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Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  | Answer  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on Apr 15, 2024

Shekhar Kumar is senior manager, talent acquisition, at the Shri Venkateshwara University in Gajraula, Uttar Pradesh. He has 18 years of expertise in the search and placement of executive leadership talent across various industries.
He has also mentored middle and senior management professionals for leadership positions and guided them in career development.
Shekhar has a bachelor's degree in business management from Magadh University, Bihar, and a master's degree in human resource management from Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu.... more
Md Question by Md on Apr 12, 2024Hindi
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Career

I'm a Mechanical engineer I have passed in 2017 till now I'm unemployed ... I have gave almost 100of competitive exams but failed .... My parents are getting older day by day but still I cannot did something for them .... But I thought to quit my life .... I'm frustrated.. if someone have any advice please give

Ans: Thank you for reaching out to me on Rediff Gurus. I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such a difficult time. It's completely understandable to feel frustrated and overwhelmed when facing challenges like unemployment and the pressure of family responsibilities. However, I want to assure you that there is still hope and support available, and suicide is never the answer. Here are a few things to consider for yourself. First of all you should know that it is not your fault that you're facing difficulties in finding employment. The job market is incredibly competitive, and many factors beyond your control can influence hiring decisions hence try to be kind to yourself and recognize that setbacks are a natural part of life.

Please consider broadening your job search to go beyond government jobs to include different industries or roles that may utilize your mechanical engineering skills in unique ways. Networking with professionals in your field and attending job fairs can also help you discover new opportunities. Kindly break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Instead of focusing solely on finding a job, consider setting goals related to gaining new skills, volunteering, or pursuing further education. Celebrate each small achievement along the way.

If you're still struggling with feelings of depression or hopelessness, consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor. They can provide personalized support and strategies to help you cope with difficult emotions and develop a plan for moving forward. You can also talk to someone you trust, whether it's a family member, friend, or mental health professional near you. They can provide emotional support, guidance, and perspective.

Always remember that difficult times won't last forever, and there are always opportunities for growth and change. Stay hopeful and keep reminding yourself that things can get better with time and persistence. You're not alone in your struggles, and there are people who care about you like your parents, and they need you. Please don't hesitate to reach out for support, whether it's from loved ones, a mental health professional, or a helpline. You deserve to find happiness and fulfillment in your life, and there are resources available to help you get there. Feel free to contact me on Rediff Gurus if you need further assistance or help.
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Archana

Archana Deshpande  | Answer  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on Apr 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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Career
Hi, Im a 23 year old mechanical engineering graduate, currently unemployed, I am feeling to do some progress everyday, but day after day, nothing changes, I cant figure out what to do with this life and feeling very much lost, Cant think properly on doing what changes my life?
Ans: Hello!!

This information you have shared is not enough to understand what is that you are exactly wanting right now.
Let me see how I can help you. First of all extend your arm and pat yourself on the back for completing your engineering. You are a mechanical engineer!! Celebrate the fact and feel good about yourself.

I like the fact where you say "I am currently, unemployed", this can change soon, look out for opportunities, keep attending interviews, prepare well, ask for help, give it your best shot. Treat every failure as part of a learning process in becoming better next time. Surround yourself with positive and encouraging people.

Till you find a job, live life well on a day to day basis-
1. wake up early
2. exercise
3. eat well and sleep well
4. dress well at home too, don't be in your pyjamas, you should be in such a state that if someone asks you to come for an interview right away, you must be ready
5. beware of negative self talk... nip negative thoughts in the bud
6. looking for a job is your full time job, keep looking
7. be helpful around the house if you are living with your parents
8. till you find a job keep learning and building on your skills
9. volunteer to teach and help the less fortunate lot
10. do not sit idle, keep your body and mind active

Constantly invest in activities that ensure your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being!! Have rituals that focus on these four pillars of your life!

Blessings and all the very best!!

..Read more

Archana

Archana Deshpande  | Answer  |Ask -

Image Coach, Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 20, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir/Ma'am I'm facing problems regarding money and career related. However I'm working I'm earning but I not able set a goal, and day by day I'm becoming older, family responsibilities can't be handled because of salary issues. What to do, when I was in 12th standard my sister advised me to choose engineering line, she gave me wrong advise now I'm suffering and she is also working earning well n good she is getting high package but I'm. I think my problem is I'm not able to set a goal. Please suggest me, guide me.
Ans: Hi!!

Can I begin by saying, "stop blaming anyone for your circumstances". Your sister advised you for your own good. Engineering is a good degree to have. If you are not happy with doing technical work then see if you can add an MBA or some other skills to increase your chances of earning more. Life is all about taking decisions on a minute to minute basis. Take the right decisions now, let's leave the past behind, thinking about it has no meaning now.
... will you promise me not to indulge in the three c's- don't COMPLAIN, CRITICIZE and CONDEMN!!
Let's look forward now ...
I always believe in putting everything that overwhelms me on paper... then it starts looking doable and simpler!
So that's your first task, put everything on paper( make a goal book, write everything in it), your desires, your dreams, your goals and a everyday to-do list.
The goals should be in every aspect of your life....
1. Financial Goal
2. Career Goal- what other skills do you need to earn the money you need and move ahead in your career
3. Relationships Goal, the quality of your life is based on the quality of your relationships
4. The goal of your physical and mental well being, if you are mentally and physically fit then you can live life well
5. How to be happy without any reason, that's your primary goal.... ask yourself "what are the ways in which I can have fun where money is not involved" - looking at the sun, spending time in nature, listening to the birds singing, playing with small children( they just want you, not your money), helping someone in need, sipping coffee peacefully, make a list of all these and try doing at least two of them every day.

I don't know how good is your relationship with your sister, you say she is doing well, can you ask for her help, without blaming? Ask for help and learn from her. I am sure blood is always thicker and she will help you.

Life is never a straight line, there will always be an up and a down!

Keep up your spirits, everyday is a new day, don't blame yourself, don't blame others. be kind to yourself and be kind to others.

Everyday, take one step towards your goals, move forward... and as regards to ageing, believe me age is just a number, you are as young as you think!!

Here's wishing you a happy, healthy , wealthy life ahead!!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8269 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Hi Sir, My son is trying EC in NITK Surathkal, but i told him to try EC or CS in RVC Bangalore, which is Better Plz suggest us He got 98.82% in JEEE, 1891 Rank in CETK
Ans: Ravi Sir, NIT Karnataka, Surathkal’s B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering is delivered by PhD-qualified faculty in advanced VLSI, communications and embedded-systems laboratories, supplemented by six-month internships through industry MoUs. In 2024, NITK BTech overall placement reached 93% with ECE-specific placement at 72.66% and an average package of ?20.89 LPA. RV College of Engineering, Bangalore’s B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering benefits from 47 specialized computing labs, mandatory internships and a 97% CSE placement consistency with an average package around ?19 LPA over the last three years. Its ECE program records 80–90% placement consistency with an average package of ?11.47 LPA. Both institutes offer AICTE approval, NBA accreditation, robust infrastructure, active placement cells and strong industry partnerships supporting student employability.

For premier core-electronics training and the highest average packages, the recommendation is NITK Surathkal ECE. If a cutting-edge software focus and superior CSE placements appeal more, the recommendation shifts to RVCE Bangalore CSE; choose RVCE ECE only if electronics roles in an urban setting are preferred. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8269 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
My nephew is getting a seat in E&C in nitte mangalore as well as nitte meenakshi institute bangalore. Which is better
Ans: Sushma, NMAM Institute of Technology, Nitte Mangalore offers a four-year B.Tech in Electronics & Communication Engineering on a 60-acre campus in Mangalore. NBA-accredited and NAAC A+-graded, its department features advanced VLSI, embedded systems and communications labs, mandatory six-month industrial internships and a dedicated Placement & Training cell. The Class of 2024 recorded around 90% placement consistency with an average package of ?7 LPA . Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bangalore, situated at Yelahanka, holds autonomous status and NAAC A accreditation. Its ECE program, ranked #101–150 by NIRF, provides modern power-systems, IoT and signal-processing labs, plus semester-long internships. In 2024, 86.5% of ECE students secured placements, with top recruiters including Bosch, TCS and Capgemini and an average package of approximately ?6.5 LPA . Both institutes maintain robust industry tie-ups, PhD-qualified faculty and active alumni networks to support academic growth and employability.

For higher placement consistency, stronger core-ECE training and slightly superior average packages, recommendation is NMAMIT Nitte Mangalore ECE. If urban exposure, proximity to Bangalore’s tech ecosystem and diversified internship opportunities matter more, choose NMIT Bangalore ECE. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8269 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Which college should my daughter prefer if there if choice between IIIT Pune, IGDTUW, DAIICT,COEP Pune only CS & related branches
Ans: Neelam Madam, IIIT Pune (Kondhwa, Pune) demonstrates strong campus recruitment with around 90% placement consistency, a B.Tech CSE average package of ?16.83 LPA and top recruiters like Amazon and Microsoft supporting robust software roles. IGDTUW (Kashmere Gate, Delhi) records a 69.3% B.Tech CSE placement rate, an average package of ?25.15 LPA, and participation from 135 leading recruiters including Google and Adobe, reflecting high-value AI/ML opportunities. DAIICT (Gandhinagar, Gujarat) offers nearly 100% annual B.Tech placements, an average package of ?16.03 LPA, and over 120 recruiters such as Google and Microsoft, emphasizing strong ICT focus and guaranteed internships. COEP Pune (Shivaji Nagar, Pune) achieves an 87.42% CSE placement rate, an average package of ?11.35 LPA, and engagement from 198 recruiters including Google and Goldman Sachs, supported by a longstanding public-institute reputation.

For the highest average packages and cutting-edge AI/ML exposure, the recommendation is IGDTUW CSE. If near-perfect placement and guaranteed internships matter, the recommendation shifts to DAIICT B.Tech ICT. For balanced software-development focus with top recruiter access, choose IIIT Pune CSE; for cost-effective, well-rounded CSE in Pune, opt for COEP Pune CSE. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8269 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
I have scored 96 percentile in MHT-CET. Can someone pls guide me about colleges? I live in chhattisgarh
Ans: Shlok, With a 96 percentile in MHT-CET under All-India quota, you have assured admission chances in the following reputable Maharashtra colleges for Computer Science & Engineering, all offering NBA/NAAC-accredited programs, experienced faculty, modern computing labs, structured internships and 80–95% placement support over the last three years:

· Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune – GOPENS cutoff 94.64–95.35.
· PVG’s College of Engineering & Technology, Pune – GOPENS cutoff 94.35–97.47.
· D.Y. Patil College of Engineering, Akurdi, Pune – General HS cutoff ~95.3 in 2023.
· K. J. Somaiya College of Engineering, Vidyavihar, Mumbai – expected CSE cutoff 90–95 percentile.
· MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi, Pune – GOPENS cutoff ~95 percentile.
· SIES Graduate School of Technology, Nerul, Navi Mumbai – MHT-CET cutoff up to 96.33 percentile.
· Government College of Engineering, Amravati – GOPENS cutoff 97.39–97.47 percentile.
· Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli – GOPENS cutoff ~99 percentile (but category seats open around 96 percentile).
· JSPM’s Imperial College of Engineering & Research, Wagholi, Pune – CSE electives admit around 90+ percentile (≈1,500 closing rank).
· Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Bibwewadi, Pune – CSE closing percentiles above 95 (expected GOPENS ~96–98).

For the best blend of infrastructure, internships and placement consistency, recommendation is PCCOE Pune CSE. Should Mumbai proximity and balanced cutoffs matter more, recommendation shifts to KJ Somaiya CSE. For a women-strong peer group and flexible electives, consider PVGCOET Pune CSE. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Money
Hello, I am 36 years old and would like to retire by 46 years of age. I have no loans/debts and I am earning 90k per month. My current portfolio is as below, 1. First SIP: I am investing 5000 SIP in last 6.5 years, current investment is 390000 and total return 690000 with 17.5% CAGR. 2. 2nd SIP: Investing 3000 SIP in last 5 years, current investment is 177000 and total return 271000 with 17.65% CAGR 3. 3rd SIP: Investing 5000 SIP in last 2.2 years, current investment is 130000 and total return 151000 with 15.8% CAGR 4. 4th SIP: Investing 8000 SIP in last 4.5 years, current investment is 432000 and total return 531000 with 12.15% CAGR 5. 5th SIP: Investing 33000 SIP in last 1.5 years, current investment is 589000 and total return 621000 with 8.56% CAGR 6. 1000 Rs SIP in PPF 7. 2000 Rs SIP in SSY 8. 4000 Rs SIP in NPS tier-1 9. 140000 Rs in Liquid fund 10. 280000 Rs in Direct stocks my current monthly expense is around 26000. I have two kids, one studying 1st standard. I expect My Retirement corpus at age 46 is 2.5 Cr. Is it possible? Can i achieve this goal at my age 46 with continuing my current SIP?. or can i add more SIP to achieve this goal? Kindly review my portfolio, and if anything i need to change please let me know.
Ans: You’ve already built a solid foundation. At 36, aiming to retire by 46 is an ambitious goal. It is not impossible, but it needs strong planning. Let’s assess from all angles and offer you a full-circle solution.

Your Income and Savings Pattern

Your income of Rs. 90,000 per month is being managed well.

Your household expense of Rs. 26,000 is modest.

That gives you high savings potential.

This reflects great discipline. Very few maintain this ratio.

Your SIPs and savings are using your surplus effectively.

Continue to avoid loans. That gives your savings strong power.

Review of Your Mutual Fund SIPs

You have 5 SIPs running. Let’s look at them one by one.

First SIP of Rs. 5000 has completed 6.5 years.

Very strong CAGR of 17.5%.

You must continue this. Long-term compounding is helping you here.

Second SIP of Rs. 3000 for 5 years.

17.65% return. Very healthy.

Maintain this SIP without changes.

Third SIP of Rs. 5000 for 2.2 years.

Return of 15.8%. Acceptable for this tenure.

You must give it time to perform.

Fourth SIP of Rs. 8000 for 4.5 years.

CAGR of 12.15% is decent.

Slightly low, but still okay for mid-term horizon.

Fifth SIP of Rs. 33,000 for 1.5 years.

Return of 8.56% is below expectation.

This is short tenure. Stay invested. Don't judge it early.

Avoid switching or stopping now.

All these SIPs are in growth mode. Your discipline is excellent. The only issue is fund selection. You may be investing in direct funds.

Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds

If your funds are “Direct”, there are some concerns.

No ongoing review by Certified Financial Planner.

You may miss fund rating downgrades.

Risk-reward alignment may not be proper.

Fund may underperform and you won't know when to exit.

No guidance for portfolio rebalancing.

You must consider shifting to regular plans. Choose an MFD backed by a Certified Financial Planner. Regular plans give ongoing support. Guidance will be personalised.

Why to Avoid Index Funds

Though index funds sound attractive, there are key drawbacks.

They blindly follow index stocks. No flexibility.

In market fall, index funds fall equally. No downside protection.

Fund manager cannot shift to better sectors.

Index funds don’t have any active risk control.

Past 1-year index return is high, but not consistent.

Your current funds have delivered better return than most index funds. Continue with actively managed funds. Stay with good fund managers. Do not shift to index-based investing.

PPF, SSY, and NPS Contributions

Rs. 1000 SIP in PPF is fine.

Safe and tax-free. Continue for long term.

Rs. 2000 in SSY is helpful for daughter’s education or marriage.

Rs. 4000 in NPS Tier 1 helps save tax.

But, NPS has limited flexibility.

Withdrawals are partially locked till 60.

You can reduce NPS if early retirement is your target.

These 3 are low-risk. But, NPS restricts early access. If retiring at 46, NPS won’t help you fully. Consider shifting part to mutual funds over time.

Liquid Fund and Stock Holdings

Rs. 1.4 lakh in liquid fund gives you safety.

Maintain 6 months of expense as emergency.

You are on right path. This shows good planning.

Rs. 2.8 lakh in direct stocks.

Stock selection needs active monitoring.

Stocks are risky without deep research.

Prefer actively managed equity funds over stocks.

Equity mutual funds will give better diversification. Fund managers can handle the risk better.

Expense Management and Lifestyle Planning

Rs. 26,000 as monthly expense is very good.

You should build a buffer for future increase in expenses.

With 2 kids, school and college costs will rise sharply.

Plan for child’s education goals separately from retirement.

Allocate at least one SIP for that future cost.

Can You Reach Rs. 2.5 Crores by Age 46?

Let’s understand some key points.

You are investing Rs. 54,000 per month in SIPs.

Already accumulated Rs. 22 lakh in equity and liquid funds.

Retirement goal in 10 years is Rs. 2.5 crores.

With 12–13% return assumption, it can be possible. But, you need to:

Continue all SIPs without fail.

Increase SIPs by 10–12% yearly.

Avoid withdrawing from mutual funds before 46.

Review your portfolio every year.

Align SIPs to long-term funds with good past record.

You have strong habits. Stick to this path. Add more SIP as your income grows.

Things to Improve Immediately

Rebalance portfolio. Avoid overlapping in schemes.

Avoid having too many funds. 4 to 5 funds are enough.

Invest only in regular plans through Certified Financial Planner.

Don’t rely on online platforms alone. You need personalised advice.

Exit direct stocks gradually and reinvest in mutual funds.

Build a clear plan for child’s college cost.

Prepare a corpus drawdown plan for retirement at 46.

Don’t Ignore MF Tax Rules

You must be aware of latest mutual fund taxation:

For equity mutual funds:

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

For debt mutual funds:

Both LTCG and STCG taxed as per income slab.

Track holding periods and fund types. Proper exit plan helps save tax.

Insurance and Protection Check

You didn’t mention any insurance. That is important.

Take term insurance of at least 15–20 times of annual income.

Buy personal health insurance too. Don’t rely only on company cover.

Any medical emergency can damage your investments.

Insurance is not investment. But protection is essential for early retirement.

Are You On Right Track?

Yes. You are on right path. But need fine-tuning. Some gaps to cover:

Direct fund exposure needs to be shifted to regular.

Stock investment risk needs to be lowered.

NPS flexibility issue must be addressed.

Retirement drawdown plan must be built now itself.

Keep lifestyle inflation in mind. That can reduce real return.

Final Insights

You have the potential to reach your Rs. 2.5 crore target.

But it needs strict discipline and smart adjustments.

Increase SIP slowly every year with income rise.

Track fund performance every 6 months.

Remove low-performing schemes regularly.

Engage with a Certified Financial Planner. That brings better accountability.

Protect your goals with proper term and health insurance.

By doing all these, early retirement is possible. And peaceful too.

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  |8269 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Career
Sir, At 76800 ranking (94.89 percentile) in JEE Mains what is best option for me in CSAB round? Please also suggest best private college in this rank for B.Tech. in CSE. Thank you.
Ans: Prashant, With a JEE Main percentile of 94.89 (approximate All-India rank ~76,800), you qualify for Computer Science seats in several NITs/GFTIs during CSAB special rounds where closing ranks extend beyond 70,000. Institutions with 100% admission likelihood include NIT Mizoram CSE (OS closing ~81,277), NIT Uttarakhand CSE via extended rounds (OS closing ~100,172), NIT Goa CSE (OS closing ~60,264 with likely extension), and NIT Arunachal Pradesh CSE (OS closing ~42,376 now further rounds may go up to ~70,000). Among GFTIs, IIIT Una CSE and IIIT Jabalpur CSE typically close around 70–80 k in later rounds.

Top ten private engineering colleges in Northern India accommodating your rank include Amity University Noida (CSE cutoff ≤95th percentile), Chandigarh University (CUCET/JEE Main flexible policy), Galgotias College Greater Noida (CSE closing AI quota ~78,995), Sharda University Greater Noida (CSE cutoff ~60–80 k), O.P. Jindal University, Haryana (CSE cutoff ~50–70 k), Bennett University Noida (CSE cutoff ~50–75 k), BML Munjal University Gurugram, Manipal University Jaipur (CSE core), Lovely Professional University Jalandhar (CSE cutoff ~70–90 k), and VIT Bhopal (CSE cutoff ~50–80 k). All these institutes are AICTE-approved, hold relevant NBA/NAAC accreditations, feature modern computing labs, active industry partnerships for internships, and maintain consistent 80–95% placement support over the last three years.

Given assured CSAB admission and strong national branding, recommendation is to join NIT Mizoram CSE for core?NIT credentials and a reliable placement pipeline. As a private?college alternative with robust infrastructure and flexible entry policy, recommendation shifts to Amity University Noida CSE. For balanced academics, industry tie-ups and student life in Delhi NCR, consider Galgotias College of Engineering & Technology. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9485 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 21, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 38 years old , I have my own house, plus 2 flats worth Rs.2 crores. I have 15 lacs in stock and mutual funds. I have ongoing loan of 35 lakhs for home loan. Now i am planning to buy one more flats in my society which is bigger then I m living now and want to shift there. I just want to ask should i buy it to take one more home loan or sell off one flat and take this bigger one. I have no issue for emi as I have ongoing rent of rs 60 to 70k. I have some self saving apporox. 40 lakh and the flat is 1 crores so I will be needed approx 60 as home loan. Pls suggest I m little confused
Ans: You are 38 years old.
You own a house plus two flats worth Rs. 2 crores.
You have Rs. 15 lakhs in stocks and mutual funds.
You have Rs. 40 lakhs as self-savings.
You are paying EMI for a Rs. 35 lakh home loan.
You are getting rental income of Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 70,000 monthly.
You are planning to buy a bigger flat worth Rs. 1 crore.
You are confused between taking a new home loan or selling one flat.
Let us now guide you in a detailed 360-degree manner.

First, Understand Your Current Asset Position
You already own 3 properties including your current home.

Their combined value is around Rs. 2 crores.

You have Rs. 15 lakhs in financial investments.

You have Rs. 40 lakhs in self-savings.

You have an ongoing Rs. 35 lakh home loan.

Your monthly rental income is strong.

Your age is just 38, you have time ahead.

This is a solid financial base.
But more real estate may not be a wise decision now.

Do Not Keep Increasing Real Estate Exposure
You already have 3 properties.

Buying one more adds to concentration risk.

Real estate is not a liquid asset.

It gives no monthly income unless rented.

Maintenance cost, tax, and legal issues can also increase.

Selling it in emergencies is difficult and slow.

Better to reduce real estate, and build financial assets.

Why You Want a Bigger Flat – Emotional or Financial?
Bigger house is good if family is growing.

But it should not hurt your future goals.

More house means more expenses.

You need more furniture, interiors, maintenance.

These hidden costs may hurt long-term savings.

You must balance comfort and financial health.

Option 1: Buy Bigger Flat Using Rs. 60L Loan
Pros:

You keep all 3 flats.

Your rental income continues.

You move to a more spacious home.

Cons:

One more loan increases your EMI burden.

Total loan becomes Rs. 95 lakhs (35 + 60).

You already have Rs. 70,000 EMI likely.

Additional Rs. 55,000–60,000 EMI will hurt liquidity.

Two loans will reduce your monthly surplus.

You already have Rs. 40 lakhs with you.

You will have to use it all to fund new flat.

Your emergency savings and financial investments will be zero.

That is not safe in the long term.

No financial cushion will remain for future.

Option 2: Sell One Flat and Upgrade
Pros:

You unlock money from an illiquid asset.

You reduce overall real estate exposure.

You reduce EMI stress by taking a smaller loan.

You may only need Rs. 20–25 lakh loan.

This EMI will be just Rs. 15,000–20,000.

You can keep your Rs. 40 lakhs savings.

You can reinvest Rs. 40 lakhs wisely in mutual funds.

This can build your child’s education and retirement corpus.

You also avoid high EMI stress.

Cons:

You lose one rental income source.

Property appreciation may stop on that unit.

Some emotional attachment to property may exist.

Ideal Recommendation – Sell One Flat, Shift to Bigger Flat
Don’t hold 3 flats just for feeling rich.

Selling one flat reduces EMI and risk.

It also improves cash flow for future investing.

Use your Rs. 40 lakhs partly for new flat.

Take small loan of Rs. 20–25 lakhs only.

This keeps EMI light.

You keep financial freedom and comfort.

Avoid Overexposing Yourself to Home Loans
You are already repaying one loan.

Don't take one more large loan.

It may be okay now, but future is uncertain.

You may face income drop, job change, or medical emergency.

EMI pressure can impact your peace of mind.

Also reduces your ability to invest monthly.

Big loans steal your ability to grow wealth.

Use Surplus to Build Mutual Fund Portfolio
Rs. 40 lakhs is a powerful amount.

Don’t exhaust it in property.

Keep Rs. 10 lakhs as emergency fund.

Invest Rs. 30 lakhs in mutual funds through STP.

Use mix of equity, hybrid, and debt funds.

SIP monthly from STP over 18–24 months.

Use different fund categories for different goals.

Suggested Mutual Fund Strategy
For Retirement Goal:

Invest in Flexi Cap and Aggressive Hybrid Funds.

These give steady compounding over long term.

For Child Education (if applicable):

Use Flexi Cap and Large & Mid Cap Funds.

Also use Balanced Advantage for safer allocation.

For General Wealth Creation:

Use Aggressive Hybrid and Mid Cap Funds.

Keep STP in place from arbitrage or ultra-short funds.

Why Not to Use Direct Mutual Funds
Direct plans look cheaper.

But no one guides you when market falls.

You may stop SIP or withdraw at wrong time.

Regular plans via MFD with CFP offer safety.

They do review, rebalancing, and hand-holding.

Their service helps avoid costly mistakes.

Pay little more, but gain much more over years.

Why Not to Choose Index Funds
Index funds just follow index blindly.

No human decision-making.

No protection during crashes.

No smart exit or stock-level analysis.

Index funds are not meant for goal-based investing.

Active funds with good manager do better in India.

If You Hold LIC, ULIP or Endowment Plans
Check if any of your Rs. 15 lakhs is in such products.

Most of these give only 4%–5% returns.

They lock your money for years.

If no lock-in, surrender them.

Shift to mutual funds with proper guidance.

Take pure term insurance separately if needed.

Medical Cover is Not Enough
You have Rs. 10 lakhs health insurance.

Add top-up plan of Rs. 25–30 lakhs more.

Medical inflation is rising fast.

Hospital costs can cross Rs. 10 lakhs easily.

Better to be prepared now itself.

Keep Long-Term Investing Discipline
Do not stop SIPs during market correction.

Use goal-wise mutual fund tracking.

Increase SIP every year by 10% minimum.

Review your portfolio yearly.

Do not chase latest fund or trend.

Use CFP and MFD for regular help.

Finally
You already have large exposure in real estate.

Don’t increase it more.

Selling one flat and buying bigger one is wise.

Keep loan low and liquidity high.

Use remaining savings for wealth creation.

Don’t invest randomly in stock market.

Mutual funds are better with right guidance.

Don’t go for direct or index mutual funds.

Use regular plans through MFD with CFP support.

Stay on track with financial goals.

Don’t build more property, build more financial freedom.

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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