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Chocko

Chocko Valliappa  |475 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Entrepreneur, Educationist - Answered on Feb 26, 2024

Chocko Valliappa is the founder and CEO of Vee Technologies, a global IT services company; HireMee, a talent assessment and talent management start-up; and vice chairman of The Sona Group of education institutions.
A fourth-generation entrepreneur, Valliappa is a member of Confederation of Indian Industry, Nasscom, Entrepreneurs Organization and Young Presidents’ Organization.
He was honoured by the YPO with their Global Social Impact award in 2018.
An alumnus of Christ College, Bangalore, Valliappa holds a degree in textile technology and management from the South India Textile Research Association. His advanced research in the Czech Republic led to the creation of innovative polyester spinning machinery.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Feb 09, 2024Hindi
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Career

At 45 years old, I am the first in my family to graduate. I am married with two supportive kids, a daughter and a son. My father, who was raised by his grandparents, struggled financially, and despite his genuine nature, he couldn't provide much for us. I started working after failing my 12th board exams, eventually completing my post-graduation while working part-time. The ITES sector brought financial success, allowing me to support my nieces and nephews through their education and marriages, even helping them purchase homes. I've stepped back from my siblings, except for one sister who has a mentally ill son; I've provided them a home built on land in my mother's name, though her will is uncertain. Now, I'm considering leaving work to pursue my own business ventures but not due to dissatisfaction and negative office experiences. Always having an attitude to go along well with anyone and support each others. With my loans set to be paid off within a year, I'll have no financial obligations except for my children's education (zero savings precisely). I plan to accumulate at least 30 lakhs of cash savings in the next four years, without touching my provident fund which is being accumulated around 50+ and my gratuity - as my base salary is above 1 lakh now. My lifestyle is modest, with a decent 3-bedroom house, a second-hand SUV, and some cash reserves. My wife and mother each possess 25 sovereigns of gold, though my mother isn't entirely supportive. Aside from essential purchases, I buy clothes and accessories during sales. I'm seeking guidance on my next steps, as I sometimes feel anxious about not fulfilling my desire to start my own business. My question has elements of both mentally and financially so approaching you. Sincerely!

Ans: From what I read you have achieved a lot and have earned goodwill of your extended family. Please encourage your children to follow your family's example of a acquiring knowledge add gain success at work though a work ethic that appears to be your family's strong point. Given your current career use your strengths at work to grow even further and aspire to do well. Even though starting a business of your own may look exciting is not everyone's cup of tea, hence I would advise you to not jump into it without working out the full details.
Career

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Sunil

Sunil Lala  |203 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Feb 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 26, 2024Hindi
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Dear sir, I am currently 45 and just off from my dependents i.e., my 3 sisters out of which 2 were expecting my help to settle on their life - both my sisters off from their burden to an extent as their son started working and daughters were married to a decent families. I helped them by helping on their studies, marriage of my niece and assisted my nephew to buy a property (provided the advance or initial payment of 4 lacs). I haven't saved anything for my kids yet except a house , some jewellery about 50 sovereign and 1/2 ground land. My sisters and mother doesn't feel complete but I have informed it is not happening because I need to looks at my 2 kids 11 and 6. Besides, my wife is super supportive and never disputes or raised concerns. The ask is I have been working since childhood like 16 so feeling tired at times so I am planning to start my own businesses but still I am feeling jittery as I didn't save much for their studies etc. I am working in ites services so I feel like that I have 5 years max ahead. No politics in the office but I am stuck with no major opportunities. Please guide me on how to put a perspective and lead a clear way ahead as I am totally confused to be honest. Thanks in advance and please write back as this is my second time asking for suggestions.
Ans: It would really be good to answer you but I am confused as what to tell you because you have not mentioned any of your financial goals as such, I may not be of any help to you for your social obligations

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7281 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 26, 2024Hindi
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Money
Dear guru, I am currently 45 and just off from my dependents i.e., my 3 sisters out of which 2 were expecting my help to settle on their life - both my sisters off from their burden to an extent as their son started working and daughters were married to a decent families. I helped them by helping on their studies, marriage of my niece and assisted my nephew to buy a property (provided the advance or initial payment of 4 lacs). I haven't saved anything for my kids yet except a house , some jewellery about 50 sovereign and 1/2 ground land. My sisters and mother doesn't feel complete but I have informed it is not happening because I need to looks at my 2 kids 11 and 6. Besides, my wife is super supportive and never disputes or raised concerns. The ask is I have been working since childhood like 16 so feeling tired at times so I am planning to start my own businesses but still I am feeling jittery as I didn't save much for their studies etc. I am working in ites services so I feel like that I have 5 years max ahead. No politics in the office but I am stuck with no major opportunities. Please guide me on how to put a perspective and lead a clear way ahead as I am totally confused to be honest. Thanks in advance and please write back as this is my second time asking for suggestions.
Ans: Dear friend,

Firstly, let me commend you for your selflessness and dedication to supporting your family members. Your sacrifices and contributions have undoubtedly made a significant difference in their lives, and you should take pride in that.

Now, let's address your concerns about your own future and the well-being of your children. It's understandable that you may feel anxious about not having saved enough for their education and future needs. However, it's essential to recognize that it's never too late to start planning and taking steps towards securing their future.

Here are some steps you can consider to put things into perspective and chart a clear way forward:

Assess Your Financial Situation: Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your current financial status. Take stock of your assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. Understanding where you stand financially will help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

Prioritize Your Goals: Identify your most pressing financial goals, such as funding your children's education, securing your retirement, and starting your own business. Prioritize these goals based on their urgency and importance.

Create a Financial Plan: Develop a comprehensive financial plan that outlines how you intend to achieve your goals. Consider factors such as budgeting, saving, investing, and risk management. A financial plan will serve as a roadmap to guide your actions and ensure you stay on track towards your objectives.

Start Saving and Investing: Begin setting aside a portion of your income towards your children's education fund and your retirement savings. Explore investment options that align with your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to help you develop an investment strategy tailored to your needs.

Explore Entrepreneurship: If you feel inclined to start your own business, carefully evaluate the feasibility and potential risks involved. Conduct thorough market research, develop a solid business plan, and consider seeking mentorship or guidance from experienced entrepreneurs. Starting a business can be rewarding but requires careful planning and preparation.

Take Care of Yourself: Remember to prioritize your health and well-being amidst your responsibilities and aspirations. Take time to rest, recharge, and engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Your physical and mental well-being are essential for your ability to pursue your goals effectively.

Communicate with Your Family: Keep an open line of communication with your spouse and children about your aspirations, concerns, and plans for the future. Involve them in the decision-making process and ensure they understand the reasons behind your choices. Family support can be invaluable as you navigate life's challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, while it's natural to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainties of the future, taking proactive steps towards financial planning and pursuing your aspirations can help alleviate some of that anxiety. Trust in your abilities, seek guidance when needed, and stay focused on your goals. Remember that each step you take today brings you closer to a brighter tomorrow.

Best wishes on your journey ahead.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7281 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 19, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi Anil, My Current Assets and debt along with that of my wife are as follows: 1. Equity - 1 Lac SIP p.m. (Just started in name of my Minor and only 17 yo child/Son's Joint Account for his future) 2. Gold - Approx. 5 Crores in self owned Jewelry/Gold 3. Self Owned House - 4 crores (Loan Free - Self Occupied) 4. Self Owned Flat - 8 Crores (Loan Free - Empty) 5. 4 Cars - Approx Current Market Value 2.5 Crores on EMIs of 3.00 p.m. (Current Loan O/S 1.50 Crores) 6. Current Business Income - Approx. 10 - 15 Lacs P.M. 7. Total Business Liability (Business Loans) - 3.50 Crores 8. Enterprise Value of Business as of today - Approx. 3 Crores post depreciation (Actual total Investment was 8 crores 1 year ago, Equity and Debt) My son is 17 yo and starts his Engineering soon, Post 4 years of his B.Tech he plans to study his MBA in the US, approx. Fee and living expenses expected for his entire education from today till end of his MBA is expected to be approx. 2.50 crores. I'm currently 45 years old, and due an undisclosed illness i don't feel i would be in a working state for longer than 8 years to 10 years if I'm lucky. I don't see my Income rising anytime soon due to various reason. Need your advise on from today itself I can start to plan leave behind a solid nest egg for my wife with a decent Income of approx. 5/6/7 Lacs p.m., one loan free residence, a fully paid off education for my Son and whatever accumulates in his SIP in the next 5 to 10 years as I'm sure with his education he will be able to support himself completely. Thanks and Regards Anonymous
Ans: Current Financial Overview

Your assets and liabilities show a diverse portfolio. Here’s a detailed assessment:

Equity Investments: Rs 1 lakh SIP in the joint account for your son.

Gold Holdings: Approx. Rs 5 crores in self-owned jewelry.

Property Assets: Self-owned house worth Rs 4 crores (loan-free). Self-owned flat worth Rs 8 crores (loan-free).

Vehicles: Four cars valued at Rs 2.5 crores with an EMI of Rs 3 lakhs per month (current loan outstanding is Rs 1.5 crores).

Business Income: Approx. Rs 10-15 lakhs per month.

Business Liabilities: Rs 3.5 crores in business loans.

Enterprise Value: Business valued at Rs 3 crores post-depreciation (initial investment of Rs 8 crores a year ago).

Financial Goals

Your primary goals are:

Ensure a nest egg for your wife.

Provide Rs 5-7 lakhs monthly income post-retirement.

Maintain a loan-free residence.

Fund your son’s education, costing Rs 2.5 crores.

Investment Strategy

Here are the steps to achieve these goals:

1. Reduce Debt

Focus on Reducing EMIs: Your car EMIs are high. Try to pay off these loans faster to reduce monthly outflows.

Reassess Business Loans: Consider restructuring business loans to reduce interest rates.

2. Diversify Investments

Equity Mutual Funds: Continue SIPs for your son’s education. Increase SIP amount as income allows.

Gold Monetization: Use some of the gold holdings for gold loans or monetize them. This can generate liquidity without selling gold.

3. Real Estate Utilization

Rental Income: Rent out the empty flat. This will provide a steady income stream.
4. Education Fund

Dedicated Fund: Create a dedicated fund for your son’s education. Use high-growth mutual funds to accumulate the required amount over 4-6 years.
5. Insurance Coverage

Health Insurance: Ensure you have adequate health insurance for yourself and your family. This will reduce the burden of medical expenses.

Term Insurance: Consider a term insurance plan to secure your family’s future. Ensure the sum assured covers all liabilities and future expenses.

6. Estate Planning

Will and Trusts: Draft a will and consider setting up trusts. This ensures a smooth transfer of assets to your wife and son.
Active Management Over Index Funds

Higher Potential Returns: Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market, offering higher potential returns.

Expertise: Fund managers make informed decisions based on market conditions.

Direct vs. Regular Funds

Regular Funds: Invest through an MFD with CFP credentials. They offer professional guidance and help in choosing the best funds.
Final Insights

To secure your family’s future, focus on debt reduction, diversify investments, and ensure adequate insurance coverage. Rental income and dedicated education funds are crucial. Professional management of your investments will maximize returns and ensure financial stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7281 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Money
I am 49 years old working in private sector. Currently, drawing Rs. 1.50 lakhs per month, my investment details. - Lumpsum investment – canara robeco midcap regular – Rs.2 lakhs, union multicap fund –Rs.1 lakh, mahindra Manulife small cap rs.2 lakh; canara robeco multi cap Rs.2.20 lakhs; mahindra Manulife business cycle fund – Rs. 50,000; white oak capital large & mid cap fund – Rs. 100,000; ICICI prudential energy opportunities fund – rs. 100,000 - SIP – HDFC Defence fund – Rs. 10,000; mahindra manulife manufacturing fund – Rs.10000; white oak special opportunities fund 10,000 - FD with HDFC bank – rs. 12,00,000 - LIC – Rs. 10 lakhs My future expenditure, daughters marriage in 3 to 4 years and to purchase house in chennai and to save money for retirement. Please give me advice on how to invest so that I can meet my future demands and have a self-sufficient retirement.
Ans: Assessment of Current Investments
Mutual Funds

Your portfolio has a good mix of midcap, multicap, small-cap, and sectoral funds.
Diversification across different fund categories is appreciable.
However, the allocation to thematic and sectoral funds like defence, manufacturing, and energy is high.
Sectoral funds can be volatile and risky, especially for near-term goals.
Fixed Deposit (FD)

Rs. 12 lakh in FD provides stability and liquidity.
FDs are suitable for short-term needs but offer limited growth potential.
LIC Policy

The LIC policy provides Rs. 10 lakh, likely covering insurance and investment.
Such policies usually yield lower returns than mutual funds.
Future Financial Goals
Daughter’s Marriage (3–4 years)

Allocate funds with a low-risk profile for this goal.
Avoid high exposure to equity for this purpose.
House Purchase in Chennai

Save in instruments that offer both safety and moderate returns.
Flexibility and liquidity are important for this goal.
Retirement Corpus

Focus on long-term equity investments for growth.
Diversify to balance returns and risk.
Proposed Investment Strategy
Short-Term Goals (Daughter’s Marriage and House Purchase)
Utilise Fixed Deposits Wisely

Allocate a portion of your FD for your daughter’s marriage.
Retain some FD for emergency purposes only.
Invest in Debt Mutual Funds

Choose high-quality short-duration or dynamic bond funds.
Debt funds can provide better post-tax returns than FDs.
Keep the money safe and accessible for short-term use.
Avoid Sectoral and Thematic Funds

Shift sectoral fund investments to safer debt-oriented funds.
Sectoral funds are not suitable for short-term goals.
Medium- to Long-Term Goal (Retirement Planning)
Increase SIP in Diversified Equity Funds

Diversify into flexicap, multicap, or large-cap funds.
These funds balance risk and growth for long-term wealth creation.
Reduce Thematic Fund Allocation

Limit exposure to thematic funds to less than 10% of the portfolio.
Reallocate to well-diversified equity funds.
Invest in Hybrid Funds

Include balanced advantage or hybrid equity funds.
These funds reduce volatility while offering equity-like returns.
Consider Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)

Invest in ELSS for tax-saving benefits under Section 80C.
ELSS funds also offer long-term growth.
General Recommendations
Review Insurance Policy

Assess if the LIC policy offers adequate life coverage.
If it is a traditional endowment or ULIP, consider surrendering.
Reallocate proceeds to mutual funds for better returns.
Maintain Emergency Fund

Keep 6–12 months’ expenses in a savings account or liquid funds.
This ensures you have liquidity for unforeseen expenses.
Monitor and Rebalance Portfolio

Review your portfolio quarterly or semi-annually.
Rebalance to maintain alignment with your goals.
Focus on Tax Efficiency

Use tax-efficient instruments like ELSS, debt funds, and retirement-focused funds.
Plan withdrawals strategically to reduce tax impact on capital gains.
Retirement Planning Recommendations
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

In the future, use SWP from mutual funds for retirement income.
It provides tax efficiency compared to traditional annuities.
Healthcare Planning

Ensure your health insurance coverage is adequate for post-retirement needs.
Increase coverage if necessary to avoid financial strain later.
Invest in Equity for Growth

Continue investing in equities for long-term wealth appreciation.
Equity helps combat inflation effectively over the years.
Final Insights
Your investment portfolio is commendable and diversified. However, some adjustments can improve alignment with your goals. Reduce sectoral exposure and shift towards safer instruments for short-term needs. For retirement, continue SIPs in diversified equity and hybrid funds. Regular monitoring and rebalancing will keep your financial plan on track. With these changes, you can achieve your goals while ensuring a comfortable and self-sufficient retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7281 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2024Hindi
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Money
Can I utilise my money received by cancelling aggreement of one flat to repay the loan amount for the flat where I am residing?
Ans: Yes, you can use the money received from cancelling the agreement of one flat to repay the loan for the flat where you are residing. This can be a financially prudent decision, especially if the loan carries a high-interest rate. Here’s a detailed analysis to help you decide:

Benefits of Using the Money to Repay Your Loan
Interest Savings

Paying off your home loan early can save significant interest.
The earlier you repay, the more you save on interest due to the reducing balance method.
Debt-Free Living

Being debt-free reduces financial stress.
You free up cash flow that can be allocated to other financial goals.
Guaranteed Returns

Loan repayment offers guaranteed returns equivalent to the interest rate on your loan.
This is often better than the post-tax returns from other investments.
Enhanced Creditworthiness

Paying off a loan improves your credit score.
This is beneficial if you plan to borrow in the future for any purpose.
Factors to Consider Before Repaying the Loan
Prepayment Penalty

Check if your lender imposes a penalty for early repayment.
Most lenders, however, do not charge penalties on floating-rate loans.
Emergency Fund

Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund before using the money to repay the loan.
Ideally, keep 6-12 months of expenses in a savings account or liquid funds.
Opportunity Cost

Compare the potential returns from investing the money against the savings from loan repayment.
If your loan interest rate is lower than potential investment returns, consider investing instead.
Tax Benefits

Home loan interest payments qualify for tax benefits under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act.
Principal repayments are eligible under Section 80C.
If you repay the loan, you forgo these benefits, so weigh the impact on your tax planning.
Alternative Approaches
Partial Repayment

Consider making a partial repayment instead of fully paying off the loan.
This reduces the principal while keeping some funds liquid for other opportunities.
Invest for Higher Returns

If your loan interest rate is low, explore investing in mutual funds or other instruments.
Over time, these investments could potentially offer better post-tax returns.
Settle High-Cost Loans First

If you have any other high-interest loans, prioritise repaying those.
Examples include personal loans or credit card debts.
Final Insights
Repaying your home loan with the money from the cancelled flat agreement is a sound decision if your goal is to reduce debt and save on interest. However, consider your overall financial situation, including tax benefits, liquidity needs, and potential investment opportunities. A balanced approach—partly repaying the loan and investing the remaining amount—could offer the best of both worlds. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can help you tailor the decision to your specific goals and circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh Kumar Singh  |15 Answers  |Ask -

IIT-JEE, GATE Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Harsh

Harsh Bharwani  |64 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

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Career
I'm a Chartered accountant .. recently qualified .I'm interested in start up company with intention of book keeping services .software .pls give me some piece of idea regarding how to begin my book keeping services software ..
Ans: Starting a bookkeeping service powered by your own software is a great way to leverage your skills as a recently qualified chartered accountant. With the growing demand for streamlined accounting solutions, your idea has a lot of potentials. Here's how you can get started effectively:

Understand the market and identify your niche:- You have to start by researching the market to identify the specific needs of small & medium-sized businesses. Because many businesses are struggling with manual accounting or find existing software too complex or expensive. Focus on building a solution that is simple, affordable and addresses their pain points, such as automating invoices, tracking expenses and generating tax reports.

Develop or customize software:- Decide whether to build your software from scratch with the help of a development team or customize an existing platform like QuickBooks or Zoho Books to create a unique product. But make sure your software includes essential features like cloud access, real-time financial tracking, automated reminders, payroll management, and integration with banking systems. Prioritize an intuitive interface so that even non-accountants can use it easily.

Provide flexible and scalable solutions:- Start structuring your services with flexible pricing models, such as tiered subscription plans based on business size and its features. With Offers add-ons such as tax filing assistance, compliance consulting, or financial planning to differentiate yourself from other competitors. A free trial or discounted onboarding package can attract new customers and build trust to convert the audience into customers.

Build a strong brand and online presence:- Start your service as a reliable, tech-enabled bookkeeping solution by emphasizing your credentials as a chartered accountant. You Have to create a professional website with client testimonials, feature highlights and demo videos of your software. Use social media and content marketing to showcase the benefits of your services, such as cost savings, error reduction compliance accuracy and many more. Networking with local businesses and participating in professional forums can also help increase your visibility in the market.

Stay up to date and constantly improve:- Accounting laws and technology are evolving quickly, so keep your software updated with new versions to meet regulatory requirements after getting client feedback. Introduce AI-powered features like predictive analytics or fraud detection to stay ahead of competitors. Engage with your clients regularly to understand their challenges and improve your offerings.

By combining your expertise in accounting with cutting-edge technology, you can create a reliable and scalable bookkeeping solution that not only supports businesses but also establishes you as a leader in this field. Start small, focus on client needs, and let your service grow along with your reputation.

...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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