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
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
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 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
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 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
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 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
This week, Monika turns the spotlight on a silent financial burden many carry — not bad investments, but chaos. After years of conversations and examining real money lives, she observes that it is not low returns that do the most damage; it is clutter — too many accounts, scattered assets, forgotten subscriptions, and decisions made only to save tax. She shares the story of someone who bought faraway properties just to avoid capital gains tax, only to be trapped in years of maintenance, legal risk, and stress. A simple tax payment and a clean investment could have cost far less. It’s a reminder that financial tidiness is not frugality — it is clarity and peace.
Monika walks through the common clutter that silently erodes wealth: multiple bank accounts with no defined purpose, excessive credit cards increasing the risk of missed repayments, auto-renewing subscriptions eating into monthly budgets, and multiple investment platforms that fragment portfolios. She warns against buying assets only for tax breaks or collecting funds without strategy. This “confusion tax” — paid in stress, oversight, and poor decisions — is rarely acknowledged but deeply felt. A clean money box, she argues, does not just save time; it restores control.
In listener questions, T. P. Singh, aged 55, seeks resources to decide the right allocation between fixed deposits and equity while already owning property and having no loans. Anonymous, a 52-year-old from the IT industry, asks whether selling his house to clear a heavy EMI is wiser as retirement nears and future job security is uncertain. Nikilesh K wants guidance on finding a disciplined investment vehicle with commitment like an insurance plan, but without the rigid lock-ins, to prevent impulsive withdrawals.
Chapters:
(00:00–00:00) The Real Cost of Financial Clutter
(00:00–00:00) Decluttering Bank Accounts, Cards & Subscriptions
(00:00–00:00) Simplifying Investments and Real Estate Decisions
(00:00–00:00) Allocating Assets Safely in Retirement
(00:00–00:00) Preparing for Retirement Under Pressure
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
This week, Monika explores the rising conversation around India’s homegrown digital ecosystem and asks whether it’s time to switch from foreign platforms to Indian ones. As more Indians pay for cloud storage, app subscriptions, and premium digital services, billions of dollars flow each year to U.S.-based tech giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon. A recent report estimates these companies collectively earn $15–20 billion annually from India, contributing to the U.S. services trade surplus. Monika highlights how countries like China have built self-reliant digital networks and argues that India too needs to invest in indigenous platforms that retain both data and money within the country.
Monika spotlights Zoho’s Arattai, an Indian-made messaging app offering a local alternative to WhatsApp. Created by Chennai-based Zoho and its founder Sridhar Vembu, the platform is part of a broader effort to build secure, locally hosted digital tools—from office software to cloud infrastructure. Zoho’s model—built without foreign funding and with servers that keep Indian data on Indian soil—illustrates how homegrown innovation can strengthen both digital sovereignty and economic resilience. Just as UPI transformed payments by breaking dependence on Visa and Mastercard, Monika suggests India can now extend that success to digital services, reducing exposure to foreign control and keeping value creation domestic.
In listener questions, Pavan Prabhakar asks how to introduce his 18-year-old nephew to the right kind of market learning beyond the basics of financial literacy, Devendra Paralkar seeks guidance on whether to add index funds or continue with his existing active mutual funds, and Manjiri Verma, a 40-year-old single mother, wants to understand how to balance her equity-debt allocation while saving for her daughter’s education and prepaying her home loan.
Chapters:
(0:00-0:00) The Cost of Our Digital Lives
(0:00-0:00) India’s Move Toward Homegrown Digital Services
(0:00-0:00) Guiding the Next Generation in Money Matters
(0:00-0:00) Balancing Active and Index Fund Investments
(0:00-0:00) Managing Risk and Building Long-Term Wealth
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
This week, Monika reflects on a question that came up at a recent event in Jaipur: would gold have been a better investment than equity funds over the past decade? Looking back, gold’s average annual return of 15.4% has indeed outpaced the Sensex’s 12%. A ₹1 lakh investment in gold 10 years ago would now be worth about ₹4.18 lakh, compared with ₹3.16 lakh in equity. But Monika cautions that most of gold’s gains came in just the last two years, driven by geopolitical tensions and trade wars. Gold too goes through long down cycles, while equity remains tied to the productive capacity of businesses. The key takeaway is that hindsight can make investing decisions look easy, but in the moment, predicting the future path of any single asset class is nearly impossible.
Monika also discusses why chasing one "winning" asset is not the answer. Even gold, once thought unshakable, could be disrupted just as lab-grown diamonds are reshaping the global diamond market. Instead, she emphasizes the role of asset allocation—spreading money across equity, debt, and real assets, and diversifying within each class. A balanced portfolio, built with discipline and consistency, is the only reliable tool investors have to navigate uncertainty. Monika reminds listeners that the goal is not to predict geopolitical events or cycles, but to build resilience through allocation, liquidity, and a long-term perspective.
In listener questions, Alok Shetty asks whether he should commute 40% of his pension at retirement and invest the lump sum, Narayanan seeks a strategy to reach ₹5 crore by 2044 despite current loan pressures, and Swapnil Patil wonders if he should sell his Nagpur property and reinvest in financial assets or hold on to it as a home.
Chapters:
(0:00 – 0:00) Gold vs Equity: A Decade of Returns
(0:00 – 0:00) Lab-Grown Diamonds, Gold, and Lessons for Investors
(0:00 – 0:00) Pension Commutation: Lump Sum vs Full Pension
(0:00 – 0:00) Building a ₹5 Crore Corpus with Limited Savings
(0:00 – 0:00) Real Estate vs Financial Assets: Should You Sell Your Property?
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
This week, Monika unpacks the government’s bold twin tax cuts in 2025 and asks if India is switching gears to go all-in on growth. She explains how both direct and indirect tax reductions put more money into people’s hands but also create a revenue gap of over 3% of the FY25 budget. Monika explores whether this fiscal gamble can revive private investment and lift growth above 7%, or whether it risks delaying fiscal consolidation. She also breaks down the GST Council’s move to simplify the system from four slabs to three, and questions whether the benefits will truly reach consumers or get stuck as corporate profits.
Monika then turns to the Reserve Bank of India’s role in this story. With inflation low and food prices actually falling, she argues that this is the moment for a decisive rate cut to complement the government’s demand push. She examines whether the fiscal deficit target of 4.4% should be relaxed to prioritize domestic demand, and stresses that beyond tax and rate cuts, sustained growth requires process reforms, cleaner cities, better jobs, and smoother governance. She closes with a festive-season reminder that growth begins on the ground — every extra rupee spent by households helps keep the economic engine running.
In listener questions, Linus Sequeira asks if he should wait for the new GST regime before buying a sub-₹12 lakh car, Elin Jain wants advice on managing fund manager changes and a 50% allocation to one fund house, and Jairaj from MP seeks clarity on buying a super top-up health policy from the same insurer versus a different one.
Chapters:
(0:00 – 0:00) The Big Tax Cuts and Economic Strategy
(0:00 – 0:00) GST, Price Transmission, and Risks
(0:00 – 0:00) Car Purchase and GST Considerations
(0:00 – 0:00) Fund Manager Changes and Allocation
(0:00 – 0:00) Senior Citizen Insurance Top-Ups
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
This week, Monika explores the big question: is your career heading for a sudden cliff or does it have a runway for take-off? She draws parallels from past disruptions — typesetters replaced by computers and librarians displaced by the internet — to highlight how today’s fears around AI are part of a recurring pattern. Some people adapt and thrive by upskilling, while others stagnate. Monika shares warning signs of career stagnation, from outdated roles and lack of new skills to limited visibility with decision-makers.
Monika then outlines how to turn a potential cliff into a growth runway. It begins with honest self-assessment and continuous learning through micro-courses, mentors, and side projects. A growth mindset, curiosity, and the willingness to adapt are crucial safety nets in uncertain times. She emphasizes the power of networking with peers and mentors already thriving in the new environment. Drawing inspiration from Peter Drucker’s lifelong learning journey, Monika reminds us that constant adaptation is the only way to stay relevant.
In listener questions, Sneha Rege writes about transitioning from a misled ULIP investor to an aspiring SEBI-registered advisor and asks about international diversification and classifying NPS in asset allocation. Abhishek Kumar Goyel, a merchant navy professional, seeks guidance on consolidating a scattered portfolio and creating financial order. And Anonymous, an early retiree, worries about whether a flat or prolonged bear market could derail her investments.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Work Does Not End, Jobs Do: Navigating Career Cliffs and Runways
(00:00 – 00:00) International Diversification and Global Fund Choices
(00:00 – 00:00) NPS in Asset Allocation and Retirement Planning
(00:00 – 00:00) Bringing Order to a Scattered Financial Portfolio
(00:00 – 00:00) Managing Retirement Wealth Against Market Risks
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
This week, Monika explains why so many borrowers feel cheated when their home loan EMIs don’t drop even after RBI cuts rates. The key difference lies between banks and housing finance companies (HFCs). While bank loans are linked to external benchmarks like the repo rate, HFCs use their own prime lending rates — numbers they control and reset far less frequently. Monika breaks down how this allows HFCs to delay or dilute rate cuts, and why old borrowers often continue paying higher EMIs while new borrowers get lower rates.
Monika highlights the importance of understanding who your lender is, how benchmarks are set, and why RBI rules apply differently to banks and HFCs. She cautions borrowers about conversion fees, reset periods, and the hidden costs of staying with an HFC, and urges listeners to explore switching to a bank loan for faster and fairer rate transmission.
This week’s listener questions include Subroto Baul from Gurgaon on estate planning and providing for minor children, Milan Jhadav from Vadodara on choosing between index funds and asset allocation funds for a 10-year goal, and Prateek Dubey from Madhya Pradesh on deciding between NPS and the new Unified Pension Scheme.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Why Floating Rate Loans Don’t Fall as RBI Cuts Rates
(00:00 – 00:00) Understanding Banks vs HFCs
(00:00 – 00:00) Legacy Planning Challenges
(00:00 – 00:00) Asset Allocation for Child’s Education
(00:00 – 00:00) NPS vs UPS for Government Employees
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
This week, Monika takes on the headline-grabbing claim that Indians need just ₹3.5 crore to retire, based on HSBC’s Affluent Investor Snapshot 2025. She explains why a survey of only 1,006 people cannot give us a one-size-fits-all number for something as deeply personal as retirement. Using her three-bank-account system, Monika shows how to calculate expenses, adjust them for inflation, and arrive at a realistic corpus — one that could be far higher than the study suggests.
Monika also shares practical milestones to track: 3x your annual income by age 40, 6x by 50, and 8x by 60. She stresses that retirement planning depends on lifestyle, healthcare needs, and investment choices, not arbitrary averages. With tools like SEBI’s calculators and the worksheets in her book Let’s Talk Money, she urges listeners to run their own numbers and avoid being misled by simplistic estimates.
This week’s listener questions include Raghavendra V B asking how to map multiple mutual funds to different goals without creating overlap, Amit Gujral seeking the right strategy to build a long-term portfolio for his newborn daughter, and an anonymous listener from Bangalore debating whether to prioritize home loan repayment or SIP investments.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) The Problem with “Rs 3.5 Crore to Retire” Headlines
(00:00 – 00:00) How to Estimate Your Retirement Corpus the Right Way
(00:00 – 00:00) Mapping Mutual Funds to Goals Without Overlap
(00:00 – 00:00) Planning for a Child’s Future While Securing Your Own
(00:00 – 00:00) Home Loan vs SIP: Which Should You Prioritize?
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
This week, Monika explains how stablecoins promise safety in uncertain times. She recalls Lebanon’s 2019 crisis, when $93 billion in deposits were frozen, to show why people turned to alternatives. Unlike Bitcoin, these coins are tied to assets like US dollars or government bonds. And with the US GENIUS Act setting strict rules on reserves and transparency, stablecoins are moving into the mainstream.
She also explores the bigger picture: how stablecoins could disrupt the $740 billion remittance market, making cross-border transfers faster and cheaper for families worldwide. Banks may adapt by launching their own tokens or buying up existing players, while the US dollar could grow stronger as these coins gain global use. For Indians, she notes, the impact is limited for now — with no hyperinflation or frozen deposits, stablecoins will only matter once trusted names build safe and low-cost networks.
This week’s listener questions feature Nonisha Negi from Delhi, a 25-year-old freelancer, asking how to invest with irregular income while saving for the future. Pranay Agarwal challenges Monika’s cautious stance on gold, urging a bigger allocation in Indian portfolios. And an anonymous listener seeks advice on co-signing a home loan for his wife amid deeper marital tensions.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Stablecoins Explained: Why They Matter and How They Work
(00:00 – 00:00) Regulation, Global Impact, and the Future of Stablecoins
(00:00 – 00:00) Should You Invest in Stablecoins?
(00:00 – 00:00) Gold vs Other Investments: Finding the Right Balance
(00:00 – 00:00) Money and Marriage: Being a Co-Borrower
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
In this Independence Day episode, Monika draws a sharp line between “retirement” and “financial freedom.” Retirement, she says, is a finish line — an end to working life, often followed by leisure but sometimes shadowed by boredom and stagnation. Financial freedom, in contrast, is a launchpad — a state where money works for you, freeing you to work for purpose, passion, or not at all. It’s about choice, not idleness; liberation from the compulsion to earn, not liberation from meaningful activity. True financial freedom allows you to engage in pursuits that may not fill your bank account but will fill your soul, keeping growth, learning, and purpose at the centre of life.
She warns that perpetual idleness can quickly become a curse — much like a high-performance car wasting away in a garage. Our minds are wired for growth and engagement, whether through work, creative projects, or service. That’s why even financially free people often choose to keep working. The goal, then, isn’t to stop — it’s to shed the “golden handcuffs” of survival-driven jobs and replace them with pursuits that bring meaning. Financial freedom gives the space to experiment, fail without fear, and live on one’s own terms.
In listener questions, Deepak Gupta asks if he should shift new investments from equity to debt and whether creating an HUF would be a good retirement tax strategy. Karan Rane from Baroda shares his 25-year plan to invest and eventually relocate abroad, seeking a macro investment strategy. And a professor in the UK wonders about buying health insurance in India now — both for his young family and his parents — ahead of a planned return in 5–7 years.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Retirement vs Financial Freedom: Why the Difference Matters
(00:00 – 00:00) Portfolio Allocation and the HUF Dilemma
(00:00 – 00:00) Building Wealth for Relocation
(00:00 – 00:00) Health Insurance Planning for NRIs Returning to India
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
This week, Monika dives into a quiet but massive shift in India’s financial landscape: mutual funds are set to overtake life insurance in total assets under management by FY26, with both industries nearing ₹80 trillion. For years, life insurance dominated household savings, but mutual funds—once less than half its size—have now caught up. SIPs have gone mainstream, while trust in life insurance remains dented due to frequent mis-selling.
She explains how regulation has played a decisive role. Capital market rules have consistently put investors first, reshaping the mutual fund industry. From eliminating upfront commissions and curbing hidden costs to enforcing better disclosures, SEBI’s reforms have built investor trust and fuelled rapid growth. In contrast, life insurance struggles with poor disclosures, high exit costs, and low persistency—less than half of policies survive five years. Mutual funds show how investor-first regulation can transform an industry and help build long-term financial health.
In listener questions, Lokesh asks if a professional advisor is necessary to manage his investments as he grows older. Soumajit seeks guidance on managing his father’s ₹60 lakh retirement corpus to balance income and safety. And Vamsi, planning to buy life insurance, wants to know what happens if an insurer fails and whether a five-year premium payment plan is better than paying annually.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) The Rise of Mutual Funds in India
(00:00 – 00:00) Life Insurance Falls Behind: What It Means for Investors
(00:00 – 00:00) Should You Hire a Professional to Manage Your Investments?
(00:00 – 00:00) How to Invest a Retirement Corpus for Safety and Growth
(00:00 – 00:00) Choosing the Right Life Insurance and Understanding Your Options
https://www.indiapost.gov.in/Financial/Pages/Content/Post-Office-Saving-Schemes.aspx
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
This week, Monika steps back from the noise of partisan debates to ask: how is India really doing? It’s a difficult question to answer amid competing political narratives, but the data tells a story of steady progress. India is still the world’s fastest-growing major economy, with GDP set to grow at 6.5% this year. Per capita income has risen at 7.6% annually over two decades, and poverty has fallen sharply—from 27% in 2011 to just over 5% in 2022. That’s nearly 270 million people lifted out of poverty. This has also helped reduce inequality, with India’s Gini coefficient improving steadily. At the core is India’s growth-plus-redistribution model, where welfare spending and rising incomes have worked together. Better nutrition and improved consumption among the poorest households are signs of a broader shift.
While macro indicators are strong—low inflation, a cleaned-up banking system, and fiscal discipline—there are still structural hurdles. Judicial delays, corruption, regulatory overreach, and burdensome compliance rules raise costs and hold back investment. More than 26,000 legal provisions carry jail terms for minor infractions. These frictions act as invisible brakes on growth. But the overall direction is positive. India has come a long way from the deprivation of the 1990s. The poverty-to-prosperity journey is ongoing, and the report card today shows a solid B+.
In listener questions, Ahalya asks whether Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana or mutual funds are better for her daughter’s long-term future. Riya from Navi Mumbai wonders if she should exit her old LIC policies and shift to mutual funds. Tarun asks if EPF and PPF count as debt in his asset allocation and how to redeploy maturing PPF amounts.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) India’s Report Card: Growth, Poverty, and Inequality
(00:00 – 00:00) The Persistent Roadblocks to India’s Progress
(00:00 – 00:00) Investment Options for a Girl Child’s Future
(00:00 – 00:00) Should I Exit My LIC Policies and Shift to Mutual Funds?
(00:00 – 00:00) Is My SIP Telling the Right Story for My Financial Goals?
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
This week, Monika unpacks SEBI’s case against global trading firm Jane Street, accused of manipulating India’s markets through high-speed trading and deep capital. With alleged unfair profits of over ₹36,500 crore, the case raises big questions around market fairness and retail investor safety. Monika explains what happened, why it matters, and what lessons investors should take away. The core message: avoid speculation, understand the risks of F&O, and stay focused on long-term investing. SEBI’s action is a positive move, but individual investors must remain cautious and grounded.She also breaks down how the F&O (futures and options) market works—what these derivative instruments are, what they were designed for, and why they are high-risk products that magnify both gains and losses. Originally meant for hedging, F&O today is often used by retail traders for speculation—despite the odds being heavily stacked against them. Monika cautions listeners that the data is clear: the vast majority of individual F&O traders lose money.
In listener questions, Abhishek asks whether he should take a ₹40 lakh loan to buy a ₹75–85 lakh residential plot despite personal reservations and strong pressure from family. He also wants to know whether redeeming well-performing mutual funds to reinvest elsewhere makes sense or if it hurts compounding. Ayan asks about the nominee claim process when mutual fund units are transferred after the original investor’s death—how it works, what documents are needed, and how smooth the process typically is. Mahesh, a salaried professional with a balanced financial setup, wants to know whether he should increase his home loan EMI or mutual fund SIPs after a raise.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Lessons from Jane Street and Market Manipulation
(00:00 – 00:00) Real Estate vs Financial Assets: Should You Buy That Plot?
(00:00 – 00:00) Redeeming and Reinvesting Mutual Fund Profits
(00:00 – 00:00) Mutual Fund Transmission After Death
(00:00 – 00:00) Home Loan vs Mutual Fund SIPs: Where to Allocate Extra Income
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
This week, Monika talks about the coming fall in bank fixed deposit (FD) rates as the Reserve Bank of India signals a low-interest rate environment ahead. With major banks like SBI already reducing savings account interest to 2.5%, Monika explains why risk-averse investors should act now to lock in current FD rates. She discusses strategies like laddering across time periods and breaking large deposits into smaller ones for flexibility. She also touches on senior citizen benefits, special FD schemes, and why she prefers sticking with larger banks over smaller or fintech-based FD platforms for safety.
She then explains deposit insurance in India. Monika breaks down how DICGC covers your deposits up to ₹5 lakh per bank, including both principal and interest, and clarifies how coverage works if you hold accounts in multiple banks or under different account types. This helps listeners understand how to spread deposits smartly for maximum safety.
In audience questions, Arvind asks whether he should surrender or make paid-up two LIC New Jeevan Anand policies bought early in his career, and seeks advice on getting health insurance for his senior citizen parents. Vishak wants to know how to deploy a large lump sum sitting idle in his bank account and whether to surrender an ongoing LIC policy. Finally, an anonymous listener shares how he’s coping financially after a recent job loss and asks whether he should pause mutual fund investments or continue them using his savings.
Chapters:
(00:33 – 05:44) Bank FD rates will fall: Why you should lock in now
(05:45 – 07:12) How deposit insurance protects your money
(07:13 – 11:20) LIC surrender vs paid-up and getting health cover for parents
(11:21 – 13:31) Deploying a lump sum and what to do with a dud LIC policy
(13:32 – 16:21) Managing finances after a job loss: Building a cushion and staying on track
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
This week, Monika talks about the rising global war anxiety and how it’s triggering panic among investors. As conflicts erupt across the globe, the instinct to pull money out of the markets is growing—but is that the right move? With fears of nuclear escalation, many are tempted to book profits and flee to cash. But Monika explains why the better approach is to stay calm, focus on asset allocation, and avoid impulsive financial decisions driven by headlines. India, despite external threats, remains on a strong economic footing—with 6.5% GDP growth, healthy macro indicators, and strategic restraint. While we cannot control global turmoil, we can build resilient portfolios that are better prepared for long-term uncertainty.
She then explains what a "risk asset" really is—investments like stocks or real estate whose prices fluctuate and that carry a risk of capital loss. These stand in contrast to low-risk assets like PPF or fixed deposits, which offer capital protection but lower returns. Monika lays out why investors choose risk assets in the first place: for higher returns over the long term. But she also emphasizes that this risk must be balanced with an appropriate time horizon and the right mix of stable, low-risk assets for peace of mind.
In listener questions, Samparth asks whether his ₹50 lakh upfront investment for his child's education is enough and seeks advice on raising financially aware children. Amit wonders why the total expense ratio matters when mutual fund returns are already reported post-cost. Dr. Jayesh Waghulde asks whether he should move from mutual funds to high dividend-yield stocks or stick to a mutual fund strategy after receiving a lump sum.
Chapters:
(00:31 – 07:33) War clouds, worried investors: What to do when conflict scares you out of the market
(07:34 – 08:23) What is a risk asset and why do we choose them anyway?
(08:24 – 13:15) Children’s education and values: Planning, protecting, and parenting with money
(13:16 – 16:13) Do expense ratios matter when returns are already declared?
(16:14 – 18:14) Trading vs mutual funds: A reminder to avoid fake profiles and risky shortcuts
https://www.amfiindia.com/investor-corner/knowledge-center/Expense-Ratio.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
This week, Monika highlights how Indian banks are aggressively mis-selling financial products, especially to the elderly and vulnerable. A recent experience with her father at a bank shows just how predatory these practices have become. New moves by the Ministry of Finance and RBI signal growing concern—banks have now been told to stop staff incentives for insurance sales, and the RBI is exploring stricter guidelines. A revealing fintech report shows banks earned over ₹21,000 crore in FY24 from commissions, often from unsuitable product sales. Nearly half of all life insurance policies are discontinued within five years, and poor product design combined with a commission-first mindset has created a system stacked against customers. Monika calls on listeners to share their own experiences and push for change using the hashtag #StopMisselling.
She also breaks down what "mis-selling" really means. It’s not just bad advice—it involves deliberately hiding product risks, recommending financial instruments based on commissions instead of customer need, and bundling high-cost products with simple banking services like FDs or loans. Victims are often the least protected: senior citizens, low-income families, and those unfamiliar with financial jargon. Monika walks through key red flags to watch out for at the bank and shares tips on how to avoid being manipulated into buying harmful financial products.
In listener questions, a young Chartered Accountant, Hardik Solanki, asks for guidance on switching careers from accounting to financial advising. Another listener, Anjana, 24, seeks advice on buying term insurance and whether riders or limited pay options make sense. A third listener, Ujjawal, wants to know how to withdraw funds efficiently in retirement after 25 years of investing.
Chapters:
(00:30 – 08:41) Shark-infested banks: How mis-selling became a national crisis and what’s finally changing
(08:42 – 09:57) Decoding mis-selling: What it means, what it looks like, who it targets
(10:00 – 14:00) Switching to financial advisory: Qualifications, risks, and the long game
(14:01 – 16:00) Term insurance at 24: Do you even need it and what riders to look at
(16:01 – 19:06) Retirement withdrawals: Rebalancing equity, debt, and staying the course
https://1financemagazine.com/surveys/mis-selling-menace
https://x.com/BahlKanan/status/1932379980237095209
https://www.nism.ac.in/investment-adviser-level-1/
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
This week, Monika unpacks the Reserve Bank of India’s surprise 50 basis point cut in the repo rate—the third such cut this year, bringing the rate down to 5.5%. Alongside this, the central bank announced a phased reduction in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 4% to 3%, injecting ₹2.5 trillion into the banking system. These moves signal a clear shift to an easy money policy—one that indicates inflation is under control and a strong push for growth is underway. Lower interest rates will reduce borrowing costs, encourage private investment, and boost business activity, while also lowering EMIs and loan rates. However, fixed deposit rates are likely to drop, making it a good time to lock in existing returns. With inflation forecast at 3.7% and GDP growth at 6.5%, this policy shift marks the beginning of a new growth cycle, with monetary and fiscal strategies finally working in sync.
She also breaks down a key monetary policy term—Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR). Unlike CRR, the SLR is the portion of a bank’s deposits that must be held in liquid assets like cash or government bonds. It remains steady at 18%, and plays a crucial role in maintaining banking system health. Monika helps listeners understand how the repo rate, CRR, and SLR interact to shape credit flow, manage inflation, and support the economy.
In listener questions, one listener seeks advice on whether to surrender or make a life insurance policy paid-up, prompting a walk-through of long-term return comparisons across options. Another listener asks how to find trustworthy financial guidance and upskill in money matters, and is directed to educational resources and fee-only financial planners. A third listener asks about investing for elderly parents, and the advice is to build personal financial stability first before offering financial support to others.
Chapters:
(00:31 – 07:18) RBI’s Easy Money Signal: Repo Rate, CRR, and Growth Forecasts
(07:19 – 08:30) Understanding SLR: The Third Key Monetary Tool
(08:31 – 13:25) Should I Surrender or Make My Policy Paid-Up?
(13:26 – 15:48) How to Start Financial Planning in Your 50s
(15:49 – 17:31) Helping Parents Financially: What Should You Prioritise?
https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/BS_PressReleaseDisplay.aspx?prid=60605
https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/NotificationUser.aspx?Id=12858&Mode=0
https://tradingeconomics.com/india/interest-rate
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