Should I Choose Alliance University?

Ans: Hello A
With the mentioned details, little chances are there to get admission in NITs but may get to IIITs.
Best of luck to your son.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear.
If no option left, go with it. VIT is a prestigious institute and have good record from placement point of view.
Best of luck to your daughter.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello.
If you are financially sound, prefer CSE @ Thapar.
Best of luck to you.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Kalaimagal
You may choose the AI + DS program in medical engineering at Amrita if you do not have any other alternatives. However, if you are able to secure admission to CSE with AI/DS/ML, it is advisable to prioritize that option. The aforementioned choice will provide you with promising opportunities in the future, although it may involve a longer waiting period. If you have made a decision and are committed, then proceed with it.
Best of luck to you.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Your disciplined approach to investing, especially in mutual funds, is commendable. With a current corpus of Rs. 40 lakhs and a goal to reach Rs. 1 crore in the next 5 years, it's crucial to evaluate your existing investments and potential changes carefully. Let's delve into a comprehensive analysis to guide your financial journey.

1. Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
a. ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund

This fund has shown significant growth, moving from Rs. 1.7 lakhs to Rs. 4.2 lakhs.

It primarily invests in large-cap stocks, offering stability and consistent returns

Given its performance, it aligns well with long-term investment goals.

b. DSP ELSS Tax Saver Fund

This fund has also performed admirably, growing from Rs. 3.4 lakhs to Rs. 7.2 lakhs.

As an ELSS, it offers tax benefits under Section 80C but comes with a 3-year lock-in period.

Its consistent performance makes it a valuable component of your portfolio.

c. Active SIPs

Your ongoing SIPs in small-cap, mid-cap, and blue-chip funds provide a diversified exposure to the equity market.

This diversification is beneficial for balancing risk and returns.

2. Assessing the Proposal for HDFC Life Click 2 Invest ULIP
ULIPs combine insurance and investment, often leading to higher charges and complexities.

HDFC Life Click 2 Invest ULIP has a mandatory lock-in period of 5 years, restricting liquidity.

Given your existing commitments to PPF and LIC, adding another locked-in product may not be ideal.

ULIPs often have higher costs compared to mutual funds, which can erode returns.

3. Recommendations for Portfolio Adjustment
a. Retain High-Performing Funds

Both ICICI Prudential Value Discovery Fund and DSP ELSS Tax Saver Fund have demonstrated strong performance.

Consider retaining these funds to continue benefiting from their growth potential.

b. Rebalance Portfolio for Goal Alignment

Evaluate the proportion of investments across different fund categories.

Ensure that your portfolio aligns with your risk tolerance and the 5-year investment horizon.

c. Avoid Additional Lock-In Products

Given your preference for liquidity and existing locked-in investments, refrain from adding products like ULIPs.

Focus on investments that offer flexibility and align with your financial goals.

4. Tax Considerations
Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Plan redemptions strategically to minimize tax liabilities.

Consider spreading out redemptions over multiple financial years if necessary.

5. Monitoring and Review
Regularly review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial objectives.

Stay informed about market trends and fund performance.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner periodically for personalized advice.

Finally
Your current investment strategy has yielded impressive results. By maintaining a diversified portfolio, avoiding high-cost products with lock-in periods, and staying informed, you are well-positioned to achieve your goal of accumulating Rs. 1 crore in the next 5 years. Continue to monitor your investments and make informed decisions to ensure continued financial growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Your structured planning so far is truly appreciable. You are managing your income, loan EMIs, insurance, and child savings well. That shows your sincerity.

Let us assess your financial standing and suggest a child education investment plan that is well-aligned with your life goals.

Monthly Income and Deductions
Your take-home salary is Rs. 72,000 per month.

PLI premium of Rs. 4,000 is already being deducted.

10% contribution towards NPS also goes from your salary.

Flat EMI of Rs. 35,000 is a large fixed commitment every month.

SSY contribution of Rs. 12,500 per month started this year.

You are left with limited surplus every month.

However, this will improve in 2 years once EMI reduces.

Evaluation of Current Commitments
PLI maturity value of more than Rs. 20 lakhs in 2031 is good.

This can be used for daughter’s higher studies later.

Flat EMI is manageable now but restricts fresh investment.

SSY account for daughter is a wise long-term choice.

Good that your health is covered under CGHS.

Term insurance of Rs. 1 crore is a responsible decision.

Understanding Future Education Costs
Your son is 8 years old now.

He will go to college in 10 years.

Your daughter is 5 years old.

She will go to college in 13 years.

Higher education costs are increasing 8%-10% yearly.

Engineering, medicine or abroad studies need larger funds.

Investment Strategy for Children’s Education
Let us now plan how you can invest from your surplus for your children’s future.

Short-Term Focus (Next 2 Years)
Flat EMI is Rs. 35,000 per month.

You also invest Rs. 12,500 monthly in SSY.

That totals Rs. 47,500 per month of fixed outflow.

After that, Rs. 24,500 remains from Rs. 72,000.

Keep Rs. 5,000 monthly for unexpected expenses.

Use the rest for starting a monthly investment.

Start with Rs. 10,000 SIP from now in equity mutual funds.

Choose balanced and child-focused mutual funds.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner for better support.

Avoid direct plans. Regular plans with guidance are better.

Direct plans offer no personal advice or help during market falls.

Regular plans offer MFD + CFP expertise and investment hand-holding.

After 2 Years (When EMI Ends)
You will get back Rs. 35,000 of monthly surplus.

You should increase your SIP from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000.

This will create a strong corpus in 10+ years.

Continue this SIP regularly without breaks.

Use this for son’s college when he turns 18.

Later, same SIP will help your daughter too.

Diversify across multi-cap, large-mid cap and flexi-cap mutual funds.

Why Not to Invest in Real Estate Again
Real estate needs high capital and long lock-in.

It does not offer regular returns or liquidity.

Focus on financial instruments that are flexible.

Mutual funds offer liquidity, diversification and long-term returns.

Also, real estate has maintenance cost and tax complications.

Avoiding ULIPs and Insurance-Based Investments
ULIPs mix insurance with investments.

That leads to higher costs and lower returns.

You already have term insurance, which is sufficient.

So do not buy child ULIP or endowment plans.

Focus only on mutual funds for wealth creation.

Investment Account in Your Name
All SIPs should be in your name.

You can make your children as nominees.

There is no need to open accounts in their name.

You will control and manage the investments better.

Withdraw when needed for their education expenses.

Emergency Fund Creation
Keep Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakh as emergency fund.

Use bank FDs or liquid funds for this.

Do not touch mutual fund investments for emergencies.

Emergency fund protects your long-term goals.

Tax Planning for You
You already claim 80C through SSY and PLI.

ELSS mutual funds can also give 80C benefit.

ELSS has 3-year lock-in and offers long-term growth.

Consider small SIP in ELSS for dual benefit.

Avoid exceeding 80C limit to keep your cash flow free.

Benefits of Regular Mutual Funds
Regular plans offer guidance from Certified Financial Planners.

You get customised fund selection as per goal.

There is annual review and correction support.

In difficult markets, professional advice keeps you on track.

This support is not available in direct mutual fund plans.

Not Recommending Index Funds
Index funds follow market passively.

They offer no protection in down markets.

Active mutual funds perform better in Indian markets.

They also help during corrections and offer better stock choices.

Certified Financial Planner will help you select suitable active funds.

Tracking Investment Progress
Every year, check your SIP growth.

Don’t stop SIP even if market goes down.

Review fund performance with a planner yearly.

Shift funds only if performance is weak for 3 years.

Future Withdrawals and Usage
Withdraw from mutual funds only when needed.

Withdraw gradually during college years.

Use the Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for smooth cash flow.

That avoids market timing and helps better tax planning.

Discipline is the Key
Consistency will create a large corpus.

Start small, increase later, but never stop.

Avoid panic during market corrections.

Keep a long-term mindset always.

Education Goal Summary
SIP of Rs. 10,000 now, Rs. 25,000 later.

Stay invested for next 10-15 years.

Do not withdraw for any other reasons.

Don’t use it for marriage or house purchase.

Keep it strictly for education expenses.

Insurance Review
Your term plan is Rs. 1 crore.

Review it every 5 years.

Don’t buy new insurance policies for savings.

PLI will mature soon and give lump sum.

Use it only for your daughter’s college.

Summary of Key Actions
Create emergency fund of Rs. 2 lakh.

Start SIP of Rs. 10,000 now.

Increase SIP to Rs. 25,000 after EMI ends.

Avoid real estate, ULIPs, endowment plans.

Avoid direct mutual funds.

Avoid index funds.

Invest via Certified Financial Planner only.

Review every year. Stick to long term.

Finally
You are doing many things right already. Your discipline and awareness are your strength. With the right investments and consistent SIPs, you will meet your children’s education goals peacefully. Use mutual funds with expert help, avoid distractions, and invest regularly.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: You are 33 years old, have an 8-month-old child, and plan to retire at 45. You are earning Rs. 1.2 lakh per month and currently have no savings. Your goal is bold and needs a clear and disciplined strategy. Let’s build a financial plan that works for you.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I will break it down into clear sections. This approach gives you 360-degree clarity.

Understand and Acknowledge Current Reality

You have 12 years to build your retirement corpus.

With zero savings now, early retirement at 45 needs focused execution.

Having a young child increases responsibility and expense going forward.

Right now, income is your only strength. Use it wisely and strategically.

Build a Solid Budgeting Structure

Start by tracking every rupee spent each month.

List all fixed expenses like rent, EMIs, fees, groceries, and transport.

Identify unnecessary spends like subscriptions, eating out, and gadgets.

Create a monthly budget with at least 35% for savings and investments.

Keep lifestyle inflation under check to maintain a healthy saving rate.

Create an Emergency Fund First

Emergency fund is the first step before investing.

Save at least 6 months of expenses in a separate liquid account.

Do not invest this money in risky options like shares or mutual funds.

Keep this fund in a mix of savings account and short-term liquid instruments.

Use it only for real emergencies like medical, job loss, or accidents.

Start Insurance Protection Immediately

You must protect your family from financial shocks.

You need term insurance of at least 15 times your yearly income.

Since you are the only earner, take Rs. 1.5 crore to Rs. 2 crore coverage.

Keep it separate from investment. Only pure term plans are required.

Take health insurance for yourself, spouse and child immediately.

Save for Retirement Before Other Goals

Retirement is your first priority as you have only 12 years left.

Save minimum 40% of your monthly income towards retirement corpus.

As your income grows, increase savings too without increasing expenses.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) in mutual funds is a powerful tool.

Begin SIP with even Rs. 15,000 per month and increase every 6 months.

Choose the Right Mutual Fund Strategy

Do not go for index funds. They are passive and follow the market blindly.

Index funds lack flexibility in falling markets and offer limited downside protection.

Prefer actively managed mutual funds. They can beat inflation better.

Invest in mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner or MFD.

Do not choose direct mutual funds. You miss personalised guidance.

Children’s Education Planning is Secondary Now

Your child’s education will need funding in 15–18 years.

Right now, retirement is urgent. Prioritise it over child education.

Later, when retirement plan is on track, start SIPs for education.

Use goal-based investing. Tag your SIPs for each specific goal.

Avoid Any ULIP, Traditional or Combo Policies

Do not mix insurance and investments.

ULIPs, endowments and money-back plans give poor returns.

If someone sells such policy, ask if it beats inflation after tax and costs.

Avoid plans with lock-ins, poor liquidity and complex bonus structures.

Don’t Rely on Real Estate for Retirement

Real estate needs huge money, offers poor liquidity.

Selling property quickly is tough when you need urgent cash.

Rental yield is low and maintenance costs are high.

For retirement income, mutual fund SWP works better than real estate rent.

Use Step-Up SIP for Growing Contributions

Increase your SIP amount every year with income growth.

Even a 10% rise annually makes a big difference in final corpus.

This creates wealth without impacting current lifestyle too much.

Review Your Plan Every Year

Life situations and income levels change each year.

Set a fixed date every year to review your goals and investments.

Use this review to make changes if needed.

A Certified Financial Planner will guide you in reviewing goals and SIPs.

Plan Tax Smartly

Tax saving is important but should not be the goal of investment.

Don’t choose PPF or endowment just for tax benefit.

Use ELSS mutual funds. They give tax benefits and also create wealth.

Plan taxes using smart instruments. Avoid investing only to save tax.

Control Lifestyle Inflation

As salary grows, we spend more on lifestyle.

This kills the chance to save more. Stop lifestyle creep.

Keep basic comforts but avoid social comparison spending.

Budget extra income into investment before lifestyle upgrades.

Focus on One Goal at a Time

Don’t try to save for too many goals together.

You have 12 years. Use first 6–8 years only for retirement.

After building base corpus, plan for other goals like house or education.

Have a Clear Exit Strategy

Your retirement corpus should give income after age 45.

Don’t keep money idle. Use a withdrawal plan like SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan).

Use mix of debt and equity funds to protect principal and give income.

Plan it with professional help to reduce tax and risk.

Mind Your Taxes When You Withdraw

After retirement, mutual fund withdrawals will be taxed.

Equity mutual funds: LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG on equity taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual fund gains taxed as per income slab.

Plan withdrawal smartly to reduce tax burden post-retirement.

Avoid Personal Loans and EMIs

Stay away from loans for wants. Take loans only for needs.

EMIs reduce your saving ability and delay financial freedom.

If needed, build a sinking fund for upcoming expenses.

Don’t use credit cards or loans for vacation, shopping, or gadgets.

Build Financial Discipline Through Automation

Automate SIPs and savings through ECS.

Treat SIP like any other bill or EMI. Never skip it.

Auto transfers remove the temptation to spend first.

Keep a separate account only for investments.

Use Joint Planning with Spouse

If spouse earns, make her part of your plan.

Plan joint goals like child’s education and retirement.

Split SIPs and insurance between both for better tax benefits.

Teamwork in money management improves success chances.

Prepare a Will After Building Assets

As assets grow, protect your family with proper nomination and will.

Write a simple will after acquiring investment assets.

This avoids confusion and disputes among legal heirs.

A will ensures your money reaches the right people without delay.

Build Financial Literacy Bit by Bit

Read 1–2 good articles on personal finance every week.

Watch reliable financial channels only. Avoid noise from social media.

Don’t fall for hot tips, crypto hype or overnight wealth promises.

Basic financial knowledge helps you ask right questions to planners.

Finally

You are still young and time is with you.

Starting now with clarity and commitment is key.

You don’t need big amounts. You need regularity and discipline.

Stick to the plan. Track it. Adjust when needed.

Partner with a Certified Financial Planner to create a custom plan.

You can reach your retirement goal if you act today.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: You are doing your best in a tough position. Managing two kids, supporting family, and handling loans with no savings is not easy.

Your sense of responsibility is clear and commendable. Let us now explore your situation with care and clarity.

Current Income and Expense Structure
Monthly salary of Rs. 1.4 lakh is your only income.

Rs. 55,000 EMI towards personal loan takes a large share.

LIC premium of Rs. 10,000 adds pressure on your budget.

Term insurance is good and must be continued.

Daily household expenses, family needs, and kid's expenses further strain your income.

Sister’s marriage adds a large one-time financial need.

Land worth Rs. 39 lakhs (13 cents × Rs. 3 lakh) is a strong asset.

Immediate Family Responsibilities
You are the only earning member. This adds emotional and financial load.

You are managing your father, mother, sister, and two small children.

Your sister’s marriage is important. But your long-term security matters too.

You are planning to give 4 cents of land as dowry. This is a thoughtful move. But this also reduces your total property holding to 9 cents.

Loan Planning for Sister’s Marriage
Taking a new personal loan for marriage can be risky.

You already pay Rs. 55,000 as EMI. Adding more will reduce breathing space.

Your total EMI burden could cross 65-70% of your salary. That is unsafe.

Consider using part land sale if possible for marriage costs.

Instead of gifting land as dowry, you can offer money from land sale.

Selling 4 cents can give you Rs. 12 lakh. Use only what is needed now.

Avoid emotional overspending. Keep marriage costs within this land value.

LIC Policy Assessment
You pay Rs. 10,000 monthly. That is Rs. 1.2 lakh a year.

LIC plans offer low returns, mostly below inflation.

If it is a traditional endowment or money-back plan, returns are poor.

You already have term insurance. That gives full coverage at low cost.

Surrendering the LIC and redirecting the premium to mutual funds can help.

You can evaluate this with a Certified Financial Planner.

Steps to Create Financial Stability
1. Postpone Taking New Loan

Taking a new personal loan is not a good idea now.

First loan will end next year. That will free Rs. 55,000 monthly.

Use that free amount next year to save and plan for future needs.

Till then, try to manage marriage costs through land or other means.

2. Use Land Asset Wisely

You own 13 cents of land. Value is Rs. 39 lakh.

Instead of gifting land, sell a portion.

Keep marriage budget within 4 cents sale proceeds (Rs. 12 lakh).

Don’t sell full land now. Retain some for future children’s needs.

3. Secure Emergency Fund First

You don’t have any savings now. That is risky.

After your current loan ends, build 3 to 6 months expense buffer.

Start with a small goal like Rs. 1 lakh in a savings account.

This protects you from future financial shocks.

4. Start Mutual Fund Investments

After loan closure, start monthly SIP in mutual funds.

Begin with Rs. 5,000 monthly, and increase slowly.

Mutual funds give better long-term returns than LIC or FDs.

Use regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Regular funds have advisory support. Direct funds lack personal guidance.

Professional advice helps you avoid wrong funds and wrong timing.

5. Avoid Multiple Insurance Products

Don’t buy new insurance policies with investment link.

You already have term insurance. That is enough.

Avoid ULIPs and endowment plans. They mix insurance and investment poorly.

6. Provide for Children’s Future

Your kids are young. Start small SIPs for education goal.

Even Rs. 2,000 per month per child is good in the beginning.

Long term compounding will help with education costs after 15 years.

Don’t depend on real estate for children’s education.

Mutual fund-based education plans offer better flexibility and liquidity.

7. Manage Family Expectations

Speak with your family about your limitations.

Make it clear you are doing your best.

Share basic family budget with them if possible.

Setting realistic expectations avoids future stress.

8. Health Insurance is a Must

Check if your family has adequate health insurance.

Hospital bills can wipe out savings and force loans.

If you don’t have a family floater, consider it next year after loan ends.

Premium of Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 20,000 for Rs. 5 lakh coverage is manageable.

9. Use Next Year’s Cash Flow Smartly

Once your personal loan ends, you get Rs. 55,000 relief monthly.

Use Rs. 10,000 for SIPs, Rs. 5,000 for kids’ education fund.

Use Rs. 5,000 for health insurance premium.

Balance Rs. 35,000 can go towards emergency fund or house expenses.

This improves savings without changing current income.

10. Plan for Future Goals Slowly

Don’t try to do everything in one year.

Break goals into yearly steps.

First build emergency fund, then start investments.

Then prepare for children’s higher education and your retirement.

All goals need not start at once. Focus one by one.

11. Avoid High-Interest Debt

Personal loans have high interest. Avoid unless extremely necessary.

Use gold loan or land-backed loan only if cost is very low.

Else, restrict marriage budget within assets like land.

Credit card usage should be avoided for big expenses.

12. Review Your Financial Documents

Keep your term insurance nominee updated.

Ensure you have a basic will or family agreement for land.

Write down your monthly expenses and income.

This will help identify small savings areas.

Final Insights
You are under financial stress. But you are managing with strength.

Don’t rush to take new loans for emotional reasons.

Use land asset for immediate marriage needs wisely.

Once the current loan ends, build emergency fund.

Begin long-term SIPs in mutual funds.

Surrender LIC if it is non-performing and reinvest smartly.

Get help from a Certified Financial Planner to create a step-by-step plan.

Your future can be stronger with small consistent actions.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Hello Bhargav.
Surprised by the decision you taken w.r.t. VIT. In hurry, you took wrong decision. With a percentile of 99.74, your son has a high likelihood of gaining admission to one of the prestigious NITs or IIITs for the ECE branch. It is essential to engage actively in the JOSA admission process and to complete the options with great care. If the VIT administration is unresponsive by phone, please reach out via the email address provided on their website. Continue to send daily emails until you receive a response from them. If you do not receive a reply, consider visiting the office in person.
Best of luck to your son.
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Radheshyam