Hello, I have completed my 10th-12th class from abroad and I am preparing for NEET 2023. The school followed American Credit system and I have school graduation certificate and my grades were accepted by CBSE equivalence. However, I am concerned regarding the eligibility criteria for NEET as I had Chemistry in only 11th, Physics in only 12th and Bio in 10th and 12th standard due to the school system offering separate courses each year. I did not have PCB in a single year but I have completed all PCB high-school equivalent courses. Am I still eligible? If not, then what should I do? Is NIOS an option for me?

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
If your daughter came to you with the same situation, how would you advise her?
Would you not tell her your concern that she is actually choosing someone who may not be able to support her when she goes on maternity leave? Would you not tell her that coming from a broken family, she may have to take care of her boyfriend and possibly parent him on different occasions? Your parents are only concerned for you and are unable to tell you what they are worried about. Put yourself in their situation and tell me that you will not be worried.

At the same time, I do get your frustration. What you can do is to work on your parents' concerns and buy time till your boyfriend manages to settle down. And it seems like he is doing all that he can to be in their good books. And that's the only way you can get them to accept him. Wait patiently and don't put him under pressure. Instead be supportive and at the same time, you continue to work and be independent as well.

Never try to convince someone who does not want to be convinced but instead work on how they can accept him by addressing their concerns.

All the best!

Ans: Dear Shubham,
- Exercise for at least 40 mins at least 4 times a week
- Get a bit of sun exposure (avoid 11 am to 4 pm) every day
- Choose your social circle wisely
- Journal your thoughts or experiences of the day
- Make a playlist for peppy songs to play on a loop
- Watch content on OTT platforms that uplifts you
- Spend time in silence at least for 30 mins every day
- Spend time with pets (if you love that) and/or with Nature
- Indulge in what you love to do every day for at least 20 mins

All the best!

Ans: yes, but make it 5yrs.

Ans: Great Company
Growth in Net Profit with increasing Profit Margin (QoQ)
Growth in Quarterly Net Profit with increasing Profit Margin (YoY)
Company with Low Debt
Increasing Revenue every Quarter for the past 4 Quarters
Increasing profits every quarter for the past 4 quarters

Ans: there are lot of companies which trade at discount, for that you need to derive their valuation and calculate the price and then compare it with the current price. It is complicated but all research analyst use this methodology and then arrive weather they should buy this company or not as market at sometime gives the right valuation.

Ans: As an NRI, your NRE (Non-Resident External) fixed deposits with SBI generate tax-exempt interest income in India. Since the interest earned on NRE fixed deposits is exempt from tax, you are not required to file an income tax return in India solely to declare this income.

However, it's important to note that while the interest earned on NRE fixed deposits is tax-free in India, it may be subject to taxation in your country of residence based on the local tax laws. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with a tax advisor or accountant in your country of residence to understand the tax implications and reporting requirements applicable to your NRE fixed deposit interest income.

Additionally, if you have any other sources of income in India or if you meet other conditions specified by the Income Tax Act, you may be required to file an income tax return in India. It's recommended to seek professional advice to ensure compliance with both Indian and international tax regulations.

Ans: Investing a lump sum in SIPs for 10 years is a wise move towards building wealth. Considering your age and investment horizon, here's a diversified portfolio suggestion that includes exposure to small, mid, and large-cap stocks:

Large-Cap Fund: Invest a portion of your funds in a reputable large-cap fund known for its consistent performance and stability. Large-cap funds invest in well-established companies with a track record of strong earnings and market leadership.
Mid-Cap Fund: Allocate another portion to a mid-cap fund, which focuses on companies with medium market capitalization. Mid-cap stocks have the potential for higher growth than large-cap stocks but come with higher volatility.
Small-Cap Fund: Lastly, invest in a small-cap fund to capture the growth potential of smaller companies. Small-cap stocks can be more volatile but offer the possibility of significant returns over the long term.
Ensure to select funds with a proven track record, experienced fund managers, and low expense ratios. While aiming for over 25% returns is ambitious, it's crucial to remain realistic and consider the associated risks. Diversification across different market segments can help mitigate risks and enhance potential returns.

Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. They can help you select suitable funds and construct a well-balanced portfolio aligned with your investment objectives.

Ans: Here's a breakdown of your current portfolio and some thoughts on active vs. passive investing:
Current Portfolio:

Nifty Midcap 150 Index (1500): This is a good way to gain exposure to mid-sized companies in India.
Nifty Next 50 Index (1000): This provides exposure to companies on the cusp of joining the Nifty 50, potentially offering higher growth.
Nifty 50 Index (500): This offers diversification with large, established companies.
Overall, your portfolio is leaning towards a growth strategy with a good focus on mid-cap and small-cap companies. This has the potential for higher returns but also comes with higher risk.

Active vs. Passive Investing:

Active Funds: These are managed by professionals who try to outperform the market by picking winning stocks. While active management can be successful, studies show that over the long term, a large percentage of actively managed funds underperform their benchmark index. The fees associated with active management also eat into returns.

Passive Funds (Index Funds): These track a market index, like the Nifty 50. They offer lower fees and historically, tend to match or outperform a significant portion of actively managed funds. This makes them a good option for long-term investors who don't want to spend a lot of time managing their portfolio.

Here's why your current approach with index funds is a good strategy for long-term investing:

Low Cost: Index funds have minimal fees, allowing you to keep more of your returns.
Diversification: You're already diversified across different market segments, reducing risk.
Long-Term Focus: With a long-term outlook, riding out market fluctuations is easier, and index funds tend to perform well over time.
Here are some additional thoughts:

Asset Allocation: Consider your risk tolerance and investment goals. You could adjust your weightings between the Nifty 50, Next 50, and Midcap 150 to achieve your desired risk profile.
Rebalancing: Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain your target asset allocation.
Ultimately, the decision of active vs. passive is yours. However, for a long-term investor with a focus on low costs and diversification, a passive approach with index funds is a well-supported strategy.
Lastly, if you're open to exploring active funds, consider consulting with a professional Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credentials. They can provide personalized advice and recommend active funds that have the potential to outperform their respective indices over time.

Ans: Since you've contributed to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) for 9 years in your previous organization, you may be eligible for a pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) managed by the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).

The eligibility for pension under EPS is based on the number of years of service and the average monthly salary during the contributory period. To qualify for a pension, you typically need to have completed at least 10 years of eligible service. However, there are certain exceptions and provisions for early pension eligibility under specific circumstances.

Given that you have contributed to EPF for 9 years, you may consider exploring options to complete the required 10 years of service, either by contributing voluntarily to EPF or by transferring your EPF accumulations from your previous organization to your current one, if feasible.

It's advisable to reach out to the EPFO or consult with a financial advisor to understand your specific eligibility for pension under EPS and explore potential options to fulfill the requisite service period. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual circumstances and help you navigate the process effectively.