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Let's Talk Money is your guide to financial stability and freedom. Join Monika Halan, a trusted financial expert, as she delves into a wide array of topics each week. From tackling debt to making friends with the stock market, from gold to mutual funds, Monika's insights are your compass to financial wellness. But that's not all! Monika's here to answer your money questions. Send them in, and she'll help you make informed decisions. It's time to take control of your financial destiny with Monika Halan. So, Let’s Talk Money!
- 141 - Diwali Gift This Week!
In this episode, Monika makes an announcement: Let’s Talk Money: Fundamentals of Financial Literacy is now available as a six-hour video course featuring 20 lessons, worksheets, quizzes and upcoming AMA sessions. Designed to help readers go beyond the books and put financial lessons into action, the course aims to make financial literacy more accessible and practical.
She then turns to the financial challenges faced by the sandwich generation — people in their 40s and 50s balancing their children’s future, their own retirement and the growing needs of ageing parents. The episode explains how to assess parents’ financial position, evaluate health insurance, build a medical reserve and divide caregiving responsibilities among siblings. It also explores how to support parents without compromising children’s essential goals or one’s own retirement, and why elderly parents’ investments should prioritise liquidity, safety and regular income. The central message is to plan for all three generations before a crisis forces difficult decisions.
In the closing reflection, Monika asks listeners how they would prioritise between funding an expensive overseas education for their child, paying for their parents’ medical treatment and saving for their own retirement. She encourages families to distinguish between essential obligations and aspirations, have difficult money conversations early and remember to put on their own financial oxygen mask while caring for others. The episode ends with a Diwali greeting.
Chapters:
(00:00–00:00)When Fixed Deposits Beat Equity: Why Asset Allocation Matters
(00:00–00:00) How Diversification Helps Build a Resilient Portfolio
(00:00–00:00)How Should You Build a Mutual Fund Portfolio on a Limited Income?
(00:00–00:00) Can You Retire at 45 With a ₹4 Crore Corpus?
(00:00–00:00)Understanding Mutual Fund NAVs, Tax Harvesting and STPs
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.com
https://monikahalan.skillstrainer.in/
Monika’s book on basic money managementMonika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
Calculators
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
Thu, 05 Nov 2026 - 19min - 140 - Are FDs Better Than Stocks?
In this episode, Monika examines why fixed deposits have outperformed Indian equities over the past five years and whether investors should be worried. Using historical returns to illustrate the difference between investing entirely in equity and spreading money across asset classes, she explains why strong market performance in recent years should not become our benchmark for future returns.
She explores the importance of asset allocation and diversification across Indian equity, debt, gold and international equity. The episode looks at how different asset classes can complement one another, why chasing past winners can be risky, and how investors should align their portfolios with their age, financial goals and ability to tolerate losses. The message is simple: the aim is not to predict the best-performing asset, but to build a portfolio that can withstand different market conditions.
In the listener questions, Dr Parmeet Singh seeks guidance on fund selection, small finance bank deposits and investing for his young son; Sahil Shah asks about preparing his ₹4 crore portfolio for early retirement, tracking investments, evaluating health insurers and tax implications of investing in his homemaker wife’s name; and another listener seeks clarity on mutual fund NAV calculations, tax harvesting and how systematic transfer plans work.
(00:00–00:00) When Fixed Deposits Beat Equity: Why Asset Allocation Matters
(00:00–00:00) How Diversification Helps Build a Resilient Portfolio
(00:00–00:00) How Should You Build a Mutual Fund Portfolio on a Limited Income?
(00:00–00:00) Can You Retire at 45 With a ₹4 Crore Corpus?
(00:00–00:00) Understanding Mutual Fund NAVs, Tax Harvesting and STPs
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
Monika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
Calculators
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
Fri, 30 Oct 2026 - 27min - 139 - The Financial Asset You Didn't Know You Had
In this episode, Monika explores the Account Aggregator (AA) network and how consent-based financial data sharing could change the way Indians access financial services. Drawing on her participation at Samvaad 2026 as an independent director on Sahamati’s board, she explains how the framework allows people to share financial information securely with regulated institutions, reducing paperwork and potentially improving access to credit, insurance and investments.
She examines the ecosystem’s expansion, its potential to help small businesses and gig workers access credit, and the possibilities for improving insurance services through better financial data. The conversation also looks at emerging ideas to help life insurance policyholders avoid premature surrenders, the growing role of artificial intelligence in financial services, and the need to keep consent, privacy and accountability at the centre of technological progress. Ultimately, the success of open finance will depend on whether it delivers better outcomes for consumers, not simply on the number of institutions connected.
In the listener questions, an anonymous listener seeks advice on managing substantial US investments and setting aside money for a child’s college education; Arihant Anchalia asks whether a large asset base can limit an active mid-cap fund’s ability to generate alpha and whether passive investing may be a better alternative; and Gulshan Madan questions a service that claims to generate additional returns by actively switching between mutual funds. Monika discusses concentration risk, goal-based investing, fund size, costs and why predictable, disciplined investing can be preferable to chasing extra returns.
Chapters:
(00:00–00:00)The Account Aggregator Network: Your Financial Data, Your Control (00:00–00:00)How Open Finance Can Improve Access to Credit and Insurance
(00:00–00:00) How Should You Manage US Investments and Save for College?
(00:00–00:00)Can a Mutual Fund Become Too Big to Outperform?
(00:00–00:00)Can Actively Switching Mutual Funds Really Generate Extra Returns?
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
Monika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
Calculators
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
Thu, 22 Oct 2026 - 20min - 138 - The Ajay Seth Interview
In this episode, Monika speaks with Ajay Seth about the changes ahead in India’s insurance industry and what they mean for policyholders. Drawing on their conversation on the Groww India Podcast, she highlights how distributor commissions, expensive distribution systems and unsuitable product structures have undermined consumer interests, and why the regulator wants to put policyholder protection at the centre of insurance reform.
The conversation explores the cost of selling insurance, early policy surrender, low persistency, simpler disclosures and greater transparency in health insurance premiums. It also examines the proposed public insurance registry, the role of technology in helping consumers compare products, and the debate around health insurance co-payments. The central message is that insurance must deliver value throughout the life of a policy, with better accountability, fairer practices and more informed consumer choices.
Monika sees the consultation paper as the first step towards a more transparent and consumer-focused insurance market, with reforms that go beyond distributor commissions to address product design, claims management and grievance redressal. She encourages listeners to watch the full conversation on YouTube, respond to the regulator’s consultation and stay informed as the reform process unfolds.
Chapters:
(00:00–00:00)What the IRDAI Consultation Paper Means for Policyholders
(00:00–00:00) Making Insurance More Transparent, Efficient and Accountable
(00:00–00:00)Why Insurance Policies Must Be Designed Around the Customer
(00:00–00:00) Making Health Insurance Costs and Premiums Easier to Compare
(00:00–00:00)What Comes Next in India’s Insurance Reforms?
https://irdai.gov.in/web/guest/document-detail?documentId=9852848
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
Monika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
Calculators
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
Thu, 15 Oct 2026 - 24min - 137 - Don’t Make Patients Pay for Insurance’s Failures
In this episode, Monika examines the proposed mandatory 10% co-payment on health insurance claims and asks why patients should bear the cost of problems created by insurers and hospitals. She looks at the industry's argument around rising healthcare costs, the bargaining power insurers have with hospitals, and why shifting a larger share of the financial burden to patients could undermine the very purpose of insurance.
She also connects the co-payment proposal to the wider problems in insurance, including high distribution costs, rapidly rising distributor payouts, mis-selling and claim-related complaints. The episode argues for greater transparency in hospital pricing, stronger insurer accountability and better claims service, rather than simply transferring more risk to policyholders. The central question is whether insurance is being designed around consumer value or premium collection.
In the listener questions, KN Gupta asks why health insurance premiums keep rising while the real value of his cover falls; Shailesh seeks guidance on evaluating MF Central and Kuvera for direct mutual fund investing; and Radha Kantamani asks where policyholders can raise concerns after her family’s difficult experience dealing with health insurance during her father’s illness.
Chapters:
(00:00–00:00) Why Patients Should Not Pay for Insurance Failures
(00:00–00:00) The Case Against Mandatory Health Insurance Co-Pay
(00:00–00:00) Why Are Health Insurance Premiums Rising So Much?
(00:00–00:00) How Should You Choose a Direct Mutual Fund Platform?
(00:00–00:00) How Can Policyholders Fight Back Against Insurance Problems?
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.com
Thu, 08 Oct 2026 - 18min - 136 - The Regulator Says Insurance is Broken
In this episode, Monika examines the problems in the way insurance is sold in India and the changes proposed by IRDAI in its September 23 consultation paper. She looks at the high costs of running the insurance business, the growth in distributor commissions, and why incentives can sometimes favour selling a policy rather than ensuring it is right for the customer. She also explores proposals around expense and commission caps, commission disclosure, salesperson accountability and defining mis-selling, while emphasising that these are proposals and not yet final rules.
She explains why insurance needs to move from a system focused on premium collection towards one that also rewards good advice and ongoing service. She also encourages policyholders to respond to the consultation process with their own experiences and suggestions, particularly around mis-selling and claims. The larger question is what an insurance industry genuinely designed around the policyholder should look like.
In the listener questions, Anonymous asks how to park her savings for a future plot or villa and whether she should continue using debt funds or consider equity for a longer-term home goal; Navas from Puducherry asks how to help his daughter begin investing with the money she has earned and how to choose a fee-only financial planner; and Avinash from Jaipur asks how to invest a large windfall bonus safely for 1–2 years while he looks for a home, with the aim of protecting his capital and keeping pace with inflation.
Chapters:
(00:00–00:00)Why India’s Insurance System Needs a Reset
(00:00–00:00)Making Insurance Sellers Accountable to Policyholders
(00:00–00:00)How Should You Invest for a Future Home Purchase?
(00:00–00:00)How Can You Teach Your Children to Invest?
(00:00–00:00)Where Should You Invest a Property Down Payment for Two Years?
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.com
Monika’s book on basic money managementMonika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
Calculators
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
Thu, 01 Oct 2026 - 20min - 135 - Digital Dakoos and their Diet of Fear and Greed
In this episode, Monika looks at how cyberfraudsters exploit two powerful human emotions: fear and greed. She explains how scams such as digital arrest, fake KYC alerts and fraudulent investment opportunities create urgency and pressure people into acting without thinking. She shares simple rules for slowing down, verifying information independently and refusing to let a stranger take control of your next financial decision.
She also explores how a personal financial system can protect you from the temptation of easy money. From separating money for everyday spending, emergencies and long-term goals to creating a 24-hour rule for unsolicited investment opportunities and automating good financial habits, she explains how preparation can make you harder to exploit. The central message is simple: when you are afraid, pause and verify; when you are excited about making money, pause and check whether the opportunity actually fits your financial plan.
In the listener questions, Seefa A from Kerala asks how to choose between a SEBI-registered investment adviser and a mutual fund distributor, whether health insurance should be bought through an agent, and what to do about an existing regular mutual fund plan; Jayesh Shah asks how to structure his asset allocation and SIPs across short-term, children's education and retirement goals; and Sanjeev Samtani asks how to protect his family's financial security and investments when geopolitical tensions and war create uncertainty.
Chapters:
(00:00–00:00) Investing in Turbulent Times: Building a Portfolio That Can Survive a Crisis
(00:00–00:00) Should You Invest While Paying Off a Loan?
(00:00–00:00) How Should You Align Investments With Your Financial Goals?
(00:00–00:00) Should You Hire a Financial Adviser or Manage Your Portfolio Yourself?
(00:00–00:00) How Should You Protect Your Money During a War or Crisis?
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
Monika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
Calculators
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
Thu, 24 Sep 2026 - 23min - 134 - Investing in Turbulent Times
In this episode, Monika explores why having more money does not necessarily mean having more stuff. She shares what decades of working with money have taught her about freedom, consumption, lifestyle inflation, maintenance costs and the idea of finding your own “enough” — and why she would rather spend on time, comfort and well-being than on possessions that create more work.
She looks at how a high-cost lifestyle can limit financial freedom, why experiences can also become another form of consumption, and how being intentional about what you spend on can help you build a life that is richer without necessarily owning more. The goal, she argues, is not deprivation but knowing what genuinely adds value to your life and letting go of the rest.
In the listener questions, Raja from UAE asks how to restructure his portfolio as he retires and moves back to India, including his PMS, AIFs, mutual funds, property and insurance policies; Anon asks how to build a self-employed career around investing and finance without relying on trading or prematurely giving up a salaried career; and Sarini from Kolkata asks how to find out how much her bank or agent earns from the financial products she invests in.
Chapters:
(00:00–00:00)Investing in Turbulent Times
(00:00–00:00)How Should You Invest While Paying Off a Loan?
(00:00–00:00)Should You Sell Property to Build Your Retirement Corpus?
(00:00–00:00)How Can You Choose the Right Health Insurer?
(00:00–00:00)What Should You Check Before Buying Health Insurance?
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
Monika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
Calculators
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
Thu, 17 Sep 2026 - 23min - 133 - Why I Don't Want More Stuff
In this episode, Monika explores why having more money does not necessarily mean having more stuff. She shares what decades of working with money have taught her about freedom, consumption, lifestyle inflation, maintenance costs and the idea of finding your own “enough” — and why she would rather spend on time, comfort and well-being than on possessions that create more work.
She looks at how a high-cost lifestyle can limit financial freedom, why experiences can also become another form of consumption, and how being intentional about what you spend on can help you build a life that is richer without necessarily owning more. The goal, she argues, is not deprivation but knowing what genuinely adds value to your life and letting go of the rest.
In the listener questions, Raja S from UAE asks how to restructure his portfolio as he retires and moves back to India, including his PMS, AIFs, mutual funds, property and insurance policies; Anon asks how to build a self-employed career around investing and finance without relying on trading or prematurely giving up a salaried career; and Sarini from Kolkata asks how to find out how much her bank or agent earns from the financial products she invests in.
Chapters:
(00:00–00:00) Why More Money Doesn’t Mean More Stuff
(00:00–00:00) How Much Is Enough for Retirement?
(00:00–00:00) Should You Leave Your Job to Build a Finance Career?
(00:00–00:00) How Can You Find Out What Your Agent Earns
(00:00–00:00) The Hidden Cost of Financial Products and Advice
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
Monika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
Calculators
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
Thu, 10 Sep 2026 - 18min - 132 - Is the Government Fudging GDP Data?
In this episode, Monika examines whether India’s latest GDP growth numbers are as strong as they appear and addresses the growing claims that the government is fudging economic data. She looks at the 7.8% Q1 GDP growth, the impact of the new GDP series and base-year revisions, and why comparing current-price numbers with unrevised data can create a misleading picture of growth.
She explains what the wider economic indicators tell us about India’s resilience, from manufacturing and services growth to consumption, inflation, capital flows and the rupee. She also breaks down why a falling currency or a weak stock market does not necessarily mean the economy is weakening, and why India’s fiscal and monetary policy choices have helped it absorb a major external shock. The episode also looks at what households should make of official inflation numbers and why macroeconomic stability does not mean that India’s structural challenges have disappeared.
In the listener questions, XXX asks about building a retirement corpus while living in the UAE, managing an emergency fund, insurance policies, a mortgage and the transition back to India; Suparna Srivastav asks how interest on fixed deposits is taxed and whether a mid-career sabbatical can be treated as a legitimate financial goal; and Deepak asks how to restructure his portfolio as he approaches retirement and whether he should consider an annuity or build his own retirement income pools.
Chapters:
00:00–00:00Is India’s GDP Growth Really as Strong as It Looks?
00:00–00:00GDP Revisions, Double Deflation & Can We Trust the Data?
00:00–00:00How Should You Plan for Retirement as an NRI?
00:00–00:00Should You Pay Tax on FD Interest Before Maturity?
00:00–00:00Is an Annuity the Right Choice for Retirement 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 managementMonika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/
Calculators
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
Thu, 03 Sep 2026 - 22min - 131 - Insurance Must Go From Push to Pull
In this episode, Monika looks at why insurance in India needs to move from a “push” model to a “pull” model. Life and health insurance are financial seat belts, yet the industry continues to rely heavily on commissions and aggressive selling, while insurance penetration remains low and complaints continue to rise. She examines whether the real problem is that Indians do not want insurance, or that insurance is being sold badly.
She explains what needs to change for consumers to actively seek out insurance: simpler products, underwriting at the point of sale, greater accountability for sellers, useful disclosures and better ratings of the distribution chain. Monika also looks at how the mutual fund industry’s “Mutual Fund Sahi Hai” campaign offers a useful model for insurance, arguing that the industry must first fix products and incentives before asking consumers to buy more. The goal is to build trust and make insurance something people understand and want, rather than something that is pushed on them.
In the listener questions, SK from Bangalore asks whether he should sell a low-yielding rental property, repay the outstanding loan and redeploy the money into mutual funds and other investments. Anahita Mistry from Dubai asks how she should invest her savings in the UAE while continuing her existing Indian investments and managing currency risk. Ritwik Bhuyan asks Monika for her views on Bitcoin and whether cryptocurrency can really serve as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) The Best Product May Not Be The Best Decision
(00:00 – 00:00)Why Simple Beats Optimal In Personal Finance
(00:00 – 00:00) Should I Sell My Investment Property?
(00:00 – 00:00)How Should An NRI Invest Globally?
(00:00 – 00:00)Is Bitcoin A Good Investment?
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
Monika’s book on mutual funds
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
https://www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/
Calculators
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
Thu, 27 Aug 2026 - 19min - 130 - The Best Product May Not Be The Best Decision
In this episode, Monika shares what she learnt from speaking to Naval personnel across the Southern Command in Kochi about building financial freedom alongside a career in the forces. She explains why those in uniform have already solved some of the biggest financial concerns faced in the private sector, and why financial freedom means being able to take off the uniform without compromising on values or dignity for money.
She explores why the best financial product is not always the best financial decision. Personal finance is less about mathematical optimisation and more about behaviour, and a simple strategy that can be understood and followed may work better than a theoretically perfect portfolio. She also shares a practical framework for making financial decisions based on goals, time horizon, risk, simplicity and the ability to stick with a decision.
In the listener questions, Rekha asks about balancing Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, NPS Vatsalya and equity investments for her daughters. Rohit asks whether passive index funds have the same long-term advantage in India and whether he should add an index fund to his existing portfolio. Sarah, an 18-year-old student, asks what Monika would focus on if she were starting again and wanted to achieve financial independence as early as reasonably possible.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Make Your Money March: Financial Freedom After the Uniform
(00:00 – 00:00)Why the Best Financial Product May Not Be the Best Decision
(00:00 – 00:00)NPS Vatsalya vs Mutual Funds: What’s Better for Your Children’s Future?
(00:00 – 00:00)Active vs Passive Funds: Which Investment Strategy Works Better in India?
(00:00 – 00:00) If You’re 18, What Should You Do to Become Financially Independent?
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
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
Thu, 20 Aug 2026 - 22min - 129 - Do You Feel Your Salary is Stagnating?
Have your salary hikes felt smaller than expected despite years of hard work? In this episode, Monika analyses a decade of Income Tax Return data to explain why India's salaried middle class feels financially stuck. While more people have moved into higher income brackets and the formal economy has expanded rapidly, average salaries within income groups have barely grown, raising important questions about wages, productivity and purchasing power.
She explains what these trends mean for employees, why changing jobs and upgrading skills often matter more than annual appraisals, and why your career remains your biggest financial asset. The episode concludes with practical advice on taking charge of your own earning potential rather than waiting for the labour market to change.
In the listener questions, Monika advises a young first-generation wealth creator on managing a sudden financial windfall, overseas diversification and avoiding lifestyle inflation. She also explains how debt mutual fund maturities actually work and guides a Hyderabad-based listener on whether downsizing his home can help create a more secure retirement income.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Is Your Salary Really Growing? What 10 Years of Tax Data Reveal About Middle India
(00:00 – 00:00)Why Aren’t Salaries Rising Despite Formalisation and Economic Growth?
(00:00 – 00:00)How Should First-Generation Wealth Creators Invest in a Sudden Windfall?
(00:00 – 00:00)When Should You Exit a Debt Mutual Fund?
(00:00 – 00:00)Should You Downsize Your Home to Build a Better Retirement 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
Thu, 06 Aug 2026 - 23min - 128 - How Much Financial Safety Is Enough?
Financial safety isn't about having the highest net worth or the perfect asset allocation—it's about sleeping well at night. In this episode, Monika explores the everyday financial fears that people live with, from job loss and medical emergencies to inflation and market crashes, and explains how to build practical financial safety without becoming paranoid about every possible risk.
She breaks down the role of emergency funds, health insurance, asset allocation and simple planning in protecting your financial life. The goal isn't to eliminate all risk, but to cover the basics well enough that you're prepared when life throws the unexpected your way.
In the listener questions, Monika answers whether a self-employed professional with a solid financial foundation is ready to begin investing seriously, explains why it's time to exit ULIPs and buy term insurance instead, discusses whether it makes sense to continue older LIC policies that are close to maturity, and reassures an AIIMS doctor that decades of disciplined saving have already put him on track for a financially secure retirement.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)How Much Financial Safety Is Really Enough?
(00:00 – 00:00)Emergency Funds, Health Insurance and Protecting Yourself Against Life’s Biggest Risks
(00:00 – 00:00)Should You Wait to Invest Until Your Emergency Fund Is Complete?
(00:00 – 00:00)Should You Continue Your LIC Policy or Switch to Mutual Funds?
(00:00 – 00:00)Is It Too Late to Start Investing at 55? Building a ₹16 Crore Retirement Corpus
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
Thu, 30 Jul 2026 - 25min - 127 - What Went Wrong with Some Debt Funds Last Year?
In this episode, Monika explains why many long-duration debt funds, especially gilt funds, disappointed investors despite the RBI cutting interest rates. She unpacks the relationship between repo rates, bond yields and bond prices, and explains why global bond markets, inflation expectations, oil prices and changing RBI guidance prevented long-term bond funds from delivering the gains many investors were expecting. Her key message is that debt funds are not all the same, and that most investors are better served by safer, shorter-duration debt funds rather than trying to predict interest-rate cycles.
She uses the recent performance of debt funds to reinforce a broader investing lesson: tactical bets on interest rates are difficult to get right because long-term bond yields are influenced by far more than RBI policy. While short-duration and accrual-oriented debt funds continued to provide stable returns, long-duration funds became a reminder that debt should primarily provide stability within a portfolio, leaving growth and risk-taking to equities.
In listener questions, Sashikant from Hyderabad asks whether the newly launched Life Cycle Funds are a better way to save for his son's education, prompting Monika to explain how these funds work, their current limitations and why she would wait for the category to mature before investing. Nidhi shares an alternative retirement income strategy built around fixed deposits, rental income and mutual funds, leading to a discussion on preserving capital, taxation and retirement planning. Finally, Singaravelu Muthu from Tamil Nadu asks how a beginner should start investing, giving Monika an opportunity to emphasise that financial planning begins with managing cash flows, building an emergency fund and putting insurance in place before choosing mutual funds.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Why Long-Duration Debt Funds Disappointed Despite RBI Rate Cuts
(00:00 – 00:00) What Really Drives Bond Yields and Debt Fund Returns?
(00:00 – 00:00) Are Life Cycle Funds the Future of Goal-Based Investing?
(00:00 – 00:00) Can Fixed Deposits Replace the Three-Pool Retirement Strategy?
(00:00 – 00:00) How Should a Beginner Start Investing in Mutual Funds?
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.com
Monika’s book on basic money managementhttps://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
Thu, 23 Jul 2026 - 18min - 126 - Will your Bank Stop Mis-Selling in 2027?
In this episode, Monika examines the RBI's new Responsible Business Conduct regulations, which come into effect on 1 January 2027, and asks whether they will finally put an end to decades of financial mis-selling by banks. She explains the new concepts of dark patterns, suitability, and mis-selling, but argues that the regulations lack meaningful consequences. If banks simply have to refund customers without facing serious penalties or management accountability, she believes the incentives to mis-sell remain largely unchanged.
She goes on to argue that stronger consumer protection requires more than good intentions. Monika calls for simpler and standardised product disclosures, insurance commission reform, independent mystery-shopping exercises to uncover mis-selling, and meaningful penalties that hold senior management accountable. While welcoming the RBI's recognition that a customer's signature alone is not proof of informed consent, she concludes that lasting trust in India's financial system will only come when mis-selling becomes genuinely expensive for financial institutions.
In listener questions, Sai Trivikram from Hyderabad asks how to balance buying a car with planning for a future home purchase, prompting Monika to discuss debt, budgeting, and where to park short-term savings. Viswajeet from Pune raises the long-standing cap on overseas mutual fund investments, leading to a conversation about investor diversification, capital controls, and why the limit may finally need revisiting. Finally, Harish from Mysore seeks guidance on strengthening his financial foundation, opening up a discussion on emergency funds, health insurance, home ownership, retirement planning, and building wealth systematically in his mid-thirties.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Will RBI's New Mis-selling Rules Finally Protect Bank Customers?
(00:00 – 00:00) Why Better Disclosures, Commission Reform and Stronger Penalties Matter
(00:00 – 00:00) Should You Pay Cash or Take a Loan When Buying a Car?
(00:00 – 00:00) Why Is India Still Limiting Overseas Mutual Fund Investments?
(00:00 – 00:00) How Should You Build Financial Security When You're Starting Late?
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.com
Monika’s book on basic money managementhttps://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
Thu, 16 Jul 2026 - 19min - 125 - 10 Things That Work In India
In this episode, Monika reflects on returning from Berlin and explains why she still believes India is one of the best places to live despite its many shortcomings. From responsive customer service and quick healthcare to UPI, home deliveries, affordable domestic help, and thriving consumer services, she shares ten everyday conveniences that make life in India remarkably easy. While acknowledging problems like poor urban infrastructure and pollution, she argues that India's optimism and constant improvement outweigh many of its frustrations.
She contrasts India's strengths with Europe's, noting that while Europe often offers better public infrastructure, India increasingly excels in affordability, convenience, and responsiveness. Her message is one of perspective: it's important to recognise India's challenges, but equally important to appreciate how much everyday life has improved through innovation, entrepreneurship, and better private services.
In listener questions, Chiranth from Bengaluru asks how to research and shortlist mutual funds, leading Monika to explain her framework for evaluating long-term fund performance and consistency. An anonymous PSU employee seeks advice after becoming heavily leveraged with multiple loans, prompting a discussion on debt management, protecting family assets, and avoiding further borrowing. Finally, Avinash asks whether raising the PPF investment limit would benefit the economy, opening up a conversation on government borrowing costs and the role of market-linked investing.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)10 Things That Make India a Better Place to Live
(00:00 – 00:00)Why Convenience, Healthcare & Digital India Matter More Than We Realise
(00:00 – 00:00)How to Research and Shortlist Mutual Funds Like a Long-Term Investor
(00:00 – 00:00)Managing Multiple Loans Without Losing Your Financial Stability
(00:00 – 00:00)Should the Government Increase the PPF Investment Limit?
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
Thu, 09 Jul 2026 - 21min - 124 - The Big SIP Fight
In this episode, Monika reflects on her own journey through the Indian stock market, beginning with the boom-and-bust years surrounding the Harshad Mehta scam in the early 1990s, when speculation, stock tips, and market euphoria repeatedly lured retail investors into buying high and selling low. She explains how the Indian mutual fund industry gradually transformed investing by introducing the Systematic Investment Plan (SIP), adapting the principle of rupee cost averaging into a disciplined investment habit that matched the rhythm of salaried earners. Over time, SIPs helped shift investor behaviour away from speculation and towards long-term wealth creation, becoming one of the biggest success stories in India's financial markets.
She then examines the recent wave of criticism aimed at SIP investing and separates genuine concerns from misplaced fear. Monika addresses arguments around expensive market valuations, inflation-adjusted returns, and foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows, explaining why these factors matter differently for lump-sum investors than for disciplined SIP investors. While acknowledging that SIPs have sometimes been oversold without enough emphasis on asset allocation, she argues that the evidence still strongly supports long-term, diversified SIP investing. Her message is clear: don't abandon a proven strategy because of short-term pessimism. Instead, build an appropriate asset allocation, continue investing through market cycles, and avoid fear-driven decisions promoted by "merchants of doom."
In listener questions, an anonymous couple asks whether their ₹9 crore retirement corpus is sufficient to comfortably increase spending after being inspired by the book Die with Zero, prompting Monika to discuss retirement multiples, her Three Pool Retirement strategy, healthcare planning, and estate planning conversations with ageing parents; Harsh Kumar questions whether recurring expense ratios make Gold ETFs less attractive than DigiGold over very long periods, leading to a discussion about the hidden impact of annual costs, regulation, liquidity, and the importance of questioning conventional financial wisdom; and another anonymous 24-year-old professional seeks guidance on balancing education loan repayment, investing, and plans for higher studies, opening up a practical conversation about prioritising debt repayment, maintaining long-term SIPs, building contingency savings, and adjusting asset allocation before and after returning to the workforce.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) The Big SIP Fight: Why Long-Term Investing Is Under Attack
(00:00 – 00:00) Do Expensive Markets, Inflation and FII Selling Really Make SIPs a Bad Idea?
(00:00 – 00:00) Can You Afford to Spend More in Retirement?
(00:00 – 00:00) Gold ETFs vs DigiGold: Which Is Better for Long-Term Investors?
(00:00 – 00:00) Should You Repay Your Education Loan Before Investing?
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
Thu, 02 Jul 2026 - 21min - 123 - Three Pool Retirement
In this episode, Monika introduces what she calls the Three Pool Retirement Strategy — a framework she personally uses to think about retirement and one that aims to replace anxiety with clarity. Ahead of a brief break while travelling to Berlin, she addresses one of the biggest worries people have about retirement: not necessarily building the corpus, but managing it after work stops. Rather than relying solely on withdrawal-rate formulas, she explains how dividing retirement money into three distinct pools — a two-year “Spend It” pool in fixed deposits, a ten-year “Protect It” pool in debt funds, and a long-term “Grow It” pool in equity — creates liquidity, stability, and growth while reducing the fear of running out of money.
She then walks through how each pool works and how they interact over time. Fixed deposits provide a buffer against market crashes and eliminate the need to sell investments in bad times. Debt funds act as a bridge for the following decade, periodically replenishing the cash pool, while equity remains untouched for long stretches, allowing compounding to do its work. By ring-fencing money according to time horizons rather than chasing maximum returns, retirees can create a system that prioritises peace of mind. Monika argues that the real purpose of retirement planning is not to squeeze out every extra percentage point of return, but to ensure that money quietly supports life rather than constantly demanding attention. She promises to return in a future episode with the numbers and corpus multiples required to make the strategy work effectively.
In listener questions, Archanaa Panda asks whether a large investment made into a Balanced Advantage Fund near market highs should be rebalanced after disappointing returns, leading to a discussion on evaluating funds over three-, five-, and ten-year periods and considering tax-efficient switches only when portfolio fit and long-term performance justify it; an anonymous listener in her thirties seeks guidance on creating a self-funded health reserve for her ageing father who is largely uninsurable, prompting Monika to discuss super top-up policies, dedicated healthcare buffers, and why diversified funds are preferable to sector-specific healthcare funds; and another anonymous 28-year-old listener asks whether to focus on stocks or mutual funds while beginning his investment journey, giving Monika an opportunity to reinforce the importance of emergency funds, health insurance, and using mutual funds as a simpler and more reliable path to long-term financial independence.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)The Three Pool Retirement Strategy for Peace of Mind
(00:00 – 00:00)How the Spend It, Protect It and Grow It Pools Work Together
(00:00 – 00:00)When Should You Rebalance an Underperforming Mutual Fund?
(00:00 – 00:00)Building a DIY Health Fund for Parents Without Insurance
(00:00 – 00:00)Why Mutual Funds Beat Stock Picking for Most Young Investors
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
Thu, 18 Jun 2026 - 18min - 122 - What the GDP Numbers Tell Us
In this episode, Monika examines two important developments that shaped the economic conversation over the past week: the Reserve Bank of India’s decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, and India’s strong FY26 GDP growth of 7.7%, with the fourth quarter growing at 7.8%. She explains how the RBI’s inflation-targeting framework and relatively low inflation of 3.1% have given policymakers valuable room to maintain rates despite the inflationary pressures created by the West Asia conflict and elevated crude oil prices. The lesson, she says, applies equally to nations and to individuals managing their own money.
She then turns to the growth story and why India’s economic momentum remains intact despite rising global uncertainties. Looking at broad-based indicators including agriculture, steel, cement and commercial vehicle demand, Monika highlights that FY26 was a remarkably strong year and that India entered the current period of geopolitical turmoil from a position of strength. While the RBI’s projection of 6.6% growth for FY27 reflects caution amid higher oil prices and global fragility, she argues that India’s growth has merely been “shaved, not sunk.” Had the current conflict not erupted, the country was positioned to exceed 8% growth. India may face turbulence, but it is far from crisis.
In listener questions, Srinivas asks whether LIC annuity products deserve a place in retirement planning, prompting Monika to examine the broader case for and against annuities, discussing guaranteed lifelong income, simplicity and protection from market volatility, while also highlighting their low returns, inflation risk and tax disadvantages compared with alternatives like debt funds and systematic withdrawals; Bhavesh, an NRI with a carefully constructed 50:50 portfolio, seeks guidance on how to rebalance during market corrections and transition debt allocations as retirement approaches, leading to a detailed discussion on the hierarchy of redeeming maturing fixed deposits, arbitrage funds and debt funds while preserving long-duration gilt investments; and Rachana from Coorg shares her concerns about retiring early with a ₹1.25 crore corpus and no pension, opening up a conversation about longevity risk, healthcare costs, protecting capital, and the importance of continuing to earn for as long as possible in order to strengthen financial independence in later life.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Why India’s Growth Story Is Shaved but Not Sunk
(00:00 – 00:00) RBI Holds Rates Steady as Inflation Stays Under Control
(00:00 – 00:00) The Pros and Cons of Annuities for Retirement Income
(00:00 – 00:00) Rebalancing a Portfolio: Which Debt Investments Should Go First?
(00:00 – 00:00) Is ₹1.25 Crore Enough to Retire at 45 Without a Pension?
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2269286®=48&lang=2
https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/PR3855508EB4A59FF46F9B57BBA200AA250B8.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
Thu, 11 Jun 2026 - 19min - 121 - What the FM told me about mis-selling
In this episode, Monika takes listeners inside a recent meeting with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at the newly inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan. What begins as a visit to present the latest editions and translations of her books becomes a broader reflection on policymaking, public service, and the government's focus on financial consumer protection. She shares her impressions of the transition from the historic North Block to the modern Ministry of Finance offices, describes conversations around financial literacy, mis-selling, and her new online education initiative, and offers a personal glimpse into the people and institutions shaping India's economic policy. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of fiscal prudence and why India's economic foundations remain stronger than many people realise despite current global uncertainty.
She then turns to a question from Balaji in Bangalore about one of the biggest challenges in personal finance: planning for retirement in a world where future expenses, inflation, healthcare needs, and even lifestyle expectations are impossible to predict with certainty. Monika explains why retirement planning has been described as one of the hardest problems in finance, discusses the role of inflation targeting by the RBI, and outlines her own framework for managing retirement income through a combination of cash, debt, and equity. The conversation explores how investors can build resilience into their retirement plans without relying on precise forecasts and why flexibility often matters more than accuracy.
In listener questions, Saahil from Kolkata asks whether passive investors should trust a single index fund or diversify across multiple fund houses, leading to a discussion about the legal structure of mutual funds, operational risks, AMC failures, and the role of diversification for young investors; and Rama from Pune raises the often-overlooked question of how to actually use accumulated wealth after retirement, prompting a conversation about withdrawal strategies, retirement corpus adequacy, balancing equity and debt in later life, and the importance of preparing not just for the accumulation phase of investing, but also for the decades that follow.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Inside My Meeting with the Finance Minister: Books, Consumer Protection and Mis-Selling
(00:00 – 00:00) Retirement Planning Beyond Inflation: Building a Corpus That Lasts
(00:00 – 00:00) Index Funds, AMC Risk and the Simplicity of Long-Term Investing
(00:00 – 00:00) Managing Retirement Withdrawals: When and How to Use Your Investments
(00:00 – 00:00) Listener Questions on Wealth Preservation, Insurance and Financial Freedom
https://x.com/monikahalan/status/2059623668616249611
https://x.com/monikahalan/status/2059838775619145737
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
Thu, 04 Jun 2026 - 18min - 120 - Nations Don't Die
In this episode, Monika responds to the atmosphere of fear and panic spreading through everyday financial conversations — from rumours about banks collapsing to people withdrawing savings based on WhatsApp forwards and social media anxiety. Using history as her anchor, she makes a powerful argument that nations do not simply “roll over and die.” Companies fail, markets crash, governments stumble — but nations survive, adapt, reform, and rebuild. She walks listeners through some of the most severe economic crises faced by countries around the world, from Argentina’s repeated debt defaults to Germany’s hyperinflation and South Korea’s gold donation campaign during the Asian Financial Crisis, showing how recovery eventually followed even the darkest moments.
She then turns to India’s own history of economic survival and reinvention. From the humiliating 1966 rupee devaluation and food shortages, to the 1991 balance of payments crisis when India pledged gold for emergency loans, to the 2008 Global Financial Crisis and the economic devastation of COVID-19, Monika traces a recurring pattern: every crisis initially feels catastrophic, but India repeatedly emerges transformed rather than broken. She argues that while growth may slow and reforms may become unavoidable, today’s India is fundamentally stronger than in earlier crises — with healthier banks, stronger foreign exchange reserves, a large digital economy, and growing geopolitical relevance. Her central message is one of practical resilience: prepare for turbulence, not collapse. Build emergency buffers, diversify wisely, avoid panic, and resist fear-driven rumours. The episode ultimately becomes a reminder that survival and recovery are deeply embedded in both economic systems and human behaviour.
In listener questions, Jennifer asks how to structure a retirement corpus while preparing for the steep maintenance costs of a redeveloped Mumbai home, leading to a discussion on safe investing, inflation-adjusted retirement planning, and avoiding unnecessary risk later in life; Shantanu Bopardikar shares thoughtful feedback on wanting more advanced guidance around evaluating underperforming mutual funds, portfolio diversification, and passive-income planning, prompting Monika to explain her philosophy around “forever funds,” long-term consistency, and allocation-based investing; and an anonymous Bengaluru-based listener seeks advice on balancing his own financial growth with concern for his ageing parents’ retirement security, health insurance, and inherited assets.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Why Nations Don’t Collapse the Way We Fear They Will
(00:00 – 00:00) India’s Darkest Economic Crises — And How It Recovered Every Time
(00:00 – 00:00)What Today’s Slowdown Really Means for Your Money and Investments
(00:00 – 00:00)Managing Retirement, Redevelopment and Financial Safety in Your 60s
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
Thu, 28 May 2026 - 23min - 119 - Inflation looms. How bad will it be?
In this episode, Monika unpacks the growing inflation pressures quietly building beneath the economy and explains why the recent ₹3 fuel price hike is likely only the beginning of a longer and more uncomfortable adjustment cycle. She breaks down the widening gap between wholesale inflation and consumer inflation, showing how the government and oil companies had been absorbing massive fuel losses for months before finally passing some of the burden to consumers. From rising transportation costs to the ripple effects on household expenses, she explains how inflation slowly spreads through every corner of daily life. She also warns that while food prices have remained relatively manageable so far, risks from a weak monsoon and rising fertiliser costs could soon intensify the pressure.
She then zooms out to examine the larger global and economic backdrop shaping this decade. What began as a period of strong growth potential for India has instead collided with war-driven supply shocks, volatile commodity prices, and slowing global growth. Monika discusses why higher inflation will likely mean higher interest rates, more expensive loans, slower economic momentum, and greater market volatility in the months ahead. Yet she also cautions against falling into panic or “collapse thinking,” arguing that India still has the policy capacity to manage the crisis. Her advice throughout is grounded and practical: postpone unnecessary expenses, avoid risky speculation, maintain liquidity, and focus on financial resilience rather than dramatic portfolio changes. The larger message is one of disciplined realism — difficult periods require prudence, patience, and perspective, not fear.
In listener queries, Abhishek Kumar seeks guidance on building separate investment plans for his daughter’s education and his retirement while planning an eventual return to India, leading to a discussion on long-term SIPs, NRE investing, and disciplined asset allocation; Meera asks how to thoughtfully deploy a ₹1 crore windfall after exiting direct equity investments, raising broader questions around index investing, asset allocation, NPS, and financial planning for single women; and an anonymous 24-year-old IT professional looks for clarity on building his very first long-term investment portfolio, prompting a conversation on keeping portfolios simple, using index funds effectively, balancing equity and debt, and avoiding unnecessary complexity early in the investing journey.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Why Inflation Is Starting to Show Up Everywhere
(00:00 – 00:00) Fuel Prices, Global Shocks and the Cost of Living Ahead
(00:00 – 00:00) Building Long-Term Wealth as an NRI Returning to India
(00:00 – 00:00)Designing a Safe ₹1 Crore Portfolio Without Losing Growth
(00:00 – 00:00) A Simple Investing Framework for a 24-Year-Old Beginner
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
Thu, 21 May 2026 - 21min - 118 - Simple Portfolios, Richer Life
In this episode, Monika explores an often-overlooked truth about wealth: the more complicated your financial life becomes, the more it quietly steals from your time, energy, and peace of mind. Through the story of a retired couple overwhelmed by scattered properties, multiple advisors, fragmented investments, and endless financial maintenance, she explains how complexity masquerades as sophistication. What was meant to provide security had instead become a full-time management burden. From multiple homes and insurance-linked products to overlapping mutual fund platforms and confusing investment structures, she argues that every additional layer of complexity creates hidden emotional and cognitive costs that rarely show up in return calculations.
She makes a compelling case for simplicity as a deliberate financial strategy rather than a compromise. Monika discusses why additional real estate often becomes a “part-time job” in retirement, why fragmented investing across platforms and advisors creates chaos instead of safety, and why many investors end up maintaining a “museum of past financial decisions” they no longer understand. Her solution is intentionally minimalist: one primary home, consolidated investments, a transparent fee-only advisor, and products simple enough to explain clearly to one’s children. The real reward of simplicity, she says, is not just better organisation — it is freedom from constantly thinking about money, allowing wealth to finally serve life instead of consuming it.
In listener queries, an anonymous doctor seeks guidance on balancing retirement planning with the enormous future cost of overseas education for his son, leading to a discussion on separating long-term equity compounding from short-term education funding goals; Deepika asks whether her unusually high allocation to gold should be reduced and how to think about home ownership while supporting dependent parents and planning for marriage; and Jagdish Hulgeei questions whether the cost difference between regular and direct mutual funds truly matters, prompting a broader conversation on the long-term compounding impact of fees and the importance of transparent financial advice.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Why Financial Complexity Becomes the Most Expensive Thing You Own
(00:00 – 00:00) The Hidden Burden of Multiple Properties, Platforms and Financial Products
(00:00 – 00:00) Planning Simultaneously for Retirement and Expensive Overseas Education
(00:00 – 00:00) Reducing Excess Gold Exposure and Rethinking Home Ownership Decisions
(00:00 – 00:00) The Long-Term Cost of Regular Mutual Fund Fees and Advisor Commissions
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.com
Monika’s book on basic money managementhttps://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
Thu, 14 May 2026 - 23min - 117 - Does Everyone Need A Foreign Allocation?
In this episode, Monika takes on the rising buzz around international investing and challenges a widely accepted idea — that global diversification is essential for everyone. She explains how the recent excitement around US markets, driven by the performance of companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia, has led many Indian investors to equate “going global” with smarter investing. Breaking down the theory versus reality, she highlights that true diversification is not about chasing returns but about understanding correlation, currency risk, and portfolio context. For most retail investors, she argues, jumping into international funds without this foundation is less about strategy and more about fear of missing out.
She goes deeper into the structural complexities of international investing — from currency fluctuations to taxation differences and layered costs in fund structures. Monika emphasizes that while global allocation has its place, it is most relevant for investors with large, mature portfolios or specific foreign currency goals. For everyone else, the Indian growth story — backed by strong demographics, consumption trends, and expanding markets — offers more than enough opportunity. Her core message is simple but powerful: master domestic investing first, build discipline, and resist the noise. International exposure, she says, is not a starting point but an advanced step in the investing journey.
In listener queries, an anonymous IT professional based in Johannesburg evaluates his ₹3.5 crore corpus and FIRE goal for Pune, with guidance on insurance, housing upgrades, and realistic retirement planning; Roshni Menon from Bangalore seeks a practical framework for integrating credit cards into a disciplined financial system without losing control over spending; and Dr. Gaurav Shah questions whether holding cash in anticipation of market corrections is wise, leading to a broader discussion on the pitfalls of market timing and the importance of consistent investing over macro predictions.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Why International Diversification Isn’t for Every Investor
(00:00 – 00:00)Understanding Currency Risk, Taxation and Complexity in Global Investing
(00:00 – 00:00)Planning FIRE Goals While Managing Career and Geographic Uncertainty
(00:00 – 00:00)Using Credit Cards Safely Within a Disciplined Money System
(00:00 – 00:00)Why Market Timing Fails and How to Stay Invested Through Uncertainty
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
Thu, 07 May 2026 - 27min - 116 - Account Aggregator
In this episode, Monika Halan unpacks the transformative potential of India’s Account Aggregator framework and why it could fundamentally change the way individuals control and share their financial data. Using everyday examples—from applying for loans to visa documentation—she explains how the traditional system forces people to repeatedly hand over sensitive financial records with little visibility or control. The Account Aggregator model, by contrast, creates a secure, consent-based system where individuals decide exactly what financial information is shared, with whom, and for how long.
She highlights why this matters far beyond convenience. Faster access to verified financial data can reduce paperwork, speed up credit decisions, and most importantly, expand access to formal finance for millions whose incomes remain invisible to traditional banking systems. For small business owners, self-employed workers, and informal earners, this framework offers the possibility of building a credible financial history without sacrificing dignity or privacy. At its core, the conversation is about shifting power back to individuals and redefining financial inclusion through technology and informed consent.
In listener queries, Keshavan Kasturi asks about evaluating true asset allocation across direct stocks, equity funds, and hybrid funds, where the advice centers on practical portfolio tracking, periodic review, and disciplined rebalancing. Anjana from Thrissur shares the emotional and financial stress of managing high-interest education debt within a new marriage, leading to guidance on debt reduction, strategic use of assets, and building a partnership-based approach to money. Shreya Singhal, at 24, seeks advice on funding higher education while planning for early retirement and a future creative venture, where the recommendation focuses on short-term debt-oriented investing for immediate goals and a long-term equity-led strategy for financial independence.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) How Account Aggregators Are Changing Financial Data Ownership
(00:00 – 00:00) Why Consent-Based Finance Can Improve Credit Access in India
(00:00 – 00:00) Simplifying Asset Allocation Across Stocks, Mutual Funds and Hybrid Funds
(00:00 – 00:00) Paying Off High-Interest Debt While Preserving Financial Security
(00:00 – 00:00) Investing for Higher Education and Building an Early Retirement PlanIf 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
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 - 21min - 115 - Understanding Bonds and Debt Funds
In this episode, Monika Halan simplifies one of the most misunderstood parts of personal finance—bonds and debt funds. She explains that a bond is essentially an “IOU,” where governments or companies borrow money and promise to pay interest along with the principal at maturity. Breaking down concepts like coupon, maturity, and face value, she highlights the single most important rule of the bond market—the inverse relationship between interest rates and bond prices. This foundational idea explains why bond investments behave the way they do.
She then expands the discussion to debt mutual funds, which allow investors to access the bond market without directly buying individual bonds. She walks through different types of debt funds—ranging from liquid and short-duration funds to gilt and long-duration funds—along with their varying risk levels. The episode also explains the two key risks in debt investing: interest rate risk and credit risk. Using simple mental models, she helps listeners understand when to choose different types of funds and how they compare with fixed deposits in terms of returns, risk, liquidity, and flexibility.
In listener queries, Ajay Sojitra from Surat shares his detailed financial plan and early retirement goal, where the advice focuses on increasing equity allocation, securing independent health insurance, and setting more realistic retirement expectations. Ananda Bhattacharyya from Kolkata asks about Macaulay Duration, which is explained as a measure of how long it takes to recover investment value from a bond and its importance in assessing interest rate risk. Raghavendiran Sudhakaran seeks clarity on international investing, where the guidance is to first build a strong domestic portfolio and limit global exposure to a small portion for diversification.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Understanding Bonds, Interest Rates and Debt Mutual Funds
(00:00 – 00:00)Types of Debt Funds, Risks and How to Choose Them
(00:00 – 00:00) Planning Early Retirement, Asset Allocation and Health Insurance
(00:00 – 00:00) What is Macaulay Duration and Why It Matters in Debt Funds
(00:00 – 00:00)Should You Invest in International Mutual Funds?
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
Thu, 16 Apr 2026 - 19min - 114 - Missiles Don’t Stop SIPs
In this episode, Monika Halan addresses growing concerns about whether current global tensions could push us back into Covid-like conditions. While she reassures listeners that a repeat of such extreme disruption is unlikely, she emphasizes that the economic impact of global conflict is already being felt. Using simple explanations, she breaks down how rising oil prices, a weakening rupee, and shifting global capital flows are putting pressure on economies like India. What recently seemed like a stable, “just right” economic phase is now entering a period of uncertainty and stress.
She explains how these macro changes affect everyday finances—why inflation rises, how bond yields reflect expectations of higher interest rates and government borrowing, and why stock markets react even before the real economic slowdown becomes visible. She also highlights emerging risks around fertilisers and food security, while noting that India’s relatively strong starting position offers some resilience. The core message remains steady: avoid panic, don’t try to time the market, and stick to disciplined asset allocation. In volatile times, patience and consistency act as the strongest financial safeguards.
In listener queries, Ambika Poddar seeks guidance on becoming financially independent later in life despite being excluded from household financial decisions, where the advice focuses on starting conversations, building personal income streams, and learning to invest gradually. V. R. Srinivas discusses the Arogya Sanjeevani health policy as a low-cost insurance option, highlighting its role as a basic safety net despite limitations. An anonymous listener from Bangalore asks about achieving financial independence within 5–10 years, where the recommendation is to increase equity exposure, secure independent life insurance, and recalibrate expectations around early retirement while continuing disciplined investing.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Will India Be Back to Covid Times? Understanding the Global Shock
(00:00 – 00:00) Oil, Rupee and Inflation: What the War Means for Your Money
(00:00 – 00:00)How to Become Financially Independent Later in Life
(00:00 – 00:00)Understanding Arogya Sanjeevani and Basic Health Insurance Options
(00:00 – 00:00) Can You Achieve Financial Independence in 5–10 Years?
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
Thu, 09 Apr 2026 - 20min - 113 - A Bank Is Not a Biscuit Factory
In this episode, Monika uses a simple but powerful analogy to explain why a bank is fundamentally different from any ordinary business. Unlike a biscuit factory, whose failure has limited impact, a bank operates on trust and interconnected flows of money through the system - what economists call the money multiplier. When that trust breaks, it can trigger a bank run, spreading panic across the entire financial system. This is why banks are heavily regulated and often considered “too big to fail.” While depositors in large Indian banks remain largely safe due to regulatory safeguards, she draws a clear distinction: you can trust banks to hold your money, but not necessarily to sell you the right financial products.
The listener questions in this episode go beyond investing into deeper life decisions. Gulshan Madan asks about managing PPF maturity, rebalancing during market falls, and highlights the real-world challenges of property transfer versus financial assets. Mayur Parwani raises thoughtful questions about structuring charitable giving - whether to give regularly or build a corpus -leading to the idea of making giving a habit through consistent contributions. An anonymous listener shares a difficult family situation involving financially irresponsible behavior by a sibling, where the advice focuses on protecting parents’ assets, setting firm financial boundaries, and prioritizing sustainable support without jeopardizing one’s own financial stability. Across all questions, the common thread is clear: good financial decisions are as much about behaviour, boundaries, and values as they are about money itself.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Why a Bank Is Not a Biscuit Factory and Why Trust Matters
(00:00 – 00:00)Are Your Bank Deposits Safe and Why Mis-Selling Still Happens
(00:00 – 00:00) Managing PPF, Asset Allocation and the Reality of Property Transfers
(00:00 – 00:00)Structuring Charitable Giving and Building a Habit of Giving
(00:00 – 00:00)Supporting Parents While Setting Boundaries with a Financially Irresponsible Sibling
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.com
Monika’s book on basic money managementhttps://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
Thu, 02 Apr 2026 - 24min - 112 - Money Worries of Teenage Girls
In this episode, Monika reflects on a memorable session with teenage students at a Delhi school, where seemingly simple questions led to profound insights about money, discipline, and life choices. She explains the core idea of “making money work for you” through the power of compounding, emphasizing that wealth is built not just by earning but by allowing investments to grow over time. The discussion also highlights how discipline—shaped by daily habits and environment—plays a crucial role in both personal development and financial decision-making.
She also addresses broader concerns of the younger generation, from the pressure of consumerism and distinguishing wants from needs, to anxieties around AI and future careers. Her advice centers on building strong thinking skills, resisting social validation traps, and recognizing the privilege of time and financial support during youth. The underlying message is clear: financial independence begins with awareness, self-control, and the willingness to learn.
In listener queries, Rohit Pal asks about Electronic Gold Receipts (EGRs), their risks, costs, and practicality compared to ETFs and SGBs; Jayaraj, an NRI, seeks guidance on whether to retain his EPF corpus or shift to other investments while planning for a special needs child; and Ujjwal Kumar discusses optimizing his daughter’s long-term investment plan, where a higher allocation to mid and small cap funds is suggested along with disciplined rebalancing and a gradual shift to debt as goals approach.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Money Lessons from Teenagers and Making Your Money Work for You
(00:00 – 00:00)Discipline, Spending Choices and Building Financial Habits Early in Life
(00:00 – 00:00) Electronic Gold Receipts, Risks and Better Ways to Invest in Gold
(00:00 – 00:00)EPF Decisions for NRIs and Planning for a Special Needs Child
(00:00 – 00:00)Building a Child Investment Portfolio with the Right Equity Allocation
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
Thu, 26 Mar 2026 - 17min - 111 - War and Paise
As geopolitical tensions escalate and markets react sharply, Monika connects the dots between global conflict and personal finance, reminding listeners that volatility is an inherent part of equity investing. Using recent market corrections as a backdrop, she explains how different parts of the market respond to stress — with small and mid caps falling more sharply than large caps — and why seemingly “safer” indices behave differently depending on their structure. The key lesson: risk and return are always linked, and understanding that relationship is critical during turbulent times.
Through simple portfolio examples, Monika demonstrates how asset allocation acts as a shock absorber. Investors with a mix of debt and equity see significantly lower drawdowns compared to those fully invested in equities. She reiterates the importance of diversifying not just across asset classes but also within equity, and of rebalancing portfolios periodically. Market downturns, she emphasizes, are not anomalies but tests of whether your portfolio truly reflects your risk appetite — and whether you’ve built in enough stability to stay invested without panic.
In listener queries, Lalita Tiwari discusses navigating a mid-career break, reduced income, and prioritising between liquidity, debt repayment, children’s education, and retirement; Srinivas from Hyderabad asks about structuring long-term STPs from a large lump sum and whether indirect methods across fund houses make sense; and Dr. Priya Shivkumar seeks advice on exiting ULIPs, reviewing insurance-heavy portfolios, and preparing for retirement with limited working years remaining.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Market Crashes, War and Why Asset Allocation Matters Most
(00:00 – 00:00) Equal Weight vs Market Cap Indices and Understanding Risk in Your Portfolio
(00:00 – 00:00) Managing Money During a Career Break and Resetting Financial Priorities
(00:00 – 00:00) STP Strategies for Large Lump Sums and Keeping Debt Allocation Simple
(00:00 – 00:00) Exiting ULIPs, Insurance Mistakes and Preparing for Retirement
https://x.com/monikahalan/status/2030882254843687050?s=20
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
Thu, 19 Mar 2026 - 18min - 110 - What Story Do GDP Numbers Tell
As India’s revised GDP numbers are released with a new base year of 2022–23, Monika unpacks the deeper story hidden beneath the headline growth print. She explains how the economy continues to grow at a stable rate above 7%, driven on the production side by manufacturing and services, and supported on the expenditure side by household savings and government capital expenditure. While consumption remains the backbone of growth, private investment needs to accelerate to complete the virtuous cycle of rising wages, stronger demand, and sustained high growth.
Monika walks listeners through why this GDP release is structurally significant. The updated methodology incorporates new surveys, GST data, digital public finance systems, and expanded data sources to better reflect today’s economy. A major shift to “double deflation” in manufacturing aims to measure real growth more accurately by adjusting both input and output prices. She also addresses the recurring debate on data credibility, distinguishing between methodological improvements and allegations of manipulation, and explains why large-scale tampering across multiple data systems is implausible. The takeaway: the data suggests steady, resilient growth — not spectacular, but meaningful in a turbulent global year.
In listener queries, Devasri Jegan, a recent BBA graduate, asks how to overcome beginner confusion and where to start investing; Arpita Mondal writes in about rising silver prices and whether she should invest after sharp moves; Vineet Sharma from the Gulf shares his journey of building a ₹4 crore FD corpus through discipline and leverage and seeks guidance on starting mutual fund investing at 48 while redefining life goals; and Saurabh Garg’s recent speech on GDP methodology also comes up in the broader discussion on interpreting official data.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) What the New GDP Data Reveals About India’s Growth Story
(00:00 – 00:00) Base Year Changes, Double Deflation and Can We Trust the Data?
(00:00 – 00:00) Starting Your Investment Journey Without Getting Overwhelmed
(00:00 – 00:00) Silver Prices, Commodity Hype and Asset Allocation Discipline
(00:00 – 00:00) Starting Mutual Funds at 50 After Building Wealth Through FDs
Saurabh Garg speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_n71JFcBoDQ&t=728s
PIB release
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2233518®=3&lang=2
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
Thu, 12 Mar 2026 - 17min - 109 - RBI’s New Mis-selling Rules
As complaints of insurance mis-selling by banks finally prompt regulatory action, Monika examines the Reserve Bank of India’s draft Responsible Business Conduct guidelines and what they could mean for customers. The proposed rules aim to require suitability assessments, explicit consent, and restrictions on coercive sales practices, signalling a shift toward holding banks accountable for putting customer interests ahead of sales targets. Drawing on years of research and documented evidence, she explains how mis-selling has persisted through opaque disclosures, aggressive commissions, and weak enforcement, eroding public trust in the banking system.
Monika argues that while the intent of the new rules is welcome, their effectiveness will depend on clear definitions of suitability, independent monitoring, and reforms to the commission structures that incentivise harmful sales. Without these structural fixes, regulation risks becoming symbolic rather than transformative. She also reflects on how banks could instead build long-term, trust-based relationships with customers by offering transparent financial planning and aligning their incentives with household financial security rather than short-term product sales.
In listener queries, Vijay Panchal from Ahmedabad asks whether to combine Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana with equity investing for his daughter’s future and whether to prioritise NPS or PPF for retirement under the new tax regime; Nitin Gupta from Dehradun seeks clarity on the tax and ownership implications of mutual fund investments held in his minor son’s name as he approaches adulthood; and Hemanth Thyagraj from Bangalore asks how to balance home loan prepayments with ongoing mutual fund investing while pursuing long-term financial independence.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) RBI’s New Mis-Selling Rules and What They Mean for Bank Customers
(00:00 – 00:00) Suitability Framework, Commissions and Fixing Incentives in Financial Product Sales
(00:00 – 00:00) SSY vs Index Funds and Choosing Between NPS and PPF
(00:00 – 00:00) Managing Mutual Funds Held in a Child’s Name After They Turn 18
(00:00 – 00:00) Balancing Home Loan Prepayment with Long-Term Investing
https://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/Content/PDFs/01CBDRAFT11022026ADD95448CA7E4662A409F78D829072C7.PDF
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S014759671730046X
https://m.rbi.org.in//scripts/Bs_viewcontent.aspx?Id=3370
https://youtu.be/q9kmG-443vo?si=IuTsFG9pbFmysTMD
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1E8939c5w16_NIvshQbcUXW1iZtMLJVcS/view?usp=drivesdk
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
Thu, 26 Feb 2026 - 22min - 108 - What the New Consumer Price Index Means For You
As India updates the way it measures inflation, Monika explains why the revision of the Consumer Price Index base year from 2012 to 2024 matters and what it really means for households. Drawing on new data from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey, she breaks down how the CPI basket evolves over time to reflect changing consumption patterns — from the decline of outdated products to the rise of digital services, transport, and other modern expenses. The episode clarifies how shifts in weightages, especially the reduced share of food and the higher share of services, will influence headline inflation and policymaking.
Monika also explains why the CPI is an average that may not match individual experience, and how the new index should give policymakers a more accurate picture of real household spending pressures. She highlights that lower food weight may make inflation appear less volatile, while costs that matter most to many middle-class families — healthcare, education, housing, and services — continue to rise faster than the headline number. The key takeaway: inflation data is improving, but personal financial planning should always be based on one’s own spending patterns, not just official statistics.
In listener questions, Anonymous asks how global developments such as U.S. debt concerns, de-dollarisation, and shifting geopolitical power could affect Indian markets and whether investors should change their asset allocation or SIP strategy; Djay from Mumbai seeks guidance on retirement planning for couples and how to estimate and invest toward a child’s education corpus; and Ramya Srinivasan writes about deploying proceeds from a property sale, weighing PMS investments against mutual funds, and the best way to move a lump sum into equity over time.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) What the New Consumer Price Index Means for You
(00:00 – 00:00)How Changes in the CPI Basket and Weightages Affect Inflation and Policy
(00:00 – 00:00) Global Risks, Market Crashes and Staying Invested Through Uncertainty
(00:00 – 00:00)Planning Retirement as a Couple and Building a Child Education Corpus
(00:00 – 00:00)PMS vs Mutual Funds and How to Deploy a Large Lump Sum
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/why-india-needs-a-new-gold-standard-101770307424675.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
Thu, 19 Feb 2026 - 23min - 107 - What will the trade deals change?
As global trade tensions reshape the economic landscape, Monika unpacks what India’s recent wave of trade agreements really means. Triggered in part by sharp tariff actions and the growing use of trade as a geopolitical weapon, India has moved quickly to diversify its export markets and reduce dependence on any single partner. This episode explains, in simple terms, how tariffs, free trade agreements, and shifting supply chains affect growth, jobs, and markets — and why these deals matter far beyond headline diplomacy.
Monika walks through the major agreements signed with the UK, EU, EFTA nations, Oman, New Zealand, and the United States, and explains how they could boost exports, attract investment, and create jobs in sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, technology, and services. She also discusses the broader macro impact — from strengthening India’s negotiating position globally to supporting long-term GDP growth and market sentiment — while reminding investors that short-term market reactions often miss the bigger structural story.
In listener questions, Avinash Mundhra asks about moving beyond basic index investing into strategy-based indices and whether ULIPs linked to such indices make sense; Venkatesh Kumaran from Spain seeks guidance on balancing loan repayment with saving for future goals and on investing in Indian mutual funds as an NRI planning to return; and Gaurav Madan writes about whether model-driven advisory approaches to mutual fund selection are superior to simple, transparent investing methods.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Why India Is Signing Trade Deals After the Tariff Shock
(00:00 – 00:00)How New FTAs Could Boost Exports, Jobs and GDP
(00:00 – 00:00)Mid- and Small-Cap Index Funds, Multicap Funds and the ULIP Debate
(00:00 – 00:00)Paying Off Loans vs Investing and NRI Mutual Fund Considerations
(00:00 – 00:00)Choosing Equity Mutual Funds and the Risks of Model-Based Advisory
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.com
Monika’s book on basic money managementhttps://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
Thu, 12 Feb 2026 - 19min - 106 - Work-in-progress Budget 2026
As Budget 2026 unfolds, Monika frames it as a continuation budget - a work-in-progress focused less on headline reforms and more on keeping the economic machinery running smoothly. With pressure on the fiscal deficit after last year’s tax relief and GST cuts, the big concern was whether the numbers would hold. Despite weak nominal growth and a low GDP deflator, higher corporate taxes, indirect taxes, and dividends have helped contain the fiscal deficit at 4.4%, with only a marginal dip projected next year. For markets, this signals fiscal discipline at a time of global uncertainty.
Monika breaks down the key priorities shaping this budget - a sharp rise in defence spending, sustained capital expenditure, and a clear push to align India with strategic technologies such as semiconductors, rare earths, cloud infrastructure, and domestic IP creation. Running through the speech is a stated intent to simplify rules, ease compliance, and reduce friction between the state, businesses, and citizens, even as execution risks remain. On the personal finance front, there are no fresh income-tax changes, relief comes via lower TCS on overseas spending, and clarity emerges on sovereign gold bond taxation, while higher STT on derivatives sends a strong signal against excessive speculation.
In listener questions, the focus turns to what this budget really means for everyday investors - how changes to SGB taxation affect gold allocations, why the STT hike matters mainly for F&O traders and not long-term investors, and why market reactions immediately after the budget may not reflect India’s underlying growth story. The takeaway remains consistent: budgets will come and go, markets will react and recover, but maintaining the right asset allocation matters far more than chasing short-term noise.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Budget 2026 as a Work-in-Progress Framework
(00:00 – 00:00) Fiscal Deficit, Defence Spending and Growth Priorities
(00:00 – 00:00) Sovereign Gold Bonds and Capital Gains Tax Changes
(00:00 – 00:00) TCS Relief and Easier Property Transactions
(00:00 – 00:00) STT Hike, Market Reaction and What Investors Should Do
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
Thu, 05 Feb 2026 - 13min - 105 - 10 lessons I learnt from 100 episodes
As the podcast reaches Episode 100, Monika reflects on how what began as a small experiment has grown into a steady, non-hysterical space for building real financial stability. Over two years, 100 episodes, and hundreds of listener questions, clear patterns have emerged - money decisions are rarely just about numbers. This milestone episode distils the journey into ten core lessons, drawn from real stories and recurring struggles, that show how deeply money is intertwined with relationships, childhood conditioning, fear, social pressure, and the habit of delaying action in search of perfection.
Monika walks through these lessons with honesty and clarity - from why “perfect” is the enemy of “good”, to why getting started matters more than getting it right, and why simple systems often outperform complex strategies. She explains how small, consistent actions compound over time, why automation is the secret sauce of long-term money management, and why there is no single lottery-ticket investment waiting in the future. The episode reinforces a central theme that has run through all 100 conversations: money is not the goal, but an enabler, best managed quietly through systems, discipline, and self-awareness.
In listener messages, Chrisann Jason Pereira writes about how small, steady mutual fund investments over a decade transformed her financial life and helped her family build security; Mukesh Shukla reflects on how these ideas should be foundational education for young adults; Finance ka ABCD highlights the quiet, life-changing impact of financial literacy done right; and Sagar Patil shares how Let’s Talk Money helped him gain confidence, structure his savings, and plan for the long term.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Money Is Always About Relationships
(00:00 – 00:00)Your Money Story Begins in Childhood
(00:00 – 00:00)The Core Fears Around Money Are Universal
(00:00 – 00:00) Perfect Is the Enemy of Getting Started
(00:00 – 00:00)Starting Late Is Better Than Not Starting
(00:00 – 00:00) Simple Investing Beats Clever Complexity
(00:00 – 00:00) There Is No Big Lottery Waiting
(00:00 – 00:00)Small Atomic Moves Create Big Outcomes
(00:00 – 00:00)Automation Is the Secret to a Calm Money Life
(00:00 – 00:00)Social Pressure Is the Most Dangerous Risk
(00:00 – 00:00) Listener Messages
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
Thu, 29 Jan 2026 - 21min - 104 - When Small Savings Get Real
As Episode 99 approaches a milestone, Monika reflects on how small, steady savings can quietly turn powerful when inflation works in the saver’s favour. Beginning with an interaction at an SBI event for NRI clients - and a reminder of how deeply connected the podcast community has become - she introduces the idea of real return: what investors actually earn after inflation. This episode explains why nominal returns can be misleading, especially in fixed-income products, and why inflation is the most underestimated cost in personal finance.
Monika breaks down why the current environment is unusually favourable for conservative savers. With retail inflation falling well below the RBI’s target, several government-backed small savings schemes are now delivering positive and meaningful real returns. She walks through how products like PPF, SCSS, SSY, NSC, MIS, and KVP - all guaranteed and easily accessible - can form the core of a low-risk debt portfolio, particularly for retirees and risk-averse families. This is a rare phase, she notes, where safety and real wealth creation coexist, making it a sensible time to lock in long-term rates.
In listener queries, Deepak Mittal, nearing retirement, asks where to reinvest maturing bond proceeds and whether a multi-asset fund makes sense at his age; Rohit Pal seeks clarity on behavioural economics concepts and risk-measurement metrics, along with reading recommendations; and Shubhojit Roy, a 32-year-old investor, asks how to rethink PPF contributions under the new tax regime, rebalance towards mutual funds, and realistically work towards a ₹4-5 crore goal over the next 15 years.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)When Nominal Returns Become Real Returns
(00:00 – 00:00)Small Savings Schemes Offering Guaranteed Real Growth
(00:00 – 00:00)Reinvesting Bond Maturities as You Approach Retirement
(00:00 – 00:00)Understanding Behavioural Biases and Investment Risk Measures
(00:00 – 00:00)Balancing PPF and Equity to Reach Long-Term Wealth 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
Thu, 22 Jan 2026 - 14min - 103 - A seller-beware market place
As the new year unfolds, Monika turns her attention to a deeper structural problem in India’s retail finance ecosystem — a market where households are still expected to fend for themselves against complex, opaque, and often mis-sold products. Drawing from her interaction at a pre-Budget discussion with the Prime Minister and insights from the RBI’s Financial Stability Report 2025, she lays out why rising commissions, mis-selling in insurance, and weak accountability have made “buyer beware” dangerously outdated. This episode argues that retail finance, unlike everyday goods, fails consumers because products are invisible, payoffs are delayed, disclosures are unreadable, regulation is fragmented, and financial innovation consistently outpaces literacy.
Monika makes the case for a radical but necessary shift to a “seller-beware” framework — one that prioritises suitability, long-term outcomes, and harm prevention over commissions and sales targets. She explains how fixing incentives and enforcing suitability checks can transform finance from a product-pushing industry into a genuine problem-solving service. Using mutual funds as a case study, she shows how better-aligned incentives and simpler products unlocked massive household participation, and warns that as millions of new investors enter the system, India cannot afford to flood them with toxic financial products. Finance, she stresses, must solve for lives — not bonuses.
In listener queries, Brig Vikas Gupta, a retired Army officer, asks how to exit underperforming mutual fund schemes without taking a heavy tax hit; Dinesh Kumar from Unjuani, Tamil Nadu, seeks validation of his conservative portfolio while grappling with FOMO, lifestyle balance, and risky temptations like crypto; and an anonymous listener from Bengaluru shares his journey to financial stability and asks whether it makes sense to transition into a fee-only financial planning career later in life.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) From Buyer Beware to Seller Beware in Retail Finance
(00:00 – 00:00)Why India Needs a Suitability-Based Financial System
(00:00 – 00:00)Switching Underperforming Mutual Funds Without Letting Tax Hold You Back
(00:00 – 00:00) Balancing Saving, Spending, and Risk for a Young Family
(00:00 – 00:00)Building a Second Career as a Fee-Only Financial Planner
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
Thu, 15 Jan 2026 - 18min - 102 - Our Money in 2026
As 2026 begins, Monika reflects on how our relationship with money changes over a lifetime, moving beyond year-end numbers, market levels, or growth forecasts. This episode takes a philosophical turn, using the idea of life’s ashrams to frame our money journey — from learning and earning to harvesting and eventual detachment. Monika explores the paradox of money: when we are young, desires are endless and resources limited; later, resources grow but the hunger for more steadily fades.
Monika urges listeners, especially those approaching or living in the “vanaprastha” phase, to simplify and consolidate. She talks about defining what is “enough,” reducing complexity by selling scattered assets, shifting away from stressful real estate management, putting estate plans and wills in place, and freeing time and energy from financial clutter. Giving — of money, time, or skills - becomes central in this stage, as does staying mentally and physically active while consumption naturally slows. For younger listeners still deep in careers and responsibilities, she reminds them that money is a byproduct of disciplined effort, not the goal itself, and that patience, skill-building, and sensible investing remain non-negotiable.
In listener queries, Longekumar, a widowed government school teacher, writes about rebuilding financial security after loss and asks where to safely invest a lump sum; Anand Kumar Bansal from Bengaluru seeks advice on whether to take more risk despite being financially independent; and Vikas Sachdeva asks whether recent changes in NPS alter its role compared to EPF in retirement planning.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Your Money in 2026: A Changing Relationship With Wealth
(00:00 – 00:00)Vanaprastha Today: Consolidating Assets, Simplifying Life, and Giving Back
(00:00 – 00:00)Rebuilding Financial Security After Loss and Starting From Scratch
(00:00 – 00:00) Should You Take More Risk When You Are Already Financially Secure?
(00:00 – 00:00)NPS vs EPF: How to Think About Retirement Products After Recent Changes
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at 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
Sat, 03 Jan 2026 - 17min - 101 - What’s your 2025 Money Report Card?
As 2025 draws to a close, Monika invites listeners to pause and take stock of their financial lives with a simple but powerful money report card. Using a series of clear yes-or-no questions, this episode walks through the absolute basics of money management — cash-flow systems, emergency funds, insurance, debt control, savings discipline, asset allocation, retirement planning, and the importance of reviewing nominees and wills. The aim is to help listeners check whether their financial foundations are truly in place as they head into a new year. Monika explains why these non-negotiables matter far more than chasing returns or reacting to headlines. From separating bank accounts for income, spending, and investing, to keeping high-interest debt under control, building long-term equity exposure, diversifying across asset classes, and planning well ahead for retirement, this episode serves as a practical year-end audit. Financial freedom, she reminds listeners, is built through systems, consistency, and periodic review — not shortcuts or noise. In listener queries, an anonymous NRI working in the merchant navy asks about portfolio diversification, marriage, and building a second income stream; an anonymous retiree from Pune seeks guidance on government-backed investment options and monthly income after returning from the Gulf; and Reshma from Bengaluru writes about navigating divorce, career transition, retirement planning, and securing her daughter’s future.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) Your 2025 Money Report Card: Are the Basics in Place?
(00:00 – 00:00) Scoring Yourself on Savings, Debt, Insurance, and Retirement
(00:00 – 00:00) Building Wealth and Passive Income as a Young NRI
(00:00 – 00:00) Safe Government Investment Options for Retired Couples
(00:00 – 00:00) Planning Finances After Divorce and Protecting Dignity in Retirement
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at 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
Thu, 18 Dec 2025 - 20min - 100 - RBI rate cuts and Rupee at 90
This week, Monika unpacks a busy stretch of economic headlines: a strong 8.2% GDP print, the rupee slipping to 90 against the dollar, and a 0.25% RBI rate cut. She begins by explaining why exchange rates matter, what drives currency demand, and why the recent rupee depreciation reflects global risk aversion, high US rates, and a seasonal widening of the current account deficit. Drawing on economist Sajjid Chinoy’s view, Monika highlights how a softer rupee can improve export competitiveness and why exceptionally low inflation gives the RBI confidence to allow the currency to adjust without triggering instability.
Monika then explains how the RBI’s rate cut fits into the broader macro picture. With the repo rate now at 5.25%, the combination of strong growth, a gently depreciating rupee, and lower rates signals confidence in inflation staying anchored. She outlines what this means for savers and borrowers: FD and RBI bond investors may want to lock in long tenors while real returns remain high, borrowers should see relief ahead, and long-duration debt funds may offer tactical opportunities. Above all, she reminds listeners that stable financial plans should not be derailed by headlines or market noise.
In listener questions, Anonymous from Bengaluru seeks guidance on navigating family wealth differences while choosing a life partner, Akila weighs renting versus buying as she plans a move before eventually settling into a retirement home, and Aravind from Kerala asks whether investing across top democratic countries is practical for an Indian investor.
Chapters:
00:00 – 00:00) RBI Rate Cuts and the Rupee at 90
(00:00 – 00:00)Why the Rupee Fell and What It Means for Inflation
(00:00 – 00:00)Navigating Marriage Decisions When Families Differ in Wealth
(00:00 – 00:00)Choosing Between Renting, Buying, or Retirement Homes
(00:00 – 00:00)Should Indians Invest Internationally? Practical Global Diversification
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9897cGJP0wA
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at 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
Thu, 11 Dec 2025 - 22min - 99 - Why GDP is Hot but Markets Are Cool?
This week, Monika breaks down the surprising 8.2% GDP growth print for India’s July–September quarter, and why the cheer hasn’t shown up in the stock market. She revisits the GDP formula and unpacks the drivers — strong private consumption, resilient services growth, a manufacturing boost from PLI schemes and GST cuts, and a surge in MSME credit that signals broad-based momentum. With India on track for ~7.5% growth this year, the fastest among major economies, Monika explains why this is solid, real activity rather than price-led nominal growth, and how that strength is built on rural spending, good monsoons and recent tax breaks.
Monika then turns to the puzzle of why markets remain flat despite a booming economy. She outlines three reasons: money being pulled into IPOs, gold and silver instead of the secondary market; exceptionally low inflation reducing the GDP deflator and therefore nominal growth (the number that drives corporate revenues, profits and market valuations); and stretched valuations that still need cooling. Even so, she emphasises that long-term investors should stay disciplined, maintain asset allocation across debt and equity, and rebalance if needed — the structural growth story remains intact. She also previews next week’s discussion on the RBI’s rate decision and what it means for households.
In listener questions, Shivam asks whether to prepay a low-rate education loan or invest aggressively, and how he and his wife should structure ₹1 lakh of monthly SIPs; Monika explains why, given their stability, keeping the loan and investing for growth works. Piyush writes in from a severe debt trap with home loans, personal loans and card dues far exceeding income; Monika urges him to involve family, liquidate assets and seek structured help through a debt resolution service. Anup, writing from Germany, wants to sell two residential plots and eventually buy a home in India; Monika points him toward Sections 54 and 54F, suggests consulting a CA on capital-gains planning, and outlines why a short-term loan followed by staggered asset sales may be practical.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)Why GDP Is Hot but Markets Are Cool
(00:00 – 00:00)Understanding the Drivers Behind India’s Surprising Q2 GDP
(00:00 – 00:00)EMI vs Investing: Navigating a Low-Interest Education Loan
(00:00 – 00:00)Escaping a Debt Trap: Practical Steps When Repayments Overwhelm
(00:00 – 00:00)Selling Plots or Taking a Loan: Smart Strategies for Buying a Home in India
https://cleartax.in/s/section-54-capital-gains-exemption#h6
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
Thu, 04 Dec 2025 - 23min - 98 - What The New Labour Laws Mean For You
This week, Monika unpacks one of the biggest economic reforms since 1991 — the newly implemented labour codes. She recounts a timely moment from recording the Groww-ing India podcast with Amitabh Kant, where a discussion on delayed labour reforms was followed, just hours later, by the government announcing full implementation. Monika explains why India’s post-independence socialist legacy created 29 overlapping, conflicting labour laws that made hiring, firing and compliance incredibly difficult, spawning “dwarf firms,” encouraging informality, and adding nearly 10% to product costs through routine procedural bribes. The new codes — covering wages, social security, industrial relations, and occupational safety & health — replace this maze with a far simpler, unified structure.
Monika breaks down what changes for businesses, workers and the broader economy. Compliance sections drop by 75%, forms by 60%, and registers by 76%, with everything now digital. Unified definitions across laws reduce inspector discretion and bring transparency to how wages, benefits and severance are calculated. For workers, coverage expands beyond formal jobs to include gig and platform workers, with mandated timelines for wage payments and clearer rules on overtime. States can now raise the threshold for prior government approval on layoffs, potentially enabling large-scale manufacturing. Lower compliance costs should translate into better margins, fairer protections for informal workers, and eventually lower prices — feeding into higher growth and better long-term returns for investors. For most white-collar employees, the most immediate change may be a rise in delivery fees as gig-worker welfare contributions kick in.
In listener questions, Mamta - a 50-year-old single woman between jobs - asks where to keep her savings safely. Sanjay, a 22-year-old data analyst saving an impressive 41% of his income, seeks help budgeting for a future Vietnam trip without derailing long-term investing. And Shikha, entering her 40s with a ₹1.5 crore corpus, wants clarity on buying a house versus renting and how to structure her retirement plan. Monika lays out practical paths for each situation, balancing caution with empowerment.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00)What the new labour laws mean for you
(00:00 – 00:00)Safe saving options when you can’t take risk
(00:00 – 00:00) How to plan a holiday while investing aggressively
(00:00 – 00:00)Should you buy a house or keep renting?
(00:00 – 00:00)How to plan retirement when starting late
https://www.youtube.com/@ThrivebyGroww
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at 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
Thu, 27 Nov 2025 - 22min - 97 - The Inflation Paradox: Low Numbers, High Checkout Bills
This week, Monika breaks down the “inflation paradox” India is living through — where official inflation has collapsed to 0.25%, yet households still feel the pinch at checkout counters. She explains how the headline number hides a deeper story: if the impact of gold is removed from the Consumer Price Index, October inflation actually turns negative. An SBI Research estimate suggests that, excluding gold, inflation could remain below zero for the next two months. Food prices have fallen sharply, with vegetables down nearly 28% and pulses over 16%, creating a painful situation for farmers even as households see temporary relief.
Monika unpacks why very low inflation is a problem for the wider economy. Weak prices signal weak demand, hurting production, wages and eventually jobs. Governments too suffer when inflation falls, because tax revenues depend on nominal — not real — growth. With the RBI’s full-year inflation estimate cut to 2.6%, the number now threatens to breach the lower bound of the 2–6% target band, raising the possibility of rate cuts. She also explains why lived inflation can feel higher than official data: lifestyle choices — app-based shopping, food delivery, eating out — inflate household budgets far more than the CPI basket. For savers and investors, a lower-trend inflation world means lower bank FD rates and more moderate long-term equity return expectations, making equity allocation essential for retirement planning.
In listener questions, Srinivas seeks guidance on managing a large education loan, bundled insurance policies, and family assets; Sampath from the US weighs whether to buy property in Hyderabad now or after returning to India; and an anonymous listener asks how to secure term insurance after a past cancer diagnosis. Monika also gives a shout-out to Rinku Jain, who recently shifted from trading to financial education after being inspired by Let’s Talk Money.
Chapters:
(00:00 – 00:00) The Inflation Paradox: Why Low Numbers Still Feel Expensive
(00:00 – 00:00) How Low Inflation Impacts Growth, Wages, Taxes & Your Investments
(00:00 – 00:00) How to Fix a Costly Loan, Bundled Insurance & a Risky Family Portfolio
(00:00 – 00:00) Should NRIs Buy Property Now or After Returning to India?
(00:00 – 00:00) Can Cancer Survivors Get Term Insurance? What Your Real Options Are
https://www.stcipd.com/UserFiles/File/Measuring_Trend_inflation_in_India-A_summary.pdf
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at 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
Thu, 20 Nov 2025 - 22min - 96 - Why You Should Not Buy Digital Gold
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 managementhttps://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
Thu, 13 Nov 2025 - 15min - 95 - India’s Chief Economic Adviser wants banks to stop mis-selling
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
Thu, 06 Nov 2025 - 14min - 94 - Should you switch to NPS?
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
Thu, 30 Oct 2025 - 17min - 93 - SIFs: Substance or just sizzle?
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
Thu, 23 Oct 2025 - 17min - 92 - Clean Your Money Box This Diwali
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
Sun, 19 Oct 2025 - 20min - 91 - Is it time to move to Arattai?
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
Thu, 09 Oct 2025 - 15min - 90 - Are You Suffering From Gold Regret?
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
Thu, 02 Oct 2025 - 20min - 89 - The Government’s Great Growth Gamble
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
Thu, 18 Sep 2025 - 14min - 88 - Your Career Faces a Cliff or a Runway Ahead?
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
Thu, 11 Sep 2025 - 20min - 87 - Why is My Floating Rate Loan Not Going Down?
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
Thu, 04 Sep 2025 - 16min - 86 - Is Rs 3.5 crore Enough to Retire in India?
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
Thu, 28 Aug 2025 - 18min - 85 - What's a Stable Coin and Should You Buy
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
Thu, 21 Aug 2025 - 20min - 84 - Retirement vs Financial Freedom
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
Thu, 14 Aug 2025 - 20min - 83 - What's good for the investor is good for the industry
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
Thu, 07 Aug 2025 - 18min - 82 - India's Report Card
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
Thu, 31 Jul 2025 - 21min - 81 - Lessons from Jane Street
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
Fri, 25 Jul 2025 - 19min - 80 - Bank FD rates will fall. Lock in now.
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
Thu, 03 Jul 2025 - 17min - 79 - World War 3? Should you get out of the market?
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
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 - 19min - 78 - Have You Been Trapped By Your Bank?
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
Thu, 19 Jun 2025 - 20min - 77 - Why RBI’s Rate Cuts Are A Good Signal
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
Thu, 12 Jun 2025 - 18min - 76 - GDP Shrugs Off The Slowdown
This week, Monika unpacks India’s fourth quarter GDP growth of 7.4%, which lifts the annual rate to 6.5% and suggests the slowdown may be over. Despite global challenges, India remains the fastest-growing large economy, driven by strong construction, manufacturing, and agriculture. Private investment is picking up, per capita GDP has nearly doubled in a decade, and sectors like smartphone exports and fisheries point to deeper structural shifts. Monika explains why this rebound looks cyclical rather than structural, and why India’s growth path appears more sustainable going forward.
Next, Monika clarifies the difference between nominal and real GDP. She explains that while nominal GDP reflects the total value of goods and services at current market prices, real GDP strips out the effects of inflation to offer a clearer view of actual economic growth. Understanding this difference is crucial when interpreting GDP trends, especially in inflationary times.
In listener questions, Mr Gupta asks whether he should reduce his 60% equity exposure as he nears retirement and how to manage buying a home post-retirement without taking on new loans. Srinivas wants to know whether short-term geopolitical tensions should prompt mutual fund withdrawals, and Dr Kirti Arora, just beginning her investment journey, seeks clarity on whether consistently outperforming large-cap active funds are better than index funds. Monika responds with thoughtful, detailed guidance rooted in sound financial strategy and long-term perspective.
Chapters:
(00:34 – 07:54) India’s Growth Outlook: Shrugging Off the Slowdown
(07:55 – 09:10) Nominal vs Real GDP: Understanding the Difference
(09:25 – 15:14) Retirement Planning Essentials: Equity Allocation and Funding Your New Home
(15:15 – 17:44) Navigating Market Volatility: Should You Stay Invested in Mutual Funds During Crisis?
(17:45 – 19:57) Active vs Passive Large-Cap Funds: Making Informed Investment Choices
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2132688
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
Thu, 05 Jun 2025 - 21min - 75 - Understand the Bond Market
This week, Monika returns from a whirlwind trip to Berlin and Hamburg with reflections on unpredictable European weather and a newfound appreciation for the Delhi heat. Back at her desk, she dives straight into the world of bonds—those unassuming financial instruments that actually run the show when it comes to signaling the health of an economy. Monika explains why the bond market is far more closely watched than the stock market and what it’s been saying about India’s growth story in a global economy full of mixed signals.
She breaks down the mechanics of bonds and bond yields in her trademark relatable style, comparing them to FDs and detailing how they reflect changing interest rates, inflation, and creditworthiness. With examples from the US bond market’s reactions to policy shifts and deficits, Monika shows how yields offer a real-time assessment of trust in a country’s economic direction. For India, the recent fall in bond yields alongside strong macroeconomic numbers signals growing confidence among investors and hints at a positive future.
The listener questions begin with anonymous from Pune, who is balancing a ₹60 lakh home loan and wants to know whether to prepay the loan or start a ₹50,000 monthly SIP for retirement, while also asking about the need for term insurance for a non-earning spouse. Vaibhav Verma is considering withdrawing from his stock and PF portfolio to buy a ₹20 lakh plot and seeks advice on whether property is a wise investment in the long term. And Naman Nihalani, a 22-year-old MBA student preparing for a financially responsible future, wants help building a budget, handling an education loan, and planning long-term investments to manage life’s many responsibilities.
Chapters:
(00:30 - 07:20)Why Bonds Are the Real Boss of the Economy
(07:21 - 09:10)How Bond Yields Move and What They Signal
(09:39 - 16:50)Should I Prepay My Home Loan or Start Retirement SIPs?
(16:51 - 19:34) Is Buying a Plot Better Than Mutual Funds for Long-Term Investing?
(19:35 - 21:42)How Can a 22-Year-Old Plan Finances for the Future?
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at 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
Thu, 29 May 2025 - 22min - 74 - Is a Luxury Bag an Investment?
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?
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
Thu, 22 May 2025 - 15min - 73 - Did you Hear What Warren Buffett Said To You Last Week?
What is it about Warren Buffett that continues to inspire millions of investors across the globe? This week, Monika dives into the key highlights from the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholder meeting held on May 3, 2025. In what could be described as the “Woodstock for Capitalists,” over 20,000 people gathered to listen to the Oracle of Omaha—perhaps for the last time, as Buffett announced his decision to step down at the end of this year. With his 95th birthday approaching, the baton will pass to Vice Chairman Greg Abel, marking the end of an extraordinary era.
Monika walks us through some of Buffett’s most impactful messages over the years—from his legendary $1 million bet against hedge funds to his consistent promotion of low-cost index investing for retail investors. A particularly powerful moment this year came in response to a question about market volatility, where Buffett warned that if a 15% drop in portfolio value causes fear or panic, an investor likely needs a new philosophy. Markets will continue to surprise, he said, and investors must learn to check emotions at the door. Monika echoes this wisdom with her own tools for riding market ups and downs—starting with emergency funds, insurance, and a safety buffer of fixed-income products.
Listener questions this week reflect a deepening engagement with personal finance and investing. Neha writes in asking whether she should switch her mutual fund investments from a regular plan to a direct plan, given the high total expense ratio. Another listener shares an anonymous and difficult situation involving a financially reckless parent, inherited debt risks, and questions about overseas investing and portfolio tracking. And Smitha from Chennai asks for help in setting up a three-account flow system within a single-income household, as she juggles daily expenses, investing, and asset ownership alongside her spouse.
Chapters:
(00:00-00:00)Buffett's retirement and legacy
(00:00-00:00)Lessons in passive investing from Buffett’s million-dollar bet
(00:00-00:00)Regular vs direct mutual funds: what should you choose?
(00:00-00:00)How to protect your finances from family debt
(00:00-00:00)Managing money as a single-income household
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
Thu, 08 May 2025 - 22min - 72 - Your Financial Toolkit For War
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
Thu, 01 May 2025 - 15min - 71 - Trump, Tarrifs And You
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/
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
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 - 22min - 70 - Should You Pay Off Your Family’s Debt?
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://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
Thu, 17 Apr 2025 - 18min - 69 - How to Crack the Retirement Nest Egg
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
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
Thu, 03 Apr 2025 - 20min - 68 - The Three Stages of Living – Learning, Earning and Harvesting
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?
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
Thu, 27 Mar 2025 - 17min - 67 - What To Do With Your First Salary
In this episode, Monika discusses the excitement of receiving your first salary and how to make the most of it. She shares practical advice on balancing financial responsibility with celebrating this milestone, ensuring that young professionals set themselves up for long-term success. From prioritizing loan repayment and setting up a cash flow system to building an emergency fund, she outlines three key goals for the first year of earning. By following these steps, young earners can develop strong financial habits without feeling overwhelmed by long-term investment planning right away.
Next, she decodes what a portfolio means and why it's essential for wealth building. A portfolio is a mix of different asset classes—debt, equity, and real assets—structured according to an investor’s financial goals. She explains how a young professional’s portfolio differs from that of a retiree and how diversification helps manage risk while achieving growth or income.
In the listener Q&A, Uma wants to invest her son’s savings as he transitions into financial independence and asks for guidance on the best instruments for long-term wealth creation. Sandeep is struggling with an expensive insurance policy and seeks advice on whether to continue or surrender it. Deepali, living in Bangkok, wonders if she should purchase health insurance in India ahead of a potential relocation and whether she should adjust her asset allocation or sell a rental property for better returns.
Chapters:(00:33 - 05:02)Making the Most of Your First Salary
(05:03 - 06:07)Understanding Investment Portfolios
(06:08 - 09:45)How to Invest Savings for a Young Adult
(09:46 - 11:36)Should You Surrender an Expensive Insurance Policy?
(11:37 - 15:53)Health Insurance and Real Estate Decisions for Relocation
https://www.amfiindia.com/Themes/Theme1/downloads/MAMForm-forchangeinstatusfromMinortoMajor.pdf
https://www.camsonline.com/Investors/Service-requests/Service-Request-Forms/Minor-attains-Major
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
Thu, 20 Mar 2025 - 17min - 66 - Why Smart People Make Dumb Money Mistakes
In this episode, Monika explores why even the smartest people fall into common money traps. Our emotions and habits often override logic, leading to costly mistakes like fearing market crashes, selling assets at the wrong time, or waiting too long to invest. She breaks down two key behavioral patterns—mental accounting and anchoring—that drive these poor financial decisions. Mental accounting makes us treat money differently based on its source, leading to suboptimal choices like keeping low-yield savings while carrying high-interest debt. Anchoring causes us to fixate on past prices and unrealistic expectations, preventing sound investment decisions. Monika shares practical ways to sidestep these traps and take a more rational approach to money management.
Next, she explains the concept of purchasing power and how inflation erodes what money can buy over time. While prices rise for most goods and services, she points out that some costs, like mobile phone tariffs, have actually decreased, challenging the assumption that purchasing power always declines across the board.
In the listener Q&A, Kiran asks whether buying term insurance at 48 is worth it when he plans to retire in five years. Anup shares his financial milestones and seeks advice on investing while planning for his daughter’s future and his parents’ health. Jay outlines his strategy for managing his parents’ finances after a recent windfall and wants feedback on how to refine his approach.
Chapters:
(00:30 - 07:19)Why smart people make dumb money mistakes
(07:20 - 08:28)Understanding purchasing power
(08:29 - 11:10) Is term insurance worth it at 48?
(11:11 - 14:28)Investing for short- and long-term goals
(14:29 - 17:10)Managing finances for retired parents
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
Thu, 13 Mar 2025 - 18min - 65 - Does Your Portfolio Tell a Story?
In this episode, Monika challenges listeners to examine their portfolios and uncover the story they tell. Using a real-life example of a doctor struggling with scattered investments, she illustrates the importance of organizing financial data in a clear and structured manner. Monika emphasizes that knowing one's net worth, understanding asset allocation, and tracking investments in an accessible format are essential steps in financial planning. She walks through the process of categorizing investments into debt, equity, hybrid, and other assets, ensuring that every investor has a comprehensive view of their financial health.
Next, Monika explains the concept of market capitalization and why it matters in investment decisions. She breaks down how a company's market cap is determined and what differentiates large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. Using India's largest companies as examples, she highlights how market cap classification affects risk and return potential. She also answers a fundamental question: can mid-cap companies evolve into large caps or fall into small-cap territory? The discussion sheds light on how stock performance influences classification and investment strategies.
In the listener Q&A, Archana Panda seeks guidance on managing her inherited wealth independently while ensuring she receives sound financial advice. Monika discusses the importance of working with a fee-only financial planner and warns against costly, complex products pushed by banks and PMS schemes. Manpreet Singh questions whether his large-cap allocation is sufficient, considering his diversified mutual fund portfolio. Monika analyzes his holdings and confirms that his indirect large-cap exposure aligns with his investment goals. Lastly, Umang Maheshwari, a 25-year-old NRI, asks if aggressively repaying his student loan is the right move. Monika reassures him that his disciplined financial approach will set him up for long-term success and financial freedom by his late twenties.
Chapters:
(00:51 - 08:35)Does your portfolio tell a story?
(08:36 - 10:42) Understanding market cap
(11:18 - 15:26) Finding the right advisory service
(15:27 - 18:44) Large cap exposure in mutual funds
(18:45 - 22:02) Balancing debt repayment and savings
https://aria.org.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
Sponsor Message:
Start your journey towards financial well-being. Download the 1 Finance app now:https://1finance.onelink.me/5Kxt/peh3p2s8
Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment of IA with Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. SEBI RIA Registration No. INA000017523,www.1finance.co.in
Thu, 06 Mar 2025 - 23min - 64 - How to Navigate a Down Market
In this episode, Monika helps listeners navigate a down market, explaining why market downturns feel more painful than they actually are. Drawing from behavioral economics, she highlights how loss aversion—our tendency to feel losses more strongly than equivalent gains—affects investment decisions. While markets have declined 12% from their peak, the last four years have delivered over 20% annualized returns. Monika urges investors to zoom out, focusing on five-year rolling returns and asset allocation rather than reacting emotionally to short-term losses. She also discusses how seasoned investors weather market swings by sticking to a disciplined strategy.
Shifting gears, Monika breaks down the concept of interest rates and how they impact loans and investments. She explains why interest is essentially the price of a loan, factoring in deferred consumption, inflation risk, and borrower creditworthiness. Using real-world examples, she compares secured loans like home loans, which carry lower interest rates, with unsecured loans like credit card debt, which come with significantly higher costs. Monika challenges listeners to think critically about risk, prompting them to consider why a blue-chip company would pay lower interest than a small real estate firm.
In the listener Q&A, Himanshu Patnekar asks whether shifting PPF maturity proceeds into mutual funds makes sense for long-term goals, especially given his pension-backed retirement. Dhanya James struggles to decide between buying medical insurance online or through an agent, seeking Monika’s guidance on service quality versus cost. Lastly, an anonymous listener questions the viability of market-linked debentures promising high returns, prompting Monika to dissect the risks, taxation, and costs involved in such products.
Chapters:
(01:38 - 06:12) Understanding loss aversion and market downturns
(06:13 - 08:38)Interest rates and their impact on borrowing
(09:18 - 13:05) Should you move your PPF corpus to mutual funds?
(13:07 - 15:52) How to choose the right medical insurance
(15:54 - 18:56) Are market-linked debentures worth the risk?
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
Sponsor Message:
Start your journey towards financial well-being. Download the 1 Finance app now:https://1finance.onelink.me/5Kxt/peh3p2s8
Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment of IA with Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. SEBI RIA Registration No. INA000017523,www.1finance.co.in
Thu, 27 Feb 2025 - 20min - 63 - What’s your SIP Strategy?
In this episode, Monika dives into the debate surrounding Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) and whether they are truly the wealth-building tool they are often made out to be. A prominent fund manager recently warned that SIPs in small- and mid-cap mutual funds may not yield the high returns investors expect, igniting a firestorm of discussion. Monika explores the claims, comparing historical returns across different asset classes and reminding listeners of the importance of long-term investing. She recounts a colleague’s decision to exit equity markets in 2020 due to short-term underperformance—only to miss out on the subsequent market boom.
Monika also breaks down the concept of rolling returns, explaining why they offer a more accurate picture of investment performance than simple point-to-point returns. Analyzing Nifty indices over different time horizons, she highlights how long-term SIP investors in well-chosen funds have generally fared well despite market volatility. She stresses that while SIPs are a great tool, they are not a magic bullet—they must be part of a well-structured financial plan that includes asset allocation, rebalancing, and a mix of equity and debt investments.
Listener questions bring in real-life concerns. Tanvi Telang, soon to be engaged, seeks advice on managing finances as a couple when incomes and money attitudes differ. Shakti Kumar wonders if four years of underperformance against the benchmark is a sign to switch funds. Lastly, Mahesh Patnala from Gurugram asks if Monika would personally manage his portfolio, expressing his struggles with long-term financial planning.
Chapters:
(00:48 - 09:37) The great SIP debate and why investors are worried
(09:38 - 12:18) Understanding rolling returns and long-term performance
(12:52 - 16:41) Managing finances as a couple
(16:44 - 17:55) When to switch funds after underperformance
(17:57 - 20:08) Finding the right financial guidance
https://www.advisorkhoj.com/mutual-funds-research/benchmark-rolling-return
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
Sponsor Message:
Start your journey towards financial well-being. Download the 1 Finance app now:https://1finance.onelink.me/5Kxt/peh3p2s8
Disclaimer: Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, enlistment of IA with Exchange and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. SEBI RIA Registration No. INA000017523,www.1finance.co.in
Thu, 20 Feb 2025 - 21min - 62 - Is it Enough to Plan Just Investments?
In this episode, Monika explains why investment planning is just one piece of the larger financial planning puzzle. Many investors focus solely on where to put their money but overlook critical aspects like cash flow management, risk protection, and long-term goal setting. She walks listeners through the fundamentals of financial planning—starting with tracking expenses and setting savings targets, then building essential safeguards like an emergency fund, medical insurance, and life insurance before even thinking about investments. She emphasizes that true financial security comes from having a well-structured plan that includes retirement and estate planning, not just picking the right stocks or mutual funds.
Monika also breaks down the concept of an asset, clarifying common misconceptions. An asset isn’t just something you own—it must generate income or appreciate in value. From stocks and bonds to property and even a taxi used for earnings, she explains how different assets work and why some, like insurance policies, don’t qualify. Understanding assets is key to making informed investment decisions, and Monika highlights why a thoughtful approach to asset allocation is essential for long-term wealth creation.
Listener queries bring up diverse financial concerns. Himanshu Sharma from Wellington questions the need for asset allocation when small caps tend to outperform over the long term. Dr. Aishwarya from Bengaluru faces major life decisions, including moving cities, having a baby, and buying a home, while managing a partner who prefers to keep his money in a savings account. Finally, Dr. Ajith from the UK seeks Monika’s insights on whether index investing in mid- and small-cap funds is a smart strategy.
Chapters:
(00:46 - 08:01) Why investment planning is just one piece of financial planning
(08:02 - 08:56) Understanding assets: What qualifies and what doesn’t
(09:31 - 12:08)Asset allocation and compounding
(12:10 - 14:43) Balancing homeownership, career moves, and family planning
(14:45 - 16:44) Index investing in mid and small caps
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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Thu, 13 Feb 2025 - 18min - 61 - What Budget 2025 Means For You
In this episode, Monika unpacks Budget 2025 and what it means for India’s middle class. She explains the government’s bold decision to leave over ₹1 lakh crore in taxpayers’ pockets by making income up to ₹12.75 lakh tax-free and raising the highest tax slab to ₹24 lakh. This massive relief comes amid rising middle-class frustration over stagnant tax breaks, poor public services, and increased welfare spending on lower-income groups. Monika assesses whether this budget signals a shift in economic priorities and what it reveals about the government’s political calculus.
She then dives into the specifics of the new tax regime, breaking down the slab changes and their real impact on disposable income. From the marginal relief provided to those earning slightly above ₹12 lakh to the adjustments in tax deductions for senior citizens and rental income, she deciphers how different taxpayer segments will benefit. Monika also discusses why the market reacted negatively to the exclusion of capital gains from the new tax exemptions and how investors should interpret this policy move.
Beyond income tax, Monika highlights other key proposals that could reshape financial planning for many Indians. She examines the introduction of a centralized KYC system, increased TCS limits on foreign spending, and tax benefits for gig workers and senior citizens. Additionally, she delves into long-awaited pension reforms that aim to streamline regulatory coordination and make retirement planning more investor-friendly. She reflects on whether these measures indicate a maturing economy that acknowledges its growing middle class as a cornerstone of future growth.
Listener queries will return next week, but Monika invites questions on how Budget 2025 affects individual finances.
Chapters:
(00:033 - 03:47) Budget 2025 highlights and the middle-class impact
(03:48 - 07:04) Key income tax changes and who benefits the most
(07:05 - 15:49) New tax slabs, additional proposals, government strategy, and final thoughts
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/the-missing-taxpayer-in-india-s-middle-class-101737903920404.html?utm_source=ht_site_copyURL&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ht_site
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/a-high-class-budget-for-middle-class-india-101738432389365.html?utm_source=ht_site_copyURL&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=ht_site
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
Thu, 06 Feb 2025 - 17min - 60 - How Much Tax Do They Not Pay?
In this episode, Monika investigates a pressing concern: the scale of income tax evasion within India’s middle class. She walks listeners through her extensive research to determine how many eligible taxpayers remain outside the tax net and how much revenue is lost. Using credible reports and official tax data, she arrives at a staggering number—8.3 crore people not paying taxes, leading to a revenue shortfall of ₹7.8 lakh crore. Monika urges policymakers to address this gap rather than burdening existing taxpayers with additional levies.
Monika then breaks down the concept of fiscal deficit, explaining how it arises when government expenditures exceed revenue. She clarifies how borrowing works, the distinction between borrowing for consumption versus capital creation, and why India’s push for infrastructure investment is a positive sign. With fiscal deficit currently at 4.8% of GDP, she highlights the government's target of reducing it to 3% and why this number will be crucial in the upcoming budget.
Listener queries bring up diverse financial concerns. Sujit Kumar asks for insights into Portfolio Management Schemes (PMS) and how they compare to mutual funds. Ajay Kumar worries about mid-cap holdings within his small-cap mutual fund and seeks guidance on rebalancing. Finally, Rohit Sasikumar wants to optimize tax harvesting while switching from an underperforming fund to a Nifty 50 index fund.
Chapters:
(00:34 - 05:09) The missing taxpayer: how much tax is not collected?
(05:10 - 06:34) Understanding fiscal deficit and why it matters
(06:35 - 09:26) Should you invest in a portfolio management scheme?
(09:29 - 12:04) Why does your small cap fund have mid caps?
(12:05 - 13:12) How to harvest tax-free long-term equity gains
https://price360.in/Executive_Summary_Middle_Class.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
Thu, 30 Jan 2025 - 14min - 59 - New or Old Tax Regime?
In this episode, Monika helps you decide between the old and new tax regimes, guiding you through how to choose the right option for your financial situation. She explains the differences between the two regimes, how the new system was introduced in Budget 2020, and the pros and cons of each. Monika emphasizes the importance of understanding your deductions and income level to make an informed choice and offers simple guidelines to help you decide. She also touches on the expected shift to the new regime in the future and how it might affect your tax planning.
Monika then delves into the standard deduction, a tax break that reduces your taxable income without requiring proof of expenses. She explains how this deduction works in both the old and new tax regimes and why it’s a helpful tool for simplifying your taxes. Monika highlights the flat standard deduction available in the new tax regime and how it addresses concerns for salaried individuals who may not benefit from itemized deductions. She wraps up with a brief look at the benefits this deduction brings to taxpayers across various income brackets.
Listener queries bring in valuable real-world questions. Mr. S from Coimbatore, a 20-year-old just starting his career, asks for advice on choosing mutual funds for SIPs. Avantika Kapoor from Dubai inquires about surrendering her whole life policy. Suraj Paul from Bangalore seeks guidance on whether to handle his financial planning independently or hire a professional.
Chapters:
(00:33 - 05:06)Should you choose the old or the new tax regime?
(05:07 - 06:02)Understanding standard deduction
(06:03 - 09:08)How to choose a mutual fund
(09:09 - 13:08)Should you exit your whole life policy?
(13:09 - 15:00)Should you DIY or hire a financial planner?
https://cleartax.in/s/old-tax-regime-vs-new-tax-regime
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
Thu, 23 Jan 2025 - 16min - 58 - How Much Tax do you Finally Pay
In this episode, Monika takes an insightful dive into the Indian tax system, exploring how taxes shape individual behavior and government policies. She explains the key components of taxation in India, including direct and indirect taxes, and highlights their impact on your income, spending, and investments. By analyzing the distribution of the tax burden, Monika lays bare the disproportionate load borne by the middle class and high-income earners, and offers a clear perspective on how taxes contribute to government revenue and expenditure.
Monika also breaks down the commonly misunderstood terms: exemptions, deductions, and rebates. Using practical examples, she clarifies how each impacts taxable income and overall tax liability. From exemptions like agricultural income to deductions for investments like PPF and medical insurance premiums, she simplifies these technicalities for better financial planning. She stresses the importance of understanding these distinctions, especially during budget season.
Listener queries this week address diverse personal finance concerns. Amit Minocha worries about rising medical costs and how to secure adequate health insurance for retirement. Pavithran Selvakumar, a 24-year-old from Coimbatore, seeks advice on mitigating market risks for future redemptions from index funds. Raghuvendra from Bangalore asks whether investing in high-interest company deposits is a safe choice for his daughter’s education and marriage savings.
Chapters:
(00:34 - 11:31) How Much Tax Do You Really Pay? A Deep Dive into India's Tax System
(11:33 - 12:40) Exemptions, Deductions, and Rebates: What’s the Difference?
(12:41 - 15:00) Medical Insurance: Planning for Rising Costs with Super Top-Up Plans
(15:02 - 16:25) Redeeming Investments in a Market Crash: Strategies for Safety
(16:27 - 17:52) Should You Use Company Deposits for Long-Term Goals?
https://cbic-gst.gov.in/gst-goods-services-rates.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
Thu, 16 Jan 2025 - 19min - 57 - Why a Welfare State Means High Taxes for the Middle Class and Rich
In this episode, Monika explores a tough yet important topic: the inevitability of high taxes for the middle class and the rich, even with possible tweaks in Budget 2025. She explains the evolution of taxation from ancient civilizations to modern welfare systems and why higher taxation is expected to persist in democracies with large lower-income populations. Monika emphasizes the burden on the top 10% and urges listeners to brace for higher taxes while hoping for more equitable contributions across society.
Monika dives into the complexities of interest rates, offering a detailed breakdown of how they are determined. She explains the three main factors influencing interest rates: deferred consumption, inflation risk, and credit risk. By comparing home loans with credit card loans, she clarifies why interest rates on secured loans are lower. She concludes with a reminder to evaluate risks before accepting higher interest offers from alternative investments.
Listener queries cover various personal finance topics. Ram Raju from Kerala asks about transitioning fully to small-cap index funds. Girishkumar from Chennai, at 26, inquires about using a financial planner early in his investment journey. Lastly, Smita Bhaskar asks for guidance on parking a lump sum for an upcoming home purchase.
Chapters:
(00:33 - 6:08)High Taxes in a Welfare State: Why the Middle Class and Rich Will Keep Paying
(6:09 - 8:43) Understanding Interest Rates
(8:48 - 11:26)Should You Shift Fully to Small-Cap Index Funds?
(11:28 - 13:40)Should You Hire a Financial Planner at 26?
(13:42 - 14:54)Best Way to Park Lump Sum for a Down Payment
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
Thu, 09 Jan 2025 - 16min - 56 - Your Money in 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
Thu, 02 Jan 2025 - 19min - 55 - Will Your Credit Card Unpaid Dues Cost More Now?
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
Thu, 26 Dec 2024 - 14min - 54 - Does your health insurance company pay its claims?
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)
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
Thu, 19 Dec 2024 - 17min - 53 - How to Redeem your Mutual Funds
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
Fri, 13 Dec 2024 - 17min - 52 - What slowing GDP means for you
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://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.pdf
If you have financial questions that you’d like answers for, please email us at mailme@monikahalan.comMonika’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
Thu, 05 Dec 2024 - 15min - 51 - Should you pay off your future partner’s debts?
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
Thu, 28 Nov 2024 - 20min - 50 - Why is Inflation So High?
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
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
Thu, 21 Nov 2024 - 17min - 49 - Will Crypto get a Trump Boost?
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
Thu, 21 Nov 2024 - 16min - 48 - Why are Markets Choppy?
In this episode, Monika explains why Indian stock markets, after a four-year bull run, are now experiencing choppy waters. She discusses how markets sometimes grow ahead of the economy’s fundamentals, leading to short-term volatility. She highlights that while Sensex has returned a remarkable 23% per year over the last four years, long-term averages show more moderate returns. Investors should prepare for lower returns in the near future, possibly high single digits or low double digits, aligning with historical averages.
Monika also examines the role of Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) in recent market fluctuations. FIIs withdrew over Rs 88,000 crore from Indian equities in October 2024, partly to rebalance portfolios and shift funds back to the US amid election uncertainties. However, she notes that strong domestic investments through mutual funds and retirement accounts have cushioned the impact, preventing a larger market drop. Monika advises investors to stay focused on asset allocation rather than reacting to short-term FII moves.
The episode also addresses estate planning, with Monika stressing the importance of preparing an efficient asset handover. She recommends essential steps, like naming nominees on all financial accounts, keeping property documents accessible, and writing a registered will. By organizing assets now, families can avoid unnecessary stress and financial setbacks later on.
In listener queries, Richa Kukreja, a single working woman, seeks guidance on building a retirement corpus of INR 5 crore by age 60 through mutual funds. Sahil Kapoor from Dallas asks about tracking mutual fund returns and whether XIRR or annualized returns are more effective for this purpose. Lastly, Vidya, nearing retirement, shares her concerns about protecting her investments amidst global uncertainties and the potential impact on her mutual fund portfolio.
Chapters:
(0:41 - 5:01) Why Are Indian Markets Choppy? Understanding the Current Market Pullback
(5:02 - 7:06)Dealing with Death: Estate Planning and Asset Handover
(7:10 - 10:46) Building a Retirement Corpus with SIPs
(10:48 - 15:59) Annualized Returns
(16:02 - 18:58) Protecting Investments in Uncertain Global Events
https://www.amazon.in/Factfulness-Reasons-Wrong-Things-Better/dp/1473637465
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
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/
Monika’s book on mutual funds
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/
Calculators
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
Thu, 07 Nov 2024 - 20min - 47 - Should you Buy or Rent?
In this episode, Monika discusses the protests by life insurance agents against recent policy changes favoring policyholders. Insurance agents, news reports say, are upset over reduced commissions and clawbacks due to new IRDAI rules that allow investors to keep more money when surrendering policies early. Effective from October 1, 2024, these changes aim to protect policyholders from harsh penalties while addressing mis-selling issues. Monika views these shifts positively for investors and recommends opting for term policies and direct investments over bundled insurance plans.
The episode also addresses the question of whether young people in their 20s and 30s should buy or rent a home. Monika advises that purchasing should only occur if one plans to stay long-term, as real estate is not an ideal investment due to low rental yields and variable appreciation. For those seeking flexibility in their careers, renting is often a smarter choice. She emphasizes the financial trade-offs involved in this decision, noting that buying early may limit career opportunities.
In listener queries, Nripjit Singh Chawla asks if he should redeem his equity mutual fund investments for an index fund. Monika advises against rushing this decision and suggests evaluating the current portfolio first. Dr. Abhinabha Saha, a 26-year-old doctor from Kolkata, wonders whether to take a loan for an MBA or use investments. Monika recommends a mix of both to balance costs. Lastly, Chandan Kundapur from the US seeks advice on generating monthly cash flow from mutual funds. Monika suggests utilizing a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) and consulting a financial planner for international relocation.
Chapters:
(0:33 - 5:57)Protests by Life Insurance Agents and Policy Changes
(5:58 - 9:50) The Age-Old Question: Should You Buy or Rent?
(9:54 - 11:40) Should I Switch From Equity Mutual Funds to Index Funds?
(11:41 - 13:15) Financing an MBA with Loans vs. Investments
(13:17 - 15:07) Generating Monthly Cash Flow from Investments
https://www.hindustantimes.com/opinion/irdai-signs-off-on-investor-gouging-101711633140902.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
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/
Monika’s book on mutual funds
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/
Calculators
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
Thu, 24 Oct 2024 - 16min - 46 - Job loss, Direct vs Regular and Family Finances
In this episode, Monika reflects on the Durga Puja week, sharing her joy in visiting pandals while noting the limited news that led to her changing the episode format by addressing five listener questions instead of the usual 3.
Anonymous from Bengaluru, nearing retirement, faces the dilemma of paying his sisters Rs 1.2 crore for an inherited home, with suggestions like selling his rental flat or staggering payments over five years. Sachin Gupta from NOIDA, recently laid off at 40, wonders about withdrawing from his EPF for investments; the advice is to continue the job search for 6-12 months. Saurab Roy seeks guidance on increasing SIP contributions with 12 mutual funds, and consolidation to one platform while reducing funds to 8-10 is encouraged. Nayan Paliwal plans to use a windfall bonus for a home down payment in 1.5-2 years, and fixed deposits are recommended for safety. Finally, Amit Kohly, an NRI considering a switch from regular to direct mutual fund plans, is advised on potential tax implications and a gradual transition. This episode emphasizes the importance of informed financial decision-making in balancing family obligations and investment strategies.
Chapters:
(0:34 - 0:53) Introduction and Format Change
(0:55 - 3:47)Dilemma of Paying Sisters for Inherited Property
(3:55 - 6:57) Advice on EPF Withdrawal After Job Loss
(7:05 - 9:11) Increasing SIP Contributions and Managing Mutual Funds
(9:14 - 10:52)Investing a Windfall Bonus for Future Home Purchase
(10:54 - 13:0) Switching from Regular to Direct Mutual Fund Plans
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
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/
Monika’s book on mutual funds
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/
Calculators
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
Thu, 17 Oct 2024 - 14min - 45 - New Mutual Fund Category For Risk Takers
In this episode, Monika discusses Sebi’s recent announcement of a new mutual fund category for high-net-worth investors. This new category will allow for higher-risk, potentially higher-return products, with a minimum investment of Rs 10 lakh. It aims to expand investment options without increasing risk in the broader market. Monika highlights the current limitations in mutual fund categories and explains how this change will give more flexibility in investment strategies. She will update listeners as more details emerge, especially regarding costs and fees.
Next, Monika covers the new rules for transferring financial products like mutual funds, stocks, and listed bonds. Sebi now allows up to 10 nominees and has simplified the inheritance process for easier management by heirs and joint owners, particularly for elderly or incapacitated investors.
In listener queries, Dr. Prateek Srivastava faces a dilemma about taking over his mother’s home loan. Monika suggests exploring options like splitting the loan burden between siblings or selling the house to reduce the financial strain while ensuring a valid will is in place. She also advises Shilpa K to keep her emergency fund safe in a large commercial bank rather than chasing higher returns in small finance banks. Lastly, Namit Saxena, who holds 40 mutual fund folios, is encouraged to streamline his portfolio to 6-8 funds, using tax exemptions to rebalance over time.
Chapters:
(0:32 - 4:47)SEBI’s New Mutual Fund Category for Risk Takers
(4:47 - 5:56)Capital Market Inheritance Made Easier
(6:24 - 10:54)Managing a Home Loan Dilemma
(10:57 - 12:28)Emergency Fund Safety in Small Finance Banks
(12:30 - 14:08)Streamlining a Messy Mutual Fund Portfolio
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
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/
Monika’s book on mutual funds
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/
Calculators
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
Thu, 10 Oct 2024 - 15min - 44 - Surrender Values, Expense Ratios and Real Estate
In this episode, Monika discusses recent changes in life insurance policies that have resulted in improved surrender values for policyholders starting October 1, 2024. Previously, policyholders faced harsh penalties for exiting mid-term, but now they can recover more than 70% of their premiums even after the first payment, and nearly 90% after five payments. This is a significant step towards better treatment of investors, though the insurance industry may still try to navigate around these regulations.
Next, Monika clarifies that an SWP, or Systematic Withdrawal Plan, is not a standalone product but a method for withdrawing funds from a mutual fund. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how withdrawals can impact overall returns.
Lastly, Monika addresses listener queries, including Upasana's concerns about rising expense ratios in her mutual fund, Saurabh's questions about portfolio efficiency concerning capital gains taxes, and Visvesara's search for alternative investments after selling a property. She provides insights and advice to help listeners make informed decisions.
Chapters:
(00:32 - 00:29) Life Insurance Changes: A Long-Awaited Victory
(00:30 - 05:41) Understanding Surrender Value
(05:42 - 07:32) Decoding Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP)
(07:42 - 12:16) Expense Ratios: What You Need to Know
(12:19 - 14:25) Evaluating Investment Portfolios: Small Cases and Active Management
(14:28 - 17:23) Exploring Real Estate Alternatives
https://www.amfiindia.com/investor-corner/knowledge-center/Expense-Ratio.html
https://www.valueresearchonline.com/my-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
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/
Monika’s book on mutual funds
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/
Calculators
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: inoutcreatives.com
Production Assistant: Anshika Gogoi
Thu, 03 Oct 2024 - 18min - 43 - Cryptos, FDs and Smart Beta Funds
In this episode, Monika presents an intriguing blend of insights and answers to listener questions.
First, she explores how several non-US countries are seeking alternatives to the dollar-based global payment system, particularly regarding cryptocurrency. She clarifies that this discussion isn't an investment recommendation but highlights its implications for the future of global transactions.
Next, Monika dives into a micro event: Airtel’s new app-based fixed deposit service that launched on September 1, 2024. This innovation aims to simplify FD investments by allowing users to choose deposits from various banks through an easy-to-use dashboard. She also shares some risks, especially regarding higher interest rates from smaller banks.
Finally, Monika addresses three listener questions: one asks whether to pay off a home loan given the changing tax landscape; another inquires about the potential benefits of smart beta funds compared to traditional index ETFs; and the last expresses frustration over unequal investment allocations between spouses, seeking advice on how to handle this with their financial advisor.
Chapters:
(00:38 - 02:04) Cryptocurrency: Alternative to Dollar-Based Payment Systems
(02:06 - 04:24) The Role of Crypto in International Trade: Russia and India
(04:26 - 07:17) Fixed Deposits: Airtel's App-Based Investment Service
(07:32 - 11:44) Home Loan Decisions: Balancing Tax Benefits and Financial Strategy
(11:46 - 15:57) Smart Beta Funds: Understanding Strategy-Based ETFs
(15:59 - 18:40) Portfolio Allocation Issues: A Case Study on Gender Bias in Financial Advisory
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
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-money-english/
Monika’s book on mutual funds
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-mutual-funds/
Monika’s workbook on recording your financial life
www.monikahalan.com/lets-talk-legacy/
Calculators
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
Fixed Deposit Home Page - Airtel
https://cleartax.in/s/section-115bac-features-new-tax-regime-benefits https://cleartax.in/s/old-tax-regime-vs-new-tax-regime
Can smart beta funds deliver on their promise of low risk, high returns? (moneycontrol.com)
Nifty200 Momentum 30 (niftyindices.com)
Strategy Indices (niftyindices.com)
Thu, 26 Sep 2024 - 19min - 42 - When to Sell in a Bull Market
Monika brings a new format to her podcast from this episode onwards.
She will first tell you what a macro event means for you. This episode she tells you the impact of government spending on GDP growth and how that matters in your financial life.
Then she will unpack a micro event. This week it is the changes in the Public Provident Fund that go live from October 1 2024.
She then answers three listener questions. The first one has to do with when to sell in a bull market.
Next is a question on shifting to a more tax advantaged product than debt funds.
And last, a worry about planning mutual fund investments so that the kids can get the money without having to sell the funds.
Chapters:
(00:35 - 03:47) Government Spending and Its Impact on GDP Growth
(03:48 - 07:12) Changes to Public Provident Fund (PPF) Rules and Consolidating Financial Accounts
(07:47 - 10:49) When to Sell in a Bull Market and the Importance of Asset Allocation
(11:11 - 14:18) Shifting from Debt Funds to Arbitrage or Equity-Saving Schemes Post-Tax Changes
(14:25 – 17:17) Legacy Planning and Managing Expectations for Children's Inheritance
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
Thu, 19 Sep 2024 - 18min
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