Hi, I lost my job in 2019. I decided to go the freelance way. When it was all just settling in, Covid19 hit. Things derailed after that. Now after a 4 years gap, I am very short on confidence. I am applying for jobs on indeed and linked in but at 43 and 4 years gap, I am not drawing any reaponse from any employer for any kind of a job. Prior to this I was working with a reputed company as a senior design manager drawing an annual salary of 21lacs. This company had asked me to resign after 11 years of service sighting cost cutting and restructuring. That too after using my services to sack many of my team members for same reason. Can I know what I can do differently to land a job. Junior positions are ok for me but companies find my CV too heavy for those and for senior positions, I am short on confidence. How can I come out of this?.

Ans: Can look at doing Executive MBA from one of the top colleges after writing GMAT. Another option is to do relevant courses related to your field / industry and can then move to an MNC.

Ans: Any of the learning platforms will do. Search for relevant courses. Check out Coursera, edX, Udemy.

Ans: Let's delve into the importance of health insurance and term insurance policies in securing your financial well-being:

Health Insurance:

Health insurance is a crucial aspect of financial planning, providing coverage for medical expenses arising from illness or injury.
It safeguards you and your family against the financial burden of healthcare costs, ensuring access to quality medical treatment without depleting your savings.
Choose a comprehensive health insurance policy that offers coverage for hospitalization, pre and post-hospitalization expenses, outpatient treatments, and critical illnesses.
Consider factors such as coverage limit, network hospitals, co-payment clauses, and waiting periods before selecting a policy.
Regularly review your health insurance coverage to ensure it remains adequate for your evolving healthcare needs, especially as you age.
Additionally, consider purchasing a health insurance policy with lifelong renewability to secure coverage in the long term.
Term Insurance:

Term insurance provides financial protection to your family in the event of your untimely demise, ensuring they can maintain their standard of living even in your absence.
It offers a high sum assured at an affordable premium, making it a cost-effective way to secure your loved ones' financial future.
Opt for a term insurance policy with a sum assured that adequately covers your family's financial needs, including outstanding debts, future expenses like education and marriage, and income replacement.
Choose a policy with a flexible tenure that aligns with your financial obligations and life stage. Consider opting for a longer tenure if you have dependents or financial liabilities that may extend into the future.
Regularly review your term insurance coverage to ensure it remains sufficient, especially during significant life events such as marriage, childbirth, or career advancements.
By investing in both health insurance and term insurance policies, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from unforeseen financial setbacks and secure a peaceful future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Insurance-cum-investment schemes
Insurance-cum-investment schemes (ULIPs, endowment plans) offer a one-stop solution for insurance and investment needs. However, they might not be the best choice for pure investment due to:
• Lower Potential Returns: Guaranteed returns are usually lower than what MFs can offer through market exposure.
• Higher Costs: Multiple fees in insurance plans (allocation charges, admin fees) can reduce returns compared to the expense ratio of MFs.
• Limited Flexibility: Lock-in periods restrict access to your money, whereas MFs provide more flexibility.
MFs, on the other hand, focus solely on investment and offer:
• Potentially Higher Returns: Investments in stocks and bonds can lead to higher growth compared to guaranteed returns.
• Lower Costs: Expense ratios in MFs are generally lower than the multiple fees in insurance plans.
• Greater Control: You have a wider range of investment options and control over asset allocation to suit your risk appetite.
Consider your goals!
• Need life insurance? Term Insurance plans might be suitable.
• Focus on growing wealth? MFs might be a better option due to their flexibility and return potential.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone of retirement! With a corpus of 3 crores and a goal of generating an annual income of 18 lakhs, thoughtful investment planning is key. Here's a tailored approach to help you achieve your financial objectives:

Diversify your investments across various asset classes, including equities and fixed income securities, to mitigate risk and enhance returns.

Allocate a portion of your corpus to actively managed equity funds. These funds have the potential to outperform the market, especially during periods of market inefficiencies, offering you the opportunity for higher returns.

Avoid direct funds investing. They may require active management, expertise, and time, which could be challenging, especially during your retirement phase. Instead, consider investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can guide you in selecting the right mutual fund distributors (MFDs).

Fixed income investments such as bonds and debt mutual funds can provide stability and regular income. Allocate a significant portion of your corpus to these instruments to meet your income requirements.

Regular review and rebalancing of your portfolio are essential to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Consider periodic consultations with your CFP to make any necessary adjustments.

Stay informed about market trends and economic developments. Keeping yourself updated will empower you to make informed decisions regarding your investments.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to remain patient and disciplined. With careful planning and prudent investment decisions, you can enjoy a financially secure retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: It's great that you're considering investing for the long term at 37. SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans) are an excellent way to start building wealth gradually. Here are some suggestions for SIP options that could suit you:

Diversified Equity Funds: Opt for SIPs in diversified equity funds that invest across various sectors and market capitalizations. These funds offer growth potential over the long term while spreading risk across different segments of the market.

Large Cap Funds: Consider investing in large-cap funds, which primarily focus on well-established companies with a track record of stable performance. These funds offer relatively lower risk compared to mid and small-cap funds while still providing opportunities for growth.

Multi-Cap Funds: Multi-cap funds invest in companies across the market capitalization spectrum, offering a balance of growth and stability. These funds adapt to changing market conditions, making them suitable for long-term investors seeking diversification.

Balanced Funds: If you prefer a balanced approach, consider SIPs in balanced funds, which invest in both equities and debt instruments. These funds offer a mix of capital appreciation and income generation, making them suitable for conservative investors.

Sectoral Funds (Optional): If you have a strong conviction about a specific sector's growth potential, you may consider SIPs in sectoral funds. However, keep in mind that sectoral funds carry higher risk due to their concentrated exposure.

When selecting SIP options, consider factors such as your risk tolerance, investment goals, and investment horizon. Additionally, review the fund's track record, fund manager's expertise, and expense ratio before making a decision.

Remember, consistency and patience are key when investing through SIPs. Stay committed to your investment plan, and over time, you can potentially build a significant corpus for your future financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Considering your circumstances, investing the proceeds from selling your house in an index fund for a period of 15 years could be a prudent approach to building a corpus for future property purchase. Here's a breakdown of the considerations:

Transferrable Job: Given your job's nature, investing in a property at your current location may not be feasible or advisable due to potential frequent relocations. Therefore, investing in financial assets like an index fund offers flexibility and liquidity, allowing you to access funds when needed, irrespective of your location.

Rental Income: While renting out your current property generates monthly income, if the location hasn't appreciated as expected and you plan to move, selling the property could unlock a significant sum. Investing the proceeds can provide long-term growth potential, ensuring financial stability for your family.

Index Fund Investment: Index funds offer diversification and long-term growth potential by tracking a market index's performance. Over 15 years, you can benefit from compounding returns, potentially building a substantial corpus for future property purchase.

Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market through active stock selection and portfolio management, while index funds passively track a specific index's performance.
Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:
Actively managed funds offer the potential for higher returns compared to index funds, especially during market inefficiencies or when skilled fund managers can identify lucrative investment opportunities. Additionally, active management allows for flexibility in portfolio construction and adjustments based on market conditions.
Potential Disadvantages of Index Funds:
While index funds offer low expense ratios and broad market exposure, they may lack the potential for outperformance compared to actively managed funds. Additionally, they're subject to tracking error, which occurs when the fund's performance deviates from the index it's designed to replicate.

Family Considerations: As your family comprises your wife and three school-going kids, ensuring financial security and stability is paramount. Investing in an index fund aligns with your long-term financial goals and can provide for your family's future needs, including housing.

Market Volatility: While index funds offer attractive benefits, it's essential to be aware of market volatility and fluctuations. However, over a 15-year period, market ups and downs tend to balance out, and investing systematically through SIPs can mitigate timing risks.

Financial Planning: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific goals and circumstances. They can help assess your risk tolerance, optimize your investment strategy, and ensure alignment with your long-term objectives.

In conclusion, investing the proceeds from selling your house in an index fund for future property purchase is a sound strategy, considering your job's transferable nature and desire for flexibility. With careful planning and a long-term perspective, you can work towards building a substantial corpus to secure your family's housing needs.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: I understand the challenging situation you're facing regarding the joint locker in the bank. It's essential to navigate this issue with clarity and consideration for both parties involved.

Given that you've been separated for three years and your wife holds the key to the locker, it's important to communicate openly and attempt to reach a mutual agreement regarding the disposition of the locker.

However, if your wife refuses to cooperate and surrender the key, you still have options:

Legal Consultation: Seek legal advice to understand your rights and options concerning the joint locker. A legal expert can provide guidance on how to proceed based on the specifics of your situation and applicable laws.

Bank Communication: Initiate a dialogue with the bank to discuss the situation and explore possible solutions. Banks typically have procedures in place for handling joint accounts and lockers in cases of dispute or separation.

If you decide to stop paying the locker rent without resolving the issue:

Potential Consequences: The bank may take action to secure the contents of the locker, such as sealing it or transferring the contents to a secure location. They may also levy penalties or fees for non-payment of rent.

Legal Implications: Non-payment of locker rent could lead to legal ramifications, including potential legal proceedings initiated by the bank to recover unpaid fees or resolve the situation.

It's advisable to approach this matter with sensitivity and seek a resolution that prioritizes both parties' interests and respects any legal obligations. Open communication, legal guidance, and cooperation with the bank can help navigate this challenging situation effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: There are pros and cons to both new towers and old buildings, so the best choice for you depends on your priorities. Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

New Tower:

Pros:

Modern amenities: New towers often come with modern amenities like gyms, swimming pools, security features, and high-speed internet.
Energy efficiency: Newer buildings are typically built with energy-efficient features that can save you money on utilities.
Lower maintenance: You'll likely face fewer immediate maintenance needs with a new building.
Warranty: New builds often come with warranties that cover repairs for a set period.
Cons:

Higher cost: New towers typically cost more per square foot than older buildings.
Less character: New buildings may lack the character and charm of older buildings.
Construction noise: If the building is under construction, you may have to deal with noise and dust.
Waiting time: If the building is not yet completed, you may have to wait to move in.
Old Building:

Pros:

Lower cost: Generally, older buildings are more affordable than new builds.
Character: Older buildings often have unique architectural features and a sense of history.
Mature neighborhood: You may be located in a more established neighborhood with amenities like parks and shops.
Move-in ready: You can likely move in right away, unless renovations are needed.
Cons:

Higher maintenance: Older buildings may require more frequent repairs and updates.
Lower energy efficiency: Older buildings may be less energy-efficient, leading to higher utility bills.
Fewer amenities: Older buildings may not have the same amenities as new towers.
Potential hazards: Some older buildings may have lead paint, asbestos, or other safety hazards.
Here are some additional factors to consider:

Your lifestyle: Do you value modern amenities or a charming historic feel?
Your budget: How much can you afford to spend on a house?
Your timeline: Do you need to move in right away?
The specific property: Research the condition of the building and the reputation of the neighborhood in both cases.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to visit several properties of both types and see which one feels more like home to you.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in