I am investor, trader in share market and I also use mutual fund for my long term plans. it is very simple and declined planning that will get you good returns in the market. that is what I am doing till now and getting good returns. keep some amount every month after taking care of house hold things. just put 1000/- as SIP in 4-5 good equity diversified fund and see the magic after 5 years. ALl the SIP’s should be min of 5 years and max 20yrs so as to get min of 20-23lac for a period of 20 yrs by investing 1000/- every month in one fund.
So imagine 5 funds and 5 SIP running parallel for 15-20 years. This will take care of your children marriage or higher education. Never go for NFo or thematic and sector funds. These thematic and sector funds will give good returns only for a limited period(like currently ever one r looking into infrastructure fund).best is go for equity diversified funds which invest in all the industries which reduces the risk of market crash.
ex. for 1000/- for 5 yrs at 25%-40% interest you will getv a return of min 3-4 lac and for 10 yrs it will be 8-10lac and 20 yrs it will be 20-23lac.this is my challenge.try and see u will get all the happiness which I am enjoying now.
Thanks