Hey folks, wanted to get some perspective from all of you whether it makes sense to invest in NPS for people in high risk jobs. For context, I am 33 and currently at a 15% surcharge bracket and really hate paying the exorbitant taxes and was exploring NPS as a means to save some. I think it makes a lot of sense for someone at a slightly higher tax bracket. However with the current market conditions, there’s a very high risk of layoffs and I may not even have a job in another 5 years. So locking in my money till I’m 60 makes me extremely uncomfortable. Also I read some posts (unverified) where the returns are 8-9% in long term as well for equity heavy funds which seems a bit underwhelming especially considering I’ll be locked in for like 25 years. Neither am I too bullish on Indian equities given the current state of the country. How do you guys think about this and navigate this dilemma? What should be the decision making approach and are there any other factors to consider that I’m overlooking?

Lots of talk of the nasdaq being at an all time high, AI bubbles, and of course economic uncertainty. Would it be wise to reduce impact/protect the gains made? I know it’s not wise to try time the market - but keen for others opinions I’m 41, make a decent salary, wife and two kids, but also not feeling like we are getting ahead / where we need to be - so wanting to protect our nest egg.