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Mayank

Mayank Rautela  | Answer  |Ask -

HR Expert - Answered on Feb 24, 2021

Mayank Rautela is the group chief human resources officer at Apollo Hospitals.
A management graduate from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies with a master's degree in labour laws from Pune University, Rautela has over 20 years of experience in general management, strategic human resources, global mergers and integrations and change management.... more
Sunita Question by Sunita on Feb 24, 2021Hindi
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Career

Hello Sir,
Many people seem to enjoy this new work from home routine but I find it very difficult.
My name is Sunita, I am 32 and have two young children.
I work for a small company.
Earlier, when we went to office, work ended when we left the office unless there was an emergency. But now, work does not end.
Work output has increased but the boss is not trusting that we are working.
Our salary has been cut so financially too it is difficult.
How do we deal with all this stress? Getting a new job is not easy now.
Thank you for your help.
Sunita

Ans:

Hi Sunita.

The best way to manage the stress is to consider yourself fortunate that your organisation has continued with your employment.

I’m sure you understand that the current economic scenario has not yet picked up and the job market is tough.

As far as your manager is concerned, set clear expectations with her/him at the beginning of the week/day.

Send her/him your task list and then an update at the end of the day/week.

Communicate through email so that it is well documented and there is no ambiguity.

You can also do some breathing exercises and ensure your diet is healthy to manage your stress levels.

Career

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Mayank

Mayank Rautela  | Answer  |Ask -

HR Expert - Answered on May 18, 2022

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Dear Mayank Sir, I am facing a difficult problem both personally and professionally. Last year, I took the decision to move back home, which is in a small town, because both my parents had survived COVID but have been facing major health issues since then. I am their only child. As a result, I had to leave a job where my prospects were very good and I was enjoying my work very much. Also, I was living in a big city, independent of my parents whom I love very much. It is a struggle to be back at home with them. They still treat me like a small child with advice and questions at every step. Workwise too, the job is a huge stepdown and the money, though decent, is less that what I used to earn. Responsibilities and challenges, which I used to enjoy, are less too. I have to stay here for one more year at least before I can make plans to move out again. The stress from home is spilling out at my job and the irritation at work is spilling out at home. How do I handle this? Am going crazy. Please help.
Ans:

Hi.

I appreciate the fact that you sacrificed your job to take care of your parents.

Ideally, you should go back to a larger city and restart your career. I am sure your past employer would be open to taking you back.

If that is not possible, then you need to have a candid discussion with your parents and make them understand that their constant involvement in your life is not acceptable.

They may be doing it out of love but, since it is negatively impacting you, they need to give you space.

Please don’t change your job in your hometown as that will further complicate your situation.

 

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1592 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Oct 06, 2020

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Relationship
Hi Anu, I am 42 yrs old male. I am a Public Health Professional and work in an International NGO on health issues based in Delhi. I have ageing parents (both suffering from cardiac illness, diabetes and hypertension) which are based in Mumbai, my immediate family (wife and two kids) stays with my parents as there is no one else to take care of them. My parents especially my father is adamant that he doesn’t want to leave his house and stay with me in Delhi. As a result my immediate family is also forced to stay in Mumbai taking care of my parents. My wife is very supportive, however as this situation is like this since last 4-5 years and we are staying in two different cities, it has now taking stall at emotionally and physically on both of us (me, my wife and my two kids). I am desperately searching for job in Mumbai, however in my sector there are not very good opportunities in Mumbai. I tried my hands in two there places for job, however to my misfortune things didnt work out. I am a mid-senior level professional and have reached this position after a lot of hard work, however the stress has started affecting my performance and overall reputation in the organization. Hence there is constant stress of performance, ability to deliver, overall situation has lowered my confidence level affecting my work further. Dissatisfied with my work, my supervisor has already started sidelining me. I am desperately started thinking of leaving the job, however financial condition doesn’t allow me to do that. With COVID-19 pandemic things has worsened, as I am stuck in Delhi even in lockdown, leaving my parents and my wife struggling in Mumbai amidst the lockdown. Even now cant visit them as stressed, whether i will carry risk of infection to my parents, wife and kids, Hence staying away, it’s been 8 months that have not met them. Not sure, how to handle this. One way I thought as looking out opportunities in Mumbai, even if at junior level, However i am trying for that, but not getting suitable opportunities. Not sure, how to handle the pressures from family (Parents don't want to shift, wife is not ready to stay away and has given time till March, there constant pressure of performance). Not sure, what to do.
Ans: Dear S, surely, this pandemic has put many at inconvenience in different ways for each of us across the planet.

What we can do is make the best of what is at this point in time. It indeed is hard to be away from family at a time like this.

I know parents in some families do find it hard adjusting to a new city at their age and having your wife care for them as logical as the decision was has begun to take a toll on the family as a whole.

It is an amazing feeling to come back home to a family after a hard day’s work where they wait with love, care and support.

Either a job in Mumbai or moving your family to Delhi are the options as it is evident that family and their love is important for you to have the security and stability.

Having said this, Lockdown 5.0 begins soon, I think fearlessly take a call, visit your family.

If you think you want to isolate yourself in the fear of COVID-10, do so…but more that all of this, do sit down as a family, COMMUNICATE, talk to your parents about how this is affecting you and obviously they care and love you enough to hear your side of the story.

And finally, do what needs to be done to make sure that your parents understand and are taken care of and your wife and children are with you as a family.

Happy decision making and be happy!

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Apr 22, 2025Hindi
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Dear Sirs Please review my investment towards 7.5 CR. There are 2 components towards it , 1) Generate monthly income post tax of 4 lakhs, 2) Investment Corpus Towards Capital appreciation Towards option 1 : Investing in the following - a) Tata Motors or Chola Perpetual Bonds 1.4 cr , b) ICICI Balanced Advantage Fund 1cr, c) Kotak Balanced advantage fund 1 cr Towards option 2 ie Capital Appreciation investing in the following - a) HDFC Flexi Cap Equity fund 1.25 cr , b) Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Equity Fund 1.25 cr, c) ICICI Prudential India Opportunities Fund 80 Lakhs, d) ICICI Prudential Multi asset fund 80 lakhs I am looking at a 5 - 7 year investment timeline. Have taken early retirement at 50 years and need the funds to sustain myself. Please also advise if Perpetual bonds is a good option Thanks
Ans: Your investment strategy is thoughtfully constructed. You’ve clearly defined two components:

Monthly income of Rs. 4 lakhs

Capital appreciation with a horizon of 5 to 7 years

Let’s assess each component carefully and suggest improvements.

 

 

Monthly Income Generation Plan – Review and Insights
 

You’ve allocated the following towards income generation:

Perpetual Bonds – Rs. 1.4 crore

Two Balanced Advantage Funds – Rs. 2 crore

 

Let us look at the key strengths and areas to optimise.

 

Perpetual Bonds – Risk and Suitability

These bonds are issued with no maturity date.

Issuers can delay interest payments if they face pressure.

Tata Motors or Chola bonds offer high interest, but risk is also higher.

You need dependable income. Perpetuals may cause delays or cuts.

If rated ‘AA’ or lower, risk becomes even higher.

For safety, consider shifting part to high-rated corporate bonds.

Choose instruments with a defined maturity or high credit rating.

 

 

Balanced Advantage Funds – Regular Payout Source

You have allocated Rs. 2 crore to two funds here.

These are suitable for monthly SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan).

They reduce risk by shifting between equity and debt.

This provides smoother return and helps handle market volatility.

Ideal for your need of steady income.

Choose funds with a good track record of 5+ years.

Go for regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner.

They provide guidance and documentation support.

 

 

Key Adjustments to Consider for Income Plan

Don’t depend only on one instrument for income.

Keep part in ultra-short debt funds to manage emergency needs.

You may also allocate a small amount to floating rate funds.

Avoid riskier perpetuals if your lifestyle depends on this cash flow.

 

 

Capital Appreciation Portfolio – Review and Suggestions
 

You have allocated Rs. 4.1 crore across four funds:

Two Flexi Cap Funds – Rs. 2.5 crore

One Thematic Fund (Opportunities) – Rs. 80 lakhs

One Multi Asset Fund – Rs. 80 lakhs

 

This section looks well-structured. Still, here are some observations.

 

Flexi Cap Funds – Long Term Growth Drivers

These offer a mix of large, mid and small cap stocks.

Flexible allocation helps in market ups and downs.

You have spread Rs. 2.5 crore across two flexi caps.

It gives diversified equity exposure.

Good for your 5–7 year horizon.

Continue this investment.

 

 

Thematic Opportunities Fund – Aggressive but Focused

Thematic funds bet on specific trends.

They can perform well in short cycles.

But they are more volatile.

Rs. 80 lakhs is a high amount in one theme.

Reduce this to Rs. 50 lakhs.

Redirect balance to diversified equity or large-cap funds.

 

 

Multi Asset Fund – Helps Manage Volatility

These funds invest across equity, debt, and gold.

They balance returns with risk.

Ideal for medium-term wealth building.

You can continue this allocation.

Add a second multi-asset fund for balance.

 

 

Direct Plan Exposure – Re-evaluate for Personalised Support

Direct plans avoid distribution cost.

But guidance is missing.

Without CFP support, wrong fund choice or exit may happen.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner give tracking.

They help during market swings, taxation and rebalancing.

This becomes very important in large-value portfolios.

 

 

Asset Allocation Review – What’s Working and What Needs Tune-Up
 

Your allocation is roughly:

45% towards income (Rs. 3.4 crore)

55% towards growth (Rs. 4.1 crore)

This mix looks aligned to your goal of current income and future corpus.

Still, consider the following:

 

Review this mix yearly with your Certified Financial Planner

If market rallies too much, shift some growth to income

If interest rates rise, reduce equity withdrawal and increase debt

Keep Rs. 25–30 lakhs in liquid fund for any large emergency

 

 

Taxation on Mutual Funds – Stay Aware of Recent Rules
 

Equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%

STCG is taxed at 20%

 

Debt mutual funds:

Both LTCG and STCG taxed as per your tax slab

Most retirees fall in lower slab but tax planning still needed

Prefer SWP for income, not dividend option

Keep P&L statement ready for advance tax filing

 

 

Tax-Free Cash Flow – Can You Improve It?
 

You can also look at these steps:

Use HUF or family member’s name for part investment

Income from their investment gets taxed in their slab

Helps reduce your tax burden

Invest Rs. 1.5 lakh yearly in PPF for guaranteed, tax-free return

Can also explore Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) if eligible

 

 

Avoid Index Funds – Not Suitable for Your Stage
 

Index funds copy the stock market

They don’t adjust based on conditions

There’s no downside protection in falling markets

Actively managed funds give more opportunity to earn and protect

Your current selection rightly avoids index funds

 

 

Avoid Direct Plans Without Support
 

Direct plans don’t include expert guidance

No one checks asset allocation or strategy alignment

You’re investing a large corpus. Mistakes cost more here

Use regular plans via an experienced Certified Financial Planner

They help in paperwork, KYC, taxation, SWP planning, rebalancing

Their personalised help adds more value than small cost savings

 

 

Perpetual Bonds – Should You Continue or Exit?
 

Not the best for regular income seekers

Issuer can skip interest if company faces pressure

Price of these bonds also swings with interest rates

You can’t rely fully on them for Rs. 4 lakh per month

Exit partly and shift to short-duration or banking PSU debt funds

These are better for predictable income with lower risk

 

 

Review of Liquidity and Emergency Planning
 

At least Rs. 30–35 lakhs should be in liquid or overnight funds

This money is for health, family needs or urgent situations

Don’t touch your income or capital funds for this purpose

This buffer will give you confidence and reduce portfolio risk

 

 

Risk Management – How to Prepare for Unseen Events
 

Review health insurance for self and spouse

If you’ve not already done it, get Rs. 25 lakh cover each

Consider critical illness policy to protect against long illness

Update nominations in all funds and accounts

Keep estate plan or Will ready. Talk to your planner on this

 

 

Rebalancing Strategy – Keep it Dynamic
 

Review portfolio every 6 months

Don’t chase top-performing funds blindly

Instead, rebalance as per your income need and age

Reduce equity by 5% every 2 years as you age

This protects corpus and supports steady cash flow

 

 

Finally
 

You’ve structured your Rs. 7.5 crore goal very thoughtfully

You are clear about income and long-term appreciation

Your fund choice is broadly good, with only minor changes needed

Avoid risky bonds like perpetuals as your lifestyle depends on monthly cash flow

Go for actively managed regular funds via Certified Financial Planner support

Keep tax, liquidity, insurance and emergency planning all in place

This will help you enjoy your retirement peacefully and confidently

 

 

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

...Read more

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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