Dear Mayank,
I work as a consultant and have applied for a new role at two different organisations. One is offering me a good compensation but I will have to relocate to a remote continent for two years. The other organisation is offering me lesser compensation but will require me to travel at least 3-4 days a week (but within the country and it can be quite exhausting.) I am confused because both jobs are exciting in their own way but will require me to stay away from my family. Pls help.

Ans: Investing for your granddaughter's education is a thoughtful decision. Given your time horison of 10-12 years and your goal of accumulating Rs 25 lakh (Rs 2.5 million), you'll need to consider several factors such as risk tolerance, expected returns, and investment options. Here's a suggested approach:

• Determine Risk Tolerance: Since you have a long-term goal, you might be able to afford more risk in your investments. However, given that this money is earmarked for your granddaughter's education, you may want to strike a balance between risk and return.
• Asset Allocation: Consider a diversified portfolio comprising of equity, debt, and possibly some alternative investments. A mix of assets can help manage risk and potentially achieve higher returns.
• Equity Investments: Given your time horizon, equities can play a significant role in generating returns. You may consider investing a portion of your corpus (around 60-70%) in equity mutual funds or stocks. Since equities can be volatile in the short term, they tend to offer higher returns over the long term.
• Debt Investments: To provide stability to your portfolio, allocate a portion (around 30-40%) to debt instruments such as fixed deposits, debt mutual funds, or PPF (Public Provident Fund). These investments offer lower but more predictable returns compared to equities.
• Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Consider investing in equity mutual funds through SIPs. SIPs allow you to invest small amounts regularly, averaging out the purchase cost and reducing the impact of market volatility.
• Review and Rebalance: Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. Rebalance the portfolio if necessary by adjusting the asset allocation.
• Consider Tax Implications: Be mindful of the tax implications of your investments. Equity investments held for more than one year qualify for long-term capital gains tax, whereas debt investments may attract tax based on your income tax slab.
• Emergency Fund: Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund set aside separately from your granddaughter's education corpus to cover any unexpected expenses.
• Seek Professional Advice: If you're unsure about investing, consider consulting with a financial advisor who can help tailor an investment strategy based on your specific circumstances and goals.

By following these steps and staying disciplined with your investment strategy, you can work towards accumulating the desired amount for your granddaughter's education by 2036.

Ans: New Tax Regime Exemption List
Transport Allowances w.r.t. Person with Disabilities (PwD)
Conveyance Allowance
Travel/ Tour/ Transfer Compensation
Perquisites for Official Purposes
Exemptions for Voluntary Retirement Scheme u/ Section 10(10C)
Gratuity Amount u/ Section 10(10)
Leave Encashment u/ Section 10(10AA)
Interest on Home Loan on Lent-out Property u/ Section 24
Gifts of Up to Rs. 5,000
Employer’s Contributions to Employees NPS Accounts u/ Section 80CCD(2)
Additional Employee Costs u/ Section 80JJA
Standard Deductions on Family Pension u/ Section 57(IIA)
Deductions on Deposits in Agniveer Corpus Fund u/ Section 80CCH(2)

Ans: Earning 100 crores in 10 years is an ambitious goal that would require careful planning, strategic investments, and potentially taking on significant risk. Here are some avenues you could consider:

Entrepreneurship: Starting and scaling a successful business can generate substantial wealth over time. Identify a lucrative market opportunity, develop a robust business plan, and execute it with determination and perseverance.
Stock Market: Investing in high-growth stocks or equity mutual funds with a long-term horizon can potentially yield significant returns. However, this approach comes with risks and requires thorough research and diversification.
Real Estate: Investing in real estate properties in rapidly growing markets or commercial ventures can offer substantial returns over a decade. However, this avenue requires substantial initial capital and entails risks associated with market fluctuations.
Alternative Investments: Explore opportunities in alternative asset classes such as private equity, venture capital, or cryptocurrency. These investments often carry higher risk but can yield substantial returns if successful.
Diversification: Consider diversifying your investments across multiple asset classes to spread risk and maximize potential returns.
Achieving such a lofty financial goal necessitates careful consideration of risk, market conditions, and personal circumstances. Consulting with financial experts or Certified Financial Planners can provide valuable insights and guidance tailored to your specific situation and goals.

Ans: Indeed, aiming for higher returns is a common aspiration when investing in mutual funds. However, the emphasis on time horizon by experts is not about stifling your pursuit of higher returns but rather about optimizing your investment strategy for success.

Consider this: Mutual funds typically invest in a diversified portfolio of assets such as stocks, bonds, or a combination of both. These assets can be subject to market fluctuations and volatility in the short term. By having a longer investment horizon, you allow your investments the opportunity to weather these ups and downs and potentially deliver higher returns over time.

Moreover, the time horizon aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Short-term fluctuations may not be conducive to achieving your objectives if you need the funds in the near future. By defining a clear time horizon, you can tailor your investment strategy to match your goals and risk profile effectively.

In essence, while aiming for higher returns is essential, having a disciplined approach and a realistic time horizon can enhance the probability of success and help you stay on course towards achieving your financial aspirations.

Ans: Your decision to gift the proceeds from selling your house to your son reflects a heartfelt gesture of support and love. As you navigate the tax implications, it's essential to consider the timing and nature of the transaction.

Regarding your first question, your son won't be liable to pay income tax on the gifted amount until he utilizes it, typically in September 2025. This postpones the tax liability until the funds are actually put to use.

Exploring alternative options, such as investing in Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) or NHAI funds, could potentially offer tax benefits. However, it's crucial to assess the tax implications and investment suitability carefully. While these avenues may provide tax advantages, it's essential to evaluate their risk-return profile and alignment with your financial goals.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide clarity on the tax implications and help you make informed decisions aligned with your financial objectives. Remember, every financial choice carries its own set of considerations, and seeking professional guidance can illuminate the path towards wise financial stewardship.

Ans: It's great to hear about your disciplined approach to investing through SIPs. To find out the current value of your SIP investments, you have a few options:

Fund House Website: Most mutual fund houses provide online portals where investors can log in and view their investment details, including current portfolio value. You can register on the website of the mutual fund houses where you have invested and access your account to check the current value of your SIPs.
CAMS/Karvy Website: CAMS (Computer Age Management Services) and Karvy are registrar and transfer agents for mutual funds in India. They offer online portals where investors can track their mutual fund investments across different fund houses. You can register on the CAMS or Karvy website and access your consolidated portfolio to check the current value of your SIPs.
Mutual Fund Apps: Many mutual fund houses have their mobile apps, which allow investors to track their investments on the go. You can download the mobile app of the mutual fund houses where you have invested and log in to check the current value of your SIPs.
Financial Advisor: If you have a financial advisor or a Certified Financial Planner, you can reach out to them for assistance. They can help you track the performance of your SIP investments and provide insights on your current portfolio value.
By leveraging these resources, you can easily find out the current value of your SIP investments and track their performance over time. It's essential to review your investments periodically to ensure they remain aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Ans: For long-term wealth creation through SIPs, it's essential to select mutual funds with a proven track record of delivering consistent returns and managing risk effectively. Here are some categories of mutual funds that you may consider:

Large Cap Equity Funds: These funds invest in large, well-established companies with stable growth prospects. They offer relatively lower risk and can provide steady returns over the long term.
Multi Cap Equity Funds: These funds have the flexibility to invest across companies of various market capitalizations, providing diversification and potential for higher returns.
Mid Cap and Small Cap Equity Funds: These funds focus on mid-sized and small-sized companies with high growth potential. While they carry higher risk, they also offer the possibility of generating substantial returns over the long term.
Equity Index Funds: These funds aim to replicate the performance of a specific stock market index, such as the Nifty 50 or Sensex. They offer low expense ratios and can be suitable for investors seeking market returns with minimal active management.
When selecting specific mutual funds within these categories, consider factors such as the fund's historical performance, expense ratio, fund manager's track record, and investment philosophy.

It's essential to diversify your SIP investments across multiple funds to spread risk and maximize potential returns. Additionally, regularly review your portfolio and make adjustments as needed to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Before making any investment decisions, I recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice tailored to your unique financial situation and goals.

Ans: It's concerning that the builder issued a handwritten letter for GST payment without providing an official GST invoice or mentioning their GST number. According to GST regulations, all transactions involving GST must be accompanied by a valid GST invoice issued by the registered supplier, containing their GST number.

In this case, the absence of a proper GST invoice raises questions about the legitimacy of the transaction and whether the GST amount was appropriately accounted for and remitted to the government. Handwritten letters without proper documentation may not suffice as valid proof of GST payment.

To address this issue, I recommend seeking clarification from the builder regarding the absence of a formal GST invoice and their GST registration details. If the builder is registered under GST, they should be able to provide a proper GST invoice with their GST number for the amount paid. If they fail to do so or provide insufficient documentation, it may be prudent to consult with a legal advisor or tax expert to explore further steps to ensure compliance with GST regulations and protect your interests.

Ans: Your inquiry reflects a responsible approach to understanding the tax implications of investing in cryptocurrencies. The 1% TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) levied by the crypto exchange is an advance tax payment, akin to a prepayment of your tax liability on the profit from cryptocurrency transactions.

When you sell your crypto tokens in subsequent financial years, the 1% TDS already deducted will be adjusted against your final tax liability. Therefore, you won't have to pay the 1% TDS again when you sell your cryptos.

However, it's important to note that the profit from cryptocurrency transactions will be subject to a 30% tax (plus surcharge) when you sell them in the future. This tax will be calculated on the gains made from your crypto investments, after deducting any allowable expenses or losses.

To ensure compliance with tax regulations and maximize your tax efficiency, consider consulting with a tax advisor or a Certified Financial Planner. They can provide personalized guidance based on your financial circumstances and help you navigate the complexities of cryptocurrency taxation.