Hello Mayank. My son is currently in Class 12th Commerce (ISC). He has been an average student throughout. Basis of this we realise getting admission into any good college in India for BBA may be difficult. So we thought of sending him abroad, though we are a middle class business family. But i feel BBA is a very general degree to pursue in US, UK or Canada. We are confused. His SAT score is 1360 and IELTS 8.0. Predicted 12th scores would come around 80%. Pls guide whether we should think of abroad. Thanks.

Ans: Hi Suresh,

It is good that you have built a discipline for investing over the past 4 years.

The SIP funds you mentioned are good for long term, but selection can be improved more to generate better returns in alignment to your long term goals. You can try including large cap fund and make changes accordignly. Or choose to connect with a professional who will help you in improving fund selection.

The policies mentioned are not recommended to continue. Policies like this have a cagd of 5-6% annually when calculated accurately which is even less than FD. Hence you may choose to surrender and close these and redirect the investments into mutual funds for better returns and performance.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

Ans: Appreciate your intent to choose the right loan structure with clear thinking. Choosing between fixed and floating rate for a home loan of around Rs 40–45 lakhs for 15 years is a big financial decision. It can impact your monthly cash flow, overall cost, and peace of mind.

» Difference between fixed and floating interest rates
– Fixed rate means your interest rate stays the same throughout the chosen fixed period. Your monthly EMI does not change during that period.
– Floating rate means the interest can go up or down with market benchmarks like the repo rate or bank’s internal benchmarks. Your EMI or loan tenure may adjust when rates change.

» What current and future economic conditions mean
– Interest rates globally and domestically have seen rises due to inflationary pressure, central bank policy tightening, and costlier funds for banks.
– In a rising rate scenario, fixed rates protect you from future rate hikes.
– In a falling or stable rate scenario, floating rates may cost less over time.

» Why floating rate usually works well for 15-year loans
– Floating rate typically starts lower than fixed rate, giving you initial cost advantage.
– Over long horizons, banks may adjust rates downward when economic pressure eases.
– You retain flexibility to prepay or refinance when rates soften.
– Many borrowers pay lower total interest with floating when rates stabilise.

» When fixed rate can be appropriate
– If you prioritise certainty of EMI and peace of mind even if rates rise in future.
– If you are not comfortable with EMI changes in your monthly budgeting.
– If your income is tight and you prefer predictable cash flows.

» Practical view for your case
– With a 15-year term and current rate cycle, floating rate is generally more suitable.
– It gives you lower initial cost and flexibility to refinance or prepay when rates soften.
– Fixed rate may feel secure but often costs more in long term if rates do not rise significantly.

» Key terms to check in loan agreement before signing
– Interest rate type and reset clause – How often the floating rate can change and by what benchmark.
– Processing fees and other charges – Upfront cost that adds to your total cost of borrowing.
– Prepayment and part-prepayment terms – Whether prepayment is allowed without penalty and how often you can prepay.
– Conversion options – Whether you can switch from floating to fixed (or vice versa) and at what cost.
– Penal interest – Charges if you delay EMI payments and how they are calculated.
– Loan disbursement schedule – Especially for under-construction properties, how and when funds are released.
– Foreclosure charges – Fees if you fully close the loan before term ends.
– Interest computation method – Whether interest is calculated on a reducing balance basis.

» How to structure your loan for comfort and cost efficiency
– Choose floating rate with a short initial lock-in if you prefer lower cost.
– Keep prepayment and part-payment flexibility open so you can reduce outstanding principal with surplus funds.
– Monitor rate environment annually to decide if converting to fixed or refinancing makes sense.
– Keep an emergency buffer so you are not pressured if floating rates tick up temporarily.

» Final Insights
– Floating rate home loan typically suits you better over 15 years in current economic context.
– Fixed rate gives peace but often costs more if rates do not rise sharply.
– Focus on key loan terms before signing so no surprises later.
– With careful planning and periodic review, your housing finance cost can be controlled well.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ans: No, in my opinion. AutoCAD , CREO , CATIA is not very much related with Mechtronics.

Ans: Shailesh, before addressing your question, I strongly recommend completing a comprehensive psychometric assessment to identify the most suitable career options aligned with your aptitude, interest inventory, personality characteristics, and professional orientation style preferences. However, here are alternative options beyond Biotechnology, Microbiology, Life Science, and Genetics: (1) Environmental Science/Environmental Engineering, (2) B.Pharmacy, (3) Forensic Science, (4) Food Technology/Food Engineering, and (5) Agricultural Science/Agricultural Engineering/Horticulture. Please note that according to an article published in The Times of India's Republic Day Supplementary Special Edition yesterday, "India's food processing sector is experiencing significant growth, with processed food exports now representing 20.4% of agri-food exports, an increase from 13.7% in 2014-15. The market, valued at USD 354.5 billion, is expanding rapidly as startups innovate in ready-to-eat and nutrient-fortified products. Growing consumer demand for convenient, health-oriented foods creates substantial entrepreneurial opportunities and diverse career pathways." All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Kartik, I hope you have completed the JEE Main 2026 January session examination and reviewed your performance against the available answer keys to assess your preliminary JEE Advanced eligibility prospects. Regarding your eligibility question, please note that the isolated Marathi marksheet from the Maharashtra State Board is fully valid for JEE examination purposes. Both your February and June examination marksheets hold equal validity. I recommend requesting an updated aggregate certificate from the Maharashtra Board, or alternatively, combining both marksheets into a single consolidated PDF file for the document verification process. Your eligibility will not be questioned if you maintain comprehensive, proper documentation throughout the verification process. I strongly suggest exploring 4-5 backup options through alternative engineering entrance examinations such as MHT-CET, SET-E, COMEDK, Amrita's, MET, VITEEE etc., rather than relying exclusively on JEE as your sole pathway. Additionally, if possible and affordable, I encourage you to attempt a comprehensive psychometric assessment to identify the most suitable career options aligned with your aptitude, interest inventory, personality characteristics, and professional orientation style preferences. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: 01. What I can suggest is that an individual who is not expert with Equity Market should avoid over exposure to investments in this segment. In cases like this, I would suggest to make your investments in MUTUAL FUNDS instead. You may consider shifting from Equity to Mutual Funds, in phased manner.
Investment in precious metals (Gold & Silver) is very attractive today. It may continue to be so till International environment/conditions are uncertain or unpredictable. Present indication does not support stable International economies, so I feel strongly, that precious metals may keep an upward trend. But shifting all your funds to this segment is again not advisable. Keep your investment portfolio diversified, keeping some percentage of your investments in easily liquid conditions.
Real Estate is also another good option, but small funds cannot be parked in this segment.
Most Welcome for further clarifications, if any. Thanks.

Ans: Since the investments being made are from you income sources exclusively, you will be liable to pay income tax on it. Here, i suppose that your wife is not earning or paying income tax separately.
Most Welcome for further clarifications, if any. Thanks.

Ans: 01. I suppose, both of you received Rs.3 to Rs.6 crores each (may correct the figures, if wrong).
02. I also suppose that the inherited property sold is either Residential or Commercial.
03. You can plan your tax liability by investing the amount in RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY ONLY. The purchased Residential property should be within time limits, i.e., with in One Year before or within 2 Years after sales. You can also construct the Residential house within a period of 3 years after sales.
04. The amount invested should not be less than Capital Gain, to get full benefit. If the amount invested is less than capital Gain , then you will entitled to proportionate benefit & would be liable to LTCG on balance amount.
05. You can definitely invest in precious metals (Gold or Silver) or in Agriculture Land, but no tax benefit will be there.
06. It is advisable to make the investments in the names of both beneficiaries seperately. However, you may add the name of other spouse additionally as a second holder.
Most Welcome for further clarifications, if any. Thanks.

Ans: You are thinking responsibly. Asking this question itself shows maturity and awareness. A sudden Rs 1 crore inflow during a financial crisis can solve the problem, only if it is handled with clarity and discipline.

» First understand the nature of the Rs 1 crore
– Is this money received as inheritance, insurance claim, bonus, business sale, or asset liquidation
– Is the crisis short-term (medical, business loss, job loss) or long-term (debt overload, income mismatch)
– Do not rush to use the full amount immediately

Clarity first, action later.

» Priority-based usage of the Rs 1 crore
– Medical emergencies should be settled immediately
– High-interest personal loans and credit card dues should be cleared first
– Business or income-stopping issues should be stabilised next
– Do not deploy money emotionally or under pressure

The aim is stability, not quick fixes.

» How to pay liabilities smartly
– Clear unsecured and high-cost debts fully
– Avoid closing long-term low-cost loans in one shot
– Keep sufficient liquidity for next 12 months
– Do not exhaust the full Rs 1 crore at once

Liquidity gives confidence during crisis.

» Protection before investment
– Ensure adequate health insurance is active
– Ensure sufficient pure life insurance cover
– Emergency fund must be parked safely

Without protection, another crisis can repeat.

» Where not to put this Rs 1 crore
– Do not put entire amount in equity at one time
– Do not chase high-return promises
– Do not lock full money in illiquid products
– Do not mix insurance and investment

Safety first, growth later.

» How to deploy the balance amount
– Keep part of money in low-risk instruments for stability
– Invest remaining amount gradually into equity-oriented options
– Use phased investing instead of lump sum
– Choose actively managed funds due to flexibility and downside control

Active management matters more during uncertain times.

» Tax awareness while using the money
– If you sell investments to manage crisis, tax may apply
– Equity short-term exits attract higher tax
– Plan withdrawals in a tax-aware manner
– Avoid unnecessary churn

Taxes silently reduce available money.

» Emotional discipline during crisis
– Crisis creates fear-based decisions
– Money received suddenly can disappear fast without plan
– Write down priorities before spending
– Review every big payment calmly

Money solves crisis only when mind is steady.

» Finally
– Rs 1 crore is a powerful support, not a permanent solution
– Use it to restore stability, not lifestyle
– Protect, stabilise, then grow
– A structured plan converts crisis money into long-term security

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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