I am a freelance photographer and earn between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 1.2 lakh during the wedding season. In some months, my income drops to less than Rs. 30,000. I have a chit fund with a monthly payment of Rs. 12,000, which will be completed in March 2026. My wife earns Rs. 27,000 per month, and our household expenses are covered by her income.
I want to invest in equity market, but I am not interested in direct investment in stocks or gold. Since my income is not stable, can you suggest some good investment options? I would like to accumulate Rs 45 lakhs in 5 years to build a house without taking a loan. – Anand Kishore, Chennai
The choice of investing in passively managed funds (like ETFs) or in actively managed funds depends on your outlook on the active fund’s ability to outperform the index. While both can be purchased monthly or as needed, most active funds and index funds offer SIP option, which can be considered if you do not have the time to manage their investments periodically. ETFs can still be considered if you are looking only for near index returns (after accounting for the expense ratio).
Regarding the future value needed, a rough estimate suggests that to accumulate Rs. 45 lakhs in 5 years, you need to start a monthly SIP of around Rs. 52,000 to Rs. 55,000 (assuming an expected return of 12% to 14%). An investment of Rs. 20,000 per month at an expected return of 12% can grow to approximately Rs. 16.2 lakhs (assuming no lump sum investment is planned for now). Please refer our Mutual Fund recommendations for July 2025.
Silver prices are rising. Can I buy silver as a safe investment like gold? Can silver be bought through any platforms? If so, which ones? How can I buy it from a jeweller, and can I resell it later? – Meenakshi G, Bengaluru
Gold and silver offer distinct advantages within an investment portfolio. Gold, renowned for its stability, has historically maintained value during economic uncertainty. Silver, while more volatile due to its dual nature—both as a precious metal and an industrial material—offers higher return potential but carries increased risk.
Your choice between gold and silver should depend on your price outlook for these asset classes, risk tolerance, financial goals, and understanding of their trading dynamics. Silver can be purchased either in physical form (coins, bars) or in digital form, such as Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Silver ETF can be bought and sold in demat form through a registered exchange member (stock exchange platforms).
How can we sell gold without 2 – 4 percent reduction? – Rajat, Mumbai
Physical gold usually comes with some associated costs at the time of buying and selling, depending on whether it is in the form of gold coins, bars, or ornaments. Electronic gold (such as Gold ETFs or Gold Funds) carries an expense ratio and/or transaction cost, which is usually lower than that of physical gold.
