Allocation is crucial: Now this is something that your advisor can guide you through. A mutual fund portfolio isn’t just about investing in equity. It consists of a mix of various categories such as equities, debts, commodities, themes, and sectors. The right mix varies from person to person. The main factors considered while deciding the right mix are age, income, liquidity needs, liquidity constraints, future scenarios, risk appetite, risk tolerance, and return requirements. The guidance of an expert is essential for efficient allocation when you’re new to investing. An investment advisor can also help with the finer nuances of investing for longer horizons, such as periodic rebalancing and reconstitution. A word to the wise: Always make sure you have a diversified allocation between equity and debt.