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Baqar Iftikhar Naqvi  |114 Answers  |Ask -

Start-up Mentor - Answered on Jun 12, 2025

Baqar Iftikhar Naqvi is the founder and CEO of Upriver Ecommerce, an online sales accelerator firm and can guide entrepreneurs on how to make their firms grow.He holds a BTech in textile technology from the Central Textile Institute and has a master's degree in marketing and merchandising from the National Institute of Fashion Technology.He has 23 years of experience in the consumer products and retail industry.... more
RICHA Question by RICHA on Jun 12, 2025
Career

hiii dev my monthly salary is 40000 i am a female with a little certainity of job but i am sure i can start my own business if there is no job but its requires a lot of time to grow my age is 40 and i want to have a financial stability in future from where shall i start have monthly expense of 28000 kindly advise

Ans: you can start with a side hustle and see how your business grows, then leave your job. Earning 30-40k through a home business is not be very difficult, in the current time.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9696 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 20, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am earning 1 lakh month from my business at age of 30 I want early retirement plan for me where I can live in today's 50k I want stable income what should I do and where should I invest. My income is not stable. It comes at variation some times 1.5 lakh some times 50k,70k 1 lakh
Ans: Understanding Your Retirement Goal
You aim to retire early with a stable monthly income of Rs 50,000 in today's value. Your current earnings fluctuate, making planning essential. Let's devise a strategy to achieve financial stability.

Evaluating Your Financial Situation
Income Variability
Your business income ranges from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1.5 lakhs monthly. This variability requires a flexible investment strategy to smooth out fluctuations.

Current Expenses
Assuming your monthly expenses are Rs 50,000, your goal is to maintain this lifestyle post-retirement. We need to consider inflation and longevity in planning.

Creating a Solid Financial Foundation
Emergency Fund
First, build an emergency fund to cover 6-12 months of expenses. This provides a safety net for income fluctuations and unforeseen expenses.

Health and Life Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage. This protects against unexpected medical costs and provides for your family in case of any eventuality.

Strategic Investment Planning
Diversifying Investments
Diversify your investments across various asset classes to balance risk and reward. This includes a mix of equity, debt, and other financial instruments.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Start a SIP in actively managed mutual funds. SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly, averaging out market volatility and compounding returns over time.

Emphasizing Equity Investments
Actively Managed Equity Funds
Actively managed equity funds are preferable to index funds. Fund managers actively select stocks, aiming to outperform the market, offering higher growth potential.

Direct Equity Investment
Consider investing directly in equities for higher returns. Diversify your portfolio across different sectors to mitigate risks.

Fixed-Income Investments
Debt Mutual Funds
Debt mutual funds provide stable returns with lower risk. They are suitable for preserving capital and generating steady income.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is a safe, long-term investment with tax benefits. It offers decent returns, contributing to your retirement corpus.

Retirement Planning with NPS
National Pension System (NPS)
NPS is a government-backed pension scheme providing tax benefits and retirement income. Allocate a portion of your investments to NPS for a regular pension post-retirement.

Managing Income Variability
Income Averaging
Use periods of higher income to invest more. During lower-income months, rely on your emergency fund or reduce discretionary expenses.

Diversified Income Streams
Create multiple income streams to reduce dependency on your business income alone. This could include rental income, part-time work, or freelance opportunities.

Inflation and Longevity Considerations
Inflation Adjustment
Adjust your investment goals considering inflation. The purchasing power of Rs 50,000 today will decrease over time. Invest in instruments that outpace inflation.

Longevity Planning
Plan for a retirement period of at least 30 years. Ensure your portfolio can sustain withdrawals throughout your retirement years.

Regular Portfolio Review and Rebalancing
Periodic Review
Review your investment portfolio periodically. This helps track progress, adjust for market changes, and realign with your goals.

Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) regularly. They can provide personalized advice and help optimize your investment strategy.

Implementation Steps
Step-by-Step Plan
Build Emergency Fund: Save for 6-12 months of expenses.
Get Insured: Ensure adequate health and life insurance coverage.
Start SIPs: Invest in actively managed mutual funds via SIPs.
Diversify Investments: Allocate funds across equity, debt, and PPF.
Invest in NPS: Contribute to the National Pension System.
Review Regularly: Monitor and adjust your portfolio periodically.
Seek Professional Advice: Consult a CFP for ongoing guidance.
Conclusion
By diversifying investments, managing income variability, and planning for inflation and longevity, you can achieve a stable retirement income. Regular reviews and professional advice will ensure your plan remains on track, providing you with financial security and peace of mind.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9696 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello I am 28 year old my in hand salary is 40kpm I am married women currently no child. How I manage my expense and savings ? In which fund I invest for secure future.
Ans: First, let's understand your current financial standing. With an in-hand salary of Rs 40,000 per month, you have a stable income. Being married and currently without children provides a unique opportunity to focus on building a strong financial foundation.

Compliments and Understanding

You're already ahead by thinking about your financial future. Many don't plan at your age. It shows your foresight and responsibility. Your proactive approach is commendable and will surely pave the way for a secure financial future.

Creating a Budget

A budget is the cornerstone of financial planning. It helps track income and expenses, ensuring that you live within your means and save for future goals.

Step-by-Step Budgeting

Income: Your monthly take-home salary is Rs 40,000.

Essential Expenses: Include rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Aim to keep these below 50% of your income, which would be Rs 20,000.

Discretionary Expenses: Allocate 30% of your income to dining out, entertainment, and personal shopping. This would be Rs 12,000.

Savings and Investments: The remaining 20%, or Rs 8,000, should go towards savings and investments.

Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is a financial safety net. It should cover 3-6 months' worth of essential expenses.

Building an Emergency Fund

Start by setting aside a portion of your savings each month until you reach this target. A liquid fund is ideal for this purpose due to its low risk and easy access.

Investment Strategy

Investing wisely is crucial for wealth creation. Given your profile, a mix of investment options can provide stability and growth.

Mutual Funds

Mutual funds are excellent for long-term wealth creation. They offer diversification, professional management, and flexibility.

Actively Managed Funds: These funds aim to outperform the market through expert selection of securities. They are ideal for those who seek higher returns and are comfortable with moderate risk.

SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)

SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly. It inculcates discipline and averages out the cost of investment over time, reducing the impact of market volatility.

Debt Funds

Debt funds are suitable for conservative investors. They invest in fixed-income securities and provide steady returns with lower risk.

Diversification

Diversification reduces risk by spreading investments across different asset classes. This ensures that poor performance in one area does not drastically impact your overall portfolio.

Insurance Planning

Insurance is crucial for financial security. It protects against unforeseen events and ensures that your family's needs are met in your absence.

Life Insurance

Opt for a term plan with adequate coverage. Term plans offer high coverage at low premiums and are ideal for income replacement.

Health Insurance

Healthcare costs are rising. A comprehensive health insurance policy covers medical expenses, ensuring that your savings are not depleted by medical emergencies.

Retirement Planning

Retirement planning is essential for financial independence in later years. Start early to benefit from the power of compounding.

NPS (National Pension System)

NPS is a government-backed pension scheme. It offers tax benefits and helps build a retirement corpus.

Mutual Funds for Retirement

Equity mutual funds are ideal for long-term growth. They have the potential to generate higher returns, aiding in building a substantial retirement corpus.

Tax Planning

Efficient tax planning increases disposable income. Utilize available deductions and exemptions to reduce tax liability.

Section 80C Investments

Investments under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act offer tax deductions. Options include PPF, EPF, and ELSS.

Health Insurance Premiums

Premiums paid for health insurance qualify for deductions under Section 80D. This reduces taxable income while ensuring health coverage.

Goal-Based Planning

Financial goals provide direction and motivation. Categorize them into short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals.

Short-Term Goals

These include building an emergency fund and saving for a vacation or a gadget. Allocate funds in liquid or short-term debt funds.

Medium-Term Goals

These could be saving for a car or a down payment on a house. Consider balanced funds or debt funds for these goals.

Long-Term Goals

Long-term goals include children's education, retirement, and wealth creation. Equity mutual funds and SIPs are suitable for these goals due to their potential for high returns over time.

Review and Rebalance

Regular review of your financial plan is crucial. It ensures that your investments align with your goals and risk tolerance.

Annual Review

Conduct an annual review of your financial plan. Assess your progress and make necessary adjustments.

Rebalancing

Rebalancing involves realigning the weightings of your portfolio. It helps maintain the desired level of risk and return.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Certain financial mistakes can derail your plans. Being aware of these can help you avoid them.

Overspending

Stick to your budget and avoid impulse purchases. This ensures that you live within your means and save for future goals.

Inadequate Insurance

Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. This protects against financial hardships due to unforeseen events.

Ignoring Inflation

Inflation erodes the value of money over time. Ensure your investments generate returns that outpace inflation.

Investment Tips

Here are some additional tips to enhance your investment strategy.

Start Early

The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow. This maximizes the benefits of compounding.

Stay Invested

Stay invested for the long term to ride out market volatility. Short-term market fluctuations should not deter you from your financial goals.

Seek Professional Advice

A certified financial planner can provide personalized advice. They can help you create a tailored financial plan that aligns with your goals and risk tolerance.

Final Insights

Your proactive approach towards financial planning is commendable. By creating a budget, building an emergency fund, investing wisely, and planning for insurance and retirement, you're on the right path. Regular reviews and avoiding common pitfalls will ensure that you stay on track.

Your financial journey is unique, and with careful planning and disciplined execution, you can achieve your financial goals. Remember, the key to financial success is consistency and patience.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9696 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 26, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 16, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello Sir, I am fresher I started my career with a salary of 3 Lac per annum. My monthly expenses is ?15K . Can you please give me some financial advice for future.
Ans: Starting your career is a milestone, and managing finances wisely is essential. You’ve done well to think about financial planning early. Let’s outline how to create a strong financial foundation with your current income.

Assessing Your Financial Situation
Salary: Rs 3 lakhs annually, or Rs 25,000 per month.

Expenses: Rs 15,000 monthly, leaving Rs 10,000 for savings and investments.

No Financial Liabilities: This gives you the freedom to focus on building wealth.

Key Financial Priorities
1. Build an Emergency Fund
Reserve for Unexpected Expenses: Save at least 6 months of expenses (around Rs 90,000).

Where to Park It: Keep it in a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund.

Start Small: Save Rs 2,000 monthly until the fund is complete.

2. Protect Your Health
Health Insurance is Critical: Purchase a basic health insurance plan with adequate coverage.

Start with Affordable Premiums: A basic policy will safeguard against unexpected medical costs.

Include Parents: If you support your parents, consider family floater insurance.

3. Set Financial Goals
Short-Term Goals: Plan for travel, gadgets, or courses within 1-3 years.

Medium-Term Goals: Build funds for a vehicle or higher education within 3-7 years.

Long-Term Goals: Plan for wealth creation and retirement over 10+ years.

4. Start Investing Early
Utilise the Power of Compounding: Starting now will maximise your returns over time.

Mutual Fund SIPs: Begin with Rs 3,000-5,000 in equity mutual funds through SIPs.

Active Fund Selection: Choose funds managed by professionals for consistent growth.

5. Manage Taxes Smartly
Section 80C Deductions: Invest in PPF, ELSS, or term insurance to save on taxes.

File Returns Promptly: Keep track of Form 16 and file your income tax returns on time.

Avoid Complex Instruments: Start with simple, tax-saving tools that suit your needs.

6. Avoid Common Financial Pitfalls
Control Lifestyle Inflation: Avoid unnecessary expenses as your income grows.

Limit Credit Card Usage: Pay bills on time to avoid debt traps.

Stay Away from Guaranteed Returns Plans: These often provide low returns and lack flexibility.

7. Develop Financial Discipline
50-30-20 Rule: Allocate 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings.

Track Expenses: Use apps or spreadsheets to monitor spending habits.

Increase Savings with Increments: Save a higher portion of future salary hikes.

8. Plan for Retirement
Start with NPS or PPF: Small contributions today will grow significantly over time.

Invest in Equity for Long-Term: Equities outperform other asset classes in the long run.

Avoid Annuities: They have low returns and limited flexibility.

Steps for Immediate Action
Open a health insurance policy immediately.

Start an SIP in equity mutual funds with Rs 3,000-5,000 monthly.

Begin creating an emergency fund by saving Rs 2,000 monthly.

Allocate Rs 10,000 annually to a tax-saving instrument like ELSS or PPF.

Use salary increments to increase investments systematically.

Final Insights
Starting early puts you at a great advantage. Your disciplined savings and wise investment decisions will create wealth over time. Stick to your goals, review your progress annually, and adjust as needed. Work with a Certified Financial Planner for personalised advice as your income and goals grow.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Adarsh

Adarsh Rai  |12 Answers  |Ask -

HR, Leadership coach - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 11, 2025Hindi
Career
Hi. I am currently 29. Married with no kids. Wife not earning. Planning for a kid this year. Monthly earning 60k post tax. Have savings of 2 lakhs. Have personal loan of 9 lakhs. Monthly expenses 40k including emi's. I have lost interest in job and I don't want to work anymore. I want to do business which can give monthly 50 to 60k income. Max I can invest 2lakhs. Is there any business which I can start with 2 lakhs and generate monthly income of 60k ? I am frustrated with working under an employer. I want to start my own venture. Please suggest.
Ans: Spandan, pause before you mail the resignation.

Your maths
60 k take-home
40 k spends (15 k of that is EMI on a 9 L loan)
→ 20 k buffer

A newborn will nudge monthly costs up by 8-10 k. Cash cushion shrinks fast.

So the plan must earn while you learn, not leap blind.

Keep the paycheck six more months.
Use evenings to test micro-ideas. Risk stays capped at ?0 for now.

Choose a “cash-this-month” niche, not a moon-shot.
Pick work that turns inventory ≤ ?50 k into sales inside 30 days.

Tiffin + office snacks (two dishes, 40 boxes) - ?25 k utensils, ?10 k FSSAI, ?5 k flyers - ?120 per box × 40 = ?4.8 k /day

Amazon / Flipkart reselling (phone cases, cables) ?40 k stock, ?15 k ads 25 % net margin on ?2 L monthly sales = ?50 k

Weekend print-on-demand & personalised gifting kiosk ?45 k heat-press kit (other options are there too) ?300 profit per mug × 200 pcs → ?60 k Bring Your Mug - Take Away Memories.

Local social-media management for clinics & salons ?0 gear, ?3 k Canva Pro ?8 k-?12 k per client; 6 clients hit target

None need heavy staff or rent. All can run beside your day job.

Set one simple goal: ?15 k profit by Day-30.
Hit it twice, raise target to ?35 k. Only when side income beats salary three months straight do you quit.

This is critical - Plug leaks early. Refinance personal loan to longer tenor; shave EMI to ~?10 k.

Park 1 L of savings in an emergency account—no touch.Skill up tiny, daily.
Watch a YouTube on ad copy, take a WhatsApp course on GST filings. Low cost, immediate payback.

Start small, sell fast, reinvest every rupee. Freedom comes, but by steps, not by one loud jump.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8557 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, My son got CS in Thapar, CS in LMNIIT, ICT in DAIICT Gandhinagar and ECE in COEP Pune. Could kindly suggest the better one.
Ans: Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology’s CSE programme, a NAAC A+ and NBA-accredited, ABET-recognised deemed university ranked 29th in NIRF Engineering 2024, boasts a robust placement ecosystem with 334 recruiters and 88.51% of CSE students placed over the past three years, supported by 27 state-of-the-art computing labs and strong industry tie-ups with Apple, IBM, TCS, and more. LNMIIT Jaipur’s NAAC A++ and UGC Category-I deemed CSE programme delivers an average package of ?13.87 LPA and places 70% of registered students through its dedicated placement cell, achieving an 88.51% branch-specific placement consistency over three years, underpinned by high-value recruiters like Unacademy, NAV Consulting, and Kelly Technologies and cutting-edge algorithm and AI labs. DAIICT Gandhinagar’s B.Tech ICT, NAAC A+ and UGC-accredited and ranked 201–300 in NIRF, secures 96% campus-wide placements with an average package of ?16.03 LPA through 150+ recruiters including Google, Amazon, and Deloitte, facilitated by specialised ICT, VLSI, and data-science research clusters and mandatory project-based learning. COEP Pune’s ECE, part of a NAAC A+ government institute established in 1854, records an 88.57% placement rate for E&TC students and an average package of ?12.00 LPA over three years, leveraging advanced VLSI, signal-processing, and SMT manufacturing labs established via a Centre of Excellence, and a placement cell that engages 230+ recruiters annually.

Recommendation: Prioritise Thapar CSE for its top-tier accreditation, ABET recognition, and balanced placement-infrastructure synergy; next, choose DAIICT ICT for its highest placement consistency and premium packages in the ICT domain; LNMIIT CSE is third for strong average packages and focused AI/algorithm training; COEP Pune ECE stands fourth for specialised electronics manufacturing labs and solid placement metrics in ECE. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8557 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Career
Sir My Son Shivam soni Got electrical and computer sciences in Thapar patiala Another option may be Nagpur fire safety engineering Which shall be better for him
Ans: Harshiv Sir, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology’s B.E. in Electronics and Communication Engineering is accredited by NAAC A+, NBA, and ABET, features advanced VLSI, embedded-systems, and signal-processing labs, and registers nearly 100% placement for ECE with 90% campus-wide across branches over three years. Its centralized Career Development Centre secures roles in IT, telecom, and core electronics through 334 recruiters, maintaining a 90%–95% placement rate. The National Fire Service College, Nagpur, a Ministry of Home Affairs institute founded in 1956, offers a B.E. in Fire Engineering approved by AICTE and UGC, with specialized fire-safety and industrial-safety labs, realistic drills, and near-100% placement with an average package of ?12–15 LPA through PSUs like ONGC, GAIL, and IOCL. Both campuses provide residential facilities, strong industry tie-ups, and government-backed curricula, but Thapar’s broader tech ecosystem contrasts NFSC’s niche firefighting focus.

Prioritize Thapar Patiala ECE for broader technology exposure, higher recruiter diversity, and interdisciplinary labs; choose NFSC Nagpur Fire Engineering if aiming for specialized fire-safety leadership roles within government and industrial safety sectors. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8557 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Career
Bit deoghar cse or bit mesra ece
Ans: (Seems, you have posted your 2nd question today). Birla Institute of Technology Extension Centre, Deoghar, affiliated with BIT Mesra and AICTE-approved, holds NAAC A accreditation and offers a CSE programme established in 2007 with modern computing labs and industry-aligned curriculum. Over the past three years, its CSE branch recorded a 90% placement rate with average packages around ?12 LPA, and recruiters such as Microsoft, Samsung, Infosys, and TCS. BIT Mesra’s flagship ECE programme, part of a UGC-recognized deemed university ranked 48th in NIRF Engineering 2024, boasts advanced VLSI and signal-processing laboratories, Practice School internships, and a 60% placement rate with an average package of ?16 LPA in 2024, attracting companies like Microsoft, Google, and Intel. Both institutions feature dedicated placement cells, research collaborations, and robust infrastructure, but BIT Mesra offers broader campus facilities and higher average ECE packages, while BIT Deoghar provides focused CSE strength with consistent recruitment outcomes.

Given stronger placement consistency in CSE at Deoghar and superior average ECE packages at Mesra, the recommendation suggests choosing BIT Mesra ECE for higher pay and infrastructure, with BIT Deoghar CSE as a solid alternative for consistent software placements. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8557 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8557 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9696 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi sir, i'm employee and age 33 and Recently married. I have 1. Home loan 7.29 L (Outstanding), tenure 13 yrs, emi is 7000 2.personal loan 12.3L, tenure 57 months, emi is 30500. 3.Another PL 50K (Outstanding), emi is 9350 4.Need to give 1L to friend which I took long back. My monthly income in hand 92k. 1.NPS having 7k ---- Monthly Rs.500 2.Recently (2 months ago) Started a invested on Cryptocoins for BTC,ETH and INJ at Rs.7000 --- One time investment 3.Again Recently (2 months ago) Started a invested on digital gold at 10000 monthly. Tel me better management of loans and savings. Planning to retirement is April-2055.
Ans: You are only 33 and newly married. That gives you solid time to plan smartly for retirement and wealth creation. Below is a detailed 360-degree answer to guide you, written in simple Indian English, keeping your financial goals and commitments in mind.

? Your Current Financial Snapshot

– Your take-home salary is Rs. 92,000 per month.
– You have home loan EMI of Rs. 7,000 monthly.
– One personal loan EMI is Rs. 30,500.
– Another personal loan EMI is Rs. 9,350.
– You have a one-time friend repayment of Rs. 1 lakh.
– You are investing Rs. 500 monthly in NPS.
– You invested Rs. 7,000 in crypto coins recently.
– You are investing Rs. 10,000 monthly in digital gold.
– Retirement planned in April 2055, 30+ years from now.

Let’s review and re-structure your loans, investments, and savings with an expert lens.

? Evaluation of Your Loan Commitments

– Total monthly EMI is nearly Rs. 46,850.
– That takes up over 50% of your income.
– This is on the higher side for your salary.
– Home loan EMI is fine. It is low and for long term.
– But personal loans are reducing your monthly cash flow.
– These loans carry high interest rates.
– Clearing these early will bring huge relief.

– Prioritise repaying the smaller personal loan of Rs. 50,000 first.
– After that, target the 12.3L personal loan.
– Avoid prepayment of home loan for now.
– Home loan gives tax benefit. Personal loans do not.
– Do not take any new loan until existing ones are closed.
– Avoid credit card EMIs or BNPL schemes.

– Once you repay these loans, your savings power will increase.
– Try to increase your EMI by Rs. 2,000-3,000 if possible.
– That will reduce your debt faster.
– Focus all extra income or bonuses toward loan repayments.

? Friend Loan – Honor This Quickly

– Rs. 1 lakh is pending to your friend.
– Clear this first before making any investment.
– Keep personal integrity and trust intact.
– If not possible in one shot, repay in 3 parts over 3 months.
– Avoid delaying this for the sake of digital gold or crypto.

? Assessment of Digital Gold Investment

– You are investing Rs. 10,000 monthly in digital gold.
– That is a high allocation at your age.
– Gold does not create wealth. It only preserves value.
– Over long term, gold returns are less than equity.
– For young investors, equity mutual funds work better.

– Reduce digital gold to Rs. 2,000 per month or pause it.
– Reallocate remaining to mutual fund SIPs.
– Use gold only for diversification or specific goal like jewellery.
– Do not consider gold as a retirement investment tool.

? Assessment of Crypto Investment

– You invested Rs. 7,000 in BTC, ETH, and INJ.
– Crypto is highly risky and volatile.
– It can give high returns or major losses.
– Crypto is not regulated like mutual funds.
– Do not add more money into crypto now.
– Consider it like a lottery ticket, not an investment.
– Keep exposure to crypto under 2-3% of total investments.
– Avoid monthly SIPs into crypto.

? Review of NPS Contribution

– You are contributing Rs. 500 monthly in NPS.
– That is good for tax saving and retirement.
– NPS offers market-linked returns with some tax benefits.
– Increase this to Rs. 1,000-2,000 per month later.
– Don’t depend on NPS as the only retirement tool.
– Use mutual funds also for long-term wealth.

? Savings vs. Expenses – Cash Flow Management

– Income is Rs. 92,000.
– After loan EMIs of Rs. 46,850, balance is Rs. 45,150.
– Digital gold SIP is Rs. 10,000.
– NPS is Rs. 500.
– That leaves Rs. 34,650 for household and other expenses.
– Try to live on Rs. 25,000 for all expenses.
– Keep Rs. 5,000-7,000 aside for emergency or loan repayment.
– Create a budget and stick to it.
– Use apps or notebook to track all monthly expenses.
– Avoid luxury spending, impulse buying or new gadgets.

? Emergency Fund is a Must

– You must build an emergency fund.
– Keep at least Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 ready.
– Keep in a savings account or liquid mutual fund.
– This avoids taking loans during sudden expenses.
– Build it slowly over 6 to 8 months.
– Use bonuses or tax refunds to create this fund.

? Future Focus: Mutual Funds for Long Term Wealth

– Your goal is retirement in 2055.
– That gives over 30 years to invest and grow money.
– Mutual funds are ideal for long-term compounding.
– Choose actively managed diversified equity mutual funds.
– These are run by professional fund managers.
– They outperform index funds over long periods.
– Index funds do not beat market in volatile times.

– Avoid direct mutual fund platforms.
– They save cost, but there is no guidance.
– Wrong fund or wrong timing leads to poor results.
– Invest through Certified Financial Planner and MFD.
– They review and adjust based on your goals.

– Start with Rs. 5,000 monthly SIP in equity mutual funds.
– As loan EMIs end, increase SIP step-by-step.
– Use STP if you have lump sum to invest.
– Do not invest lump sum directly into equity funds.
– Choose growth plans, not dividend plans.

? Tax Planning Strategy

– Use home loan interest for tax deduction.
– NPS also gives extra Rs. 50,000 tax benefit under Sec 80CCD(1B).
– Mutual funds are tax efficient for long-term.
– Equity fund gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains taxed as per income slab.

– Fixed deposits are fully taxable every year.
– Avoid them for long-term savings.
– Use debt mutual funds for short-term goals instead.

? Retirement Plan Roadmap

– At age 33, you are in perfect stage to plan retirement.
– Target to build large corpus by 55 or 60 years.
– Use mutual fund SIPs for 20-25 years.
– Review and adjust portfolio every year.
– Shift slowly to safer funds as you near retirement.
– After 55, start SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan).
– It helps withdraw monthly income during retirement.
– Avoid insurance products or annuity plans for retirement.
– Do not lock money for long periods unnecessarily.

? Insurance Coverage

– You have not mentioned term insurance or health cover.
– These are critical for married people.
– Buy term insurance of at least 10 times your income.
– It protects your family in your absence.
– Also, buy a good family health insurance policy.
– Don’t depend only on company group insurance.

– Avoid ULIP or money-back policies.
– These give low returns and poor coverage.
– Keep insurance and investment separate.

? Avoid These Common Financial Mistakes

– Don’t keep adding to digital gold or crypto.
– Don’t ignore loans. Clear them first.
– Don’t stop NPS or delay mutual fund SIPs.
– Don’t use credit cards for lifestyle spending.
– Don’t take new loans unless urgent.
– Don’t invest in index funds. Active funds give better returns.
– Don’t invest directly in mutual funds without guidance.
– Don’t postpone emergency fund or insurance.
– Don’t guess your future needs. Plan and document clearly.

? Finally

– You have made a strong start.
– You are earning well and have many years ahead.
– Focus now on clearing high-cost loans quickly.
– Then increase investments steadily every year.
– Cut down digital gold and avoid new crypto purchases.
– Create emergency fund and buy insurance.
– Start mutual fund SIPs through Certified Financial Planner.
– Review your goals and portfolio every year.
– Stick to your plan. Stay consistent.
– You can build strong wealth and retire peacefully.

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

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8557 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 11, 2025

Career
Sir, my son is getting CSE at Thapar and Dual degree MSc. Physics at BITS Pilani campus. Can you guide which is better in terms of long term career goals.
Ans: Omesh Sir, Thapar University’s four-year B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering is NBA and NAAC A+ accredited, ABET-USA recognized under the Washington Accord, and hosts 27 state-of-the-art undergraduate and postgraduate laboratories with a dedicated data centre. Its 2023 placement drive saw 334 recruiters making 1,884 offers, placing 83% of undergraduates and nearly 100% of CSE students with an average package of ?11.90 LPA. The curriculum, benchmarked to ACM/IEEE standards, features industry-aligned electives and incubation support, while strong industry tie-ups ensure ongoing research and internship opportunities.

BITS Pilani’s five-year Integrated Dual Degree in M.Sc. Physics operates under the Institute of Eminence framework with UGC and NAAC A++ accreditation, offering advanced fabrication, characterization, and clean-room facilities across Pilani, Goa, and Hyderabad campuses. Practice School internships immerse students in R&D projects; over the past three years, 73.61% of physics graduates secured placement with an average package of ?19.71 LPA. The interdisciplinary curriculum spans quantum mechanics to astrophysics, supported by a robust alumni network and global research collaborations.

Recommendation: Considering sustained high CSE placement rates, strong industry partnerships, and ABET accreditation, the recommendation favors Thapar CSE for a direct software-engineering career trajectory with guaranteed industry readiness; BITS Pilani’s dual-degree M.Sc. Physics suits those targeting advanced research, specialized R&D roles, or academia. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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