Home > Career > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Aashish

Aashish Sood  | Answer  |Ask -

CAT, Management Expert - Answered on Jan 07, 2024

Aashish Sood is an IIM-Lucknow alumnus who has been teaching maths and quantitative aptitude to MBA aspirants for over a decade.
He also mentors management student hopefuls for the group discussion and personal interview rounds that follow competitive examinations.
He has appeared for CAT seven times since 2016 and scored in the 99.9 percentile.
Sood has 16 years of work experience as a management consultant, strategy consultant and research associate.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Oct 27, 2023Hindi
Listen
Career

Dear Sir, I am in job from July 2003 and have over 20 years of experience, In this 20 years of job, first 16 years i have been in sales and distribution, and last 4 years i have been in operations (Supply chain, addressing and solving customer issue), I feel some how i am lacking in leadership skills related to IT field, as this are in demand now. Can u please help me in providing and suggesting any good course to update myself in this domain. I am MBA pass out in 2003 and did Executive Management program last year with one of the reputed B school in India...

Ans: Since you have already completed an Executive Management program, consider building on that foundation with these specialized courses.

Also, look for programs offered by reputable institutions or professional organizations that provide certifications recognized in the IT industry. Online learning platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer a variety of courses in these areas.

You may consider pursuing certifications like Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified ScrumMaster (CSM). These certifications are valuable for individuals leading projects in IT.

Toy can focusing on enhancing your general leadership and communication skills through courses that focus on effective communication, team building, and leadership in a technology-driven environment.

In the meanwhile, gain a foundational understanding of AI and ML to stay informed about emerging technologies. Many online platforms offer introductory courses on these topics.
Career

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  |157 Answers  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

Listen
Career
Hi Sir, I have 12 years of experience, I have started as a team lead and now advancing to be a manager soon with a new organization, but I do not have enough expertise and looking for a starting point. Kindly suggest on leadership and managerial courses (including even the required softskills). I would appreciate 1 to 1 coaching as well.
Ans: Congratulations on your career advancement! Transitioning into a managerial role can be both exciting and challenging, but there are numerous courses and resources available to help you develop the leadership and managerial skills necessary for success. Here are some suggestions for leadership and managerial courses, as well as options for 1-to-1 coaching. MDPs provide comprehensive training in various aspects of management, including leadership development, team building, communication skills, and conflict resolution. Look for programs offered by reputable business schools or professional training organizations. Many business schools offer executive education programs specifically designed for mid-career professionals transitioning into leadership roles. These programs cover topics such as strategic leadership, organizational behavior, change management, and decision-making. Obtaining a PMP certification can enhance your project management skills and prepare you for effectively managing teams and projects in your managerial role. The certification covers areas such as project planning, execution, monitoring, and closing. Consider hiring an executive coach who specializes in leadership development and managerial effectiveness. An executive coach can provide personalized guidance, feedback, and support to help you navigate the challenges of your new role and accelerate your professional growth. Seek out experienced leaders within your organization or industry who can serve as mentors and provide valuable insights and advice as you transition into your managerial role. A mentorship relationship can be a valuable source of support and learning throughout your career journey. Many organizations offer professional development programs that include 1-to-1 coaching or mentoring as part of their leadership development initiatives. Take advantage of these opportunities to receive personalized guidance and support from experienced leaders within your organization. By investing in your leadership and managerial development through courses, workshops, and coaching, you'll be better equipped to excel in your new role and drive positive outcomes for your team and organization. Remember to approach your learning journey with an open mind, a willingness to learn and adapt, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

..Read more

Aasif Ahmed Khan

Aasif Ahmed Khan   |170 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Career Expert - Answered on Sep 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 09, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career
Hello Sir, Currently I am carrying 13+ years of experience in software industry and leading a team of 10 software developers. I would like to transition into leadership/project management roles in software industry. Could you please share your recommendations on the list of courses/certifications to upskill myself that would help me transition to the leadership roles? Thanks in advance!
Ans: These certifications and courses can help you build the necessary skills and knowledge to transition into leadership roles.

1-Agile and Scrum Certifications
Certified ScrumMaster (CSM): Offered by Scrum Alliance, this certification is ideal if you’re working in an Agile environment.
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP): This certification covers various Agile methodologies and is offered by PMI.
SAFe Agilist Certification: For those working in large-scale Agile environments.

2-IT Management and Leadership Certifications
Certified Information Technology Manager (CITM): This certification focuses on IT management and leadership skills.
Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP): Offered by IEEE, this certification is for experienced software development practitioners.
ITIL Foundation Certification: This certification covers IT service management and is widely recognized.

3-General Management and Leadership Courses
AMA Certified Professional in Management: This certification covers professional effectiveness, relationship management, business acumen, and analytical intelligence.
Leadership and Management Courses on Udemy: Courses like “Software Engineering: From Developer to Tech Lead” can be very useful.
edX: Provides courses from institutions like MIT and Harvard on management and leadership.
LinkedIn Learning: Offers a wide range of courses on leadership, project management, and technical skills.

..Read more

Harsh

Harsh Bharwani  |80 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Jan 22, 2025

Listen
Hello Sir, i have 13 years of experience, now im training manager, please help me in better courses i can do for caree opportunity
Ans: Hello,
With 13 years of experience as a training manager, enhancing your career prospects requires investing in advanced certifications and courses that build on your expertise and align with the emerging demands of the learning and development field. Consider pursuing professional certifications such as the Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) or the Train the Trainer certification, which are globally recognized and will strengthen your expertise in training and development. Expanding your knowledge in instructional design through courses focused on e-learning tools such as Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate or learning management system (LMS) management will keep you at the forefront of technology-driven training methods.

In addition to technical training skills, courses in leadership coaching and people management will help you develop the soft skills needed to effectively lead teams. For those looking to take on strategic roles, an MBA or certification in change management (Prosci) can provide a strong foundation in organizational development and leadership. Project management certifications such as the PMP or PRINCE2 are also valuable for training managers overseeing large-scale projects.

Furthermore, as the training sector moves towards data-driven decision-making, upskilling in learning analytics, AI in training and digital transformation in learning will help make your career future-ready and allow you to implement innovative training solutions. These qualifications will open up advanced career opportunities in senior leadership positions, from head of learning and development to roles in corporate training strategy and organisational change management.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8632 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 01, 2025
Money
Dear Sir, 1)I am 40 yrs old working for CPSU.Post deduction of monthly CPF + VPF contribution 39000/- ( Corpus: 80 Lacs) & NPS : 28900 (Corpus : 18 Lacs). I have in hand salary of 1 Lac per month. 2) PPF investment - 1.5 Lacs( Corpus: 14 Lacs).Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana- 1.5 Lacs 3)Monthly Investment in MFs is 35000/- (PPFAS: 10000/-, Axis Blue Chip: 5000/-;ICICI Prudential Nifty 50: 5000/-; PGIM Large and Mid Cap direct growth:5000/-; Quant MID Cap & Small Cap: 5000/- each )with corpus 10.5 lacs. 4)Equity Shares worth 18 lacs. Equity SIP: 20000/- Per Month 5)I have taken Home loan on 50 lacs with repayment period of 20 yrs, EMI approx: 37000/-. 6) LIC Policies Annual Premium: 1.7 Lacs 7) I have Post retirement benefit scheme corpus of 48 Lacs 8)I want to repay the Home in 15 yrs. I have miscellaneous expenses of about 7000/- PM.please suggest the ways to pay the loan early and build corpus of 8 crore at 60 yrs age.
Ans: You have built a solid base with multiple income streams and disciplined investing.

At 40, you are in a strong position to create a secure and abundant retirement corpus.

Your goals are clear:

Repay your home loan in 15 years instead of 20.

Build Rs. 8 crore corpus by age 60.

This plan needs structured action and disciplined execution. Let’s assess everything carefully from a 360-degree view.

Salary and Cash Flow – A Good Start
Your in-hand salary is Rs. 1 lakh per month.

After Rs. 39,000 CPF + VPF and Rs. 28,900 NPS deduction, you save a big portion.

You are already investing Rs. 35,000 in mutual funds.

Equity SIP of Rs. 20,000 shows higher risk appetite.

Miscellaneous expense of Rs. 7,000 is low and controlled.

Overall, your income-to-expense ratio is strong.

There is good scope for maximising returns and building wealth faster.

Home Loan – Strategy to Close in 15 Years
EMI of Rs. 37,000 on Rs. 50 lakh loan is well within limits.

Goal: Close this loan 5 years earlier without stress.

First, increase EMI gradually every year by 5-10%.

Use annual bonuses or salary increments to make part-prepayments.

Even Rs. 1 lakh extra per year can reduce term by 3-4 years.

Review loan structure with lender once in 3 years to get best rate.

Do not stop SIPs or equity investment for loan closure. Balance both together.

LIC Policies – Immediate Assessment Needed
You pay Rs. 1.7 lakhs yearly as LIC premium.

These are investment cum insurance plans.

These offer low returns and poor liquidity.

Surrender policies and reinvest money into mutual funds for better growth.

Get a simple term insurance of Rs. 1 crore for family safety.

This will reduce premium cost and improve overall wealth creation.

This one decision alone can add lakhs to your final corpus.

Direct Mutual Funds – Not the Right Choice
You are investing through direct plans in some mutual funds.

This looks cost-saving but can become risky in long term.

Direct funds do not offer any ongoing guidance.

Market changes are frequent. Without advice, you may exit or switch wrongly.

Wrong timing can damage your entire portfolio.

A Certified Financial Planner with MFD code gives portfolio strategy.

Regular fund investments give peace of mind and better asset allocation.

Charges are marginal but value is high.

Please shift your funds to regular plans through an MFD having CFP credentials.

Index Fund Exposure – Needs Reevaluation
You are investing in Nifty 50-based index fund.

Index funds are low-cost but not always right.

They follow the market passively.

No option to reduce exposure in weak sectors.

No active strategy during corrections or crashes.

Actively managed funds perform better in Indian market conditions.

They provide risk-adjusted returns with more flexibility.

Certified Financial Planners can help select best actively managed schemes.

Avoid depending on index funds for long-term goals.

Your Existing Investment Mix – Analysis
Your investments are well diversified across multiple asset classes.

Let us evaluate one by one:

CPF + VPF Corpus – Rs. 80 lakhs

Very stable and safe.

Good for post-retirement pension-like benefit.

No changes needed.

NPS Corpus – Rs. 18 lakhs

Another strong pillar for retirement.

Tax-efficient and low-cost.

Suggest keeping equity allocation at 50%-60%.

PPF Corpus – Rs. 14 lakhs

Excellent for safe long-term returns.

Tax-free and fixed interest.

Continue till maturity.

Sukanya Samriddhi – Rs. 1.5 lakhs/year

Good for daughter’s education or marriage goals.

Stay invested till maturity.

Mutual Fund SIPs – Rs. 35,000/month

Right asset for long-term wealth creation.

Some funds may need rebalancing.

Mid-cap and small-cap should not cross 30% of portfolio.

Equity Shares – Rs. 18 lakhs

Good wealth-building asset.

High risk, but can deliver higher returns.

Do annual review with a Certified Financial Planner.

Target Rs. 8 Crore at 60 – What You Need to Do
You are now 40 years old.

You have 20 years to build Rs. 8 crore.

Let us look at possible actions:

Continue current SIPs of Rs. 35,000 monthly.

Increase this by 10% every year.

Shift direct funds to regular funds.

Rebalance mid-cap/small-cap exposure to keep risk moderate.

Reinvest LIC surrender value in long-term equity mutual funds.

Keep NPS equity allocation between 50%-60%.

Avoid index funds. Choose high quality actively managed funds.

Use Certified Financial Planner for long-term monitoring.

With this discipline, your Rs. 8 crore goal is very realistic.

Insurance – Only Term Plan is Enough
You are spending Rs. 1.7 lakhs yearly on LIC.

These policies mix insurance with investment.

Returns are around 4%-5% only.

Do this instead:

Surrender LIC policies after checking surrender value.

Buy a pure term insurance of Rs. 1 crore.

Annual premium will be around Rs. 15,000 only.

Invest balance Rs. 1.55 lakhs in equity mutual funds.

This will protect family and create higher wealth.

Tax Planning – Ensure You Don’t Overlap Sections
You are contributing to PPF, CPF, NPS, Sukanya.

All these are eligible under Section 80C and 80CCD(1B).

Ensure not to exceed maximum allowed limits.

Use balance funds for equity mutual funds or debt funds.

Emergency Fund and Short-Term Goals
Maintain 6 months’ expenses in a liquid fund.

Do not mix emergency fund with investments.

Plan separately for near-term goals like car, vacation, etc.

Use short-term debt funds for such goals.

Portfolio Rebalancing – Do it Yearly
Every 12 months, review and rebalance your portfolio.

Reduce exposure in overgrown asset classes.

Adjust between large-cap, mid-cap, and debt.

Track performance with support of Certified Financial Planner.

Exit poor performers and reallocate.

This keeps your goal aligned and risk under control.

Final Insights
You are already on a strong foundation at age 40.

Your income is good, savings rate is healthy, and investments are well spread.

But a few corrections are needed to maximise outcomes.

Shift LIC policies to equity mutual funds.

Avoid direct and index funds.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner for guidance.

Stay invested, increase SIPs yearly, and control unnecessary spending.

Your Rs. 8 crore goal is possible with this roadmap.

Stay focused, track yearly, and adapt as needed.

You are moving in the right direction.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8632 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 02, 2025
Money
I took VRS from SBI in 2023 Due to some personal reasons, I have no loans now , drawing 54000/-pension and I have 40lakhs in FD , and I have RD of 15k monthly from my pension. Is there any option of getting another 50kmonthly if I invest my 40 lakhs
Ans: You have taken thoughtful steps so far. A stable pension, no loan burden, and Rs. 40 lakhs in fixed deposits give a strong base. Also, your Rs. 15,000 recurring deposit shows continued financial discipline.

You wish to generate Rs. 50,000 more per month. Let us evaluate this from all angles, giving you a complete and professional perspective.

Below is a detailed analysis and action plan.

Present Financial Position – A Quick Snapshot
Pension of Rs. 54,000 per month ensures stable monthly income.

No loan burden gives full flexibility for future planning.

Rs. 40 lakhs in fixed deposits is your main investment pool.

Rs. 15,000 monthly RD shows ongoing savings habit from pension income.

Goal: Create another Rs. 50,000 monthly income from Rs. 40 lakhs corpus.

This is a clear and achievable financial objective with the right strategy.

FD-Based Income: Limits and Challenges
Current FD interest rate is around 6.5% to 7.5%.

With Rs. 40 lakhs, monthly income from FD is about Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 25,000.

To reach Rs. 50,000/month, you will need much higher returns.

FD interest is fully taxable as per your tax slab.

Inflation can reduce real value of this income over time.

FD gives safety but not high income or growth.

Monthly Income Generation – Need for Balanced Investment
To reach Rs. 50,000 monthly income, your funds need better growth and efficiency.

You can consider a diversified plan combining stability and higher returns.

A balanced portfolio with Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) from mutual funds will work better.

Let us build this portfolio with simple and practical structure.

Suggested Investment Structure from Rs. 40 Lakhs
Invest Rs. 20 lakhs in debt mutual funds for stability and liquidity.

Invest Rs. 18 lakhs in equity-oriented hybrid mutual funds for growth and moderate risk.

Keep Rs. 2 lakhs in a savings bank or ultra-short-term fund for emergencies.

From the mutual funds, you can set up SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan).

It will allow monthly income while keeping principal relatively protected.

Why SWP from Mutual Funds is a Good Option
You can get monthly income like pension, from your investments.

Capital remains invested. Only chosen amount is withdrawn monthly.

It gives better control over taxation and liquidity.

You can stop, increase or reduce SWP any time.

If invested in hybrid and equity-oriented funds, returns are higher than FD.

Mutual Fund Category-wise Investment Purpose
Debt Mutual Funds (Rs. 20 lakhs):

These are less volatile than equity.

Suitable for regular income and lower risk.

Returns around 6.5% to 7.5% are possible.

Ideal for SWP of Rs. 15,000 per month.

Hybrid Mutual Funds (Rs. 18 lakhs):

These invest in both equity and debt.

They aim for balanced growth with moderate risk.

You can withdraw Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 35,000 monthly from this portion.

Over long-term, it protects against inflation better than FD.

Disadvantages of FDs in This Context
FD interest is taxed fully as per your slab.

No flexibility in income withdrawal timing.

Pre-mature exit reduces interest rate.

FD returns often fail to beat inflation in the long run.

For retirees needing monthly cash flow, SWP is more tax-efficient.

Monthly Income Plan Using SWP – Illustration
Rs. 15,000/month SWP from debt mutual fund.

Rs. 35,000/month SWP from hybrid mutual fund.

Total Rs. 50,000 per month income possible.

Equity portion helps capital grow and beat inflation.

Debt portion ensures stability and cash flow.

Taxation in Mutual Funds – New Rules (Important)
Long-Term Capital Gain (LTCG) from equity above Rs. 1.25 lakhs is taxed at 12.5%.

Short-Term Capital Gain (STCG) from equity is taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains (LTCG/STCG) taxed as per income slab.

SWP gives flexibility to manage tax better than FD or annuity.

Why You Must Avoid Annuities
Annuity returns are fixed and very low.

No growth in invested capital.

Entire income is taxable.

No liquidity or early withdrawal option.

Once locked, you cannot change or exit.

It is not suitable for someone like you who needs control and better returns.

Why Actively Managed Mutual Funds are Better Than Index Funds
Index funds blindly copy market index.

No flexibility during market correction or volatility.

Actively managed funds adapt to market changes.

Fund manager can shift money based on market cycle.

These often outperform index funds in India.

You get professional fund management and risk control.

Why Not to Choose Direct Funds
Direct funds have no advisor support.

You may not know when to switch or hold.

Wrong decision can cause major loss.

Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner give long-term guidance.

You get regular review and goal tracking.

Peace of mind is worth the small extra expense.

Why Not Real Estate
You mentioned no interest, and rightly so.

Real estate needs high capital.

Low rental yield and poor liquidity.

Long legal and selling process.

Risk of maintenance and disputes.

Not suitable for regular income post-retirement.

360 Degree Plan: Other Steps You Must Consider
Review RD after 12 months. Re-invest in mutual fund SIP for growth.

Keep 6 months’ expenses in liquid fund for emergency.

Nomination and Will should be updated for all investments.

Keep health insurance valid. Don’t depend only on pension for medical.

Track mutual fund performance every 6 months with Certified Financial Planner.

Increase SWP every 2 years to fight inflation.

Don’t break FD fully at once. Convert slowly as mutual fund corpus grows.

Never invest full money at once in equity. Use staggered approach.

Final Insights
You have done a great job by retiring without any loans.

Pension, FDs and RD show strong foundation. You need better returns now.

Rs. 50,000 monthly income from Rs. 40 lakhs is possible with mutual fund SWP strategy.

This approach gives income, tax efficiency and capital growth together.

FDs and annuities limit flexibility and returns.

A diversified mutual fund portfolio is your best choice today.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to track this plan.

They can guide review, rebalancing and risk control.

Don’t delay. The sooner you start, the better your income security will be.

This plan gives you peace, stability and freedom in retirement.

Best Regards,

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |5609 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x