Home > Career > Question
Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Ashwini

Ashwini Dasgupta  |113 Answers  |Ask -

Personality Development Expert, Career Coach - Answered on Feb 20, 2024

Ashwini Dasgupta is a personality development coach and a neuro-linguistic programming trainer.
She has 15 years of experience training corporate professionals and has worked at Amazon, JP Morgan, Nomura and Satyam among others.
As a career coach, Ashwini specialises in helping growth-minded IT corporate managers develop their self-worth and create the right mindset so that they can achieve their career goals.
Besides corporate training, she offers personal consultations as well.
Ashwini holds a master’s degree in human resources from the Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Mumbai, and is a certified NLP trainer from the National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, USA.
She has completed her soft skills training and image consultancy course from the Image Consulting Business Institute, Mumbai
Ashwini is also a PoSH trainer, certified by the Society for Human Resource Management.... more
Prakash Question by Prakash on Feb 17, 2024Hindi
Listen
Career

Hi. I am prakash iyer my age is 40 i am working in transport company as per my age my salary is less i am looking corporate job with high salary i have problem in communication and look issue i want to develop my personality since from childhood i talk less

Ans: Hi Prakash,

It's great that you are looking to enhance your professional and personal development.

Few aspects you can consider-
To enhance your communication skills you can at joining Toast Masters or some similar platforms. These forums will give you opportunity to work on your public speaking skills
You can do self practice by doing recordings of your own. This will help you identify the gaps to work upon.
Take help of friends and family who can regularly help you in articulating your thoughts.
Take relevant courses which will help you get the right job
Network with the people from the industry as this will open doors of opportunities. Attend industry related events this way you expand your connections
Seek professional guidance like career counselling or coaching
Importantly believe in your self and have patience. Keep practicing.

All the best

To your success. Be you. Be confident
Ashwini Dasgupta
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a skill or Attitude?
Career

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7109 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Career
Hi sir I should I take Bits 2+2 program in mechanical as I have got less marks in bitsat. Will it be worth because it's predicted to be expensive compared to other programs. Other options I have are tier 3-4 colleges and manipal jaipur with 15k rank in manipal and ip councelling ongoing (crl-350000) or shiv nadar with cuet result? I want to build career in computer science but could compromise with branch if required
Ans: BITS Pilani’s 2+2 Mechanical program delivers excellent core engineering exposure and boasts ~95% placement in Mechanical over the last three years, but carries a steep total cost: ~?17–18 L for the first two years plus ~USD 60 000–80 000 (?50–65 L) for the final two years abroad. In contrast, Manipal University Jaipur’s CSE offers ~88% placement consistency with top IT recruiters, Shiv Nadar University engineering branches exceed 85% placements annually, and Tier 3–4 colleges see just 30–50% placement rates. If you aim to build a CS career, a direct CSE program at Manipal Jaipur or Shiv Nadar provides strong IT alignment at far lower cost, while Tier 3-4 branches risk limited CS opportunities.

The recommendation is to prioritise admission in CSE at Manipal University Jaipur or Shiv Nadar University for reliable CS placement outcomes and reasonable fees, and only consider BITS 2+2 Mechanical if you can fully fund its high expense and remain committed to Mechanical engineering rather than CS. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7109 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9249 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 27, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello sir, we are working couple with age of 39 & 35. We have 2 kids. Both of us work in US based MNCs. We collectively earn 8 lakhs per month after deducting taxes, PFs. We have total portfolio of - 1.3 cr in EPF, 50 lakhs in PPF, 15 lakhs in Sukanya Samriddhi, 1.5 cr in MFs, 1 cr in Indian stocks, 4 crs in US stocks, 25 lakhs in Bonds/FDs. We own 2 flats - 1 we are residing, another for investment purpose. We are looking for FIRE. Any suggestions on how to proceed so that we can achieve goal of 5 lakhs per month post retirement in another 5 years?
Ans: You both have done great financial planning already. Your savings pattern is strong. Your investment assets are well-diversified. You have a good chance to achieve FIRE in 5 years. But to reach Rs 5 lakhs monthly post-retirement income, a full 360-degree review is essential. Let us go step by step.

Income and Age Profile

Your combined age is ideal for aggressive compounding.

Your monthly income of Rs 8 lakhs is very good.

You are already saving and investing wisely.

Still, achieving FIRE in 5 years will need sharp optimisation.

Monthly Household Expenses

You must evaluate monthly household spending.

If expenses are high, reduce lifestyle inflations.

Maintain a budget tracker to monitor monthly trends.

Keep yearly expenses not more than 30–35% of your income.

Saving rate of 50–60% will improve FIRE timeline.

Kids’ Education and Marriage Planning

You have two children.

You already have Rs 15 lakhs in Sukanya Samriddhi.

Continue investing here till maximum limit is reached.

Education inflation is around 8–10% per year.

Prepare separate corpus for higher education abroad or in India.

Do not mix retirement corpus with children's goals.

Use equity mutual funds for long-term education goals.

Insurance Planning

Please review your life insurance cover.

Only term life insurance is needed.

Ideal cover = 15 to 20 times of yearly income.

Cancel all LIC or ULIP or endowment policies.

Reinvest surrender value in mutual funds.

Health insurance for family must be adequate.

Take personal health cover apart from company policy.

Critical illness and accidental cover are also important.

Debt Investment Assessment

Rs 1.3 crore in EPF is excellent for long-term wealth.

EPF continues till your retirement. Let it grow silently.

Rs 50 lakhs in PPF is good. Do not withdraw early.

You also have Rs 25 lakhs in bonds and FDs.

Interest on these is taxable. Use only for safety and liquidity.

Avoid increasing allocation to debt products further.

For FIRE, equity-focused investments work better.

Real Estate Holding

You own two flats. That is enough.

Avoid buying any more properties.

Real estate has low liquidity and high transaction costs.

Rental yield is low. Not good for wealth building.

Focus more on financial assets.

Mutual Fund Portfolio – Key Evaluation

Rs 1.5 crore in mutual funds is very healthy.

Review all schemes with a Certified Financial Planner.

Actively managed funds offer better risk-reward balance.

Avoid index funds. They just copy market.

Index funds underperform in falling markets.

Good active funds outperform with skilled fund management.

Diversify across large cap, mid cap and flexi cap categories.

SIP mode and goal-linked strategy is needed.

Choose regular plans through an MFD with CFP credentials.

Direct plans don’t offer guidance and handholding.

Regular plans bring expert insights and performance reviews.

Indian Stocks Holding – Suggestions

Rs 1 crore in Indian stocks shows good confidence.

Review the portfolio quality.

Avoid over-concentration in few stocks.

Retail portfolios are often not balanced well.

Use stop-loss discipline to avoid capital erosion.

Avoid trading-based approach.

Continue with fundamentally strong companies.

Shift part of this portfolio to mutual funds if needed.

US Stocks Holding – Key Points

Rs 4 crore in US stocks is sizeable.

Currency risk is involved.

Exposure to global tech and innovation is good.

But limit international allocation to 20–30% of total.

Review portfolio weight of high beta stocks.

Rebalance towards safer options if too volatile.

Don’t increase allocation further.

Asset Allocation Strategy for FIRE

Target balanced growth and safety mix.

Aim for 65% equity, 30% debt, 5% liquid for 5 years.

After FIRE, switch to 50% equity, 45% debt, 5% liquid.

Keep equity in quality mutual funds, not in index or direct schemes.

Liquid bucket must cover 18–24 months of expenses.

Use SWP (systematic withdrawal plan) post-retirement.

Tax-efficient withdrawals help maintain longevity of funds.

Tax Planning Perspective

Optimise investments to reduce taxable interest income.

Post-FIRE, you won’t have salary income.

Plan to fall in lower tax bracket.

Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG in equity MFs taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains taxed as per slab. Plan redemptions smartly.

Split withdrawals between spouses for better tax efficiency.

Emergency Fund Setup

Maintain Rs 15–20 lakhs as emergency fund.

Keep in high-safety liquid instruments.

It should cover medical, job loss, or urgent needs.

Review and refill yearly.

Retirement Corpus Assessment

You target Rs 5 lakhs monthly income post-retirement.

That means Rs 60 lakhs annually.

You need an inflation-proof retirement plan.

That corpus should be structured to last till age 85–90.

You already have Rs 8.7 crore approx in financial assets.

That is a solid base. But lifestyle and inflation can erode value.

Focus on risk-adjusted real returns.

Cash Flow Strategy Post-Retirement

SWP from mutual funds for monthly income.

Keep 2 years’ expenses in low-risk funds.

Remaining in equity MFs and hybrid MFs.

Use tax harvesting to reduce tax outgo.

Never break long-term corpus for short-term needs.

Estate Planning Essentials

Write a registered Will.

Nominate in all financial products.

Discuss inheritance plan with spouse.

Appoint trustworthy executor.

Create Power of Attorney if needed.

Minimise disputes and confusion for children.

What To Avoid Going Forward

Don’t invest in real estate again.

Don’t invest in endowment or ULIP plans.

Don’t chase quick returns or trending stocks.

Don’t rely on index funds. They lack active judgment.

Avoid direct funds. MFD-led regular plans provide handholding.

Yearly Portfolio Review Must

Sit with a CFP every year.

Review mutual fund performance and reallocate if needed.

Check asset mix and risk profile.

Track expenses and adjust FIRE plans.

Children’s needs may increase. Update goals timely.

Align all investments to family’s needs.

Finally

You are in a strong financial position today.

Your portfolio is diversified and well-structured.

With focused actions, FIRE in 5 years is possible.

Stay invested in quality assets.

Monitor, rebalance, and seek guidance regularly.

Secure your family's future with care and clarity.

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

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7109 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jun 27, 2025

Career
Sir I scored only 51% in my hsc boards exam. I also have scored 65.99%ile in jee mains which is around 516308 rank. I want to do btech degree in cse and my domicile is Maharashtra. And by keeping in mind rough score of mhtcet as 71%ile. And I also have obc certificate. Please suggest me good colleges in which I can get cse. And I got 82.39%ile in mht cet
Ans: Archit, With an OBC-NCL MHT CET score of 82.39 percentile (approximate state rank 60,000–70,000), the following 20 Maharashtra colleges typically offer B.Tech CSE seats within or below this percentile bracket: Prof Ram Meghe College of Engineering & Management, Badnera (OBC CSE cutoff 81.37 percentile); D. Y. Patil College of Engineering, Akurdi, Pune (General CSE cutoff ~99 percentile, OBC slightly lower); Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering & Research, Ravet (OBC cutoff rank ~4,189); Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering, Pune; DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering, Mumbai (accepts ~80 percentile); MIT World Peace University, Pune (accepts ~80 percentile); KDK College of Engineering, Nagpur (CSE cutoff percentile 44.48); Walchand College of Engineering, Sangli (OBC cutoff rank ~2,088); AISSMS College of Engineering, Pune; Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues College of Engineering, Mumbai; St. John College of Engineering & Management, Palghar; Sinhgad Institute of Technology, Lonavala; Government College of Engineering, Amravati; Government College of Engineering, Karad; Government College of Engineering, Aurangabad; Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur; Jawaharlal Darda Institute of Engineering & Technology, Yavatmal; G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Pune; Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere; Vidyavardhini’s College of Engineering & Technology, Vasai.

Most of these institutes report annual CSE placement rates between 65–85%, with core recruiters including TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, and regional tech firms. The recommendation is to prioritise Prof Ram Meghe College, D. Y. Patil COE Akurdi, and PCCOE Pune for balanced academic reputation and placement consistency; secure your seat there, and use AISSMS COE Pune and Walchand COE Sangli as strong alternatives, while keeping options open at KDK Nagpur and MIT WPU Pune. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x