Choosing Between RV CSE and BITS Hyderabad Dual Degree: Expert Advice

Ans: I propose that you estimate the long term(assumed) capital gain tax liability that may arise after sale of this flat considering indexation or without indexation as is optimal for you. Next consider the future redevelopment potential in the tier-1 city particularly in the area where you have the flat. Another point to be borne in mind is if your daughters need to move to tier-1 city in future for better coaching, education, prospects then this aspect needs to be considered. If you still want to sell the flat then time it in such a way when you want to buy new residential property in tier2 city because you can utilise all your gains here without paying any capital gain tax(Section 54 of Income tax act allows exemption subject to conditions) and/or buying section 54 EC Capital Gain bonds to save LTCG payment(50L per FY limit & 6 months within sale of property subject to eligibility).

Unless you have strong knowledge of markets or an investment advisor to assist you, I would recommend you to redeem your(family) stock holdings(subject to high volatility and needs regular monitoring) of 85L+15L and invest it in a staggered manner into equity savings and value focussed balanced advantage fund for horizon of 4-5 years.

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

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates

Happy Investing!!

Ans: This firm is delisted from BSE due to non payment of listing fees. As per moneycontrol it is not listed on NSE. Seems defunct now and regrettably no other information is available.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I assume that you are part of an Indian family system where the son is still expected to take on the responsibilities of caring for his parents. Now, this need not be challenged as it is rooted in firm beliefs but what still seems inexcusable is the manner in which your father has tried to achieve it.
A simple conversation around this would have helped you understand his thoughts around the property, money surrounding it etc...
You say that you have never been able to communicate openly with your father and maybe all that is happening is a lesson for you to start becoming more expressive with him. Say NO when it is a NO...saying Yes has caused you to lose money at a time when it was not necessary.
You can still communicate with your father and this time do it not to confront him with anger but to clearly express your sadness over the way things were done regarding money. You also need to let him know how this has affected your financial situation and that getting back what is yours will only help you not depend on him (your father). Express clearly as to what you want...You are not a terrible son if you are looking out for your own family and your future. Be wise about it!

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: Dear Phy,
If you have a spouse who has begun to ignore your pleas and request, what else can you do? Where is the respect that he must be giving you as a life partner?
Now, I also want you to ask yourself if your doubts are just figment of your imagination or are they based on facts? Have you seen any message on his phone or a call to anyone planning a meeting?
Yes, it's strange and suspicious I will agree that he stays out a few days every few weeks, but make sure of what exactly is happening. When you are sure that what you suspect is true, confront him with the support of your family members but not threaten him where he retracts from you completely.
And the bitter truth, if he has asked for divorce many times, maybe it's his way of saying that there is nothing more left in the marriage for him. It hurts you for sure, but what's the point of living with someone who cannot appreciate your presence and love?

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: NO

Ans: not good

Ans: Following are the large cap funds recommended for you based on 5 year return criteria:

1. Nippon India Large Cap Fund
2. HDFC Top 100 Fund
3. ICICI Pru Bluechip fund
4. SBI Bluechip fund

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

Happy Investing

Ans: To create a comprehensive retirement plan, we need to gather more information about your financial goals and risk tolerance. However, based on the information provided, here are some general recommendations to adjust your portfolio:

1. Review your asset allocation:

• Determine your risk tolerance: Understand your comfort level with market fluctuations. A higher risk tolerance allows for a greater allocation to equity funds, which typically offer higher returns over the long term.
• Rebalance regularly: Ensure your asset allocation aligns with your risk tolerance by periodically rebalancing your portfolio. This involves selling a portion of the funds that have outperformed and buying those that have underperformed.

2. Consider diversifying beyond equity funds:

Include debt funds: Allocate a portion of your investments to debt funds to provide stability and income during market downturns. Consider funds like corporate bonds, government bonds, or balanced funds.
Explore other asset classes: Explore other asset classes like gold or real estate through appropriate investment vehicles to diversify your portfolio and hedge against inflation.

3. Optimise your SIP investments:

• Stagger SIPs: Consider staggering your SIPs across different dates to reduce the impact of market volatility.
• Review fund performance: Regularly monitor the performance of your chosen funds and make necessary adjustments if they underperform their benchmarks or deviate from your investment strategy.

4. Seek professional advice:

Consult a financial advisor: A financial advisor can provide personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances, risk tolerance, and retirement goals. They can help you create a comprehensive retirement plan that includes tax optimisation strategies and estate planning considerations.

Remember:

• Retirement planning is a long-term endeavor: Stay disciplined and committed to your investment strategy. Avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market fluctuations.
• Review and adjust your plan regularly: As your financial situation and life goals change, revisit your retirement plan and make necessary adjustments to ensure it remains aligned with your objectives.
• By following these guidelines and seeking professional advice, you can create a retirement portfolio that maximises your corpus while managing risk effectively.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Ans: You’ve already made significant progress towards your home construction goal. Having Rs. 25 lakhs on hand is a solid start, and it reflects your strong savings discipline. The estimated construction cost of Rs. 50 lakhs, means you're already halfway there.

Now, let's explore how you can reach your target in the next five years without taking a home loan.

Defining the Time Horizon
You have a five-year timeline to accumulate the additional Rs. 25 lakhs needed for construction. This is a reasonable timeframe, and with a well-planned strategy, you can achieve it comfortably. You’ll need a mix of saving and investing to reach this goal efficiently.

Creating a Savings Plan
Set Aside Fixed Monthly Savings: Based on your financial situation, aim to set aside a specific amount every month towards your home construction goal. By systematically saving over five years, you can reduce the financial strain and accumulate the required funds gradually.

Assess Your Current Expenses: Review your current expenses to identify areas where you can cut down without affecting your quality of life. The money saved can be redirected to your home construction fund. Even small adjustments in your spending can make a big difference over time.

Building Your Investment Strategy
Invest for Growth: Since you have a five-year horizon, it's essential to balance risk and return in your investment portfolio. Avoid low-return instruments as they may not help you reach your goal in time. At the same time, avoid overly risky investments as they can expose your capital to market volatility.

Diversify Investments: A balanced portfolio that includes a mix of equity and debt funds will allow you to grow your savings over five years. You already have Rs. 25 lakhs in hand, so invest it in a diversified manner, ensuring some liquidity to avoid being locked into long-term instruments.

Focus on Actively Managed Funds: Instead of choosing index funds or direct investments, actively managed funds can offer better returns. These funds are managed by experts who can make decisions based on market trends, providing you with a higher growth potential. This is especially important when working towards a specific financial goal.

Protecting Against Inflation
Construction Costs Could Rise: In five years, the cost of materials and labour is likely to increase due to inflation. Factor in at least a 5-10% increase in construction costs when planning. This means you might need more than Rs. 50 lakhs in five years. Investing in inflation-beating products will help your money grow at a rate that offsets this rise.

Reinvest Returns: As your investments generate returns, ensure you reinvest them. Compounding can significantly boost your overall corpus, helping you to accumulate the funds needed without additional contributions.

Maintaining Liquidity
Keep Some Funds Liquid: While long-term investments are crucial, it's equally important to keep a portion of your funds liquid. You may encounter unplanned expenses during the home construction phase. Having accessible cash will help you manage these without disturbing your primary savings.

Short-Term Investment Options: In the last year before construction begins, it may be prudent to shift a portion of your funds to safer, short-term investments. This ensures that your money is readily available when you need it, while also reducing exposure to market volatility as the construction date approaches.

Monitoring and Reviewing Your Progress
Regular Reviews: Periodically review your investment portfolio and savings progress. If your investments aren’t performing as expected, you may need to reallocate funds to higher-yielding options. Monitoring your progress will also help you stay on track and make adjustments as needed.

Adjust for Market Conditions: Be prepared to adjust your strategy depending on market conditions. If the equity market performs well in the early years, you might want to lock in some gains by moving funds to safer instruments closer to the construction date.

Considerations for the Final Year
Capital Preservation: In the final year before construction, shift most of your corpus into low-risk options to protect your capital. This is crucial to ensure that any market volatility doesn’t negatively impact your ability to fund the construction.

Short-Term Liquidity: In the last 6-12 months, having more liquid options, such as short-term debt funds, will give you easier access to your funds when construction begins. This will help you meet payments without having to liquidate investments at unfavorable times.

Emergency Fund Considerations
Maintain an Emergency Fund: While working towards your home construction goal, don’t compromise on your emergency fund. It’s important to have a separate fund for unexpected expenses to avoid dipping into your home construction savings.

Sufficient Buffer: Keep at least 6-12 months of living expenses in an easily accessible account. This will give you peace of mind and financial flexibility if any unforeseen costs arise during the construction process.

Final Insights
Consistent Savings: Consistently saving towards your goal is the key to building the required corpus without taking on debt. The earlier you start, the more comfortable it will be to reach your target within the five-year period.

Balanced Risk: Opt for a balanced investment strategy that offers growth with controlled risk. Avoid overexposing your funds to high-risk instruments, especially as you get closer to your construction date.

Reinvest and Compound: Reinvest any returns to take full advantage of the power of compounding. This will accelerate your journey towards accumulating the necessary Rs. 50 lakhs.

Account for Inflation: Keep in mind that construction costs will likely increase over time. Plan your savings and investments to cover a potential rise in expenses by the time you're ready to start construction.

By following these strategies, you can construct your dream home within five years, all while avoiding the burden of a home loan.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in