Confused Mechanical Engineer: How Can I Boost My Career Without a Clear Goal?

Ans: HI Basant,
Why Biotech?

Ans: Hello Dear
Join B.Sc. (Biology etc.) with PCB marks of the 12th grade. If you can start preparation for NEET and fail to crack it, go with the B.Sc. option.
Best of luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: You are 36 years old and debt-free. You also have Rs. 16–17 lakhs ready. That gives you a strong base. Now, let us look at your decision between plot purchase and mutual funds from a full 360-degree view.

Present Financial Strength
You have no loans. That is a good position.

You are already in a better financial place than most peers.

You have Rs. 16–17 lakhs free. This gives you flexibility.

Being loan-free and liquid at 36 is a powerful place.

Now your next step needs proper thought.

Investment in Plot – Reality Check
A plot looks attractive. But it is not flexible.

Once you buy, you lock your full money into one asset.

A plot does not generate monthly cash flow.

Maintenance, tax and legal issues can arise with plots.

Selling it quickly is tough during emergencies.

Growth in land price is very slow in many cases.

Location may not always favour appreciation.

You may need to spend more to develop it later.

No regular return means wealth is just stuck.

Plot investment is emotional, not financial.

It is not suitable for all financial goals.

If you plan to build a house, that’s different.

But for investment, it is not ideal.

Mutual Funds – A Better Path
Mutual funds offer variety and liquidity.

You can start small or big, as per your plan.

You can invest for short, medium or long term.

You can also pause or withdraw if needed.

They are professionally managed.

They bring diversification across sectors.

You don’t need large capital to start.

You also don’t carry holding cost or legal worries.

Mutual funds offer long-term compounding benefits.

They have transparency and regular reporting.

You stay in control, always.

Understanding Active Funds over Index
You didn’t mention index funds. Still, a quick word.

Index funds just copy the market. Nothing more.

They don’t adjust to risks or themes.

They fall as much as market does.

Actively managed funds try to reduce downside.

Fund managers try to beat market returns.

Active funds give more flexibility in asset selection.

They also follow investment discipline.

For goal-based planning, active funds are better.

Direct Plans vs Regular Plans
You didn’t mention direct mutual funds. Still, let’s clarify.

Direct plans may save cost, but offer no guidance.

When markets fall, they leave you confused.

You may act emotionally and harm your goals.

A Certified Financial Planner adds behavioural support.

A good Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP will guide you.

This is more important than cost saving.

Regular plans include advisory support.

So invest through qualified professionals.

Financial Goal Alignment
Think clearly—what do you want from the money?

Do you have goals like retirement, home, child education?

If yes, mutual funds fit better than land.

Plots don’t match financial goals well.

They can’t be sold in parts to meet needs.

Mutual funds can be used goal-by-goal.

You can create multiple funds for multiple goals.

Emergency Readiness
Plot doesn’t help during emergencies.

It is not liquid and can’t be partly sold.

Mutual funds give access within 1–3 days.

Liquid funds and ultra-short-term funds support emergencies.

Always keep 6–9 months of expenses in these.

Plots have no role in your emergency fund.

Taxation Understanding
Plot sale attracts capital gains tax.

You also need to reinvest sale value to avoid tax.

Mutual fund taxation is clearer and easier.

Long-term equity fund gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains from equity taxed at 20%.

Debt funds taxed as per your slab.

Payout and reinvestment are flexible.

Tax filing for funds is also simple.

Growth and Wealth Creation
Mutual funds grow gradually with compounding.

Even small SIPs grow big with time.

You can add more each year as income grows.

You can track and review performance every quarter.

A plot may not grow consistently.

Land markets have ups and downs too.

Many plots stay stagnant for years.

With mutual funds, value creation is more visible.

Psychological Comfort
A plot may feel tangible.

It feels safe because we can touch it.

But this is emotional, not financial.

Mutual funds feel boring but are efficient.

Wealth creation does not need emotional attachment.

Rational decision wins in the long run.

Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t invest in plot without a clear personal use plan.

Don’t put all Rs. 16–17 lakhs into one asset.

Don’t invest just because others are doing it.

Don’t ignore liquidity while chasing growth.

Don’t take emotional decisions with big money.

Don’t delay decision thinking market is high.

Don’t invest directly in mutual funds without guidance.

Better Way to Use Rs. 16–17 Lakhs
Keep Rs. 2–3 lakhs in emergency liquid fund.

Allocate rest in 3–4 mutual fund schemes.

Choose based on goals: 3, 5, 10 years and beyond.

Use goal-based buckets with SIP and lump sum both.

Invest through MFD or Certified Financial Planner.

Review and adjust your portfolio yearly.

Increase SIPs each year as income grows.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner
A CFP will align investments with goals.

They help track your financial life clearly.

They offer behavioural support in tough markets.

They plan for taxes, cash flow and risks.

They help you avoid emotional decisions.

They don’t just sell products—they build strategy.

They keep your financial plan on track.

If You Already Have LIC or ULIP
If you have investment-cum-insurance policies, check returns.

Most give poor returns of 3–5%.

Surrender them if lock-in is over.

Reinvest that amount into mutual funds.

It will help you reach goals faster.

Use term insurance for protection only.

Final Insights
You are 36 and debt-free. This is your strength. Rs. 16–17 lakhs is a big opportunity. A plot may look attractive but has many limits. It locks capital, has no returns, and poor liquidity. Mutual funds are flexible, diversified, and goal-focused. You can start small and build big. You can track progress and change anytime. You can manage risk better with professional help. Avoid direct and index funds. Use regular plans through MFDs with CFP credential. If you have LIC or ULIPs, exit smartly. Mutual funds give you more freedom, growth and control. Take your next step wisely.

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

Ans: You are earning well, saving regularly, and have already built solid assets. Let’s now assess everything step by step from a 360-degree perspective, especially around your children’s future planning and surplus utilisation.

Income and Expense Stability
You earn Rs. 2.4 lakhs monthly. This is a strong income level.

Income tax deduction is Rs. 40,000. This is expected at this income range.

EMI of Rs. 38,000 is reasonable. Your debt level is under control.

You still manage to save over Rs. 90,000 per month. This is excellent.

That means your monthly lifestyle is simple and well-managed.

Keeping 5-10k surplus even after all expenses shows healthy budgeting.

Your income stability as a government employee is a big plus.

Review of Current Savings Pattern
You contribute Rs. 40,000 in PPF. This adds a long-term debt base.

Rs. 32,000 goes into SIPs. This is your wealth-building engine.

Rs. 10,000 for Sukanya Samriddhi helps with your daughter’s education.

These numbers show your savings mix is both long-term and growth-focused.

You have covered equity and debt exposure. This is a strong habit.

EMI is not eating away too much from income. That is very good.

Real Estate Holdings
You and your wife co-own properties worth Rs. 3 crore.

You also have an inherited property of around Rs. 1 crore.

These are big assets. But they are illiquid.

They can support you later but can’t be used for monthly needs.

Don’t increase real estate further. Focus more on financial assets.

Rental income, if any, is a bonus. Don’t count on it for planning.

Maintenance and taxes will reduce returns from real estate.

Instead, continue with flexible and growth-focused investment vehicles.

Children’s Future Planning
You are saving Rs. 10,000 monthly in Sukanya. This is for your daughter.

You have not mentioned any investment for your son separately.

Try to match his future needs as well. Start a goal-specific SIP.

Even Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 monthly is fine for now.

This can build into a strong corpus over 10-15 years.

Use well-managed diversified mutual funds for this.

Equity funds are best for long-term goals like education or marriage.

Avoid locking into traditional insurance plans for children.

They give low returns and little flexibility.

Protection Review
You did not mention life insurance coverage.

A term plan is essential to protect your family.

It should be at least 10-12 times your annual income.

Avoid endowment or ULIP or moneyback policies.

They mix investment and insurance, giving poor returns.

If you already hold any such policies, consider surrendering them.

Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds for better growth.

Also take health insurance for family, even if government offers coverage.

Additional personal cover is safer for future needs.

Surplus of Rs. 5-10K Monthly
You are left with Rs. 5-10k after all your current investments.

This amount should not be left idle in bank savings account.

Use this to start another SIP for your son’s future.

Or increase your existing SIPs step by step every year.

This habit will compound well over long periods.

You can also use this to top up your emergency fund.

Ensure you have 6-9 months’ expenses in liquid or overnight funds.

Don’t over-invest and ignore liquidity. Balance is the key.

Portfolio Structuring Suggestions
Keep three clear goals: Retirement, Daughter’s needs, Son’s needs.

Allocate different funds to each of these goals.

Don’t mix short-term and long-term goals in one investment.

For your retirement, let PPF and SIPs continue.

For kids, do not depend on real estate or inheritance alone.

Use equity mutual funds for long-term education goals.

For short-term goals, prefer debt or balanced hybrid funds.

Don’t invest directly in mutual funds using online platforms.

Direct funds offer no behavioural guidance or portfolio strategy.

Invest through a Certified Financial Planner or MFD with CFP credential.

Regular plan charges are small, but advice value is huge.

It helps during market corrections and goal prioritisation.

Taxation Understanding
Your tax deduction of Rs. 40,000 per month equals Rs. 4.8 lakhs yearly.

You are likely in the 30% tax slab. Plan investments accordingly.

SIPs in equity funds get taxed based on holding time.

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh per year is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG is taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains are taxed as per your slab.

PPF and Sukanya are tax-free. They balance your taxable products.

Tax-saving should not be the only reason to invest.

Focus on return, liquidity, and goal matching.

Long-Term Wealth Planning
Your existing assets are worth Rs. 4 crores (property + inheritance).

SIPs and PPF will keep adding wealth every month.

Over the next 15-20 years, this will grow into a strong retirement corpus.

Plan to use mutual fund redemptions, not real estate, for children’s needs.

Inheritance property can be considered as legacy or support post-retirement.

Keep your property documents updated and nominate properly.

Estate planning is important when property is jointly owned.

Goal Specific Advice
For daughter: Continue Sukanya. Add an equity fund for post-education goals.

For son: Start a new SIP for his education or career.

For retirement: SIPs and PPF will build base. NPS can be considered later.

Emergency fund: Keep this liquid. Use ultra-short term funds or sweep FDs.

No new real estate: Avoid buying new property for children’s names.

Role of Behaviour and Planning
Don’t pause SIPs during market corrections.

Maintain consistency in monthly savings habit.

Review goals and investments once every year.

Align each product to one specific goal.

Avoid following online trends or popular fund lists.

Don’t chase high returns without understanding the risk.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner for long-term accountability.

Behavioural coaching matters more than products or returns.

A planner will keep your goals in the centre and adjust portfolio.

Finally
You are already on the right track. Your income is high and savings are consistent. You own property assets and have inheritance in place. You are investing in a mix of equity and debt. You have started Sukanya for your daughter. Now, begin a small SIP for your son too. Do not increase real estate further. Focus more on liquid, flexible, and growth-oriented mutual funds. Avoid ULIPs or traditional policies. If you hold any such plans, surrender and reinvest wisely. Build each goal separately. Increase SIPs yearly. Maintain term insurance and health cover. Keep reviewing every year with a Certified Financial Planner. This will ensure your children’s future and your own retirement stay secure and stress-free.

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

Ans: HI
Responded.

Ans: HI,

Ans: HI
Better, clear your doubts from them instead of wasting your time.

Ans: HI Vaishnavi,
MBBS with BVSc?

Ans: HI Payal
NIT is better. In future, chemical industry will boom.