
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    16 mins
  • Should you pay off your future partner’s debts?

    Should you pay off your future partner’s debts?
    Nov 28 2024
    In this episode, Monika delves into a significant move by the Indian government and financial regulator to address the mis-selling of insurance products by banks. At a recent banking event, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the need for banks to prioritize their core business—mobilising deposits and lending. She noted that aggressive insurance sales have indirectly increased borrowing costs for customers, signaling a call for reform. IRDAI Chairman Debashish Panda echoed this, urging banks to keep insurance sales secondary to their primary banking functions. Together, these statements hint at a potential shift in banking practices, putting customer needs above aggressive sales targets. Monika explains how bank staff are incentivized to push high-commission products, like money-back or endowment policies, often at the expense of traditional fixed deposits. This has slowed deposit growth, with first-year insurance premiums via bank channels hitting Rs 81,000 crore in 2022-23. The push for change may depend on the RBI’s role, which is key to enforcing stricter guidelines and shielding consumers from misleading sales practices. Successful reforms could ease pressure on customers, especially those needing more traditional banking services. The episode also covers the concept of the discount rate, a crucial financial tool for assessing investment value. Monika illustrates how the discount rate helps calculate the present value of future cash flows, aiding in financial planning. By comparing various investment options—from secure bank deposits to riskier equities—listeners learn how risk impacts expected returns. This segment aims to equip the audience with a clearer understanding of making well-informed investment decisions. Listener questions span several financial scenarios. Megha (name changed) seeks advice on balancing transparency with her fiancé while safeguarding her assets. Vishwas, a freelancer, asks how to adapt the 3-account cash flow system for irregular income. Pooja from Bangalore shares her path to financial independence and seeks Monika’s thoughts on legacy planning as a single woman, discussing inheritance and charitable giving. These real-life cases provide practical insight into financial challenges and choices many face today. Chapters: (0:34 - 5:34) The government crackdown on insurance mis-selling (5:35 - 7:49) Understanding the discount rate in personal finance (7:53 - 12:21) Should you disclose your finances before marriage? (12:25 - 15:43) How to implement the 3-account system as a freelancer? (15:45 - 19:32) Legacy planning and charity goals for a single person If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠ 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
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    21 mins
  • Why is Inflation So High?

    Why is Inflation So High?
    Nov 21 2024
    In this episode, Monika explores why inflation has surged in India, hitting 6.2% in October 2024, the highest in over a year. She explains how inflation is measured using the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks price changes in a basket of consumer goods and services. A consistent rise in the CPI indicates inflation, with a recent jump reflecting concerns about India’s economic stability. The ideal inflation target for India is set between 2% and 6%, with 4% considered optimal for growth, but the current numbers exceed this range. Monika discusses the key contributors to the recent spike, particularly food inflation. October saw food and beverage prices soar to 9.69%, driven by a 42.2% increase in vegetable costs, along with rising cereal and oil prices. She highlights the persistent food inflation due to extreme weather conditions and challenges in the agricultural sector, exacerbated by the government’s struggle to implement necessary reforms. These factors complicate inflation control, and Monika predicts that inflation might not ease until early next year, affecting consumer spending and economic growth. The recent closure of Durga Cooperative Bank is also discussed in this episode. The RBI canceled the bank’s license, forcing customers to rely on deposit insurance for refunds. This situation underscores the risks of choosing high-interest cooperative banks, leading to a recommendation to prioritize safer options like large public or private banks for emergency fund deposits. Listener queries include Raj Krishan (name changed), who asks if his family’s net worth of INR 7 crore, along with other resources, is sufficient to support his upcoming career switch to entrepreneurship. Another listener, Smitha, shares concerns about financial stability after returning from Australia and asks for guidance on managing property inheritance and finding employment in India. Lastly, Kumarjit inquires about how to choose a reliable financial planner, seeking clarity on professional credentials and fee structures. Chapters: (0:34 - 4:44) Why Inflation is Not Coming Down (4:45 - 6:48) Why Are Food Prices So High? (6:49 - 8:27) The Risk of Cooperative Bank Deposits (8:30 - 10:42) Is It Financially Secure Enough to Start a Business? (10:44 - 13:37) Should You Stay in India or Return to Australia for Financial Stability? (13:41 - 16:47) How to Choose a Financial Planner? https://www.amfiindia.com/locate-your-nearest-mutual-fund-distributor-details https://aria.org.in/ If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠ 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
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    18 mins
  • Will Crypto get a Trump Boost?

    Will Crypto get a Trump Boost?
    Nov 21 2024
    In this episode, Monika explores the potential impact of a Trump presidency on the cryptocurrency market. Following recent U.S. election results, the crypto industry celebrated as Donald Trump returns to the White House as the 47th President of the United States, prompting a sharp rise in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency prices. Many in the industry expect a more relaxed regulatory approach under Trump, including his proposal for a federal reserve of Bitcoin, which could position Bitcoin as a recognized asset if a major country begins to hold it in its reserves. She explains the concept of national reserves, which are assets held by central banks, like the Federal Reserve in the U.S. or the RBI in India, and typically include hard currencies and assets like gold. Adding Bitcoin to this mix would represent a significant shift, potentially complicating the Fed’s role in managing the money supply and interest rates. Monika cautions listeners about the risks of investing in an asset that isn’t regulated in India. Monika addresses a common question from her followers: Are systematic investment plans (SIPs) still a viable strategy? While some argue that SIPs may not yield strong long-term gains, she clarifies that SIP performance depends on the quality of the mutual fund chosen and a long-term investment horizon. Although Sensex and Nifty have returned around 23% per year in recent years, she reminds investors that returns tend to normalize to historical averages of 12-14% annually. In listener queries, Sarvesh Sinha (name changed) seeks advice on whether to use funds from underperforming mutual funds to pay off a personal loan he took to help a family member. Shivanand Patil wonders if he should redirect SIP contributions to pay off his home loan sooner. Lastly, Rohit Kumar (name changed) asks about adding gold and international investments to his portfolio. Chapters: (0:33 - 3:51) Trump, Bitcoin, and the Future of Crypto Reserves (3:52 - 6:47) Are SIPs Still Effective for Long-Term Growth in Indian Markets? (7:11 - 9:19) Family Loans: Head vs Heart in Financial Decisions (9:24 - 12:04) Balancing Debt Repayment and Investment Contributions (12:11 - 15:02) Gold Funds, SIPs, and Safe International Investments If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.com 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
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    16 mins