This week, Monika tackles a controversial question that might land her in hot water with many women: is a luxury bag truly an investment? From silk saris to high-end handbags, these purchases are often labeled as financial assets. But Monika breaks down what qualifies as an actual investment and whether these luxury items really fit the bill—or if they’re simply expensive indulgences. With her trademark clarity and humor, she walks through the difference between collectibles and income- or profit-generating assets.

Next, Monika explains the term GDP—Gross Domestic Product—a phrase that’s often used but rarely understood in everyday life. What does it really measure? Why is it important? And how does it affect us? She gives a clear and relatable overview, showing how the value of everything produced within a country tells us about its economic health. With a breakdown of the GDP formula and India’s consumer-driven economy, this segment offers a strong foundation for understanding headlines and economic reports.

The Q&A section begins with Anonymous, who wants to understand which equity mutual fund categories in India can invest in foreign shares and whether there are specific limits involved. Somya Shrivastava, a PSU manager, seeks advice on when to rebalance and evaluate her mutual fund portfolio. Mohit Khera asks if it’s a good idea to invest ₹50 lakhs in a Nifty 50 fund and start an SWP for his parents, while Akila Shivkumar wants to know when it makes sense to book profits on her long-term SIP investments.

Chapters:

(00:33-04:42) Is a luxury bag an investment?

(04:43-06:18) What is GDP and why it matters

(06:22-09:39) Which mutual funds can invest in foreign stocks?

(09:40-12:06) How to manage and rebalance your mutual fund portfolio

(12:07-12:57) Is SWP from equity funds a good idea for parents?

(12:58-14:41) When should you book profits in mutual funds?

https://www.valueresearchonline.com/funds/selector/category/118/equity-international/?end-type=1&plan-type=direct&exclude=suspended-plans

https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/markets/with-7-billion-limit-breached-only-a-few-mf-schemes-offer-overseas-equity-exposure-here-s-the-list-of-schemes-12971900.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

A horrific act of terror in Pahalgam last week has shaken the nation, and in this episode, Monika addresses the financial implications of a potential war. While the armed forces are on the frontline, civilians are not immune to the disruption—war impacts all of us, not just emotionally but economically. As the geopolitical climate intensifies, she lays out a clear, calm, and practical financial toolkit to help you prepare: from building an emergency fund to conserving cash, reducing debt, and avoiding risky investments. She also underscores the importance of keeping some cash at home, ensuring insurance coverage is intact, and stocking essentials for at least a month. Whether or not the worst comes to pass, being financially prepared is the most responsible thing you can do right now.

Monika then simplifies the concept of fiscal policy. Often heard but seldom understood, this key economic tool affects how much the government taxes us and where it spends our money. She breaks it down so you understand how budget decisions today ripple into your financial life over time—from inflation to infrastructure, subsidies to defence. Fiscal policy isn’t just theory; it’s personal.

In the listener Q&A, Mohanish from Pune asks whether to buy a second home now or wait and invest the funds for a potentially better outcome in the future. Anup from Mysore wonders if he should invest his bonuses in a new mid or small cap fund or stick with his existing ones. Aravinda writes in to clarify if the retirement planning rule of thumb refers to gross or net annual income.

Chapters:

(00:31 – 04:27) Preparing Financially for War

(04:28 – 06:13) What Is Fiscal Policy and Why It Matters

(06:14 – 11:29) Should I Buy a Bigger House Now or Wait

(11:30 – 13:40) Where Should I Invest My Bonuses?

(13:41 – 14:37) How to Calculate Retirement Corpus Milestones

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

Monika is back after a short break, and the first thing on the agenda is the topic that’s dominating every conversation—Trump’s tariffs. In this episode, she unpacks what these new trade policies mean not just for the U.S. and China, but for the rest of the world. This isn’t just about taxes on goods—it’s a signal that the global power structure is in flux. As America’s post-war dominance is challenged by China’s rising ambition, we find ourselves in the middle of a massive geopolitical reset.

She lays out the broader picture of a world order in transition, where democracies and authoritarian states are playing by very different rules. The United States, with its checks and balances, is finding it hard to keep pace with China’s centralized decision-making. With Trump’s aggressive stance in his second term, institutions are being bypassed, and uncertainty is running high. But in the middle of this chaos, there’s a surprising resilience in the Indian economy, thanks to strong domestic consumption, manageable debt levels, and relatively low dependence on exports.

In the listener Q&A, Daniel from Kanyakumari shares his investing journey and seeks clarity on whether he's on track for his child’s education and retirement. Sachin from Vadodara wants to know if there’s a single platform to track all his investments and LIC policies. Poonam, a homemaker and army wife, is eager to learn how to manage and grow her family’s savings but doesn’t know where to begin.

Chapters:(00:30 – 09:34) Global Power Shifts and What They Mean for Investors

(09:35 – 11:05) Explaining What a Recession Really Is

(11:06 – 15:49) Structuring a Portfolio for Education and Retirement

(15:50 – 19:07) Tracking Investments and the Need for One Dashboard

(19:08 – 21:01) Getting Started With Money Management at Home

https://www.valueresearchonline.com/

https://licindia.in/

If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠mailme@monikahalan.com⁠

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 episode, Monika begins with a heartfelt discussion on the complex intersection of love, family, and money. She shares emotional real-life examples from listeners who are supporting family members burdened by financial irresponsibility. From parents with speculative debts to spouses with no income, Monika lays out a step-by-step approach to setting financial boundaries without feeling guilty. Her message is clear: love should not come at the cost of personal financial ruin. It’s crucial to differentiate between support and enabling, and to prioritize long-term personal security.

Next, Monika explains what a market correction is and why it isn’t necessarily a bad thing. A 10% to 20% dip in the market is often a natural breather after a strong bull run. Instead of panicking and selling off equity holdings, Monika encourages investors to review their asset allocation and use the correction as an opportunity to invest more strategically. She underscores that timing the market is risky and generally unsuccessful, while a consistent investment approach tends to perform better in the long run.

In the listener Q&A, Nidhi asks if she should sell her apartment or keep it for rental income in retirement. Ashwath from Chennai wants clarity on why portfolio rebalancing is necessary and how it affects returns. Alok Shahapurkar seeks help in analyzing the cap-size spread in his mutual fund portfolio, especially when funds contain blended exposures.

Chapters:

(00:30 – 06:32) Navigating Love, Money and Family Boundaries

(06:33 – 07:47) Understanding Market Corrections

(07:48 – 11:53) Evaluating Real Estate in a Retirement Portfolio

(11:54 – 14:15) The Role of Rebalancing in Managing Risk

(14:16 – 16:59) Assessing Market Cap Exposure in Mutual Funds

https://investor.sebi.gov.in/

https://www.valueresearchonline.com/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.aria.org.in

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

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

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

Chapters:

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.aria.org.in

If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at ⁠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