I recently received a ₹50 lakh windfall. How should I invest it?

I'm 40 and received a *50 lakh windfall. My portfolio is 60% equity mutual funds, with gold and FDs. Should I invest in real estate for diversification with a 15-year horizon, given my retirement and children's education goals? How can I balance risk, returns, and liquidity, and what tax-efficient options should I consider? Should I adjust my portfolio and review it regularly?

- Nehal Mota

A ₹50-lakh windfall offers a valuable opportunity to reassess your financial strategy, particularly in the context of retirement planning and funding your children's education over the next 8-15 years.

Since you are 40 years old and plan to retire around 55, you have a 15-year investment horizon and are well-positioned to optimise risk-adjusted returns by thoughtfully diversifying your portfolio.

Given that 60% of your current portfolio is allocated to equity mutual funds, incorporating real estate can provide diversification benefits, especially with a 15-year time horizon.