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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Apr 27, 2024

Sushil Sukhwani is the founding director of the overseas education consultant firm, Edwise International. He has 31 years of experience in counselling students who have opted to study abroad in various countries, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. He is part of the board of directors at the American International Recruitment Council and an honorary committee member of the Australian Alumni Association. Sukhwani is an MBA graduate from Bond University, Australia. ... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 27, 2024Hindi
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Good morning sir, my daughter is in btech. ECE final semister, can I send for ms in abroad, or any job related courses in India, my daughter also not much intrested to go abroad. Kindly suggest better way.

Ans: Hello,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. I am glad to hear that your daughter is pursuing the final semester of her Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Communication Engineering. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that we only deal with overseas education. Yes, you can definitely send your daughter abroad to pursue her Master's. I would like to tell you that owing to their renowned universities, top-notch education, and vast array of opportunities, a number of countries are well-known for pursuing Master of Science (MS) degrees abroad. With its vast array of top-tier universities and research centres, the USA continues to be a sought-after destination for pursuing MS programs spanning different disciplines. Likewise, a number of international students are also drawn to countries viz., the UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Switzerland owing to their cutting-edge academic programs, culturally diverse settings, and significant focus on innovation and research. You would be glad to know that MS students are offered distinct advantages and opportunities in these countries, in turn, making them highly popular destinations for individuals looking for further education overseas.

As mentioned by you, if your daughter is not interested in pursuing a Master's abroad, I would suggest that she looks into other possibilities that best resonate with her interests and professional objectives. Post finishing her Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree, she could think about acquiring professional experience via internships or entry-level work in her field of interest. Gaining this practical experience can prove beneficial for her career growth and may help her determine her professional path. In order to improve her abilities and credentials without committing to a full-time Master's program overseas, she could also look into advanced certifications or specialized courses. Lastly, I would suggest that you motivate your daughter to investigate these possibilities and assist her in discovering her true calling, which in turn, could result in a gratifying and prosperous professional path.

For more information, you can visit our website.
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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Sep 26, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 25, 2023Hindi
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I want to send my daughter to study MS inUSA. She completed her BSc in Mysore university with 7.9 GPA. main subjects are Physics, Mathematics, computer science. She like Computer Science and secure more than 8.5 in all semesters. Now decided to do MCA . in karnataka. whether she able to get seat fr MS in abroad after her MCA or which coarse she must do to get seat.. pls suggest
Ans: Hello,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. I am happy to hear that your daughter is currently pursuing her Master’s in Computer Applications in Karnataka, after which you wish to send her to the USA to pursue a Master’s degree there. I would like to inform you that your daughter stands a decent chance of securing a seat for an MS program in the United States on completing her Master’s in Computer Applications. As the first step, I recommend that your daughter conducts an extensive study and choose American universities offering Computer Science Master’s programs. Your daughter should take into consideration her educational and research pursuits and opt for those universities that best match with those interests. She could further enhance her changes of securing admission to a good Master’s program. For that, I recommend her to enrol in pertinent programs in Computer Science while still pursuing her MCA (Master’s in Computer Applications). Furthermore, to showcase her passion and abilities in the field of her choosing, I strongly believe that she should start interning at companies or be a part of research initiatives. Foreign students wishing to enrol in Master’s programs at universities in the USA are required to appear for standardized exams viz., the GRE. To increase her chances of getting accepted to these programs, I recommend that your daughter should study well as well as try to achieve high scores in the exam. As part of the application process, foreign universities also require international students to prove their English speaking abilities. This can be achieved through appearing for English proficiency tests viz., the IELTS or TOEFL. I suggest that your daughter prepares for and appears for these tests in order to fulfill the linguistic prerequisites set forth by these universities.

Your daughter will need to submit important documents including a compelling Statement of Purpose and Recommendation Letters from faculty members who can attest to her academic capabilities and character. Submitting these, I believe could possibly boost her application thereby making her a perfect fit for the Master’s degree in Computer Science or any other associated discipline. In addition, she may also need to appear for interviews which is part of the process of applying to certain universities. I suggest that she prepares well for the same by researching common interview questions and planning her responses to those queries. Although studying overseas is a costly affair, multiple grants, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities are offered by universities to international students. Your daughter should look into the available options. I recommend that you constantly check the admission prerequisites and application deadlines of each university as they vary. On receiving a Letter of Acceptance from the university applied to, your daughter will then need to obtain a valid student visa to study in the United States. She should apply for a F-1 visa. Familiarize yourself with the visa processes as well as the prerequisites.

Planning on sending your daughter to the USA for a Master’s degree is an excellent choice. However, keep in mind that securing admission to the same can be cut-throat, and for that reason I recommend that your daughter studies hard to achieve success.

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on May 11, 2024

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Dear Mr Mayank ,my daughter presently pursuing B Tech-CS (AI/ML) from SRM Chennai -in 2nd year at present -we are in two minds as to doing MS abroad or take up campus job if possible after passout -MS abroad obviously would be finicially challenging so i thought at least she can work for say 2 years to begin with & then .Could you be able to offer some advice on the same.
Ans: Hello Sougata,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear that your daughter is currently pursuing the second year of her Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science (AI/ML). To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that deciding whether to begin working after earning a Bachelor’s degree in B.Tech- CS (AI/ML) or to go abroad for a Masters program can be a big decision. I would recommend that your daughter considers the following:

Firstly, I would suggest that you motivate your daughter to consider her professional objectives and ambitions. Consider whether she intends working in industry or pursuing research and academia. Remember that specialized information and possibilities for research can be offered through a Masters degree. A job on the contrary, can offer hands-on experience and skill advancement. Next, I would recommend that you investigate the AI/ML labor market both, locally and globally. Ascertain whether professionals with a Masters degree are highly sought-after or if pertinent work experience is equally valued. Coming to monetary considerations, bear in mind that finances play a key role in decision-making. Evaluate the cost of pursuing a Masters degree overseas taking into account the tuition costs, living costs, and any possible monetary assistance or scholarships. I would suggest that you compare this to the possible pay from an entry-level job post graduation or from a job on campus. Remember that significant networking possibilities as well as exposure to varied viewpoints, cultures, and technological advancements are offered by studying overseas. I would suggest that you think about the long-term advantages of developing a worldwide professional network and acquiring overseas experience. As the next step, I would recommend that you explore whether your daughter’s institution or future employers offer any possibilities for industry linkages or alliances. Bear in mind that besides improving her employment opportunities, these contacts can also offer insightful knowledge of the field. Motivate your daughter to consider her goals for personal development. Studying overseas can promote independence, flexibility and cultural understanding. Working, on the other hand, can provide useful skills and advance one’s career. Lastly, the choice should best resonate with your daughter’s personal objectives, ambitions, and financial circumstances. Prior to making a decision, I would recommend that your daughter gets in touch with mentors, employment consultants, former students, as well as industry experts to acquire new viewpoints and insights.

For more information, you can visit our website: www.edwiseinternational.com

You can also follow us on our Instagram page: edwiseint

..Read more

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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2025Hindi
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Hi Sir, I have lost my job, a family of four, kinds are of 9th and 6 th year. Monthly family expense is 1.5l. I have 5 cr in equity, 1 cr in pf, don't have insurance, please guide me to invest 5,cr to manage family expenses without doing any job for another 20 years.
Ans: You have a strong asset base of Rs. 5 crore in equity and Rs. 1 crore in PF. However, your current challenge is to generate a sustainable income to manage monthly expenses of Rs. 1.5 lakh for the next 20 years.

Additionally, you lack health and life insurance, which poses risks to your family’s financial security. Your children, aged 9 and 6 years, will also require funds for their education.

Let us develop a comprehensive, step-by-step plan to manage your current situation and secure your family’s financial future.

Step 1: Prioritising Emergency and Insurance Needs

Create an Emergency Fund

Set aside Rs. 25-30 lakh in liquid or ultra-short-term funds.

This fund should cover at least 18 months of household expenses.

Ensure Adequate Health Insurance

Purchase a comprehensive family floater health insurance policy.

Opt for coverage of at least Rs. 25 lakh with top-up plans.

Get a Term Life Insurance Policy

Buy term insurance for at least Rs. 2 crore.
This will protect your family’s financial needs in your absence.
Step 2: Diversifying and Rebalancing Investments

Review and Reduce Equity Exposure

Equity is volatile and may not suit your income needs.

Gradually reduce exposure to 50% and diversify into stable instruments.

Invest in Debt Funds for Stability

Allocate Rs. 2 crore to high-quality debt funds for predictable returns.

This can provide regular income while preserving capital.

Include Balanced Advantage Funds

Allocate Rs. 1 crore to balanced advantage funds.
These funds adjust equity and debt exposure based on market conditions.
Step 3: Generating Regular Income

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs)

Invest in mutual funds offering SWP options for monthly income.

Start with Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly withdrawals and adjust for inflation.

Plan PF Utilisation

Do not withdraw PF entirely at once.
Use PF as a fallback during emergencies or later retirement years.
Step 4: Securing Children’s Education and Future

Create a Separate Education Fund

Allocate Rs. 1 crore to equity-oriented funds for your children’s education.

Start SIPs for the next 8-10 years to accumulate the required corpus.

Plan for Marriage Expenses

Invest Rs. 50 lakh in hybrid funds for long-term marriage planning.
These funds will provide moderate growth with lower risk.
Step 5: Tax Planning for Optimisation

Tax-Efficient Withdrawals
Plan withdrawals to minimise tax impact on long-term and short-term gains.

For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

Leverage PPF for Tax-Free Growth
Your Rs. 1 crore in PF is tax-free and should remain untouched.
Maximise contributions to PPF to reduce taxable income.
Step 6: Periodic Monitoring and Adjustments

Review Investment Performance Regularly
Track your portfolio annually and rebalance based on market conditions.

Ensure that your investments align with your income needs and goals.

Seek Guidance from a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner can help you manage your portfolio effectively.
Regular consultations ensure your financial plan stays on track.
Step 7: Estate and Legacy Planning

Draft a Will for Asset Distribution
Create a will to ensure your assets are distributed as per your wishes.

Include provisions for your children’s future needs.

Nominate Beneficiaries for Investments
Update nominations in all financial accounts and policies.
This ensures hassle-free access for your family in your absence.
Finally

You can manage your family’s expenses and secure their future with a strategic plan. By balancing your investments and ensuring proper insurance coverage, you can achieve financial independence without a job for the next 20 years. Periodic reviews will further strengthen your financial position.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7634 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2025Hindi
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Hi sir i am 42 year old married having two daughters 13 and 7 yrs old respectively. I have 1.5 cr fd and a plot worth 10lakh.mutual fund portfolio valuing today is 35 lac.ppf around 22 lakh..own house with no liabilities .have a monthly expenses of around 1.5 lakh. What should i do to retire as soon as possible
Ans: You are in a strong financial position with no liabilities. Your financial assets include Rs. 1.5 crore in fixed deposits, Rs. 35 lakh in mutual funds, Rs. 22 lakh in PPF, and a plot worth Rs. 10 lakh. You also own your house and have a monthly expense of Rs. 1.5 lakh.

With two daughters aged 13 and 7, planning for their education and marriage is crucial. Alongside, you aspire to retire as early as possible. Let's evaluate your financial situation and outline a 360-degree retirement plan.

Assessing Your Retirement Needs

Assuming you retire now, you’ll need Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly for expenses. Accounting for inflation, this will increase over time.

Your retirement corpus must support you for 30+ years if we consider life expectancy of 75 years.

Expenses for your daughters’ education and marriage must also be factored into your retirement plan.

Planning for Retirement Corpus

Your existing assets, if utilized well, can help you retire early. But to sustain your expenses and secure your family’s future, strategic adjustments are required:

Reassess Fixed Deposits

Fixed deposits provide safety but deliver lower post-tax returns.

Redeem a portion of your FDs and allocate it to instruments offering inflation-beating returns.

Retain a portion for short-term needs and emergencies.

Review Your Mutual Fund Portfolio

Your mutual funds will play a crucial role in building your retirement corpus.

Consolidate and diversify across large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds for better risk-adjusted growth.

Ensure regular reviews of fund performance with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.

Maximize PPF Benefits

Your PPF investment is tax-free and risk-free, making it ideal for long-term growth.
Continue investing the maximum Rs. 1.5 lakh annually to benefit from compounding.
Building a Steady Retirement Income

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

After retirement, consider SWPs from mutual funds for steady income.

This approach minimizes tax and ensures capital growth while meeting expenses.

Diversify for Stable Returns

Invest in balanced advantage or equity savings funds for moderate returns with reduced volatility.

Consider debt funds for predictable income, especially for short-term needs.

Emergency Fund Allocation

Maintain at least 12-18 months of expenses in liquid funds or savings instruments.
This ensures liquidity during unforeseen situations.
Planning for Daughters’ Education and Marriage

Dedicated Funds for Education

Create separate investments for both daughters’ higher education.

Invest in equity-oriented funds, as the time horizon for education is 5+ years.

Plan for Marriage Expenses

Allocate a portion of your corpus to diversified funds or hybrid funds.
These investments can grow moderately and be used in 10+ years for marriage expenses.
Health and Life Protection

Ensure Adequate Health Insurance

Health costs increase with age. Ensure comprehensive coverage for your family.

Upgrade your health policy if coverage is insufficient.

Secure Life Insurance

If you hold LIC or investment-linked insurance policies, consider surrendering them.

Invest the surrender value in mutual funds or term plans for higher returns.

Long-Term Care Planning
Plan for potential medical or caregiving expenses in old age.
Tax Optimization and Estate Planning

Tax-Efficient Investments
Structure investments to minimize tax outgo, such as through equity and hybrid funds.

Redeem assets like FDs carefully to avoid unnecessary tax.

Create a Will
Draft a will to ensure smooth transfer of assets to your family.
Regularly update it as per life events.
Monitoring and Adjustments

Regular Portfolio Review
Monitor your investments yearly.

Make adjustments based on performance, goals, and changing market conditions.

Seek Professional Guidance
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to align your investments with your goals.
Finally

You are well-positioned to achieve early retirement with proper financial planning. Redirect your resources wisely, and focus on generating inflation-beating returns. Secure your daughters’ future and your retirement with a disciplined approach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7634 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 25, 2025

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Hello sir, I am 32 working with US based Fintech _ PayPal, having package 6 lakh. Can you guide me to invest, build good amount of wealth down in 10 years. Currently I have company ESOP around 4 lakh. With grow I'm having two ELSS which SIP of 500 and RD with ICICI Bank 500 per month. Have monthly expenses of car 12700 monthly for 5 years, consumer durable 5000 for 1 years. Thank you for looking into this.
Ans: You have a good foundation and the right intent to build wealth. Let's first assess your current position and identify areas for improvement:

Income and Package: Your annual package of Rs. 6 lakh is stable, giving you a consistent cash flow.

ESOPs: Your company ESOPs worth Rs. 4 lakh are a valuable asset. However, relying solely on them for wealth creation is risky.

Existing Investments: You have two ELSS SIPs of Rs. 500 each and an RD of Rs. 500 monthly. These are good habits, but the amounts are too low to meet your 10-year wealth-building goal.

Monthly Expenses: Fixed liabilities include Rs. 12,700 for car EMI (5 years) and Rs. 5,000 for consumer durable EMI (1 year). These expenses reduce your ability to invest significantly but will improve after a year.

10-Year Wealth Creation Roadmap
To build a substantial corpus in 10 years, disciplined investments and efficient planning are required. Here’s a step-by-step strategy:

Increase Your Investment Capacity
Debt Repayment Strategy:

Focus on completing the Rs. 5,000 EMI for consumer durable quickly. After 1 year, redirect this amount to investments.
Manage your car EMI as planned but avoid taking any new loans.
Boost Savings:

Aim to save at least 20-25% of your monthly income for investments.
Control Expenses:

Track your monthly expenses and reduce unnecessary spending. Prioritise investments over discretionary expenses.
Focus on Strategic Investments
Increase Equity SIPs:

Enhance your ELSS SIPs gradually after consumer durable EMI ends. Increase monthly SIPs to Rs. 10,000 or more in actively managed funds.
Diversify Equity Investments:

Besides ELSS, include diversified equity mutual funds across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap categories.
Actively managed funds offer better returns over time compared to index funds.
Systematic Allocation:

Start a monthly SIP in equity mutual funds for wealth accumulation. Ensure the SIP amount increases annually with your income.
Emergency Fund Planning
Create an Emergency Corpus:

Build an emergency fund worth 6 months of expenses. Use liquid mutual funds or high-interest savings accounts for this.
Utilise ESOPs for Backup:

Hold your ESOPs for medium-term needs but review their performance periodically. Liquidate when needed for emergency or investment purposes.
Tax-Efficient Planning
Optimise Tax Benefits:

Continue investing in ELSS for tax savings under Section 80C.
Diversify investments beyond ELSS once the Rs. 1.5 lakh limit is met.
Understand Capital Gains Taxation:

Equity funds attract LTCG tax of 12.5% above Rs. 1.25 lakh annually. Keep your withdrawals tax-efficient.
Debt Fund Allocation:

Use debt funds for stability in your portfolio but limit their allocation. Debt funds are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Insurance Review and Optimisation
Life Insurance:

Purchase a term insurance plan for Rs. 1 crore to protect your family’s future. Avoid ULIPs or endowment plans for investment purposes.
Health Insurance:

Check if your employer provides adequate health coverage. If not, take a personal health insurance policy for Rs. 10-20 lakh.
Post-Debt Investment Plan
Increase Investments Post-EMI:

After the car loan ends, allocate the Rs. 12,700 EMI towards investments. This will significantly boost your wealth creation.
Focus on Long-Term Goals:

Direct these additional funds into equity funds and avoid short-term, low-return options like recurring deposits.
Financial Discipline
Automate Investments:

Automate your SIPs to ensure consistent investing without manual intervention.
Avoid Emotional Decisions:

Stay disciplined during market volatility. Avoid withdrawing investments unless absolutely necessary.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Annual Portfolio Review:

Review your portfolio annually with a Certified Financial Planner. Adjust asset allocation based on performance and market conditions.
Reassess Goals:

Revisit your 10-year goal periodically and adjust investments if required to stay on track.
Track Progress:

Use investment tracking apps to monitor your SIPs and portfolio growth.
Final Insights
Your current investments and savings need significant enhancement to meet your wealth-building goal. Redirect existing cash flows post-EMI completion to equity mutual funds. Focus on disciplined investing, proper asset allocation, and tax-efficient planning. Use professional guidance to build a portfolio aligned with your goals.

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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