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How can I help my lazy and unmotivated 19-year-old son?

Pradeep

Pradeep Pramanik  | Answer  |Ask -

Career And Placement Consultant - Answered on Aug 06, 2024

Pradeep Pramanik is a career coach, placement consultant and director at Fast Track Career Consultants, which provides career counselling, soft skills training and placement consultancy services.
Pradeep, who hails from Bhagalpur in Bihar, has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 15 years in sales, marketing, training and product management roles in companies like Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Elder Pharmaceuticals and Ranbaxy Laboratories.
During his tenure in the pharma industry, he has worked in different states including Bihar, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
In 1998, he launched Fast Track Career Consultants with the aim of helping youngsters find jobs through the right career counselling, training and placement services.
They also offer HR analysis and appraisal services.
Over the years, he has been invited by management and engineering institutions to discuss education and employment policies, entrepreneurship, soft skills and emerging careers in India.
He has published four books on career counselling and contributed articles to print publications.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2024Hindi
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Career

My son is 19 years of age.He is very lazy and interested only in mobile and computer games.He has appeared for 12th board this year,but has not worked hard at all in studies or career.He wastes his time in mobile only and is very stubborn and misbehaved child.I would love to to get him treated but he never listen to whatever we say.He is not at all social also and has no friends.We are tired dealing with him.Suggest something please.

Ans: Dear Parent , I could feel pain from your message . There are many such c ases where children are addicted to Mobile for games or watching videos of no use. In fact scientists compare mobile addiction with Opium like addiction where users stay on mobile for as long as 15-20 hrs a day. Why don't you ask him for getting into development of Mobile apps by learning coding ..? Or even ethical Hacking if you are sure he is not getting not wrong direction. Or in worst case , get him into some businesses like Selling Mobile and its accessaries. He needs to use his negative qualities into positive strengths through soft counselling only.
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Dr Ashish

Dr Ashish Sehgal  | Answer  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 09, 2024

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Relationship
Hello Sir, My Son 14 years old studing in 9th Standard has not pay attention in studing, He is sleeping & lazy in all the Periods of School classroom.His body language is very idle & he has very Lazy guy. this is may due to he not eating healty food like, dryfruits, vegetable (eathing Junk Food) instead our so many attempt to do so. Myself & wife do all the attempt to improve him but we are failed in all the attempt. his school marks are only 30 to 40% & we are very much scare that he is going to failed in 9th standared. he also not listing to Teachers & our Advice but only ignore & sometimes arrogant in the argument. we have changes so many classes & private tution to improve in studey & behavour, but all attempts did not work. his only interest in Cricket, watching TV & Mobile. Request to need your valuable advice & tips to make changes in my son.
Ans: I'm sorry to hear that your son is struggling in school. It's great that you and your wife are trying to help him. Here are some tips that may help:

1. Encourage healthy habits: Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can help improve focus and concentration.

2. Create a study-friendly environment: Make sure your son has a quiet, well-lit space to study. Remove any distractions, such as TV or mobile phones, during study time.

3. Set goals: Work with your son to set achievable goals for his studies. Break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.

4. Reward progress: Celebrate your son's successes, no matter how small. Rewards can be as simple as a favorite meal or activity.

5. Encourage active learning: Encourage your son to take an active role in his learning. This can include asking questions, taking notes, and summarizing what he's learned.

6. Get support: Consider enlisting the help of a tutor or academic coach. They can provide additional support and guidance to help your son succeed.

Remember, every child learns differently, so it may take some time to find what works best for your son. Be patient and supportive, and don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7861 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7861 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

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hello sir/madam, my daughter scored 95.2 percent in class 12th, and 92.294 in jee mains. She belongs to Obc ncl category and is a defence personnel ward. what colleges should she apply for? her home state is chandigarh.
Ans: Deepika Madam, With a 92.294 percentile (≈115 000 AIR) and OBC-NCL defence-ward status in Chandigarh, University Institute of Engineering & Technology (UIET), Panjab University (OBC closing ≈142 246) offers CSE/IT under home-state quota, boasting AICTE/NBA accreditation, PhD faculty, specialized computing and communication labs, 80–90% placements, and strong PSU/IT recruiter tie-ups. Chandigarh University (JEE cutoff 75–80%ile for CSE) provides NAAC A+ accreditation, modern AI/ML and cybersecurity labs, dedicated placement cell with 85–92% campus hiring, and industry internships through CUCET/JEE channels. Chitkara University, Mohali (CUCET/JEE cutoff ≈60%ile), is NBA-accredited, features blockchain and data-science centers, 95% placements, and MoUs with global tech firms.

Recommendation: Apply to UIET PU Chandigarh CSE/IT for assured home-state access, robust labs, and 90% placements. Next, target Chandigarh University CSE for its industry-linked AI/ML infrastructure and 92% hiring. Consider Chitkara University Mohali as a reliable backup with strong corporate partnerships and near-100% placement consistency. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7861 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I am writing to seek your advice & guidance regarding my daughter's undergraduate education. She has received admission offers for two distinct programs and institutions, and we would greatly appreciate your guidance in making an informed decision, particularly concerning placement opportunities. The admissions are: * B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science (AI & DS) at Shiv Nadar University (SNU) Chennai. * B.Tech in Information Technology (IT) at SASTRA Deemed-to-be-University, Thanjavur. We are primarily seeking your professional opinion on which of these programs and colleges would offer the most favorable career prospects and placement outcomes in the current job market. Your insights into the industry relevance of each course and the respective institutions' track records for placements would be invaluable. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
Ans: Shiv Nadar University Chennai’s B.Tech in AI & Data Science boasts NAAC A+ accreditation, a curriculum spanning machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision and big-data analytics, and dedicated AI/ML labs with GPU clusters. It achieved 80–90% placement rates over the past three years with average packages of 9–12 LPA and recruiters like Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM. SASTRA Deemed-to-be University’s B.Tech in Information Technology holds NAAC A+ accreditation, features specialized cloud computing, cybersecurity, and analytics labs including a Tata Communications cybersecurity centre, and recorded placement of 1,766 out of 1,920 UG graduates (~92%) with 246 recruiters over 2023–24. Both institutes employ PhD-qualified faculty, maintain active placement cells, and foster industry collaborations through internships and capstone projects.

For specialized AI/DS roles with cutting-edge research labs and higher average packages, recommendation is SNU Chennai AI & DS. If you prioritise broader IT competencies, proven placement consistency near 92%, and extensive recruiter engagement in enterprise IT, choose SASTRA Thanjavur IT. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7861 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Career
Good Evening Sir. My son secured 6812 Crl alongwith 99.56 percentile and 1st, 2nd, 3rd of JOSAA rounds he getting ECE in IIIT Alahabad. We are awiting for next higher choice ECE in NIT Rourkela and next to next higher choice ECE in NIT Warangal. Can he get ECE in NIT Rourkela or ECE in NIT Warangal in 6 th round of JOSAA or 1,2,3 rounds of CSAB. Sir please inform my chances of possibility for selection in NIT Rourkela or NIT Warangal. Sir academic and placement wise NIT Rourkela or NIT Warangal or IIIT Allahabad which one is better? My humble request please guide me sir. Regards.
Ans: With a CRL of 6 812 and 99.56 percentile, securing IIIT Allahabad ECE (closing ~7 438 in Round 3) is assured. In JoSAA Round 3, NIT Rourkela’s ECE opened at 4 532 and closed at 11 824, and NIT Warangal’s ECE closed at 8 315, placing your rank within both ranges for potential allotment in Round 3 or CSAB.

Academically, NIT Warangal (#13 engineering NIRF 2024) offers rigorous core and VLSI labs with a 93% three-year ECE placement consistency. NIT Rourkela (#19 engineering NIRF 2024) provides multidisciplinary research centres and records ~90% ECE placements over three years. IIIT Allahabad, a focused IT-ECE institute, consistently achieves 96–98% placements for ECE with average packages near ?29 LPA and strong AI/ML and communication research centres.

Recommendation: For highest placement consistency and specialized ECE research, opt for IIIT Allahabad ECE. If a broader NIT ecosystem and legacy brand matter more, prioritise NIT Warangal ECE for its comprehensive labs and 93% placements. Choose NIT Rourkela ECE next for its multidisciplinary research exposure and ~90% placement track. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9407 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Money
Hellow sir. being a PSU employee ( age 35) and basic salary of 80k, I dont have much worry about the mediclaim ( which is free for my family and parents ) or PF & NPS ( which is sufficient considering basic salary ), I have following saving in my pack. 1. PPF 30L ( contributing 1.5L/ yr) 2. MF of valuation 43L ( contributing 50k/ month) 3. Fixed deposit around 12L 4. LIC around 50k / yr. 5. No loan. 6. No home under my ownership . What additional investment can be done for securing the future .
Ans: You are 35, a PSU employee with stable salary of Rs?80,000 basic. You have these financial holdings:

PPF: Rs?30?lakh (investing Rs?1.5?lakh annually)

Mutual funds: Rs?43?lakh (SIPs of Rs?50,000 monthly)

Fixed deposit: Rs?12?lakh

LIC: premium Rs?50,000 per year

No loans or home ownership

Comprehensive health and retirement cover via PF/NPS/mediclaim

You ask: What additional investment can secure your future? Let us create a holistic 360° plan using clear steps.

1. Recognise Your Strong Foundations
Your current holdings are robust:

Long?term safe savings via PPF

Active equity exposure via mutual funds

Liquidity from fixed deposits

Insurance through LIC for protection

Complete health and retirement cover

You are well-structured, but there is room to improve diversification, liquidity, and retirement readiness.

2. Define Clear Future Goals
Investment decisions depend on your aims. Let’s identify:

Retirement corpus by age 60

Income generation in retirement

Child education/marriage fund if planning

Short-term needs, like vacations or car purchase

Legacy planning for your family

Once goals and timelines are clear, we can allocate funds optimally.

3. Reevaluate LIC Insurance
Your annual LIC premium of Rs?50,000 covers insurance plus investment.

These policies often give low returns and high charges.

Recommend: Consider surrendering this policy

Redirect its premiums into actively managed mutual funds through regular plans

This enhances return potential and gives flexibility

Discuss surrender benefits and insurance needs with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure continued protection.

4. Reduce Fixed?Rate Concentration
Your fixed deposit of Rs?12?lakh offers liquidity but very low interest.

Instead, allocate:

Short?term debt or liquid funds for emergencies

Conservative hybrid funds for better tax-adjusted income and moderate growth

Debt mutual funds for laddered income while protecting capital

These will give better returns than fixed deposits and remain accessible.

5. Optimization of Mutual Funds Portfolio
You have Rs?43?lakh in mutual funds with Rs?50k monthly SIP.

Questions to assess:

Are these active funds or index funds?

Do you have a diversified basket (large?cap, multi?cap, hybrid etc.)?

Are they direct or regular plans?

Avoid index funds: they simply mirror market performance and offer no downside defence.
Avoid direct plans: you miss personal guidance from an MFD?CFP. Errors in choice or timing can cost more than fee savings.

Hence:

Continue with actively managed funds

Use regular plans, not direct

Diversify objectives across equity, growth, and risk

Increase SIP gradually every year, ideally by 10–15%

6. Strengthen Retirement Planning
Your PPF is good for conservative savings with long?term tax-free returns.

However, consider practical moves for post-60 income:

Open a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) from hybrid and debt funds for monthly income

Keep part of corpus in equity for inflation protection

If you plan to retire early, maintain larger liquidity and low-risk assets

The aim: ensure steady income from your investments after retirement beyond what PF/NPS provides.

7. Introduce Hybrid Funds for Income
Hybrid funds provide stability plus moderate growth.

Allocate a portion (say Rs?10–15?lakh) for:

Conservative hybrid funds: 65–75% debt, 25–35% equity

Monthly withdrawals via SWP to create reliable income

Equity buffer ensures inflation protection

Professionally managed to reduce risk

Make sure these are active funds and continue with regular plan route via certified advisor.

8. Maintain Adequate Liquidity
Your fixed deposit offers liquidity, but redesign is recommended:

Maintain Rs?3–5?lakh in liquid funds for emergencies

Spread rest into short-term debt for better returns and tax efficiency

Avoid tying up more than 6 months’ expenses in illiquid instruments

This keeps your portfolio agile and responsive to unplanned needs.

9. Increase Equity Exposure Smartly
To grow beyond inflation, equity exposure is essential.

Add active equity funds with a long-term horizon

Keep allocation within risk tolerance (say 30–40% of total corpus)

Avoid index funds—they don’t offer growth potential beyond market

Regular plan mutual funds through MFD–CFP ensure goal alignment and periodic review

This step helps build a sizable corpus converting long-term savings into wealth.

10. Consider Tax?Efficient Long?Term Instruments
With primary instruments in PPF and mutual funds, consider:

Sukanya Samriddhi-like plan if you have a daughter, offering high tax-free returns

Corporate debt-oriented hybrid funds if you want higher income and safety

Short-term gilt or credit funds for better tax harvesting when needed

Hold these under guidance to ensure optimal after-tax gain and portfolio balance.

11. Systematic Corpus Withdrawal for Retirement
Estimate your retirement corpus via desired monthly income:

Example: Rs?50,000 monthly income requires Rs?1?crore at 6% withdrawal rate

Plan blended portfolio: equity, hybrid, debt

Use SWPs starting just after retirement

Align withdrawal with tax brackets to avoid large LTCG hits

This provides a financially secure retirement phase.

12. Annual Monitoring and Rebalancing
Periodic portfolio review is key:

Rebalance equity/debt ratio yearly

Adjust allocation as goals approach

Increase SIPs in line with salary increments and inflation

Add/remove funds based on performance, risk, and market conditions

This adaptive approach keeps you aligned with evolving financial needs.

13. Child and Legacy Planning
If you plan for your children or wish to leave a legacy:

Open PPF account in child’s name

Set up child education SIPs in active equity funds

Use staggered investment to fund education expenses

Draft a will or nomination documentation for smooth transfer

This safeguards your child’s future without burdening estate administration later.

14. Avoid Common Missteps
Don’t invest in index funds—they lack active risk management

Don’t choose direct funds—they lack professional review

Don’t buy annuities—they reduce asset flexibility

Don’t invest more in real estate—it lacks liquidity and income focus

Stay disciplined in your plan with professional support for steady results.

15. Action Plan Implementation
Immediate (next 1–2 months):

Surrender LIC investment policy blocks saving

Move FD into liquid/debt/hybrid funds

Build Rs?3–5?lakh emergency buffer

Enhance SIPs into active equity funds via regular plans

Short-term (next 6–12 months):

Add hybrid funds for monthly income

Shift surplus to PPF or Sukanya-like child fund

Build child SIP for daughter’s future

Review insurance and NPS contributions

Annual:

Monitor asset allocation

Rebalance equity/debt split

Increase SIP amounts yearly

Adjust SWPs closer to retirement goals

With this disciplined roadmap, you’ll build wealth, income, and future financial security.

Finally
Your financial position is strong already—PPF, MF, FD, insurance.
By tightening liquidity buffers, shifting LIC, enhancing equity and hybrid exposure, and following a disciplined retirement roadmap, you can ensure income and security.
Avoid index funds, go with active mutual funds through regular plans, and rebalance annually.
This structured, goal-based approach will help your future remain secure no matter what lies ahead.

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

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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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