Dear Sir,
I have yet to enter the job market.
One of the questions I have been asked in three interviews so far is tell me about a time you failed.
How does one answer this question in the right way?
Thank you.
Abhishek

Ans: Misunderstanding is part of relationships. They will happen, going ahead be mindful to drop a note letting her know about what is holding you back.

Ans: You do not need permission to lead your life - however do you inform her as you make plans? You may also ask her what bothers her - learn if she is insecure and if so why...ask her please.

Wishing you the best.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
If you are in an open marriage, you might try it out and see where things go. But since you haven’t mentioned any such setup, I am assuming that you are in an exclusive relationship. So the idea of connecting with a friend romantically while being married doesn’t sound very ethical. Instead of a new relationship, I suggest looking into what’s lacking in your marriage. Why are you feeling the need to look for love and attention outside? I am sure you will be able to sort it out if you take some time.

Hope this helps.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that you are in a tricky situation. I am sorry you are getting mixed signals from the person you like. But the important thing here is that he is dating someone else. Do you really want to get in between two people in a committed relationship? I understand that you like him and he might also be giving similar vibes, but put yourself in the other girl’s shoes. How would you feel? And even if you don’t want to go so deep, look at it this way: the guy is committed to someone and still giving you mixed signals. That’s never a positive trait in a person. Do you deserve someone like that? I think you are undervaluing yourself. You and the other girl, both deserve someone who will be truly interested in you and you alone. If you still want to go ahead with a confession or continue liking him from afar, I can’t force you to stop but really believe you deserve better.

Hope this helps.

Ans: Thank you for sharing your details.

At 22 years of age, with a long investment horizon of 5+ years, you have the advantage of time, which allows you to take measured equity risk. Investing ?10,000–?15,000 per month through SIPs is a good way to begin long-term wealth creation, provided discipline is maintained.

Given your profile and time horizon, a two-fund approach can work well:

* One flexicap fund for diversification and stability

* One mid-cap fund for higher growth potential

Flexicap funds invest across large, mid, and small companies and help manage risk across market cycles. Mid-cap funds offer higher growth potential over the long term, but returns can be volatile and are subject to market risks.

From the funds you have shortlisted, you may consider:

* Flexicap: Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund or HDFC Flexi Cap Fund

* Mid-cap: Nippon India Growth Mid Cap Fund or HDFC Mid Cap Fund

These funds have a reasonable track record and a clear investment process. However, it is important to remember that past performance does not guarantee future returns, and no fund can consistently beat the benchmark every year.

Balanced Advantage Funds can be considered later as the portfolio grows, but at your age, keeping the structure simple and equity-oriented makes sense.

The key is to stay invested through SIPs, review periodically, and avoid frequent switching based on short-term performance or budget-related market movements.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Ans: please connect with kfintech for the right allocation as there is less/no data available in public domain.

Ans: Thank you for reading the ‘Money’ section regularly and for your kind words. It is encouraging to see readers thinking deeply about advice quality and not just products. Your questions are very relevant and show a mature approach to personal finance.

» How Certified Financial Planners usually charge
– A Certified Financial Planner can operate under different models
– If the CFP is also registered as an Investment Adviser (RIA):

They may charge a fixed annual fee

Or an hourly / project-based fee

Or a combination of fixed fee plus a small percentage of assets under advice
– If the CFP is also a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD):

They do not charge fees directly to the client

They earn performance-linked commissions from mutual funds

This commission is built into the product cost and paid by the fund house
– The key point is transparency: a good CFP clearly explains how they are compensated before engagement

» How to choose the right Certified Financial Planner
– Start with credentials, not popularity
– Check that the person is an active CFP professional and not just using the term loosely
– Important selection criteria to consider:

Years of experience in comprehensive financial planning, not just selling products

Ability to cover all areas like goal planning, tax, insurance, retirement, estate basics

Process-driven approach rather than product-driven conversations

Willingness to understand your full financial picture before suggesting solutions
– During the first interaction, observe:

Are they asking more questions than giving quick answers?

Are they explaining concepts in simple language?

Are they comfortable saying “this is not suitable for you”?
– Comfort and trust matter; financial planning is a long-term relationship

» Ratings, reviews, and public information – practical view
– Unlike doctors or hotels, CFPs do not have a universal rating or grading system
– Online reviews can help, but should not be the only filter
– Consistency of thought, clarity of communication, and ethical positioning are more important than star ratings

» Directories and where to find CFPs
– FPSB India is the primary and official body that lists Certified Financial Planners
– Their directory helps you find CFPs city-wise, which is a good starting point
– The limitation, as you noticed, is that it mainly provides names and basic details
– Beyond this:

Many CFPs maintain their own websites, blogs, or YouTube channels where their thinking is visible

Articles, interviews, and long-form content give a better sense of philosophy than a simple profile
– There is no single platform today that provides detailed write-ups and comparisons of CFPs
– Hence, shortlisting 2–3 CFPs and having an introductory discussion is often the most practical method

» How to make an educated final choice
– Prefer planners who focus on planning before products
– Avoid those who push for immediate switches or drastic actions in the first meeting
– Ask clearly:

How will my progress be reviewed year after year?

How do you handle market ups and downs with clients?
– A good CFP aims for long-term discipline and peace of mind, not short-term excitement

» Final Insights
– Your approach of understanding the advisory ecosystem before engaging is wise
– There is no “perfect” charging model; clarity, alignment, and ethics matter more
– Spend time evaluating the planner, just as they evaluate your finances
– The right Certified Financial Planner adds value not only through returns, but through structure, clarity, and confidence

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ans: Hi Srinathan,

Can you please elaborate your monthly expenses for me to help you in a better way.
What you have mentioned is confusing, 25k - currently SIPs and insurance running or want to take that.

List things with little more clarity. Looking for your reply.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

Ans: Guava allergy is uncommon, especially compared with well?known fruit allergies like kiwi, banana, or citrus. But it can happen. Discuss your child’s symptoms with a pediatrician or allergist. Gentle, child?friendly substitutes include oranges, strawberries, pineapple and mango. Some high ?fiber fruits include apples (with skin), pears, berries, papaya. Hydrating fruits include watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, peaches. To avoid triggering discomfort offer one new fruit at a time.