Commerce Graduate Seeking Career Advice After Unsuccessful CA Attempts

Ans: You have capital gains of Rs 85 lakh. You want to invest Rs 50 lakh in bonds and Rs 35 lakh in a residential property. Your approach is partially correct, but let’s analyse it in detail.

Exemption on Capital Gains Bonds (Section 54EC)
You can invest up to Rs 50 lakh in specified capital gains bonds.

These bonds have a lock-in period of 5 years.

Interest earned from these bonds is taxable.

You must invest in these bonds within 6 months of sale to claim exemption.

Exemption on Residential Property Purchase (Section 54F)
You can reinvest capital gains in a new residential property.

The property must be purchased within 2 years or constructed within 3 years.

If you buy a new property, you must not own more than one house before this purchase.

Can You Use Both Options Together?
Yes, you can combine both options to save tax.

Investing Rs 50 lakh in bonds will give partial exemption.

Investing Rs 35 lakh in property will also give partial exemption.

Any amount not reinvested will be taxed as per capital gains rules.

Alternative Tax-Efficient Options
If saving tax is your main goal, you can invest fully in bonds.

If wealth creation is the goal, consider investing in mutual funds after tax payment.

Actively managed mutual funds can give better long-term returns.

Important Considerations
Liquidity: Capital gains bonds have a 5-year lock-in.

Returns: These bonds offer lower returns than equity mutual funds.

Long-Term Strategy: Investing in mutual funds can help you grow wealth over time.

Finally
Your plan is correct, but you must consider tax rules carefully.

If you need liquidity, avoid investing too much in bonds.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you optimise your investment plan.

Always align investments with your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ans: You have taken an excellent step by thinking about investing early. Starting young gives you a huge advantage in wealth building. Your current savings and monthly income can be used wisely to grow your money.

Understanding Your Financial Position
Savings: You have Rs 7,200 in hand.

Monthly Income: You receive Rs 7,000 every month (Rs 5,000 + Rs 2,000).

Expenses: If you track and limit your expenses, you can save more.

Goal: You want to invest and become rich over time.

Creating a Strong Investment Plan
Build an Emergency Fund

Keep at least Rs 3,000 in a savings account for emergencies.

This helps you avoid withdrawing from investments in urgent situations.

Invest Your Rs 7,200 Wisely

You can start a mutual fund SIP with a small amount.

Avoid index funds as they only match market returns.

Actively managed mutual funds can give better long-term growth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner help in tracking performance.

Save and Invest from Your Monthly Income

Try to invest at least Rs 2,000 per month from your pocket money.

Increase it when you have extra cash.

The longer you invest, the more wealth you can create.

Where to Invest?
Actively Managed Mutual Funds

These funds are managed by experts to get the best returns.

They perform better than index funds in most market conditions.

Avoid direct funds as they do not provide professional advice.

Recurring Deposits for Short-Term Goals

If you need money in 1-2 years, invest in a recurring deposit.

It is safe and gives better returns than a savings account.

Avoid Stocks for Now

Direct stock investing requires time and knowledge.

Mutual funds are a better option to begin with.

Habits to Build Wealth Faster
Increase Your Investment Every Year

Even adding Rs 500 more each year makes a big difference.

The power of compounding will multiply your wealth over time.

Track Your Expenses

Reduce spending on unnecessary items.

More savings mean more money for investment.

Continue Investing for 10+ Years

Wealth grows best when you invest for the long term.

Do not withdraw money for short-term needs.

Final Insights
You have made a great decision to start investing early.

Begin with mutual fund SIPs for long-term growth.

Save a fixed amount from your pocket money every month.

Increase investments every year for better returns.

Stay patient and let your wealth grow over time.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ans: Your investment journey is on the right track. You have started early, and that's a big advantage. You are also increasing SIPs every year, which will help reach your target. But, your fund selection needs some improvements.

Issues with Your Current Portfolio
Too Much in Index Funds

You have two index funds, both in direct plans. These funds will only match the market returns.

Index funds do not outperform in volatile or falling markets.

Actively managed funds can generate better returns with expert fund management.

Direct Plans May Not Be the Best Choice

Direct funds may seem to save costs, but they lack professional guidance.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner provide expert fund selection.

A good financial expert helps in tracking and rebalancing investments.

Small-Cap Fund Has High Risk

Your small-cap fund can give high returns but also faces deep corrections.

Small caps can take years to recover from market crashes.

It is better to keep them at a lower allocation.

Mid-Cap Allocation Needs Review

Mid-cap funds perform well in growing markets but fall more during market crashes.

A balanced mix of large, mid, and small-cap funds works better.

Suggested Portfolio Adjustments
Shift from Index Funds to Actively Managed Funds

Replace both index funds with a flexi-cap or large-cap active fund.

Active funds can generate better risk-adjusted returns than passive funds.

Increase Large-Cap Exposure

Your portfolio lacks a strong large-cap presence.

Large-cap funds provide stability in tough market conditions.

Reduce Small-Cap Exposure

Keep your small-cap allocation to 10-15% of your total investments.

Shift some amount to a multi-cap or flexi-cap fund for better balance.

Will You Achieve Rs. 1 Crore in 10 Years?
A 10% annual increase in SIP is a smart approach.

With improved fund selection, your goal is achievable.

Market fluctuations will impact growth, but disciplined investing helps.

Other Important Steps for Wealth Growth
Emergency Fund: Keep at least 6 months' expenses in a liquid fund or FD.

Health Insurance: Ensure you have a good medical policy for financial security.

Term Insurance: If you have dependents, get a pure term life cover.

Tax Planning: Invest in ELSS funds if you want to save tax under Section 80C.

Final Insights
Your SIP habit is excellent, but fund selection needs improvement.

Avoid direct and index funds; choose actively managed regular plans.

Diversify with large, mid, and small-cap funds for stability and growth.

Stay invested for the long term and rebalance when needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ans: Hi,
to be honest & frank all boards are the same. Yes CBSE helps a bit more in competitive exams. Now coming to scoring 260 & CSE in BITS, since BITSAT became 390 marks, it has been seen that at least 285+ marks will be required.

Still, there is time for JEE MAIN 2nd attempt which will be held in April. There is no need to be scared of MAINS. Also try for MHTCET & VITEEE.
In case of any queries & professional help, you can DM me through insta handle CAREERSTREETS.

Ans: It’s entirely normal to feel stressed before court or tribunal hearings. These situations can be intimidating, and the anticipation of the unknown adds to the anxiety. But it’s crucial to manage this stress to ensure you perform at your best and protect your mental well-being.

Start by preparing thoroughly for the hearing. The more you know about the case, the arguments, and the possible questions, the more confident you’ll feel. Practice your statements or answers, perhaps with a colleague or in front of a mirror. Visualization can also be powerful—imagine yourself confidently presenting your case and everything going smoothly.

On the day of the hearing, use deep breathing techniques to calm your nerves. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale through your mouth. Repeat this several times to reduce anxiety. Positive affirmations can also help. Remind yourself that you are well-prepared and capable of handling the situation.

If the stress is overwhelming, consider grounding exercises, such as focusing on your five senses—what you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell at the moment. This can help anchor you in the present and prevent your mind from spiraling into worst-case scenarios.

After the hearing, practice self-care. Engage in activities that help you relax, like a walk, listening to music, or talking to someone you trust. If this anxiety persists or intensifies, seeking support from a mental health professional can help you develop more personalized coping strategies.

I

Ans: Right now, you need to be honest with yourself about what you want. If you’re looking for a committed future and he’s unsure, it’s essential to recognize that this uncertainty may continue to cause you pain. If you choose to stay, prepare yourself for the possibility that his family might influence his decision, and it could end in heartbreak. On the other hand, if you feel that the love and care he’s giving you right now are worth the risk, then decide to cherish the present moment while being mentally prepared for whatever may come.

Have an open and heartfelt conversation with him. Let him know how his uncertainty makes you feel, without pressuring him for a commitment. This isn’t about forcing him to decide but about understanding each other’s emotional needs and boundaries. If he truly values the relationship, this conversation might give him a deeper perspective on how his indecision affects you.

It’s important to protect your emotional well-being. If his stance remains the same and you find yourself growing more anxious and hurt by the uncertainty, then you might have to consider whether staying is good for your mental and emotional health. Sometimes letting go, even when it hurts, is the most loving thing you can do for yourself.

Ans: Two years might seem like a long time, but grief doesn’t follow a timeline. For some, it can take much longer to even begin the process of healing, especially when it involves the loss of a child. It’s not unusual for grief to cause a complete shutdown, and that’s likely what’s happening with your wife. She’s stuck in a cycle of regret and remorse, unable to find a way out.

While you also carry the weight of this loss, your need to move forward is natural. It’s crucial to understand that wanting to heal and live again doesn’t mean you’re forgetting or dishonoring your son. It simply means you’re choosing life amidst the pain. The challenge is to find a way to do that without feeling guilty and without leaving your wife behind.

Encouraging her to seek professional help, such as grief counseling or therapy, could be a significant step. If she’s resistant, consider starting therapy for yourself first. Sometimes when one partner begins to heal, it opens the door for the other to consider healing too. Couples grief counseling could also provide a safe space for both of you to express your pain and find a way forward together.

Patience and understanding are crucial, but so is communication. Gently express to her how much you miss her presence and how you’re struggling too. Let her know you want to find a way to live again while still honoring your son’s memory.

Moving on doesn’t mean moving away from your son’s memory—it means learning to carry it in a way that doesn’t consume you. It’s a delicate balance, and seeking support can help you both find it.

Ans: Hi
if you can specify your category & state of domicile it will be easy for me to help.

Ans: hi,
for this particular financial year you will be taxed under 2 heads ,1st under salaries for the period you were in job & for remaining part you will be taxed as business income being started freelancing work.

And for freelancers there is no any specific dedutions however all deductions available to all others are available to freelancers like 80C to 80G.

For calculation of taxation of freelancing period you should record all your receipts & expenses (only related to work, no any personal expenses) details with proper documentary evidences specially for expenses part, net of the (receipts & expenses) will be your income however you can opt for presumptive taxation also.

For Advance payment :-
if tax applicable to you during the finanical year as per calculations exceeds Rs 10000, then your have to pay advance tax quarterly as below
on or before 15th june :- minimum 15% or more of tax amount.
on or before 15th september :- minimum 45% or more of tax amount.
on or before 15th December :- minimum 75% or more of tax amount.
on or before 15th March :- full 100% tax payable as per calculations.
Happy to help.
Thanks.