Twenty-five years is an ideal age to start saving and managing your
investments.

Ideally, one should invest 90 per cent in equity and 10 per cent in debt.
ELSS (equity linked savings schemes) and a pension fund are also two good
investment options. Include life insurance and health policy in your
portfolio for protection and tax deduction benefits. If you are planning to
buy a house, invest in fixed deposits.

At 35 your priorities are different. Your child's education expense is now
part of your investment portfolio. Besides this, home loan and insurance are
a must as they get you a tax deduction. At this age, you should be putting
75 per cent money in equity and 25 per cent in debt. Also start planning for
retirement at this age and include a pension plan in your portfolio. 35 is
also the right age for investment in ELSS.

At 45 years of age, it is necessary to maintain the equity-debt ratio at
75:25. It is also time to invest in your child's higher education. Start
putting money in PPF (Public Provident Fund) and equity fund. Five-year
fixed deposits should also be on your portfolio.

A 55-year-old should invest in debt and equity in equal proportion. Also
invest in NSC (National Savings Certificate) so that the cash flow is
maintained after retirement. Don't wait till February and March to do
investments. The best strategy is to begin your investments at the start of
the year and continue it throughout the year.