30M | Starting over after 35L business loss | Sole earner | How to invest 13L?
Hi everyone, seeking some perspective on my "Phase 2." My family lost a business (and ~35L) between 2020-22. We are finally 100% debt-free, but I'm starting from zero as the sole earner for my wife and parents.
I’ve been living very frugally in Bangalore to get us back on our feet. Now that we have some breathing room, I want to move from "survival" to "steady growth."
Financial Stats:
Income: ₹1L/month (in-hand) + ₹1.2L quarterly (US RSUs).
Expenses: ₹30k/month (Total family).
Surplus: ₹70k/month.
Savings: ₹13L (currently in a savings account; no separate emergency fund).
EPF: ₹10L.
Current Assets: Paid-off apartment (Bangalore) + 2 PPF accounts, wife's and mine (3 years done).
Insurance: None (Only corporate cover up to 7L). I think I need to invest more here. Please suggest. I'm a newbie in this aspect.
The Big Questions:
Registration vs. Liquidity: House registration needs ₹10L. Should I withdraw from my EPF (10L) to keep my 13L cash liquid as a safety net, or use the 13L savings and start from zero?
The Gold Hedge: I’m planning to buy 50g physical gold (10g/month). This isn't FOMO; I'm genuinely worried about the US Dollar’s long-term reserve status and potential de-dollarization. Is gold a valid hedge against this, or will my US stocks already act as a hedge?
RSU Strategy: Currently, I sell everything to avoid concentration. Moving forward, I’m thinking of selling 3/4 and moving it to the S&P 500 (US) and keeping 1/4 in company stock. Is the S&P 500 safe if the Dollar weakens, or should I diversify into other sectors? If yes, which sectors? Tech is a bit volatile lately.
Portfolio Split: How should I divide my 70k surplus? I need a cushion for IT job volatility but also need to fund a future "child's dream of education abroad" goal.
Goal: No "get rich quick" schemes. Just a robust safety net and steady growth to protect my family from ever facing a financial crisis again.
Appreciate any advice on the EPF dilemma or the portfolio mix. Thanks!