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Can I switch careers at 29 with poor grades?

Patrick

Patrick Dsouza  |1024 Answers  |Ask -

CAT, XAT, CMAT, CET Expert - Answered on Jun 18, 2024

Patrick Dsouza is the founder of Patrick100.
Along with his wife, Rochelle, he trains students for competitive management entrance exams such as the Common Admission Test, the Xavier Aptitude Test, Common Management Admission Test and the Common Entrance Test.
They also train students for group discussions and interviews.
Patrick has scored in the 100 percentile six times in CAT. He achieved the first rank in XAT twice, in CET thrice and once in the Narsee Monjee Management Aptitude Test.
Apart from coaching students for MBA exams, Patrick and Rochelle have trained aspirants from the IIMs, the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and the S P Jain Institute of Management Studies and Research for campus placements.
Patrick has been a panellist on the group discussion and panel interview rounds for some of the top management colleges in Mumbai.
He has graduated in mechanical engineering from the Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad. He has completed his masters in management from the Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2024Hindi
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Career

Hi, I'm 29 years old and have been working at PSB for the past 6 years. I earn a handsome income but want to switch to my career by doing an MBA from a top B school (via GMAT), but while doing some career counselling from Pvt consulting firms, they said I have very poor grades and if I score well in the GMAT, there is still no chance to get calls from top B schools. So pls give me guidance (10th 85%, 12th 85% (CBSE), Graduate (BSc Hons Agriculture (4yr Program)) 7.5 CGPA, 6.5 YEARS OF BANKING EXPERIENCE, Also i have done my PG certification in Financial Management from IIM trichy (3.19 on 4 point scale)

Ans: I dont think your acads are bad. You can write GMAT and try getting into Executive MBA course from ISB or top IIMs or XLRI.
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A guy had a crush on me. He started contacting me then confessed that he likes me. . Then gradually i happened to really like him. I started reciprocating my feelings and we were constantly in touch after being vocal on how much we like each other. After few months he started to show low energy then stopped contacting me. When i tried to reach him again he said we can be bestfriends and that I'll always be his crush. Nothing more than that. I was extremely hurt. Suddenly after week's he texted me saying Thankyou as he cleared his university Exam (i helped him out) . What should I do now. Shall I respond or not. And does he want me back or what's going inside him
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It is very difficult to tell what’s going on in someone’s mind, or how feelings change suddenly; it is unfair but it’s very common. If he has clearly mentioned that he does not want anything romantic with you, it is best to not pursue. I understand that it has hurt you, and maybe somewhere, it has also hurt your ego, but it is best to respect his boundaries. Coming to responding to his message- since he has thanked you for your help, it would be decent to reply; you can do it with a simple “you are welcome.” But I won’t force you to do it; if you think that he doesn’t deserve it, then you can avoid it. But if you are wondering if he wants you back, as an onlooker, I didn’t see any indication of that. Then again, as I mentioned, it is difficult to tell what’s going on in someone’s mind. If you want clarity, you should have an open discussion and ask him about it. That much explanation he owes you.

Hope this helps

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8268 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 21, 2025Hindi
Hello sir I have 5 cr asset 1 cr fd 1 cr PPF note I want to invest in mutual funds which is zero as in date I am interested for lum sum in large cap icici small cap nippon mid cap Motilal Osatwal and flexi cap parag parekh please suggest and guide me
Ans: You have done very well in building Rs 5 crore asset base.

It is also wise that you are thinking to enter mutual funds now.

Let us assess and build a plan. From a 360-degree angle. Simple language. Deep analysis.

Please follow each section below carefully.

Your Current Financial Position
You have Rs 5 crore worth of total assets.

Rs 1 crore is in Fixed Deposits. This gives safety and liquidity.

Rs 1 crore is in PPF. This gives tax-free and risk-free returns.

You have zero mutual fund investments currently.

You want to now begin investing in mutual funds via lump sum.

You are considering four categories: Large Cap, Mid Cap, Small Cap, Flexi Cap.

You have mentioned specific schemes. But I will guide category-wise. Without any scheme names.

Let’s Appreciate Your Thought Process
You are not putting everything in mutual funds. This is a good move.

You are balancing traditional instruments like PPF and FDs.

You are taking a gradual, thoughtful entry into equity investments.

You are aware about diversification. That is why you are considering multiple categories.

Suggested Asset Allocation – A Balanced Strategy
To become a wise long-term investor, we need to balance safety and growth.

Let’s do a proper allocation.

Rs 2 crore: Can stay in FD + PPF. Already in place. Retain for safety.

Rs 3 crore: Can be planned for equity mutual funds. Do not invest all at once.

Start with Rs 1 crore lump sum first. Keep balance Rs 2 crore ready in FD.

This way you don’t take too much risk at once.

Over next 12 to 18 months, move rest Rs 2 crore slowly to mutual funds.

Recommended Category-Wise Allocation for Rs 1 Crore Lump Sum
Now we split Rs 1 crore across different categories.

This gives diversification and reduces concentration risk.

Large Cap Fund: Rs 25 lakh
Stable, less volatile. Invests in top 100 companies.

Flexi Cap Fund: Rs 25 lakh
Fund manager can pick across large, mid, and small caps. Balanced flexibility.

Mid Cap Fund: Rs 25 lakh
Gives potential growth. Slightly higher volatility.

Small Cap Fund: Rs 25 lakh
Very high risk. Very high return potential. Invest only if you can stay for 10+ years.

All these should be actively managed mutual funds. Not index funds or ETFs.

Why Not Index Funds?
Many investors believe index funds are low cost. But that alone is not enough.

Index funds cannot beat the market. They only copy it.

During market falls, index funds fall as much or more.

No fund manager is present to manage risk.

In volatile times, actively managed funds perform better.

Good actively managed funds give better returns than index funds. With better downside protection.

Why Not Direct Funds?
Direct funds look cheaper. But not always better.

Without a Certified Financial Planner or MFD, there is no personalised guidance.

Direct plans leave investors confused in bad markets.

You may enter or exit at the wrong time. This reduces overall returns.

Regular funds through a trusted MFD + CFP ensure strategy is followed.

They help you stay invested and adjust based on your goals.

Taxation Awareness – Keep These in Mind
Equity mutual fund gains above Rs 1.25 lakh (LTCG) taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

PPF is tax-free. FD is taxed as per slab.

So hold equity mutual funds for minimum 5 years to benefit from taxation.

How to Proceed – Step by Step Approach
Step 1: Identify your financial goals. Retirement, children, travel, etc.

Step 2: Choose category-wise funds with help of Certified Financial Planner.

Step 3: Invest Rs 1 crore in 4 parts: Large, Flexi, Mid, Small.

Step 4: Keep balance Rs 2 crore in liquid FDs.

Step 5: Start STP (Systematic Transfer Plan) from FD to mutual funds monthly.

Step 6: Review portfolio every 6 months with your planner.

Step 7: Rebalance portfolio yearly. Take help from Certified Financial Planner.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity Plan
Keep at least Rs 20 lakh separate for emergency.

Use liquid mutual funds or short-term FDs.

Do not touch equity funds in emergencies.

Medical or sudden family needs must be funded from safe instruments.

Insurance and Risk Planning
Check if you have proper health insurance. For you and dependents.

Life insurance may not be needed at this stage. Still, assess with a planner.

Do not mix insurance and investment.

Behavioural Discipline Matters Most
Market will go up and down. Do not panic.

Stay for at least 10 years in equity mutual funds.

Avoid switching funds frequently.

Monitor but do not react too much.

Trust the process. Be patient. Wealth will grow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not invest lump sum in only one fund or one category.

Do not chase past performance.

Do not keep too much in FD beyond emergency or short-term needs.

Do not fall for NFOs or trendy new funds.

Do not withdraw early unless for goals.

Final Insights
You are already financially sound. That is a strong foundation.

Mutual funds will now add a growth engine to your wealth.

Choose actively managed funds. Avoid index and direct plans.

Take help of a trusted Certified Financial Planner to manage this journey.

Stay diversified. Stay patient. Stay goal-focused.

Mutual funds will help you become wealthier. In a stable and systematic way.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8268 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 21, 2025

How to become crorepati with sip
Ans: Becoming a crorepati through SIP is a smart financial dream.

It is very much possible for anyone.

Even if your income is modest, you can still reach Rs. 1 crore.

It only needs discipline, planning, and patience.

Let us explore how this can be achieved through a 360-degree approach.

We will break this into simple steps and areas to focus on.

We will also assess every important angle that can affect the outcome.

We will keep it practical and achievable for every Indian household.

Let us now begin step-by-step.

? Understanding SIP – The First Step

SIP means Systematic Investment Plan. You invest a fixed amount every month.

It is done into a mutual fund of your choice. You choose an amount you are comfortable with.

It builds discipline in investing and works well with monthly income.

It uses the principle of rupee cost averaging. It helps you buy more units when the price is low.

SIP works best in equity mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.

? Start Early, Invest Regularly

Time plays a very big role in wealth creation. Start early if possible.

Even small SIPs can become big amounts over time.

The longer you stay invested, the more your money can grow.

Power of compounding needs time to work effectively.

If you delay, then you need to invest more to reach the same goal.

? Choose Actively Managed Mutual Funds

Index funds look cheap but are not always better. They copy the market.

Index funds do not perform better than active funds in all conditions.

Actively managed funds have expert fund managers. They select the right stocks.

Actively managed funds can outperform the market with good strategies.

In India, market is still not fully efficient. So active management works better.

? Avoid Direct Mutual Funds – Go with Regular Funds via CFP

Direct funds may look cheaper but have hidden disadvantages.

In direct plans, you do not get personalised advice. You are on your own.

No guidance on when to enter or exit, or which fund to choose.

Regular plans have Certified Financial Planners (CFP) who track your goals.

They help you avoid wrong investments and improve returns.

Regular funds ensure proper handholding and better fund suitability.

? Decide Your Investment Amount and Time Horizon

Fix a goal – you want to become a crorepati. Write it down.

Decide when you want to reach Rs. 1 crore. 10 years? 15 years?

Choose your SIP amount based on your time frame.

Longer time means lower SIP needed. Shorter time means higher SIP.

Start with what you can afford. Increase it yearly if possible.

? Increase SIP with Income – Step-Up Strategy

When your income increases, your SIP should also increase.

This is called step-up SIP. You can increase it by 5% or 10% every year.

This makes your goal easier and quicker to reach.

It balances your lifestyle and investment growth.

Step-up SIP helps you reach bigger goals without stress.

? Diversify – But Keep It Simple

Do not put all money in one mutual fund. Use 3 to 4 funds.

You can have a large-cap fund, mid-cap fund and a flexi-cap fund.

You may also include sectoral or thematic fund for growth.

Do not over-diversify. Too many funds will dilute returns.

Choose quality funds with consistent long-term performance.

? Monitor Performance Every Year

Review your SIPs once a year. See if the fund is doing well.

Compare with other similar funds in same category.

Replace poor performers with better ones with help of a CFP.

Do not change funds too often. Give them time to perform.

Stay patient. Equity needs time to give results.

? Keep SIPs Running Even During Market Falls

Do not stop SIP when market is low. That is when SIP works best.

You get more units at lower prices. That boosts long-term returns.

Market corrections are normal. They help in wealth building.

Never time the market. Just continue SIP without emotions.

Discipline and consistency are the real wealth builders.

? Taxation Awareness – Know Before You Sell

Equity mutual funds have new tax rules now.

If you sell after 1 year, gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

If you sell within 1 year, gains are taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds gains are taxed as per income slab.

Always plan withdrawals to reduce tax impact.

? Use SWP in Retirement Phase – SIP for Wealth Building

SIP is used to build wealth before retirement.

After retirement, use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) for income.

It gives monthly cash flow without disturbing investment.

Combine SWP with debt mutual funds for stability.

Helps in managing expenses while wealth continues to grow.

? Keep Emergency Fund Separate

Do not use SIP for emergency needs. Keep separate savings for that.

Emergency fund must be 6 to 12 months of expenses.

Use liquid mutual funds or short-term FDs for this.

This protects your SIP and long-term goal from disruptions.

Emergency fund gives peace of mind. Very important for every family.

? Stay Protected – Don’t Ignore Insurance

Buy good health insurance for all family members.

Have term insurance if you have dependents.

Do not mix insurance and investment. Avoid ULIP and endowment plans.

Surrender old LIC policies or investment-cum-insurance if returns are low.

Invest surrendered amount in mutual funds to boost growth.

? Goal-Based Planning Is Key

Your goal is not just Rs. 1 crore. It is why you want it.

Maybe for child education, retirement, or financial freedom.

Write down your goals. Link each SIP to a goal.

It keeps you focused and avoids unnecessary expenses.

Goal clarity improves savings and investment decisions.

? Avoid Emotional Investing – Trust the Process

Do not get influenced by news, friends, or market ups and downs.

Stick to your SIP. Trust the process and your planner.

Fear and greed are biggest enemies of wealth creation.

Keep SIPs boring and automatic. That is how wealth grows.

Discipline beats timing. Patience beats panic.

? Plan with a Certified Financial Planner

Certified Financial Planner helps you select the right funds.

They help create customised plan based on your goals.

They review your progress and make changes when needed.

Their guidance helps avoid costly mistakes. Very valuable support.

Choose CFPs with experience in mutual funds and retirement planning.

? Do Not Chase High Returns – Chase Consistency

Do not run behind best performing fund every year.

Past returns do not guarantee future performance.

Choose funds with consistent 5 to 10 year records.

Focus on funds with risk-adjusted returns, not just returns.

Consistency helps your SIP reach target smoothly.

? Don’t Delay – The Best Day to Start is Today

Many people wait for perfect time to invest. That never comes.

Start SIP with whatever amount you can now.

Even Rs. 1000 per month is a good start.

Increase amount later. But don’t delay the start.

Start early, stay long, and stay invested. That’s the simple formula.

? Automate Everything – Make SIP Hassle-Free

Set auto debit from your bank for SIP.

Choose date after salary credit. Never delay SIP.

Treat SIP like any other important monthly bill.

Automation ensures discipline. No temptation to spend first.

You focus on earning, SIP focuses on growing.

? Watch Out for SIP Disruptors

Avoid taking too many loans or EMIs. They reduce your SIP capacity.

Do not stop SIP to buy non-essentials. Plan purchases carefully.

Emergency, job loss or illness should not affect SIP. Plan for it.

Keep a buffer always. Avoid stress and continue investing.

Financial freedom comes with consistent behaviour.

? Finally – Your Journey to 1 Crore is a Reality

Becoming crorepati with SIP is not magic. It is method.

It needs time, planning, and belief in the process.

Avoid shortcuts. Stay away from market tips and trends.

Use SIP with right funds, right mindset, and right advisor.

This journey gives you more than money. It gives financial confidence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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