I'm a parent of a B.Tech student in GL Bajaj Noida. How can he secure the best placement?

Ans: Hello dear.
Prefer EEE @ SSN Chennai if possible.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Rajni
Prefer CSE @ BIT Jaipur if possible.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Shibanidatta
The 5-year dual degree is generally better if you’re interested in management roles or non-core careers. It offers a strong technical foundation plus an MBA, saving a year compared to doing them separately.

Pros: Broader career options, better placement packages (especially in logistics/consulting roles), and a unique niche skill set.

Cons: Longer commitment, limited branch change or exit options, and fewer tech-core roles if you drift toward management.

Go for a dual degree if you're open to managerial careers; else, stick with B.Tech if you want a focused core engineering path.


Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Shantanu
Try with Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE), Bangalore,

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Bhuma
Please CSE @ VIT AP if possible. But if you wish to take admission in Bangalore, then prefer something other than New Horizon.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Manish.
Both are strong options. I suggest picking the one that is nearer to your hometown to minimize the upcoming expenses. The final choice will be yours.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear.
Prefer CSE @ IIIT Nagpur if possible.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Ishaan
Please participate in CSAB for NIT/IIIT options, and for private backup, prefer NIIT University (NU) over BML and LPU. The final decision will be yours.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: At 34, your financial base is very strong. You have a high savings rate, no liabilities, and your goals are well-defined. You are already ahead of many.

Let’s now assess every part of your personal finance, and give a 360-degree solution to align your investments with your future goals.

? Family and Responsibilities

– You are 34 years old with twin kids aged 2 years.
– You have a spouse and you are the primary earner.
– All financial goals must consider long-term security for the family.

Early planning helps create wealth without pressure later. You have started early and smart.

? Current Cash Flow Summary

– Income: Rs. 1.9L/month (Rs. 22.8L/year)
– Expenses: Rs. 50K/month (Rs. 6L/year)
– Monthly surplus after expenses: Rs. 1.4L

– SIP: Rs. 1.3L/month (Rs. 15.6L/year)
– EPF: Rs. 27K/month (Rs. 3.24L/year including employer)
– NPS: Rs. 12K/month (Rs. 1.44L/year)

Almost 75% of your income goes into investment. This is excellent. Your saving habit is rare and praiseworthy.

? Review of Existing Assets

– Mutual Funds: Rs. 41L
– EPF: Rs. 16L (your share)
– Employer PF share (assumed): Rs. 6.3L
– NPS: Rs. 4.4L
– Own flat: Already owned, no liability
– Emergency fund: Available

You have created a solid financial foundation. The investments are well diversified. This helps meet both short-term and long-term goals effectively.

? Insurance Protection

– You have term insurance in place.
– Health insurance is also active.

Protection is the first step of financial planning. You have done this right. Just make sure the term cover is at least 15–20 times your annual income.

If it is less, please enhance it immediately. Term insurance cost rises with age.

? Emergency Fund Position

– You already hold an emergency fund.
– Ideally, this should be equal to 6 months of expenses.

For you, Rs. 3–4L is sufficient as emergency backup. You can keep it in ultra-short debt funds or sweep-in FDs. Never use it for regular investments.

? Goal 1: Rs. 1.2 Cr for Kids' Education in 18 Years

– You have 16 years left for this goal (kids now are 2 years old).
– Your SIPs can easily create this corpus if aligned properly.

Allocate a part of your existing mutual fund corpus to this goal.
– Start goal tagging to separate the corpus from general investing.

Use actively managed diversified equity mutual funds for this long-term goal.

Avoid index funds. They do not offer downside protection. Also, they deliver average returns.

Active funds outperform during different market cycles. The fund manager’s skill adds real value over long periods.

Invest through regular plans with a Mutual Fund Distributor who is a Certified Financial Planner.
– You will receive personalised guidance.
– Mistakes will be avoided.
– Fund choice will align with your risk level.

Direct funds may look low-cost, but they offer no guidance.
– Most investors underperform due to wrong choices.
– A good advisor ensures better goal achievement.

For now, dedicate a SIP of around Rs. 25K–30K/month for kids' education.
– As your income grows, increase SIP by 5–10% yearly.

? Goal 2: Rs. 1 Cr for Kids’ Marriage in 25 Years

– You have a 23-year window for this goal.
– This is a very long-term goal and needs high-growth assets.

Do not use traditional savings plans or gold for this.

Allocate around Rs. 10K–12K/month into long-term mutual funds for this.
– Mix of flexi-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds is ideal here.

Please remember to keep the corpus separate from other goals.
– Create different folios or label the investment clearly.

Review this portfolio every 2 years. As the goal approaches, reduce risk gradually.

Avoid index funds again for this goal. Index funds track markets, not your dreams.

Your kids' marriage should not depend on average market returns. Active funds with proper strategy serve this goal better.

? Goal 3: Retirement in Next 15 Years (Age 49)

– Retirement in 15 years is early. So the plan must be efficient.
– You will need a large corpus for a comfortable retirement.

Assuming inflation and expenses, aim for at least Rs. 6–7 Cr corpus.

You are already investing in EPF and NPS. That’s a good start.
– But EPF alone will not meet your full post-retirement income need.
– NPS gives tax efficiency and stable post-retirement returns.

Your current SIPs also add value here. But you must separate some SIPs purely for retirement.

Create a dedicated retirement corpus with diversified mutual funds.
– Use large-cap, flexi-cap and balanced advantage funds.
– Don’t over-rely on small-cap funds here.

Keep increasing SIPs yearly as income grows.
– After your kids’ education goal is partly funded, shift more focus to retirement.

When you reach 49, slowly reduce equity risk.
– Start using SWP or laddered withdrawal from debt and hybrid funds.
– Do not depend on annuity plans. They give poor returns and low flexibility.

If you plan to work after 49 in part-time or consultancy, factor that income too. But don’t depend on it fully.

? Goal 4: Buy Duplex in Home Town (Rs. 50L in 3–4 Years)

– This is your short-term, high-value goal.
– Avoid touching long-term mutual funds or retirement corpus for this.

You can start parking funds monthly in low-volatility instruments.
– Ultra short duration funds
– Arbitrage funds
– Short-term debt funds

Avoid equity funds for this short horizon. Markets may not support your timeline.

Start a separate SIP or STP towards this goal.
– You need approx. Rs. 1L/month for 3–4 years to accumulate Rs. 50L.

If needed, you can use part of your existing MF corpus (Rs. 41L) and reallocate. But do it only if that part is not tagged to retirement or child goals.

We don’t recommend buying the duplex for investment. But if it is for family use or future self-use, that’s fine.

Please remember – real estate has poor liquidity and low rental yield. So don’t expect high financial return from it.

? Tax Efficiency Review

– EPF is tax-free on maturity.
– NPS gives tax benefit under Section 80CCD(1B) for up to Rs. 50,000.
– Mutual fund redemptions are taxed based on capital gains.

New mutual fund CG tax rules:
– LTCG above Rs. 1.25L/year is taxed at 12.5%
– STCG is taxed at 20%
– For debt mutual funds, both gains are taxed as per your slab.

So always plan redemptions smartly. Spread it across financial years if possible.

Avoid unnecessary churning of mutual funds. It increases tax burden and reduces compounding.

? Fund Allocation and Prioritisation Suggestion

– Out of Rs. 1.3L SIP, allocate as below:

Rs. 25–30K/month → Child education

Rs. 10–12K/month → Child marriage

Rs. 40–50K/month → Retirement

Rs. 20–25K/month → Duplex goal (via debt/arbitrage route)

Keep the rest flexible for top-ups or opportunities.

Each investment must be tracked every 6 months. Align your fund choice to each goal’s horizon and risk.

? Checklist of Next Action Steps

– Enhance term insurance if cover is below Rs. 1 Cr.
– Review SIP fund categories. Avoid index funds. Prefer active regular plans.
– Allocate each investment to a goal. Start tracking growth.
– Avoid mixing long-term and short-term goals.
– Don’t disturb retirement corpus for house purchase.
– Create a review calendar with a certified financial planner.

? Finally

Your discipline, savings, and clear goal-setting are outstanding. You are on the right track.

Now, all you need is smart allocation and periodic review. Tag your SIPs to each goal.

Avoid passive and low-engagement funds. Use active funds via a certified MFD with CFP background.

This gives you better clarity, control, and peace of mind.

With these habits, your kids' future and your early retirement will be financially safe and comfortable.

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