Ask ET Mutual Funds: Where should I invest for my marriage expenses?

I am an NRI whose monthly saving is 1.25 lakhs (after taxes and living expenses). I am likely to get married by October 2018. I don't have any other major expenses in near future other than my marriage. I am interested in investing the money and spend the returns on my marriage. I would like to know what type (debt, equity, liquid etc) of funds (or any funds in particular) should I invest in (with approximate expected returns)? I would be very grateful if you can answer my query.
--Abey Alex

Puneet Oberoi, Certified Financial Planner, Excellent Investment Advisorz, answers the query:

You have stated that you are getting married in October 2018 and you need that money for the marriage purpose. That means you have an investment horizon of less than two years, which is quite low for investments in any equity product. Since you have a fixed goal which cannot be delayed or postponed, you cannot take risk on your investments. So, my recommendation will be an Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in a short duration bond fund . But that will not yield you higher returns. If you can hold a little bit amount for a longer term, I would suggest an SIP in balanced funds .


Suggestions :

Birla Sun Life Short Term Opportunities Fund: Rs 1 lakh per month ICICI Prudential Balanced Advantage Fund: Rs 25,000 per month
Bond funds will give you a return of around 8- 9 per cent per annum.
Balanced funds generally offer anywhere between 10- 15 per cent in the long run.

Hope your query is answered.


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