UP OBC NEET Aspirant with 644 Score: Can I Get a Median College?

Ans: Thank you for your query. Calluses on the feet can form due to repeated friction or pressure, often from walking or standing for long periods. The sensation of stepping on wool or cotton while walking could be caused by thickened skin or pressure on the nerves beneath the callus. To manage this, try soaking your feet in warm water for 10-15 minutes to soften the calluses, and then gently rub them with a pumice stone. Applying a moisturizing cream, especially one containing urea or salicylic acid, can also help soften the skin. Ensure your footwear fits well and provides cushioning to reduce friction, and consider using foot padding or insoles for extra support. It's advisable to consult a physiotherapist to assess your walking pattern and prevent further callus formation. Wishing you comfort and a quick recovery!

Ans: Hello Vishal.
Thank you for your query. If you're experiencing thigh pain, it's important to consult a physiotherapist. They can assess the cause of your discomfort and provide a personalized treatment plan, which may include targeted stretches to relieve muscle tension, strengthening exercises to support the thigh, hips, and lower back, as well as heat or cold therapy to manage inflammation or soreness. Additionally, postural correction and massage therapy may be suggested if needed. I hope you find relief soon, and wishing you a speedy and happy recovery!

Ans: Hello;

You have two options:

Either make a flat monthly sip of 60 K for 12 years.
Or
Make a monthly sip of 50K with 5% top-up each year upto 12 years

Both options will yield you a corpus of 2 Cr as desired(modest return of 13% assumed).

Recommended mutual fund types with one example is given below:

1. Retirement mutual fund(Solution based funds)

These funds have a 5 year lock-in. I recommend HDFC Retirement Savings Fund Equity Plan(Growth).

2. Equity Linked Savings Scheme(ELSS) funds

If you invest in ELSS schemes, then you can avail tax exemption of the invested amount up to a limit of Rs. 150,000.

Theses funds have a 3 year lock-in.

They serve dual purpose of tax saving and capital appreciation. I recommend Mirae Asset ELSS tax saver fund(growth).

In case your 80C deduction limit is covered by other tax saving investments like EPF/PPF, insurance premia etc then you may consider the following type of fund.

3. Flexicap fund
Flexicap funds are equity funds that have the flexibility to invest in any market cap equities, i.e. large-cap, mid-cap, or small-cap shares, without any restriction. This means that the fund manager can change the allocation of the fund based on the market conditions, opportunities, and valuations.

I recommend you to invest in PPFAS flexicap fund (growth).

You may allocate 50:50 in any two of these fund types.

Recommended funds are based on their return performance in their category.

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

Happy Investing!!

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing

Ans: Hello.
Instrumental Engineering is a challenging branch. It has a wide scope and has better job placement scenario as compared to other branches. As compared to other branches, very few students pass instrumental engineering in a year. It is advisable to go with it. But it seems that you are not so happy with this option as you asked about partial drop or full drop. It indicates that you are not satisfied with the branch. Instead of taking the drop, choose any pvt college with your preferred branch so save your one year. You did not mention your score also. If you are eying to CSE or AI+ML or any higher branch in top tire college, then you may think of taking the partial drop.

If you are dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
If satisfied, please like and follow me.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

Ans: You are investing Rs 14,000 per month through SIPs across various mutual funds. You also have a mediclaim policy of Rs 10 lakh and a term insurance plan of Rs 1 crore. Given your goals, it's great that you've taken steps towards financial security. Your target of Rs 2 crore over the next 10-15 years is achievable with consistent investing and proper planning.

Here’s an analysis of your current investments:

ABSL Flexi Cap Fund (Rs 1000/month): This is a diversified fund investing across large, mid, and small caps. It’s a good long-term choice, but since your investment is relatively small here, consider increasing it slightly.

Axis ELSS Tax Saver (Rs 3000/month): ELSS offers tax benefits and the chance for wealth creation. It is aligned with your tax-saving goals. You can continue investing, as it also provides the benefit of compounding over time.

HDFC Business Cycle (Rs 1000/month) and HDFC Manufacturing (Rs 2000/month): These sectoral/thematic funds are riskier because they focus on specific sectors. I would recommend reducing your exposure to sector funds and shifting the amount into diversified equity funds or large-cap funds to balance your portfolio.

ICICI Prudential Energy Opportunities (Rs 2000/month): Sector-specific again, this fund focuses on energy. While this can give good returns in the short term, it's a high-risk bet in the long term. I suggest reallocating some portion to a more diversified approach.

Kotak Emerging Equity (Rs 2000/month): A mid-cap fund that can deliver higher returns in the long run, but mid-caps can be volatile. Ensure you balance it with large-cap or diversified funds.

Mirae Asset Large & Midcap (Rs 1000/month): This is a good blend of large and mid-cap stocks. You can continue with this, as it balances both stability (large-cap) and growth (mid-cap).

Nippon India Small Cap (Rs 1000/month) and Whiteoak Capital Midcap (Rs 1000/month): These small and mid-cap funds are higher-risk investments. Over the long term, they can give higher returns, but be prepared for volatility.

Recommendations for Improvement
To meet your goal of Rs 2 crore, you need to adjust your investment strategy. Here are some recommendations:

1. Increase SIP Amount Gradually
Rs 14,000 per month is a good start, but you may need to increase this over time to meet your Rs 2 crore target. Since your income is Rs 90,000, aim to gradually increase your SIP by 5-10% every year.
2. Reduce Exposure to Sector Funds
Sectoral and thematic funds like HDFC Business Cycle, HDFC Manufacturing, and ICICI Prudential Energy Opportunities are more volatile. Reallocate a part of this investment to large-cap or diversified equity funds for more stability.
3. Continue ELSS for Tax Savings
Axis ELSS is serving your tax-saving needs. Continue with this investment, but ensure you are within the Rs 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C.
4. Focus on Diversified Equity and Large-Cap Funds
To achieve your wealth creation goal, increase your exposure to large-cap and flexi-cap funds. They provide a safer and more consistent route to building wealth over the long term.

Some of the small and mid-cap funds you’re investing in can be retained, but the key is not to over-invest in higher-risk funds. A balanced portfolio will reduce risk and increase the chance of reaching your goal.

5. Consider Adding Debt Funds for Stability
You may want to add some debt mutual funds to your portfolio. This will ensure a balanced risk level and provide some protection against market volatility.
6. Prepay Home Loan if Possible
If you have surplus income or can free up some investments after realigning your portfolio, consider prepaying your home loan. This will reduce the interest burden and free up funds for future investments.
7. Review Insurance Coverage
You have Rs 1 crore in term insurance, which is good. However, if your liabilities increase, like for your daughter's education or other expenses, ensure that your coverage remains adequate.
How Much You Need to Save
To reach Rs 2 crore in the next 10-15 years, you'll need to ensure that your investment corpus grows at a healthy rate. With an expected return of 10-12% from mutual funds, you can build a significant corpus, but a more detailed plan with regular reviews is essential.

Example Approach:
If you increase your SIP amount by Rs 2,000-3,000 periodically and reallocate your portfolio as suggested, you will be on track for Rs 2 crore in 15 years. With time, compound interest will work in your favor.
Tax-Saving Strategy
You already invest in Axis ELSS, which gives you tax-saving benefits under Section 80C. You can consider adding another ELSS fund if you need additional tax-saving options, but don't exceed Rs 1.5 lakh in total investment for tax deductions.

Alternatively, you can contribute to PPF for tax-free, low-risk returns. Since you already have a home loan, remember to take advantage of Section 24 for tax deductions on interest payments.

Final Insights
To sum up:

Increase your SIP investments slightly over time to meet your Rs 2 crore goal.

Rebalance your portfolio by reducing sectoral fund exposure and focusing more on diversified and large-cap funds.

Maintain ELSS for tax-saving benefits but diversify if necessary.

Gradually prepay your home loan to reduce interest expenses and free up cash flow for investing.

Continue reviewing your insurance coverage to match future needs.

Making these changes will put you on the right path to achieving your financial goals in 10-15 years.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Achieving Rs. 1 crore in a short period of time is challenging, especially without taking high risks. There are no safe "get rich quick" schemes that can guarantee such returns in a short time frame. While your savings of Rs. 25 lakhs and monthly income of Rs. 80,000 provide a solid foundation, wealth creation requires time, patience, and disciplined investments.

You can aim for long-term growth through consistent investing in avenues like mutual funds, equity, and other reliable instruments. However, expecting to double or quadruple your money quickly would likely expose you to unnecessary risks. It's important to avoid falling for speculative schemes or high-risk ventures, as they often lead to losses.

A balanced approach with realistic expectations is the best way to secure your financial future.

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

Ans: Amy medicine, unless it is a natural form of supplements will have an effect and side effect
Side effect depends upon how optimal you are, taking the medicine how compliant you are in the medications and how much are you following the precautions given to that particular drug with respect to your lifestyle modifications.
So please abide by what your Physician has advised and take the medications
You may not have any side effects

Ans: Hello,

Thank you for sharing your situation. Based on your symptoms of back pain and stiffness, it’s important to approach physiotherapy carefully, especially with disc bulges. Although your HLA-B27 test was negative, stiffness and back pain can still occur. I recommend gentle exercises like pelvic tilts, knee-to-chest stretches, and the cat-cow stretch to improve mobility and reduce pain. Standing hamstring stretches and bridge exercises can also help strengthen your core and relieve pressure on the spine. Swimming or aqua therapy, if available, provides low-impact relief. Additionally, focus on maintaining good posture and avoid high-impact activities. It’s essential to consult a physiotherapist for a personalized treatment plan.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.