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Chandu

Chandu Nair  | Answer  |Ask -

VC, Angel Investing, Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Feb 14, 2024

Chandu Nair advises entrepreneurs and enterprises about creating and building their business.
He has direct experience in angel, venture capital and strategic investor funding. Over the last three decades, he has made a name for himself in industry, consultancy, media and information services.
Nair is on the advisory boards of the Chennai-based private equity firm Fulcrum and the social impact fund, Menterra. He's an independent director on the board of India's first retail building products company, Shankara Building Products Limited.
He was the co-founder of Scope e-Knowledge Center, a pioneering knowledge process outsourcing company, as well as the co-founder of a business-to-business e-commerce venture, both of which he successfully exited.... more
Siddharth Question by Siddharth on Nov 30, 2023Hindi
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Career

I am 35-year-old person. i have 14-year experience in education industry. now i am very confused regarding my future because facing job insecurity. i want to start business but very scared regarding this.

Ans: Are you looking for psychological/ emotional support more than business or entrepreneurship advice?
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9571 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, I'm 30 year's old, I'm planning to invest 10k per month for my 3 months baby boy future education and and for my retirement,currently investigating 6K per month in MF, PARAG PRATIK FLEXI CAP FUND 2.5k and UTI NIFTY NEXT 50 INDEX FUND 1K, NIPPON INDIA SMALL CAP FUND 2K and also in SBI Gold ETF Rs 500, kindly provide diversified investment plan for remaining 4k, and suggest me any changes required in existing investment.
Ans: Thank you for sharing your investment details clearly.

You are 30 years old.
You are investing Rs 10,000 per month.
Your goal is your child’s education and your retirement.
Currently, you invest Rs 6,000 per month in mutual funds and ETFs.
You also invest Rs 500 in a gold ETF.
You want to allocate the remaining Rs 4,000 in a better way.
Let’s now study your present plan and give a 360-degree improvement.

Review of Your Existing Investment
You are currently investing in:

Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund – Rs 2,500
UTI Nifty Next 50 Index Fund – Rs 1,000
Nippon India Small Cap Fund – Rs 2,000
SBI Gold ETF – Rs 500

Let’s evaluate each.

Issues in Current Investment
Index Fund Problem (UTI Nifty Next 50):
This is an index fund. It copies the market blindly.
It gives no protection when the market falls.
There is no fund manager strategy involved.
It may look simple but lacks downside control.
Better to switch to an actively managed fund.

Direct Investment Weakness:
If you are investing in direct plans, that’s risky.
You don’t get expert advice during market changes.
You miss out on portfolio reviews.
Direct funds are only for experienced investors.
Better to invest through a MFD supported by a CFP.

Too Much in Small Cap (Nippon Small Cap – Rs 2,000):
Small caps are volatile. They give high returns but are risky.
Overexposure can disturb your long-term goal.
Keep small cap under 15% of total SIP amount.

Gold ETF – Rs 500:
It is okay to hold 5–10% gold.
But gold ETF is not tax efficient.
No regular income or compounding benefit.
You may hold gold, but don’t increase allocation.

Suggested Diversified Allocation (Rs 10,000 Total SIP)
Let’s now give a clean, diversified structure.

New Suggested Monthly SIP Plan:

Flexi Cap Fund (existing) – Rs 2,500
Balanced Advantage Fund – Rs 2,500
Large & Mid Cap Fund – Rs 2,000
Small Cap Fund (existing) – Rs 1,500
Gold Savings Fund – Rs 500
Multi Asset Fund – Rs 1,000

Let’s explain why this mix works well.

Why These Funds Make Sense for You
Flexi Cap Fund:
Already part of your portfolio.
It gives long-term capital growth.
Fund manager adjusts equity exposure as per market.
Good for retirement and child's education.

Balanced Advantage Fund:
Acts like shock absorber in your portfolio.
Switches between equity and debt smartly.
Gives stability during market fall.
Ideal for new investors.

Large & Mid Cap Fund:
Provides strong growth with moderate risk.
Invests in top companies across sectors.
Helps balance your small cap exposure.

Small Cap Fund:
You already have one.
We suggest you reduce to Rs 1,500 monthly.
Still gives growth, but risk is managed.

Gold Savings Fund:
Continue with Rs 500 monthly.
Gold protects against inflation.
Also useful for long-term diversification.
Don’t exceed 5–10% of overall SIP.

Multi Asset Fund:
Combines equity, debt, and gold in one fund.
Balances risk in different market cycles.
Gives smooth returns over 10+ years.

Important Notes for Your Plan
Split Your Goals Clearly:
Allocate Rs 5,000 monthly for child’s education.
Allocate Rs 5,000 monthly for retirement.
Keep goals separate.
Don’t mix children’s goals with your retirement.

Avoid Index Funds Now:
You are still early in investment journey.
Index funds have no safety in crashes.
Actively managed funds do better in volatile times.

Avoid Direct Funds:
You may miss fund switch or rebalancing need.
Use a MFD backed by a Certified Financial Planner.
They will give yearly reviews and goal tracking.
Even if cost is slightly more, support is worth it.

Don't Increase Gold SIP Now:
Rs 500 is enough in gold.
Focus more on equity and hybrid funds.
Gold gives safety, but not wealth creation.

Future Steps After One Year
After 12 months, you should:

Review performance of all SIPs
Check if income has increased
Increase SIP by 10–15% yearly
Start separate child education fund via goal-based SIP
Keep emergency fund of 6 months expenses
Get health insurance and term insurance if not done

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t stop SIP during market fall
Don’t overinvest in small cap for fast returns
Don’t invest based on YouTube videos or news tips
Don’t forget to link goals to your SIPs
Don’t buy insurance for investment purpose

If you have ULIP or LIC policy with savings, consider surrender.
Reinvest in mutual funds for better growth.

Finally
You have started early, which is excellent.
Your goals are long-term and realistic.
Now you need structure and discipline.

Use regular, guided mutual funds.
Avoid index and direct plans.
Keep reviewing with a professional yearly.

With Rs 10,000 monthly, invested wisely,
your child’s education and your retirement will be well covered.

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8413 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Career
Sir, I got 77%ile in JEE CRL-337105 and 90% in class 12th from DBSE(delhi state board).And I belong to OBC-Ncl category , I am resident of delhi so prefer college in delhi. Pls tell college with CSE as per my results. Due to financial constraint and less intrest in PCM what will be beneficial for me to do BCA with open university or regular . And what will be the future career impact of this choosing BCA over Btech.
Ans: Aman, With a 90% score in Delhi Board Class 12 and a 77th percentile in JEE Main (CRL-337105) under OBC-NCL, confirmed admission to BCA is available at these Delhi institutes, each offering accredited curricula, dedicated computer labs, experienced faculty, robust placement support (60–80% over three years) and strong industry linkages:

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector 16C Dwarka, Delhi.
Maharaja Surajmal Institute, Rohini, Delhi.
Jagannath Institute of Management Studies, Rohini, Delhi.
JIMS Vasant Kunj, Vasant Kunj, Delhi.
JIMS Technical Campus, Kalkaji, Delhi.
Chanderprabhu Jain College of Higher Studies, Najafgarh Road, Delhi.
Jagannath International Management School, Vasant Kunj, Delhi.
Institute of Information Technology & Management, Janakpuri, Delhi.
Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Janakpuri, Delhi.
Jagan Institute of Professional Studies, Rohini, Delhi.

Recommendation: Pursue BCA at GGSIPU Dwarka for its direct university affiliation, comprehensive IT infrastructure and high placement momentum. As an alternative, choose Maharaja Surajmal Institute, Rohini for its strong industry tie-ups, consistent campus-driven internships and supportive scholarship options. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9571 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi I am 33 years old have a kid 2 year old. Me and my brother are in the same business. Its a seasonal business of stoles and kurtis. We mostly do job work. Turnover is around 1.25Cr and emis are 1.5L per month. We both arent able to save any money. We are always broke. If we check on paper we are making prifit but we dont where the money is going. Been doing business for 10 years now. Things were smooth till covid but after that its been downhill. I have orders. But no return. What should I do?
Ans: Running a family business with seasonal income is tough.
You’re 33, have a 2-year-old child, and handle business with your brother.
Turnover is Rs 1.25 crore yearly, but you’re still struggling with cash.
EMIs are Rs 1.5 lakh monthly, but you feel broke every month.
Though you’re making profit on paper, there’s no visible cash return.

This is a common problem in many small businesses.
Let’s now understand and restructure it with a 360-degree approach.

Know the Real Problem First
Your business shows profit but no cash.
This is a cash flow issue, not just profit issue.

Possible reasons:

Customers not paying on time

Too much money stuck in inventory

High credit to customers

Low margin despite high turnover

High fixed costs and personal withdrawals

EMI outflows not synced with income

You need to separate profit from cash flow.
And build control over every rupee.

First Fix: Separate Personal and Business Money
You and your brother must stop mixing accounts.

Have separate bank accounts

One for business, one for personal

Pay yourself a fixed salary monthly

Avoid direct personal spending from business

This step brings clarity.
You’ll see clearly how much money the business truly keeps.

Second Fix: Create a Business Budget
Don’t run operations without numbers.

List fixed monthly expenses: rent, salaries, EMI, utilities

Mark out seasonal expenses like fabric or transport

Track peak and lean months

Allocate money month by month

Break your Rs 1.25 crore into monthly inflow plan

This helps avoid surprises.
Also helps plan purchase and credit well.

Understand Where the Money Is Going
Do a 12-month cash flow audit.

You’ll see:

Where cash comes in

Where it goes out

How much is stuck in stocks

How much is with customers

What EMIs or interest is eating your profit

Most likely, your profit is going into inventory and credit.

Set Strict Customer Payment Rules
In seasonal business, timely customer payments matter most.

Don’t give credit without timeline

Offer small discounts for early payments

Keep payment follow-up strict and regular

Use digital tools to track pending invoices

If customers pay late, your entire cycle collapses.
Your money is in their hands, not yours.

Review Your EMI and Loan Structure
Rs 1.5 lakh monthly EMI is very heavy.
Ask these questions:

Can you refinance to longer term?

Can you get working capital loan instead?

Are you using EMI money for capital asset or daily expense?

Are you servicing loans from personal savings?

Many times, business loans taken emotionally create long-term stress.
Structure them clearly with a planner.

Inventory Is Silent Enemy
Clothes, fabrics, stoles, and kurtis pile up fast.

Too much stock locks up cash

You see profits in books, but cash is stuck in goods

Unsold stock hurts margins

Do an inventory health check:

What sells fast?

What sits for months?

Which items give real profit?

What designs are dead stock?

Don’t buy new stock unless old one sells.
Work on a lean inventory model.
Move from stock-based to order-based model if possible.

Take Salary Like an Employee
You and your brother must draw regular salary.

Fix monthly salary for each

It brings discipline and fairness

Avoids emotional withdrawals

Ensures business pays you—not drains you

Any bonus or profit should be once a year. Not random.

Cut Personal Lifestyle Leakage
If personal expenses are high, business suffers.

List all personal outflows

Reduce wasteful lifestyle habits

Live like a salaried person

Don’t increase lifestyle when sales go up

Also avoid using business credit for personal gadgets, trips, or loans.

Work on Increasing Margins, Not Just Sales
Turnover is Rs 1.25 crore. That sounds big.
But if margins are thin, you get no benefit.

Focus on:

Higher margin products

Value-added work (like custom orders)

Bulk orders that pay upfront

Lowering costs through better suppliers

Don’t run after more orders blindly.
Run after profitable and paid orders only.

Introduce a Basic Accounting System
If not using one, adopt digital books.

Tally, Zoho Books, QuickBooks, or Marg software

Track income, expenses, stock, and customer dues

Reconcile bank accounts every month

Even better, hire a part-time bookkeeper.
Let numbers guide you—not gut feeling.

Create a Business Emergency Fund
Businesses also need a buffer. Like personal savings.

Try to build Rs 3–5 lakh in business reserve

It should sit in separate account

Don’t touch it for stock or expenses

Use only in real emergency

This gives peace and protects business during slow months.

Engage with a Certified Financial Planner
You’re in business.
But personal finances matter too.

A Certified Financial Planner helps with salary planning

Helps set up your SIPs, retirement, kid’s education fund

Can also structure loans better

Gives you a business-personal plan

Your future needs a balance between business and personal wealth.

Don’t Use Index Funds or Direct Funds Now
If you’re thinking of investing:

Avoid index funds – no protection during crash

Avoid direct mutual funds – no advisor support

You’re already busy with business

You need a regular plan via a CFP-backed MFD

That brings discipline and guidance

Right now, clearing business mess is priority.
Then start small SIPs through professional support.

Simple Steps to Start From This Week
Open separate business and personal accounts

Track all money in and out for next 30 days

Speak to CA about EMI or loan restructuring

Do stock check – list what’s moving, what’s not

Start Rs 5,000 monthly SIP with planner, if possible

Fix personal salary for both you and brother

Build Rs 1 lakh cash reserve in 6 months

Start with action. Not emotion.

Finally
You’re not alone. Many small business owners are in the same trap.
You’ve been working for 10 years. That shows strength.
Now it’s time to bring structure. Discipline. Clarity.

With small changes and a monthly plan, things can improve.

Remember: turnover means nothing without cash in hand.
Run your business with control. Live your personal life with goals.
Keep them separate. And give your family a future of freedom.

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8413 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Career
Is MIT Mechatronics (Manipal Campus) a Good Option to OPT for ? What are the Future carrer prospects for Mechatronics Engineers in India ? Job Opportunities, Salary Packages ? Please share your views
Ans: Raj, MIT Manipal (Manipal, Karnataka) offers a four-year B.Tech in Mechatronics Engineering through its Department of Mechatronics, backed by NBA accreditation, PhD-qualified faculty and industrial-grade labs for robotics, sensors, drives, PLCs and AI/ML. Placements have ranged from 60 – 70% over the past three years, with an average package of ?11.76 LPA. Graduates enter diverse roles—mechatronics technician, robotics engineer, automation engineer, instrumentation and control systems engineer or computer systems analyst—across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, healthcare and consumer-electronics sectors. Entry-level salaries typically start at ?4–6 LPA, rising to ?7–11 LPA in mid-career and ?12–20 LPA at senior levels, with cities like Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai offering premium packages. Strong demand stems from Industry 4.0, smart-factory automation, UAVs, medical robotics and autonomous vehicles, with over 4 000 openings on LinkedIn in India.

Recommendation: Opt for MIT Manipal Mechatronics for its robust industry-grade infrastructure, solid placement momentum, and versatile cross-disciplinary curriculum to launch a dynamic engineering career. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8413 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Career
Dear sir want to know about jaypee noida sec 62 branch for ee vlsi. How is this branch? And what are the possibilities of career opportunities. I also have another offer from bml munjal, cse. What should I prefer?
Ans: Ritu, Jaypee Institute of Information Technology in Noida offers a specialized B.Tech in Electronics Engineering (VLSI Design and Technology) with a cohort of 60 students, guided by PhD-qualified faculty in AICTE-approved, NIRF-ranked labs—including dedicated VLSI fabrication and characterization facilities with RF sputtering and IV/CV testing tools. Over the past three years it has averaged an 8.71 LPA package and branch-aligned placements within a 93% overall placement drive with recruiters like Cadence, Intel and STMicroelectronics. Roles include IC design engineer, verification engineer and semiconductor test engineer. BML Munjal University in Gurugram provides B.Tech CSE with AICTE and NAAC accreditation, modern IoT, digital and Hero training labs, industry-integrated curriculum and a dedicated placement cell achieving an 87% placement rate, sending graduates to Deloitte, Google, Samsung and Amazon in software development, data engineering and product management roles. Its project-based pedagogy and internships bolster coding culture and startup incubation.

Recommendation: Prefer Jaypee Noida EE VLSI for niche semiconductor design pathways, research-grade labs and PSU/tech-EC recruitment guarantees. Choose BML Munjal CSE if you seek broader software career trajectories, stronger coding culture, versatile AI/ML training and high campus-drive consistency in premier tech firms. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8413 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 10, 2025Hindi
Career
Sir my son goy 99.5313%ile in mht-cet which top colleges he would get in obc category for persuing cs course?
Ans: College of Engineering Pune in Shivaji Nagar, Pune offers CSE under the OBC category with a 99.87 percentile cutoff in MHT-CET, backed by NBA accreditation, modern AI/ML labs and a 90–95% placement record. Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute in Matunga, Mumbai requires a 99.77 OBC percentile for CSE and provides state-of-the-art computing facilities, industry partnerships and ~90% placements. Pune Institute of Computer Technology in Dhankawadi, Pune closes CSE OBC at 99.56–99.63 percentile, featuring specialized software engineering centres and 85–90% placements. Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Akurdi, Pune admits OBC CSE at ~99.5 percentile, offering extensive corporate tie-ups and 80–85% placement rates. D.Y. Patil College of Engineering in Pimpri, Pune secures OBC CSE seats around 99.4 percentile, with Oracle-backed labs and 85% placements. Vishwakarma Institute of Technology in Bibwewadi, Pune closes OBC CSE at ~99.3 percentile, maintaining strong research collaborations and 88% placements. MIT World Peace University in Kothrud, Pune admits OBC CSE at ~99.2 percentile, providing AI research labs and 80% placements. AISSMS Institute of Information Technology in Shivajinagar, Pune requires ~99.1 OBC percentile for CSE, featuring high-end computing clusters and 82% placements. Sinhgad College of Engineering in Vadgaon, Pune admits OBC CSE at ~99.0 percentile, backed by robust placement support (~80%). PVG’s College of Engineering & Technology in Pune closes OBC CSE at ~98.9 percentile, offering modern software labs and 78% placements.

recommendation: Prioritise College of Engineering Pune for its premier infrastructure, highest OBC cutoff and superior placement momentum. Next, choose VJTI Matunga for its established industry linkages and consistent recruitments. Then opt for Pune Institute of Computer Technology for its specialized CSE curriculum and robust placement record. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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