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Sushil Sukhwani  |594 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

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
PREM Question by PREM on May 10, 2024Hindi
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Career

sir, My daughter has done MA Applied psychology from BHU. And have the work experience of 3 years. Now see need to do the PhD from abroad in good university. PhD in psychology in abroad is treated as job or not. are they give stipend, can you guide me what is required for the same.

Ans: Hello PREM,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear that your daughter has pursued her Master of Arts in Applied Psychology and now wishes to pursue PhD overseas. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that earning a PhD overseas can be considered employment, however, with a stipend instead of a pay. You would be happy to hear that a number of universities, particularly in Europe and the USA, provide stipends to PhD students in psychology in order to help pay for tuition fees and living costs. Nevertheless, based on the country, university, and particular program, these stipends may differ.

To apply for a PhD in psychology overseas, I would suggest that your daughter considers the following:
Firstly, your daughter will need to possess a solid educational background. This entails a strong undergraduate and postgraduate academic record, which I believe she already possesses with her MA in Applied Psychology. Next, bear in mind that candidates with prior research experience are preferred by a number of PhD programs. Your daughter’s 3 years of professional experience might entail pertinent research projects, which would be beneficial. To secure admission to their PhD programs, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores may be required by certain universities, particularly in the USA. Nevertheless, not all the universities demand GRE scores for psychology programs, and thus, I would recommend that your daughter examines each institution's particular criteria. Next, your daughter may require to prove her fluency in English through appearing for tests viz., the IELTS or TOEFL, if English is not her primary language. Your daughter will need to submit a well-drafted statement of purpose (SOP) highlighting her research interests, professional objectives, and reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD in psychology overseas. She will also need to submit compelling recommendation letters from professors or managers who can speak to her academic capabilities and research potential. Remember that a research proposal highlighting her proposed PhD research field may be demanded by certain programs. Lastly, evidence of one’s ability to sustain oneself financially while enrolled in school may be require in some nations.

Taking into account variables viz., possibilities for research, the experience of the faculty members, and financial resources, I would recommend that your daughter conducts an all-round study on potential universities and programs. Not just that, in order to understand how her research interests best resonate with the program’s offerings, I would also suggest that she gets in touch with academics or advisors in her field of interest.

For more information, you can visit our website: www.edwiseinternational.com

You can also follow us on our Instagram page: edwiseint
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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |594 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Oct 16, 2023

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good evening sir,my daughter is doing BA - as she has very deep interest in psychology subject she want to do master in psychology from abroad please guide which university/country to do ?
Ans: Hello Chandrashekharnaidu,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear that your daughter is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s of Arts and intends to further pursue her Master's in Psychology overseas owing to her deep interest in the subject. I would like to inform you that several aspects, viz., your daughter’s particular interests, the cost, as well as her professional ambitions play a key role in deciding on a university and country to pursue a Master's degree in Psychology overseas. To answer your query as to which country would be ideal for your daughter to pursue her Master's in Psychology, I would like to tell you that the UK, Australia, the USA, Netherlands, and Canada are well-regarded for the programs in psychology. Coming to universities, I would like to inform you that the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford in the UK are well-known. At the University of Melbourne in Australia, robust Psychology programs are offered. Moreover, excellent programs are offered at Stanford University, Harvard University, and Yale University in the USA. Robust programs in Psychology are also offered in the Netherlands, particularly at the University of Amsterdam. In Canada, the University of Toronto is one of the popular choices.

At the time of deciding where to study, I would recommend that you daughter looks into the various possibilities for scholarship as well as takes into account the culture and location. Lastly, in order for your daughter to make an educated choice, the programs that the above mentioned universities have to offer, her personal choices as well as the funding sources should be taken into account by her.

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |594 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Nov 29, 2024

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Hi Sushil, my daughter is doing her Graduation in Psychology Hons and Research from Amity University Kolkata. She wishes to pursue higher education in Psychology for doing Masters and subsequent Doctorate abroad. Post completion of Master and Doctorate. Pls suggest for best options. Also should she settle abroad post studies or does India have better career options in Psychology in the near future? kindly suggest. Tanushyam Kanjilal
Ans: Hi Tanushyam,

Thank you for reaching out. It’s great to hear that your daughter is pursuing her graduation in Psychology and research at Amity University Kolkata.

Pursuing a Master’s and Doctorate from prestigious universities abroad, like UC Berkeley and King’s College London, would provide her with specialized courses in areas like clinical and corporate psychology, along with valuable research opportunities. These institutions also have a higher demand for psychologists, which can lead to faster career progression and global exposure.

While career options in India are growing, studying abroad can offer a broader range of opportunities. She should also consider attending international conferences to build networks and explore internships.

Ultimately, the decision depends on her career goals, preferred work environment, and the opportunities available to her after completing her studies.

I wish her all the best in her academic journey!

For more information, visit our website: www.edwiseinternational.com
You can also follow us on Instagram: edwiseint

..Read more

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2025
Money
I am 38 years old and self-employed, earning an average of 1.8 to 2 lakhs per month. I have a home loan of 44 lakhs (EMI is 46,000, tenure 15 years). There is no other liabilities. My investments include 11 lakhs in mutual funds, 3 lakhs in fixed deposits, and 1.5 lakh in gold. Should I focus on prepaying the home loan given my irregular income, or keep my investments intact and continue with EMIs?
Ans: You are doing quite well, especially with your investments and controlled liabilities. Your financial discipline is truly appreciable.

You are 38, self-employed, with Rs.1.8 to 2 lakhs monthly income.
Your current home loan is Rs.44 lakhs with EMI of Rs.46,000 for 15 years.
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds, Rs.3 lakhs in FDs, and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.
Your income is irregular, but you have no other liabilities.

Let us now do a 360-degree evaluation of whether to prepay the loan or stay invested.

 

Step-by-Step Financial Assessment
1. Evaluate the Stability of Your Income First
You earn between Rs.1.8 to Rs.2 lakhs per month.

 

But income is irregular. That needs caution.

 

Loan EMI is Rs.46,000 — about 25% of your average income.

 

If income drops in any month, EMI pressure will increase.

 

So we must first ensure EMI is always affordable, without stress.

 

Hence, liquidity is more important for you right now than aggressive loan prepayment.

 

2. Evaluate Your Emergency Reserve
You have Rs.3 lakhs in FD and Rs.1.5 lakhs in gold.

 

That makes it Rs.4.5 lakhs total liquid safety.

 

Your EMI is Rs.46,000, and personal expenses will also be there.

 

Ideal emergency fund for you = 6 to 9 months of expenses + EMI.

 

That is around Rs.6 to Rs.8 lakhs minimum.

 

So current emergency fund is slightly lower than ideal.

 

Please don’t use this for loan prepayment now.

 

3. Assess the Role of Mutual Funds
You have Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds. That’s a solid step.

Now let’s assess whether to redeem this and prepay loan.

 

Should You Redeem Mutual Funds to Prepay?
Mutual funds, over long term, give better post-tax return than loan savings.

 

Loan interest is 8% to 9%, whereas mutual funds can give 11–13% in long term.

 

Especially if funds are equity-oriented and held for 5+ years.

 

You will also get capital gains tax exemption on Rs.1.25 lakhs LTCG annually.

 

If you redeem funds, you lose growth potential and compounding.

 

That hurts long-term wealth building.

 

So, do not redeem the entire Rs.11 lakhs in mutual funds.

 

4. Disadvantage of Early Loan Prepayment in Your Case
Prepaying early will reduce interest over time, yes.

 

But you may run into cash flow stress in slow months.

 

Once money is used to prepay, it cannot be taken back easily.

 

Liquidity once lost = flexibility lost.

 

Also, income tax benefit under Section 24(b) gets reduced if loan balance drops.

 

So it’s better to maintain balance between repayment and investment.

 

5. Best Strategy for You – A Balanced Approach
Let’s now craft the best plan for you.

 

Maintain Strong Liquidity First
Keep FD and gold untouched.

 

Increase emergency fund to at least Rs.6–Rs.7 lakhs.

 

For that, set aside extra Rs.2.5–Rs.3 lakhs from savings over time.

 

This makes your EMI safe even in low-income months.

 

Continue Your Mutual Fund SIPs Without Stopping
SIPs give long-term growth and beat loan interest in most cases.

 

Don’t stop mutual fund investments to prepay loan.

 

Stay invested. Let wealth compound.

 

Start Small and Periodic Prepayments
Don’t do bulk prepayment now. Do systematic small prepayments.

 

For example, Rs.25,000 to Rs.50,000 extra every 3–4 months.

 

When income is higher, use that surplus to prepay in parts.

 

Target 1–2 bulk part-payments per year.

 

This reduces tenure and interest slowly, without affecting liquidity.

 

Track Your Loan Amortisation Every 6 Months
Use netbanking or get a fresh loan statement every 6 months.

 

Check how each prepayment is reducing principal.

 

Adjust your strategy accordingly.

 

Avoid One-Time Full Prepayment
That would kill your long-term investment compounding.

 

Also removes your income tax benefit under Section 24(b).

 

Stay flexible. You are self-employed.

 

You need cash buffers more than salaried people.

 

Final Insights
Do not do bulk home loan prepayment from mutual funds now.

 

Keep SIPs going and maintain your compounding.

 

Grow your emergency fund to Rs.6–7 lakhs minimum.

 

Use surplus months to make small part-payments towards home loan.

 

This protects your peace and builds wealth at the same time.

 

Reassess in 2–3 years. You may be able to prepay more later.

 

You are already in a good financial position. Your thoughtful approach is praiseworthy.

 

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8334 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2025

Money
i wish to purchase new car i10, should i purchase the same through own money or should i take a vehicle loan from bank and the money own by my to be kept as FDR or liquid mutual fund
Ans: It’s a good sign that you’re thinking before buying a car. You’re not rushing into it. That shows maturity and smart thinking.

We will now evaluate own money vs vehicle loan — from every angle.

 

Understanding the Nature of a Car Purchase
A car is not an investment.

 

It is a consumption asset, not a growth asset.

 

It depreciates every year. Its value goes down, not up.

 

So the cheaper the total cost, the better for your wealth.

 

Option 1: Use Own Money Fully
Pros

No interest cost. You save on total expenses.

 

You are free from monthly EMI pressure.

 

Car becomes fully yours from day one.

 

No need to deal with bank, forms, hypothecation etc.

 

Cons

Your liquid money reduces.

 

You may not have enough cash for emergencies.

 

Opportunity loss if you had invested that money.

 

Option 2: Take Vehicle Loan & Keep Own Money in FDR or Liquid Mutual Fund
Let’s evaluate this with care.

Vehicle Loan Pros

You can preserve your savings for emergencies.

 

EMI can be budgeted monthly, if income is stable.

 

Some banks offer competitive interest rates.

 

Vehicle Loan Cons

You will pay interest on a depreciating item.

 

Loan adds to your monthly obligations.

 

You must pay insurance, EMI, fuel, and service together.

 

FDR and Liquid Mutual Funds give lower returns than loan cost.

 

So you will likely lose more in interest than you gain.

 

Let's Compare: Interest Rate vs Investment Return
Vehicle loan interest is usually 9% to 11% per year.

 

FDR gives around 6% to 7% before tax.

 

Liquid mutual funds give 6% to 7.5% on average.

 

So you pay more to the bank than you earn from investment.

 

Tax on interest or gains reduces actual return further.

 

This means taking a car loan and investing your own money leads to net loss.

 

Best Option for You: Smart Compromise Approach
Let me share a wise solution.

 

Don’t use full own money. Don’t take full loan either.

 

Instead, pay 70–80% from own funds.

 

Take a small car loan for the remaining 20–30% only.

 

This keeps EMI low and retains some liquidity.

 

You reduce interest cost and also keep Rs.50,000–Rs.1 lakh aside.

 

Park that in liquid fund for any urgent need.

 

Repay this small loan fast in 1–2 years.

 

Only Take a Car Loan If:
Your job income is stable.

 

You already have 3–6 months emergency fund ready.

 

You don’t have big loans running now.

 

You can pay EMI without affecting savings.

 

You commit to close the loan early.

 

Avoid This Mistake:
Never buy a more expensive car because loan makes it “feel affordable.”

 

Loan should not expand your car budget.

 

Whether you buy with loan or cash, pick a simple car within limits.

 

i10 is a wise, middle-ground choice. Good thought.

 

Tax Angle (If Business Use)
If you are using the car for business, vehicle loan interest may be tax-deductible.

 

But for personal use, there is no tax benefit.

 

So do not take loan just for imagined tax saving.

 

Final Insights
A car is a need, not an investment.

 

Using your own money fully keeps things simple and cheap.

 

Taking a full car loan and investing the money gives net negative return.

 

Best option is a split approach — pay major part from own funds.

 

Take small loan only if needed and close it early.

 

Always keep emergency money aside before buying.

 

Avoid emotional buying or overbudget cars.

 

Your financially balanced approach is very appreciable.

 

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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