Hello Sir, I am 37 and have over 15+ years of experience having joined my family business after completing my diploma in pharmacy. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond our control, we went into losses and 2 years ago had to sell our business to clear our debts. For the last two years I was working in a startup as a Sales executive/Lead Client Support/Content Writer but the startup is about to close down as well. I have trying to find jobs for the last 6 months but all I am getting are entry level customer support roles or do not hear back at all. I did complete my graduation in business administration but because I worked through most of life in my family business, I do not have job experience per se, neither degrees beyond my graduation. I am stuck and confused as to how I should progress in my professional life henceforth. Any advice?

Ans: I think you should be congratulated for the efforts you have made.

The blood sugar levels are still in range of pre-diabetic. Therefore, it is advisable that while you continue the lifestyle modifications, it will be useful if you take atleast metformin, which works as insulin sensitiser. Once your HbA1c is below 6 and fasting sugar below 100, you can discuss with a physician and stop medications.

However, one of the key factor to determine blood sugar levels is going to be your age. So, if you are younger than 60, remission is a good target.


Dr Chandrakant Lahariya
Centre for Health: The Specialty Practice,
Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi

Ans: Fat is never a good source of cooking.
The unsatured fats/the oils are preffered mode of cooking medium. No matter which source of oil for cooking, we need to reduce the quantity of fat in our deit.

Dr Chandrakant Lahariya
Centre for Health: The Specialty Practice,
Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi

Ans: a close relationship with someone outside your marriage, especially when emotions are involved, introduces challenges. You’re aware of this already, and it seems your friend has also recognized the complexities, likely explaining his sudden need for distance. Often, when feelings come to the surface, they carry a weight that makes people reconsider their boundaries to protect the larger relationships at play—in this case, both of your marriages and family dynamics. This pullback doesn’t negate his admiration or the value he places on your friendship but rather reflects the reality of the situation and the need to guard against further complications.

You might find it helpful to explore what exactly you’re drawn to in your friend’s qualities. It could be that he reflects an aspect of yourself you wish to bring into your own relationship. Identifying these qualities is powerful, as it can help you shape a conversation with your husband, potentially bringing deeper fulfillment to your marriage. Many couples find new dimensions in their relationship when they openly discuss what they yearn for and ways to bring those qualities to life together. While it may feel challenging, these conversations can foster intimacy and growth.

It’s also worth noting that maintaining your friend’s respect and allowing him space is likely the best way to preserve your connection long-term, even if it feels painful right now. His distance might ultimately help both of you return to a place of friendship, but pushing for that too soon might complicate things further. In the meantime, remember that it’s natural to feel a loss or a longing for a friend’s company when circumstances shift. Practicing self-compassion and care can be grounding during times like this, as can seeking other outlets for support, such as close friends, hobbies, or moments of solitude that allow you to process your emotions.

Time and patience may help bring this friendship back to a more natural and comfortable place, but focusing on your marriage and yourself will allow you to stay true to your values and find a sense of peace, regardless of the ultimate outcome with your friend.

Ans: Hello;

Kudos for holding judicious blend of assets in equity(stocks and MFs), real estate, EPF.

Your thought process is absolutely spot on. You should prepay the car loan through shares corpus and close the EMI.

If you maintain monthly sip of 1 L with yearly top-up of 10% for 15 years then you may accumulate a corpus of around 8.68 Cr.

Stock holding of 1.27 Cr(13 L considered to be deducted for car loan prepayment) is expected to grow into a sum of 5.31 Cr in 15 years.

EPF balance of 40 L will grow into a corpus of 1.27 Cr over 15 years. Fresh contributions, if any, will be bonus.

So cumulatively your total corpus at the end of 15 years from now will be 8.68+5.31+1.27=15.26 Cr.

Due to your sound financial planning you may not need education loan for son's education.

Modest return of 12%, 10% and 8% are considered from mutual funds, direct stocks and EPF respectively.

Happy Investing;

Ans: Hello
For toddlers and young children, it's essential to choose a toothpaste that is safe and effective for their developing teeth and gums. Here are some recommendations:

1. *Fluoride-free toothpaste* (0-2 years): For infants and toddlers, a fluoride-free toothpaste is recommended. Look for a toothpaste specifically designed for this age group, like "Baby Toothpaste" or "Training Toothpaste". Please note that Fluoride, although extremely beneficial when used locally can lead to fluorosis if accidentally ingested. This is the reason toddlers need to use fluoride-free toothpastes.

2. *Children's toothpaste with low fluoride* (2-6 years): For young children, a toothpaste with a low fluoride concentration (around 500-600 ppm) is suitable. This helps prevent fluorosis (white spots on teeth) while still providing cavity protection.

3. *Gentle ingredients*: Opt for a toothpaste with gentle ingredients, to minimize irritation.

5. *Flavor and texture*: Select a toothpaste with a child-friendly flavor and texture to make brushing teeth a fun experience!

Most popular toothpaste brands offer multiple options for toddlers and young children.
In addition to these there are a few brands specially formulated for children which are ethically promoted (not commercially advertised, but sold through chemists on dentists' prescriptions) You may speak to your child's dentist for specific recommendations.

Remember to always supervise your child while brushing teeth and teach them proper oral hygiene habits from an early age!

Ans: Hi
You have cracked the NEET my friend, but you could not get a seat due to the higher cutoff of govt college. Today MBBS has become a basic qualification, you have to go for specialisation as well. That will be another 3-4 years. Think of this as well and then decide.

Ans: Hi Vikas
It won't make any difference in JEE whether you are from private, regular or NIOS.

Ans: Hi
below are the options for you in the science field if you don't want the medical field at all.
B.Sc. courses
You can opt for B.Sc. courses in various subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, etc.

Research
You can opt for research-oriented courses like M.Sc., Ph.D., etc. in your desired field of study.

Agricultural Science
You can opt for courses in agriculture like B.Sc. Agriculture, B.Tech. Agriculture, etc.

Environmental Science
You can opt for courses in environmental science like B.Sc. Environmental Science, M.Sc. Environmental Science, etc.

Forensic Science
You can opt for a career in forensic science by pursuing a B.Sc. in Forensic Science or M.Sc. in Forensic Science.

Pharmacy
You can opt for a career in pharmacy by pursuing a B.Pharm or M.Pharm.

Ans: When your National Pension System (NPS) Tier-1 account matures, the 60% lump-sum withdrawal you receive is currently exempt from income tax under Section 10(12A) of the Income Tax Act, irrespective of any additional voluntary contributions you make. Therefore, both your regular and additional voluntary deposits in NPS Tier-1 enjoy the same tax benefits upon maturity, with no tax implications on the 60% lump-sum payout. However, the remaining 40% directed towards annuity purchase is subject to tax as per your income tax slab when you receive the annuity payments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment