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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |594 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on May 17, 2023

Sushil Sukhwani is the founding director of the overseas education consultant firm, Edwise International. He has 31 years of experience in counselling students who have opted to study abroad in various countries, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. He is part of the board of directors at the American International Recruitment Council and an honorary committee member of the Australian Alumni Association. Sukhwani is an MBA graduate from Bond University, Australia. ... more
Yumi Question by Yumi on May 07, 2023Hindi
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Career

Sir,i am actually way more confused in which stream to choose after my 12th..iam just interested in too many things..and i just feel like i don't have a proper path to move on..i want to continue my studies after degree abroad..and it's just that i don't know what would be best to choose gor degree.

Ans: Hello Yumi,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. After completing your 12th grade, selecting a field of study might be difficult, especially if you have a variety of interests. Many others experience similar difficulties, so it's normal to feel perplexed at this point. We completely comprehend, and we want you to know that you are not alone. Following the completion of your degree, consider the following ideas to aid in your decision-making and set you on the right course:

1. Self-reflection: Spend some time thinking about your hobbies, qualities, and long-term objectives. Think about the things that really interest you and where you envision yourself in the future. Consider your favourite skills and the professions that share your interests.

2. Investigate and learn: Investigate several professions that fit your interests. Find more about the educational requirements, employment outlook, and career development options for various professions. Talk to experts in such fields or seek advice from career counselors who can offer insightful analysis.

3. Set your priorities: While having a variety of interests is fantastic, it can be useful to rank them according to your level of excitement and long-term objectives. Think about the professions that give greater opportunity to study abroad or that have better chances to advance globally. Selecting a stream that integrates some of your interests or allows you to study interdisciplinary topics may be advantageous.

4. Seek counsel and direction: Speak to the people who know you best, viz. your parents, professors, and mentors. Talk to them about your goals and concerns. Using their expertise and knowledge, they can provide advice.

5. Take the aptitude: Examine your academic accomplishments and areas for improvement. Study overseas consultants in general are aware of the challenges students experience while choosing a course of study for higher education. An aptitude test and a program called the APP for career guidance is conducted in order to meet these expectations. Evaluate your knowledge, academic standing, and your preferred subjects of study.

6. Examine your possibilities for studying abroad: Consider international schools or institutions that have courses that interest you. Look at their eligibility requirements, financial aid options, and any requirements for international students. Speaking with educational experts who focus on assisting students with their international studies may also be beneficial. We'd be happy to help you if you could provide us with your contact information.

Remember that your degree choice is not final; many people change careers or continue their education in later life. It's important to pick a career path that appeals to you right now and offers a strong basis for your future endeavours. Trust your gut, learn as much as you can, and decide based on what seems right for you.

For more information, you can visit our website.
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I have just completed my 12 th and now l don't understand where to proceed which career is best for me. Without going out in lndia.. Thoght of doing graduation and do competition but who knows will l be successful or not.. My financial conditions is not good
Ans: Thank you for reaching out. Managing your career choices can be quite daunting, especially when considering factors like financial constraints and uncertainties about the future. Given your financial constraints, consider the cost of education and living expenses associated with your chosen career path. Explore scholarship opportunities, financial aid programs, or part-time work options to help offset the costs of education and living expenses. If pursuing a traditional college education isn't feasible due to financial constraints, consider vocational training or skill-based programs that offer practical, hands-on training in specific trades or industries. Vocational training programs can provide valuable skills and certifications for in-demand jobs without the need for a traditional degree. Keep in mind that career paths are rarely linear, and it's okay to explore different options and make adjustments along the way. Stay open-minded to new opportunities, be willing to adapt to changing circumstances, and remain resilient in the face of challenges. Remember that finding the right career path takes time, exploration, and self-discovery. Be patient with yourself, stay focused on your goals, and trust that, with determination and perseverance, you'll find a path that's fulfilling and rewarding for you.

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Ramalingam

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 09, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2025
Money
Dear Sir, I am 55 and I am a stage 4 cancer patient for the past 5 years. Presently working with a salary of Rs.30 LPA. I have Rs.75 L in SB account. Rs.25 L in shares out of which Rs.12 L is loss. Rs.12 L in mutual funds. Rs.3 L in EPF. No commitments or liabilities. I need to know how I can get Rs. 70 K per month in case I lose my job. Kindly advise.
Ans: I truly appreciate your courage and clarity even in the face of health challenges. With your current financial resources and the need to secure a monthly income of Rs. 70,000, a detailed and careful plan is very much possible.

Let me give you a full 360-degree solution below, step-by-step.

Understanding Your Present Financial Picture
You are 55 years old and have been living with stage 4 cancer for 5 years.

You are still employed and drawing a salary of Rs. 30 lakhs per year.

You have Rs. 75 lakhs in your savings bank account.

You hold Rs. 25 lakhs in shares, with Rs. 12 lakhs in losses.

You have Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Rs. 3 lakhs is in your EPF account.

You have no loans or financial commitments.

Your main concern is to receive Rs. 70,000 every month if the job stops.

You are not looking to take risks.

You want regular, reliable income without physical involvement.

Step 1: Emergency Medical and Health Fund
Health comes first. Keep money aside just for medical needs.

This fund should cover two years of your full household and medical costs.

Keep Rs. 15 to 20 lakhs aside for this purpose.

This money should be in ultra-safe places.

Prefer a savings bank account and liquid mutual funds.

This should remain untouched unless truly needed.

This emergency buffer gives peace and avoids panic in tough times.

Step 2: Generate Rs. 70,000 Monthly Income
Rs. 70,000 monthly means Rs. 8.4 lakhs needed per year.

Aim for post-tax cash flow from your investments.

Break your funds into income generation buckets.

Use your Rs. 75 lakhs from savings bank as the core capital.

Avoid keeping the full amount idle in SB account.

Allocate funds into low-risk, stable return instruments.

Prefer investment avenues offering quarterly or monthly payouts.

Choose options where you can withdraw in parts if needed.

Step 3: Structured Investment Allocation
Short-Term Bucket: 1 to 2 Years

Set aside Rs. 18 to 20 lakhs for short-term needs.

Put this money into highly liquid options.

Use only those that protect capital and give fixed income.

These funds will generate stable income for the next two years.

Prefer options offering monthly or quarterly payouts.

This will help replace your salary if job stops.

You don’t need to sell any shares or mutual funds right away.

You get time to think clearly, plan calmly.

Medium-Term Bucket: 3 to 5 Years

Keep around Rs. 25 to 30 lakhs here.

Invest in actively managed hybrid mutual funds.

Choose regular plans through a mutual fund distributor with CFP credentials.

Do not go for direct funds.

Direct plans do not come with personalised guidance.

There is no one to help you rebalance, switch or review.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner offer ongoing support.

With hybrid funds, risk is moderate and returns are better than FDs.

Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) to get monthly income.

You can set up SWP of Rs. 40,000 to 50,000 from this bucket.

These funds will last for years while also growing gradually.

Long-Term Bucket: 5+ Years

Keep Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs for the long-term.

This is not for current income, but for inflation beating growth.

Invest in actively managed large cap or balanced advantage funds.

Again, use regular plans with Certified Financial Planner.

These funds will build wealth for later stages.

You can shift gains to the medium bucket after 5 years.

Step 4: Shareholding Review and Action Plan
You have Rs. 25 lakhs in shares.

Out of this, Rs. 12 lakhs are in losses.

Do not sell them in a hurry.

Some may recover if you wait patiently.

First, make a list of all companies and their quality.

Exit poor-quality stocks even at a loss.

Retain good quality stocks with strong future.

If the whole portfolio is confusing, take help from a Certified Financial Planner.

You can harvest the loss now to set off gains later.

Book losses smartly to reduce future capital gains tax.

After cleaning up, move the proceeds to your medium bucket.

Step 5: Mutual Fund Review
You hold Rs. 12 lakhs in mutual funds.

Find out the type of each fund.

If these are equity funds, hold them long-term.

If returns are low or risk is high, shift to hybrid funds.

Avoid investing in index funds.

Index funds cannot protect capital in falling markets.

They simply copy the market blindly.

Actively managed funds are safer.

Professional fund managers take timely actions.

They reduce your risk and improve consistency.

Step 6: EPF Strategy
You have Rs. 3 lakhs in EPF.

EPF earns stable tax-free interest.

Do not withdraw unless it’s urgent.

Keep it as part of your long-term reserve.

Step 7: Monthly Income Setup
Use short-term and medium-term buckets to get income.

Start SWP from mutual funds for Rs. 40,000 monthly.

Use fixed income tools for Rs. 30,000 more.

Review this every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Adjust amounts if needed based on inflation.

Step 8: Tax Planning and Awareness
Income from mutual funds is taxable.

Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term gains taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per your slab.

Plan redemptions to avoid tax shocks.

Harvest profits in a planned manner.

Step 9: Avoid These Common Mistakes
Do not invest in real estate.

It is illiquid and needs physical handling.

Do not buy annuities.

They give poor returns and lock your money.

Do not fall for insurance + investment combos.

If you already hold such policies, review them.

Consider surrender if return is poor.

Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds.

Step 10: Use a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner gives structured and unbiased advice.

They help you with fund selection, SWP setup, rebalancing.

They guide you with tax-saving and risk control.

Their ongoing service is crucial at your life stage.

Choose someone with experience and clear credentials.

Finally
You are in a better financial position than many.

You have no loans, no dependents, and have built good savings.

With a calm and simple plan, you can replace your income safely.

You do not need to take risky steps now.

You have already shown strength by managing your life and job for 5 years.

Now your money should serve you with peace and stability.

Break your capital into buckets.

Get monthly income through safe withdrawals.

Review regularly with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid unnecessary complexity or noise.

You deserve a peaceful financial life.

Your health is precious. Let money be your quiet support.

Invest safe. Withdraw smart. Sleep well.

You are already doing well. Just add clarity and structure.

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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