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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |594 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on May 27, 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
Saurabh Question by Saurabh on May 26, 2023Hindi
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Hi. My daughter is in class 8th. She has dream to study in foreign top university( top10). She is interested in finance and also in maths. She is very much looking for doing efforts to get scholarship. I am a simple and small earning person. Pls help and guide so that she can get and acheive her dream

Ans: Hello Saurabh,

First and foremost, thank you for contacting us. It's encouraging to learn that your daughter has high ambitions. Indeed, pursuing a higher education at a prestigious overseas university is a difficult but worthwhile road. While the road ahead may not be simple, there are various steps you and your daughter may take to improve her prospects of admission to a prestigious university and receiving a scholarship. To assist her in realizing her dream, consider the following advice:

1. Academic Prowess: Encourage your daughter to put her education first and aim for academic achievement. Maintaining strong scores in finance and mathematics will improve her prospects of admission to a prestigious university.

2. Determine Target Universities: Conduct research to find the top colleges with robust finance and mathematics programs. Shortlist colleges that fit your daughter's goals and offer scholarships to international students.

3. Prepare for Standardized Tests: Standardized exams like the SAT or ACT are required by several universities. By offering her study materials, mock exams, and, if it's possible, enrolling her in test preparation classes, assist your daughter in preparing for these exams.

4. Extracurricular Interests: Encourage your daughter to join in extracurricular activities that align with her interests. She could sign up for groups or clubs that concentrate on finance or economics in the realm of finance. She exhibits her interest, leadership abilities, and devotion by participating in extracurricular activities.

5. Community service and volunteering: Encouraging your daughter to participate in volunteer work and community service projects will distinguish her from competitors while also demonstrating her dedication to having a good influence.

6. Essay/Personal Statement: Assist your daughter in writing a strong personal statement or essay for her college application that demonstrates her drive, enthusiasm, and future objectives. Underline her distinct experiences, the difficulties she has faced, and how studying abroad fits with her goals.

7. LoRs: Help your daughter establish solid connections with the community leaders, mentors, and instructors who can write recommendation letters for her. Her accomplishments, talents, and potential for success in higher education should be highlighted in these letters.

8. Research Scholarships: Look for financial or mathematical scholarships that are especially designed for overseas students. For exceptional students, several colleges provide options for financial aid and scholarships. To identify relevant possibilities, conduct online research, contact university financial aid offices, and search scholarship databases.

9. Plan your finances: As a low-income person/student, you must plan for the financial aspects of studying abroad. Investigate the associated expenditures, such as tuition, lodging, living costs, and travel. To help with the costs, look into financial aid programs, scholarships, and part-time employment choices.

10. Seek Direction and Assistance: Encourage your daughter to consult with her academic adviser, instructors, and school counselor, to get sage advice and support during the application process. They can help her comprehend the specifications, offer input on the submitted documents, and help her find appropriate scholarship opportunities.

The route to studying abroad and obtaining scholarships might be difficult, but with perseverance, diligence, and the right support, your daughter can fulfil her ambitions. Journeying forward, motivate her to persevere, stay committed, and accept possibilities for improvement. Best wishes on your daughter's academic career!

For more information, you can visit our website.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8897 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 11, 2025

Money
I AM 54 ,WERE SHOULD I INVEST TO HAVE BETTER FINANCIAL AFTER RETIREMENT ,I AM HAVING SIP OF 50 K, AND 20 LACS PORTFOLIO OF SHARES...
Ans: You are 54 years old, investing Rs 50,000 monthly via SIP, and holding a Rs 20 lakh portfolio in shares. You are likely preparing for a secure and comfortable retirement. Let’s assess this from all angles with a 360-degree financial view.

Understanding Your Life Stage
You are in the pre-retirement phase.

Retirement could be 5 to 8 years away.

This is a critical phase for wealth preservation.

Also, time to optimise for stable post-retirement income.

Investment mistakes now can affect lifestyle later.

So, decisions now must be very mindful and calculated.

Your Current SIP – A Solid Habit
Rs 50,000 SIP shows strong discipline. Appreciate that.

Continue SIPs in a well-diversified mix of mutual funds.

Actively managed funds are better suited at this stage.

They adjust portfolio during market ups and downs.

This is not possible with passive funds or index funds.

Why Index Funds May Not Suit You
Index funds mirror the market without active control.

They can’t reduce risk during market downturns.

No fund manager to rebalance your asset mix.

You are closer to retirement. Risk must be controlled.

Actively managed funds can do that better.

Shares Portfolio of Rs 20 Lakhs – Review Needed
Direct shares are risky for retirement planning.

Prices fluctuate daily. No guaranteed returns.

Sell part of the shares and move to mutual funds.

This reduces risk and brings consistency.

Keep only 20–25% of your portfolio in shares.

Remaining should shift to diversified mutual funds.

Direct Mutual Funds – Disadvantages for You
Direct funds need continuous tracking and monitoring.

You may miss portfolio reviews or rebalancing needs.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner help more.

They ensure periodic assessment, rebalancing, and tax planning.

A CFP also gives long-term planning with strategy.

They don’t stop at just selling mutual funds.

Asset Allocation – The Real Foundation
Divide your money into different buckets:

Short-term: next 1–2 years cash needs.

Medium-term: 3–5 years, lower risk funds.

Long-term: 5+ years, higher equity allocation.

This protects you from market shock and ensures liquidity.

Suggested Portfolio Structure (Broadly)
50% Equity Mutual Funds (actives, diversified, balanced)

25% Debt Mutual Funds (low duration, short term)

15% Hybrid Mutual Funds (equity + debt mix)

10% Gold Mutual Funds (inflation hedge)

Continue SIPs in These Categories
Diversified Flexi Cap and Balanced Advantage Funds.

These give flexibility and moderate risk.

SIPs must be reviewed yearly.

Ensure funds are managed by top-quality fund houses.

Don’t Ignore Retirement Goal Planning
Estimate how much money you need at 60.

Consider expenses, inflation, medical, and emergencies.

Map your SIPs and existing assets to this goal.

Adjust SIP amount or asset allocation if gap exists.

Emergency Fund and Health Cover
Keep 6–12 months of expenses in liquid mutual funds.

Avoid keeping in savings account. Use low duration funds.

Have adequate health insurance (Rs 10–15 lakh or more).

Include a super top-up policy if base cover is less.

Avoid These Mistakes Now
Don’t chase high returns through stocks.

Don’t start risky thematic funds now.

Don’t invest through tips or social media.

Don’t stop SIPs when markets fall.

Don’t mix insurance and investment.

Don’t invest in real estate for returns.

Tax Planning – Be Smart About Withdrawals
When redeeming equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

For debt funds, gains taxed as per your income slab.

Plan withdrawals slowly, not in one go.

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) post retirement.

Investment cum Insurance Policies – Caution Needed
If you hold any LIC, ULIP, or endowment-type plans,

Review them thoroughly.

These usually give low returns.

Consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds.

But do this after checking surrender charges and lock-ins.

Retirement Corpus Withdrawal Strategy
Start SWP from debt funds or hybrid funds post 60.

This gives monthly income, and keeps tax low.

Equity should be tapped last.

Don’t withdraw lump sum. Withdraw in parts.

This helps fight inflation for 20–25 years of retirement.

Post-Retirement Investment Focus
Prioritise safety, then liquidity, then return.

Don’t aim to “grow wealth” aggressively.

Ensure stable income with low risk.

Use mix of debt and balanced funds.

Review portfolio once a year with a CFP.

Financial Planning Services Benefit You More Now
You are close to retirement. Emotions and market noise increase.

A Certified Financial Planner can:

Guide you with tax-smart withdrawal plans

Do regular portfolio rebalancing

Adjust goals and strategies if life situations change

Ensure emotional mistakes are avoided during volatility

Final Insights
You are on the right path. Rs 50,000 SIP is very good.

Now shift focus from only growing to protecting wealth.

Don’t keep all Rs 20 lakh in stocks. Shift gradually.

Review goals, plan withdrawals, cover risks.

Align everything towards a peaceful, financially independent retirement.

You need a well-structured, personalised financial roadmap now.

Execute every decision with full clarity, not on instinct.

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

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |6156 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 11, 2025

Career
Sir, I passed Class 12 in 2024 with the PCB stream under CBSE. However, I now wish to shift to the Commerce stream with Mathematics. I would like to know: 1.Is it possible to take direct admission into Class 12 (Commerce with Maths) in a CBSE school? 2.If not, does CBSE provide any option for private candidates to appear for Class 12 again in a different stream? 3.Are there any other options available for students like me who want to switch streams after completing Class 12?
Ans: Bhavya, Switching from PCB to Commerce with Mathematics after passing CBSE Class 12 is not permitted under CBSE rules, as Classes 11–12 are treated as an integrated course, requiring foundational stream-specific learning in Class 11. Direct admission to Class 12 Commerce is thus impossible. While CBSE allows private candidates to add an additional subject (e.g., Mathematics) to their existing PCB stream, core Commerce subjects like Accountancy or Economics cannot be substituted. Alternatives include re-enrolling in Class 11 Commerce (time-intensive), opting for NIOS Class 12 (flexible, 1-year program with Commerce subjects), pursuing a diploma in Commerce (e.g., ICAI Foundation) for lateral entry into B.Com/BBA, or targeting university entrance exams (DU JAT, IPU CET) that accept PCB students with Mathematics aptitude. NIOS is the most efficient pathway, allowing tailored subject selection and faster transition to undergraduate Commerce programs. Repeating Class 11 is advisable only if a 2-year commitment is feasible. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

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