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