What's the next step for a non-engineering graduate with a 60% score and startup plans in India?

Ans: Hello Vedhi

BAMS is a very good branch. If you have an interest then you can surely opt for it without any hesitation. But be careful to choose the best college. (Don't compromise with distance and fees)

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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello.
The NEET score benchmarks vary year by year.
(1) Check the state-wise counseling brochure for NRI quota details (released by the respective state authorities).
(2) Look at the previous year's NEET cutoff trends for NRI seats in government colleges.

Approximate NEET Score Range for NRI Students:-
(1) Government Colleges:- 450 to 600+ depending on the state and college.
(2) AIQ (All India Quota) Seats:- Min 600+ is usually required to secure a seat in a top government college.

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Ans: Hello Vikas
Yes, you can appear JEE examination with your chosen mathematics subject. Appear for board examination by taking only mathematics as an additional subject to avoid the load of Phy+Che subjects.

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Ans: Hello.
(1) If your Aadhar card is verified at the time of form filling, then there is no need to worry.
(2) There is no problem even if you have forgotten to write the name of the building.
(3) You will not face any problems at the time of entering the examination hall.
(4) Please follow all the guidelines laid by NTA before entering the examination hall.
(5) Even if you feel very insecure, file a separate application to NTA via email mentioning the mistakes you made in the application form. Carry the printout of this forwarded email with you at the examination center. If there is any problem, show it to the respective center head.

Note: It is sad to hear that, the students who are preparing for the JEE examination, make simple mistakes in application forms. It is highly recommended to you that, please download the brochure of the JEE examination, and read it very carefully to avoid silly mistakes in the future.

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Radheshyam

Ans: Your plan shows thoughtful diversification and allocation across categories. Let’s review the lumpsum, SIP, and fund selection strategies in detail.

Lumpsum Investment Plan
Diversification Across Categories: Your allocation of Rs 20 lakhs among large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and contra funds ensures good diversification.

Strategic Use of STP: Allocating Rs 20 lakhs into a liquid fund and initiating a systematic transfer plan (STP) is a prudent move. It reduces the risk of market volatility and ensures disciplined deployment of funds over time.

Room for Refinement: Ensure you align the STP duration with your risk appetite. A 6-12 month STP works for moderate-to-high risk investors. For a conservative approach, consider extending this to 18 months.

SIP Investment Plan
Balanced SIP Allocations: The monthly SIP of Rs 1 lakh is well-distributed across different fund categories. Allocating more to mid-cap and small-cap funds (20% each) aligns with your moderate-to-high risk profile.

Long-Term Focus: SIPs over 10 years will help you average market fluctuations. This approach aligns well with wealth-building goals.

Scope for Fine-Tuning: Consider reducing overlap in fund strategies. Some of your funds may invest in similar sectors or companies, leading to portfolio redundancy.

Evaluation of Fund Categories
1. Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds provide exposure to large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
They adjust dynamically based on market opportunities, balancing risk and returns.
2. Multicap Funds
Multicap funds must maintain a minimum of 25% allocation in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
This ensures exposure to various market segments while limiting extreme risks.
3. Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds
These funds offer higher growth potential but come with greater volatility.
Ideal for long-term goals, but monitor performance every 1-2 years.
4. Contra Funds
Contra funds follow a contrarian investment strategy, focusing on undervalued stocks.
While offering unique opportunities, they require patience for results.
Key Areas for Improvement
Review Overlap in Portfolio:

Check the overlap between the flexi cap, multi-cap, and contra funds.
Too much overlap might dilute diversification benefits.
Add a Debt Component:

A small debt fund allocation, beyond the liquid fund, can help balance your portfolio.
This acts as a cushion during equity market corrections.
Active Fund Management:

Since you’ve chosen direct funds, ensure regular monitoring.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures ongoing guidance and portfolio review.
Tax Implications
Lumpsum and STP Gains:

Any gains from the liquid fund during STP are subject to your income tax slab.
Ensure you plan for tax liabilities while making withdrawals.
Equity Mutual Funds:

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Tax Efficiency with SIPs:

Each SIP instalment has its own holding period. This means gains are taxed individually.
Risk Management
Volatility in Small- and Mid-Cap Funds:

While these categories offer higher returns, they also have greater volatility.
Avoid reallocating funds during market corrections to maximise compounding benefits.
Regular Reviews:

Perform yearly reviews of fund performance and category suitability.
Replace funds that consistently underperform benchmarks over 3-4 years.
Final Insights
Your investment plan is robust, aligning well with your risk appetite and long-term goals. The use of lumpsum and STP is commendable, and the SIP allocations show a focus on disciplined investing.

However, focus on reducing portfolio overlap and adding a debt component for better risk management. Monitor fund performance regularly, and consider engaging a CFP for periodic reviews to ensure your portfolio stays aligned with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Your combined household income is Rs. 3.8 lakh monthly, a commendable financial position. You also have consistent investments and moderate liabilities. The key objectives are:

Early repayment of loans (Personal loan of Rs. 55 lakh).
Building a retirement corpus of Rs. 5 crore.
Securing educational and financial needs for two children.
To achieve these goals, a disciplined and strategic financial plan is essential.

Assessing Current Cash Flow
Your income is Rs. 3.8 lakh monthly, and liabilities total Rs. 93,000 (including your SIPs and PPF).
Fixed commitments take approximately 24% of your income.
The remaining 76% (approx. Rs. 2.87 lakh) is your disposable income.
Key Action:

Allocate 50% of the disposable income for systematic repayment of loans.
Use the remaining for building a robust investment portfolio.
Loan Repayment Strategy
Reduce Personal Loan Burden
Prepay 10–20% of the loan principal annually if no penalty applies.
Channel surplus funds (Rs. 1.43 lakh monthly) into prepayments.
Renegotiate Loan Terms
Approach your lender for lower interest rates.
Consolidate high-interest loans, if feasible, to a lower-cost option.
Minimise EMI Load
Avoid taking on new debt.
Redirect bonuses, incentives, or windfall gains towards your loan principal.
By focusing on early repayment, you can save significant interest and free cash flow sooner.

Strengthening Investments
Balanced Asset Allocation
Your current investments in SIPs, PPF, and postal RD are well-diversified. To enhance growth:

Continue SIPs of Rs. 10,500 but aim to increase SIP amounts yearly.
Invest surplus funds in actively managed mutual funds (growth-oriented).
Maintain PPF as a low-risk debt investment option.
Align with Long-term Goals
For a Rs. 5 crore retirement corpus:

Increase monthly investments as loan liabilities reduce.
Focus on equity mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.
Planning for Children’s Education
Education expenses for two children will rise as they approach higher studies.

Key Recommendations:

Start earmarking separate investments for their education.
Use balanced or hybrid funds to align with education timelines.
Set aside 25–30% of your annual bonus for this purpose.
Emergency Fund Maintenance
Your emergency fund in RD and PPF is adequate for now.

Suggestions:

Maintain 6–12 months’ expenses as a liquid contingency fund.
Use FD or liquid funds to ensure accessibility and stability.
Tax-efficient Investment Planning
With new tax rules, focus on minimising tax liabilities on investments:

Equity mutual funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Diversify into hybrid and debt funds to balance risk and tax efficiency.
Leverage Section 80C for PPF and SIP investments.
Key Financial Habits to Adopt
Review your financial goals and plans annually.
Avoid over-diversification. Too many funds dilute returns.
Automate savings and investments to ensure discipline.
Final Insights
Balancing loan repayment, investments, and education savings is achievable with a structured plan. Focus on systematic investments while steadily reducing your debt. This will free cash flow for long-term goals like retirement and children's education.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Claiming a fixed deposit as a nominee without visiting India is possible, but it requires specific documentation and procedures. Below are some alternatives you can consider to avoid traveling to Chennai:

1. Approach the Indian Consulate in Australia
Visit the nearest Indian consulate or embassy in Australia.
They can assist with notarizing the required documents, including your identity and nomination proof.
Some consulates offer services like affidavit attestation, which is often required by Indian banks.
2. Authorise a Representative in India
Execute a Power of Attorney (POA) in favour of a trusted person in India.
The POA should be notarized by the Indian consulate in Australia and sent to India.
Your representative can then handle the claim process with the bank on your behalf.
Ensure the POA explicitly states the authority to claim the fixed deposit.
3. Submit Documents by Post or Courier
Confirm with the bank if they allow document submission by post.

Required documents may include:

Claim application form provided by the bank.
Your identity proof (passport and visa copy).
Proof of nomination (usually the fixed deposit receipt mentioning your name as the nominee).
Death certificate of your grandmother (original or attested copy).
Address proof in Australia.
Documents must be notarized by the Indian consulate or an equivalent authority.

4. Online Request or Email Communication
Contact the SBI branch via email or phone to check if they can initiate an online claim process.
Some branches might permit submission of scanned documents initially, followed by couriering notarized copies.
5. Legal Heir Certificate or Succession Certificate (if required)
Although you are a nominee, some banks may require additional documentation, such as a legal heir certificate or succession certificate, especially for large amounts.
If needed, engage a lawyer in India to assist with obtaining these documents and submitting them to the bank.
6. Reach Out to SBI’s NRI Services
SBI offers NRI-specific services. Contact their NRI helpline or NRI customer service team to escalate your request.
Email: contactcentre at sbi.co.in
Toll-Free Numbers (NRI): Available on the SBI website (https://sbi.co.in).
Key Points to Note
Ensure all documents are attested by authorized entities like the Indian consulate.
Keep scanned copies of all communications and receipts for your records.
Stay in contact with the bank manager for regular updates and ensure compliance with their procedures.
If none of these alternatives work, you may need to visit India personally to complete the process.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hello;

After 3 consecutive years of no contribution, except interest, EPF account becomes inoperative and technically shouldn't accrue interest.

But EPFO has a current policy to pay interest on all accounts, includes inoperative accounts too, till member age of 58.

Best wishes;

Ans: Hello;

Deducting the real estate and crypto investments from your networth, we have 36 Cr.

You may invest 4 Cr each in 2 equity savings type mutual funds and 2 conservative hybrid debt oriented mutual funds.

If you do a 3% SWP from each of these funds you may expect a monthly payout of around 2.8 L (post-tax).

These funds generally yield 8-9% returns so they will continue to provide inflation adjusted income to you.(6% inflation rate considered)

Balance remains around 20 Cr, while 2 Cr may be retained as liquid fund for contingency requirement, the balance 18 Cr you may invest in combination of mutual funds, PMSs and AIFs.

As you enter retirement phase your focus should shift from "maximising returns" to "decent returns with moderate risk" since return of capital is more important than return on capital.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.