Nitesh Kumar, email
I recently retired with a Provident Fund of Rs 70 lakh and equity and mutual fund investments of around Rs 60 lakh. I plan to sell my house for Rs 60 lakh and buy a smaller apartment for Rs 30 lakh. My company-provided health insurance for my wife and me is no longer available. Should I buy a policy or keep Rs 50-60 lakh in a fixed deposit (FD)for medical needs?
Keeping such a large amount only in FDs is not advisable since the returns may not keep up with rising medical costs. It is better to buy a family floater health insurance policy for you and your spouse.
Depending entirely on FDs can be risky because one major medical emergency could erode a significant part of your savings.
1 November 2025
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You can keep Rs 15-20 lakh as an emergency fund in FDs and liquid funds for immediate needs. The remaining amount can go into a hybrid mutual fund. Over a period of 5 to 10 years, this can provide regular income through a Systematic Withdrawal Plan; it is tax efficient and helps your principal grow with the power of compounding.
Suhel Chander, CFP, Handholding Financials
Priyam Dutta, email
I recently left my job to start my own firm. I was filing my income tax return under the new tax regime. Can I switch back to the old regime to claim deductions on my National Pension System (NPS), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and other benefits under Sections 80C and 80D?
You can switch to the old regime, but since you now have business income, this choice is limited. You can choose the old regime only once. If you move back to the new regime later, you will not be allowed to switch again.
Under the old regime, you can claim deductions for NPS, PPF and other investments under Sections 80C and 80D. You must exercise this option through Form 10-IEA before filing your income tax return.
Compare your tax liability under both regimes before deciding which one works better for you.
Abhishek Verma, Practising Tax Consultant, Mudra Capital
Nirnay Solanki, email
Is this the right time to invest in gold and silver, looking at the current high prices?
Gold and silver are entering a powerful investment cycle—driven by global uncertainty, industrial demand, and strategic policy shifts. Experts predict continuous bullish momentum through 2030, making this an opportune time to diversify portfolios with precious metals. Gold and silver are entering a strategic investment phase, with prices in India reaching Rs 1,25, 680 per 10 grams for 24K gold (in Delhi) and around Rs 1,89,000 per kg (in Delhi) for silver, as on October 14, 2025.
Amid global uncertainty, these metals offer both safety and growth. Silver demand is surging due to its role in semiconductors, solar panels, and electric vehicles—industries central to India’s green energy push and global climate goals.
Gold continues to act as a hedge against inflation and currency volatility. As trust in the US dollar weakens and central banks increase their gold reserves, the metal’s appeal grows further. At the same time, the Indian rupee faces pressure from global trade imbalances, adding to gold’s attractiveness as a safe haven.
Economists predict that gold may cross Rs 1,50,000-2,00,000 per 10 grams, looking at past 10 years’ average return of 13 per cent, and silver might touch Rs 2,00,000 per kg by 2030, driven by industrial shortages, geopolitical hedging, and expanding global infrastructure.
For Indian investors, gold and silver mutual funds (MFs) and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer cost-effective, transparent access without the hassles of storage or purity verification. Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, these instruments provide liquidity, diversification, and tax efficiency—making them ideal for long-term portfolio resilience.
Maintain a balanced exposure to both gold and silver in your portfolio. Start small investments in MFs and ETFs through regular systematic investment plans.
Hina Shah, CFP®, LUHEM² WEALTH
