Hi Sir/Madam, After my engineering degree in 1999, i got a job in a company through my uncle's influence. I could work only for 5 yrs and left the job...i went into depression and then my husband helped me to get out of the depression, got me another job, there also I couldnot handle the work pressure and left job in 10 months...then realised that i cannot do IT and left it..after one year my son was born. As he started going to school, i joined painting classes, i went to classes from 2011 to 2020, i just went to engage myself to these classes which i enjoyed...After 2 yrs of covid, i went back to tbe same painitng class, but this time i felt the tutor was irritated with me and didnt teach me properly and hence i looked out for other painting classes. I went to another place, where they charged more money and stopped going there...I again went to a third place, here the tutors are excellent, here what i realised was that all the past 10 years where i went for painting class was nothing compared to the new place where am going...I have lost confidence and i think am no where compared to the new tutors..I have lost hopes in life and again gone into depression..how do i come out of this depression...i like to teach painitng, but i dont have the confidence to teach too as i compare myself with other teachers and feel i should start learning painting again from scratch...plz help, what should I do next...

Ans: Hello Anonymous,
I am glad your husband has quit smoking and drinking. Please do understand it takes 6 months to a year for positive changes to be seen in one's health especially if smoking and drinking has been going on for a long time before he quit.
Has he consulted a nutritionist. Every person is different so a nutritionist needs to check his overall reports, understand his lifestyle better and accordingly give a diet chart which also needs to be tweaked regularly.
For exercises too he needs to once consult a fitness coach as accordingly they will give him a plan to increase his BMR like weight training may help him or for some people even yoga benefits a lot.
All the best!

Ans: Hello Priyabrataa,
It is important to know the diagnosis. Head spinning can be due to various reasons like low blood pressure, low sugar levels, vestibular dysfunction, inner ear issues or even neurological.
Please first get her entire blood tests done. If all ok then visit an E.N.T. to rule out ear issues else you can first show your general physician so he can do a thorough check up.
Lastly head spinning can even happen due to some muscle triggers in the neck for which a physiotherapist can help.
To cure any issue we need to first understand the diagnosis.

Ans: Give me more details about the institution you are studying, semesters completed, scores and goal in life.

Ans: From what I hear from you is a nice idea. Suggest explore doing courses that will help you run your coaching business. Perhaps on Coursera and other online education portals.

Ans: For you to achieve something you need to be optimistic. Consider yourself lucky that you cleared your class XII, not many Indians are able to do that. Please see if you can do a full time BBA if your finances allow you and your marks will get you admission ina good college. Else enrol for BBA from IGNOU. Simultaneously you can take up for a job in customer care in a Call Centre

Ans: Please visit the websites of the two colleges, compare them based on your interest, fee, faculty, placement and above all what your score gets you.

Ans: At 34, with a monthly income of 1.3 lakh, you have a solid foundation for planning your retirement. Here's how you can save effectively to ensure a comfortable retirement:

Assess Your Current Financial Situation:
1. Evaluate Expenses:
Start by tracking your monthly expenses to understand your spending habits and identify areas where you can potentially save.
2. Build an Emergency Fund:
Set aside a portion of your income as an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or financial setbacks. Aim for at least 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses.
Create a Retirement Plan:
3. Determine Retirement Goals:
Define your retirement goals, including the age at which you want to retire and the lifestyle you envision during retirement.
4. Estimate Retirement Expenses:
Estimate your future expenses during retirement, considering factors such as healthcare costs, inflation, and leisure activities.
Implement Savings Strategies:
5. Contribute to Retirement Accounts:
Maximize contributions to retirement accounts such as Employee Provident Fund (EPF), Public Provident Fund (PPF), and Voluntary Provident Fund (VPF) to benefit from tax advantages and compound interest.
6. Invest in Equity Mutual Funds:
Consider investing in equity mutual funds for long-term growth potential. Choose funds with a proven track record and align with your risk tolerance.
7. Diversify Investment Portfolio:
Diversify your investment portfolio across asset classes such as equities, bonds, and fixed deposits to minimize risk and optimize returns.
Seek Professional Guidance:
8. Consult a Certified Financial Planner:
Work with a Certified Financial Planner to develop a customized retirement plan based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
They can provide personalized advice and strategies to help you achieve your retirement objectives efficiently.
Stay Committed to Your Plan:
9. Regularly Review and Adjust:
Periodically review your retirement plan and investment portfolio to ensure they remain aligned with your goals and objectives.
Make adjustments as necessary based on changes in your financial situation, market conditions, and life circumstances.
Conclusion:
By following these steps and staying disciplined in your savings and investment approach, you can build a substantial retirement corpus and enjoy a financially secure and fulfilling retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Since you've completed 58 years of age and your job has lasted for 10 years and 4 months, it seems you're contemplating your options after ceasing your pension and completing the final withdrawal with Form 19, citing the reason as 55 years. Here's what you can consider:

Understanding Retirement Options:
1. Explore Alternative Income Sources:
Consider exploring alternative sources of income such as part-time work, freelance opportunities, or consulting services to supplement your financial resources.
Evaluate your skills and expertise to identify potential avenues for generating income during retirement.
2. Review Investment Portfolio:
Review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance.
Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to optimize your investment strategy and maximize returns.
3. Assess Social Security Benefits:
Determine if you are eligible for any social security benefits or government schemes that could provide additional financial support during retirement.
Consult with relevant authorities or financial experts to explore available options for accessing social security benefits.
4. Consider Delaying Retirement:
Evaluate the option of delaying your retirement to continue earning a steady income and build a larger retirement corpus.
Assess your health, lifestyle preferences, and financial obligations before making a decision to postpone retirement.
5. Seek Professional Advice:
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to develop a comprehensive retirement plan tailored to your specific financial situation and goals.
Discuss various retirement options, investment strategies, and income sources to make informed decisions for your retirement years.
Conclusion:
As you navigate your retirement journey, it's essential to explore various income sources, review your investment portfolio, assess social security benefits, consider delaying retirement if feasible, and seek professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner. By taking proactive steps and making informed decisions, you can secure a financially stable and fulfilling retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Starting Your SIP Journey: A Guide for New Investors
Welcome to the world of SIPs! Starting your SIP journey is an exciting step towards building wealth for the future. Let's explore the best way for you to begin and identify suitable investment options for achieving good returns over the long term.


Congratulations on taking the initiative to start your SIP journey! Your decision to invest in SIPs demonstrates a proactive approach towards securing your financial future.

Understanding Your Investment Goals and Risk Appetite
Investment Goals:
Define your financial goals and objectives, considering factors such as retirement planning, wealth creation, or education funding.
Establishing clear investment goals will help you select SIPs that align with your objectives.
Risk Appetite:
Assess your risk tolerance to determine your comfort level with market volatility.
Since you indicate a medium to high risk appetite, you may consider equity-oriented SIPs for potentially higher returns.
Choosing SIPs for Long-Term Growth
Equity Mutual Funds:
Equity mutual funds have historically delivered higher returns over the long term compared to other asset classes.
Consider diversified equity funds, large-cap funds, multi-cap funds, or thematic funds based on your risk appetite and investment horizon.
Balanced Funds:
Balanced funds, also known as hybrid funds, offer a mix of equity and debt investments, providing a balanced approach to risk and return.
These funds can be suitable for investors seeking moderate risk exposure with relatively stable returns.
Thematic Funds:
Thematic funds invest in specific sectors or themes, offering exposure to emerging trends or industries.
While thematic funds can potentially generate higher returns, they also carry higher risk due to concentrated exposure.
Constructing Your SIP Portfolio
Diversification:
Maintain a well-diversified SIP portfolio across different asset classes, sectors, and fund categories to reduce risk.
Avoid concentration in any single investment or sector to mitigate the impact of market fluctuations.
Regular Review and Rebalancing:
Periodically review your SIP portfolio to assess performance and ensure alignment with your financial goals.
Consider rebalancing your portfolio if necessary to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Getting Started with SIPs
Selecting SIPs:
Research and shortlist mutual funds based on their track record, fund manager expertise, investment philosophy, and risk-adjusted returns.
Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to identify SIPs that align with your financial goals and risk profile.
Systematic Investing:
Start your SIPs with an amount you are comfortable investing regularly, considering your cash flow and financial obligations.
Set up SIPs for a fixed amount at regular intervals (e.g., monthly or quarterly) to benefit from rupee cost averaging.
Conclusion: Embarking on Your SIP Journey
Starting your SIP journey requires careful consideration of your investment goals, risk appetite, and fund selection. By choosing suitable SIPs aligned with your long-term financial goals and regularly monitoring your portfolio's performance, you can lay a solid foundation for wealth creation.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in