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40-Year-Old Considering German Masters: Private University Dilemma?

Dr Pananjay K

Dr Pananjay K Tiwari  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Aug 28, 2024

Dr Pananjay Tiwari is the founder and director of Impel Overseas Education, a Dehradun-based consultancy for students who want to study abroad in the fields of engineering, science, agriculture, medicine, arts and the humanities.
They also guide PhD students who are studying internationally with their research.
Dr Pananjay has 21 years of academic and research experience and has published several books and research papers in various Indian and international journals.
He is a gold medallist with a master’s degree in science and a PhD in environmental sciences from the Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University, Uttarakhand.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Aug 28, 2024Hindi
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Career

Hi Prananjay. I have a question for you. I'm 40 years old and I have been pondering with idea of moving abroad and study masters. After doing my research, I found out that Germany would be an option worth exploring. Since it provides you 18 months of post-study work visa. My only hesitation is that I'm getting a private university which I'm not entirely comfortable with. Is it okay to go ahead with a private university? Second, I will be far more experienced than the students in my batch. Is it okay? Third, I'm willing to learn the German language and spend a little money to get a degree with best ROI and possible career in Germany. What do you think are the prospects for an applicant like me?

Ans: Pursuing a master’s degree in Germany at 40 is a bold and promising step, especially given the country's reputation for high-quality education, even in private institutions, and the 18-month post-study work visa that allows ample time to secure a job. While public universities in Germany are often preferred due to their lower costs and established reputations, many private universities also offer excellent programs, industry connections, and tailored support, making them a viable option if they are accredited and align with your career goals. Being more experienced than your peers can be a strength, as your professional background can offer valuable insights in classroom discussions and group projects, and can also set you apart in the job market. Learning German will significantly enhance your employability, as language skills are highly valued by German employers. Overall, your prospects are good, provided you choose a well-regarded private institution and leverage your experience and new skills to integrate into the local job market effectively.

Regards
Dr Pananjay K Tiwari
Visit us at www.shreeoverseaseducation.com
Career

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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |617 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jun 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 22, 2024Hindi
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Career
I have 6 years of experience in Quality department in automotive industry ( injection moulding - last 4 years) . I wanted to work in abroad so I choose masters in engineering management in Berlin that is a one year course in a private university . Is my decision correct? . My current monthly income in India is 27000 and my age is 29
Ans: Hello,
To begin with, thank you for contacting us. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that your choice to study a Master's in Engineering Management in Berlin seems to match with your professional objectives of working overseas and progressing in the quality and automotive industries. Possessing 6 years of industrial experience, four of which were in injection moulding, I would like to let you know that pursuing further education in engineering management can improve your leadership, project management, and international business abilities, thereby, enhancing your competitiveness in the worldwide labour market. Moreover, Berlin is a centre for the engineering and automotive sectors, in turn, providing possible networking possibilities as well as exposure to cutting-edge practices.
Given that you are 29 years old and earn a monthly income of INR 27,000, enrolling in a one-year master's program could improve your employment opportunities and earning possibilities considerably. You will be glad to know that the abilities and global experience acquired while studying in Germany may result in higher-paying jobs in the automotive sector and beyond, thereby, making the short-term time and monetary commitment to your education worthwhile.

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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10130 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir, please tell me the best investment plans for child having age below one year
Ans: You have made a smart move by planning early for your child’s future. Starting before age one is ideal. It helps in building a solid corpus for education, marriage, or any future need.

Let’s now look at how to plan a strong investment structure from all angles.

» Understand the Time Horizon

– Your child has 17+ years before college.
– This is a long-term investment window.
– It allows you to choose equity-focused investments.
– Compounding works best over such long horizons.
– Avoid locking money in rigid traditional instruments.

» Avoid Traditional Child Plans and Endowments

– Most endowment or child insurance plans give low returns.
– They usually yield 4% to 5% annually.
– These are not suitable for education goal planning.
– Mixing insurance with investment is not efficient.
– It is better to keep insurance and investment separate.

» Stay Away from ULIPs and LIC Investment Policies

– ULIPs have high charges in the initial years.
– Returns are not consistent or transparent.
– LIC’s endowment plans give low maturity value.
– Most plans lack flexibility and liquidity.
– If you already have such plans, consider surrendering.
– Reinvest that amount in mutual funds systematically.

» Focus on Equity for Long-Term Growth

– Equity mutual funds help beat inflation in long run.
– They have potential to deliver higher returns.
– You can start SIPs of even Rs 500 monthly.
– Gradually increase SIPs as income grows.
– Diversify across multiple equity fund categories.

» Choose Actively Managed Mutual Funds

– Do not invest in index funds for child goals.
– Index funds copy the market and offer no active management.
– They underperform in falling markets.
– No downside protection is available in index funds.
– Instead, opt for actively managed equity funds.
– Experienced fund managers guide the portfolio strategy.
– They shift allocations based on market cycles.

» Avoid Direct Mutual Funds

– Direct plans do not give advisory or support.
– You may miss rebalancing at the right time.
– Many investors pick wrong funds or continue poor performers.
– A MFD (Mutual Fund Distributor) with CFP credentials adds great value.
– You get goal mapping, performance tracking, and expert guidance.
– Regular plans provide this support for a small fee.
– That support is crucial for child education goals.

» Mix Categories for Balanced Growth

– Use a combination of large-cap and flexi-cap funds.
– Add a small-cap fund in small proportion for high growth.
– Consider an equity & debt hybrid fund for stability.
– Do not go overboard with sectoral or thematic funds.
– Avoid funds with high volatility or low consistency.

» Start SIP Immediately and Increase Yearly

– Start monthly SIPs right away.
– Even small amounts matter when started early.
– Increase SIPs every year by 10-20% as salary grows.
– This step boosts the future value significantly.
– Use step-up SIP facility where available.

» Open a Minor Account and Track Separately

– Create a mutual fund folio in your child’s name.
– Use your name as guardian till age 18.
– This builds an emotional connect and financial discipline.
– It also keeps funds segregated from general investments.
– Avoid premature withdrawals from this corpus.

» Add PPF for Debt Component

– Public Provident Fund is ideal for child’s debt allocation.
– It gives tax-free returns and is government-backed.
– Lock-in period is 15 years, which suits child goals.
– Invest Rs 12,000 per month or Rs 1.5 lakh annually.
– Do not withdraw from PPF till maturity.

» Do Not Use Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

– SSY is only for girl children.
– Even for them, liquidity is limited.
– Withdrawals allowed only after 18 or for marriage.
– Returns are not market-linked and may underperform equity.
– Use better flexible instruments like mutual funds and PPF.

» Avoid Real Estate and Gold for Child Planning

– Property needs large capital and has liquidity issues.
– Maintenance cost and legal hassles are extra burden.
– Gold has been underperforming against equity in the long term.
– Physical gold carries risk of theft and impurity.
– Instead, invest in productive and flexible options.

» Set Goal Amounts and Track Progress

– Estimate future cost of education at current prices.
– Use a 10-12% inflation factor over 18 years.
– Break the target into short-term, medium, and long-term milestones.
– Track the corpus annually and rebalance if needed.
– Stay disciplined even if markets fall temporarily.

» Add NPS as an Optional Long-Term Tool

– Not mandatory, but can be used in child’s name post-18.
– NPS has lock-in but charges are low.
– Useful only if you want to gift child a retirement fund.
– Not suitable for education corpus.

» Avoid Annuities for Children

– Annuities are rigid and give low returns.
– They are meant for retirement income.
– They don’t suit children’s education or growth planning.
– No flexibility to withdraw for child’s future needs.

» Taxation Awareness for Future Withdrawals

– Equity MF gains are tax-free up to Rs 1.25 lakh LTCG.
– Above that, taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term gains taxed at 20%.
– Debt MF taxed as per income tax slab.
– Plan redemptions smartly across years to reduce tax.

» Have a Separate Emergency Fund

– Do not dip into child fund for emergencies.
– Keep 6 months of expenses in liquid fund or bank FD.
– It protects long-term goals from short-term pressures.

» Buy Term Insurance for Parents

– If earning parent is no more, child goals suffer.
– Take a term plan of 15-20 times of annual income.
– Premium is low when taken young.
– No need to take child insurance.
– Child is not the breadwinner and doesn’t need insurance.

» Health Cover Is Equally Important

– A medical emergency can derail investments.
– Take Rs 10–25 lakh family floater plan.
– Add Rs 5–10 lakh super top-up as well.
– Keep child added in the policy from start.

» Include Your Spouse in Financial Planning

– Both parents should be aware of child plan.
– Keep folio details, goals, SIPs transparent to each other.
– In case of death, other parent can continue investments.

» Keep Investing Even During Market Falls

– Don’t stop SIPs during crashes.
– Falling NAV means more units bought.
– That boosts returns over the long term.
– Emotional investing leads to poor decisions.
– Stay systematic, not reactive.

» Use Gift Funds and Bonuses to Add Lumpsum

– Yearly bonus or gifts can be used for one-time investments.
– This supplements SIPs and accelerates growth.
– Invest lumpsum in staggered tranches, not at one go.

» Review Portfolio Every Year

– Check fund performance annually.
– Replace underperformers after 2–3 years of poor show.
– Do not change funds frequently based on noise.
– Stick to your goal plan and rebalance yearly.

» Start With Rs 5,000–Rs 10,000 Monthly SIP

– Increase it based on affordability.
– Higher SIP ensures early achievement of goals.
– For age 0–1, even Rs 3,000 monthly can create value.

» Open a Will or Nomination for All Investments

– Nominate your spouse for mutual funds and PPF.
– Keep documents in order and share access with spouse.
– This avoids legal delays in future.

» Final Insights

– Starting early is your biggest strength.
– Stay focused and consistent over 18–20 years.
– Avoid complex, low-return, or rigid options.
– Keep goals, returns, tax, and liquidity in balance.
– Child’s future depends on your planning discipline today.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10130 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 33 yrs old male. I earn Rs2.1 lakhs per month. My spouse is working, she earns around Rs2.5 lakhs per month. I have a plot, taken on loan, the emi for which is Rs1.2L per month. I have an LIC policy which is Rs30k per year roughly. My wife has 3 term insurance policies which amount to Rs1lakh per year. We have a single male child of age 3 years. I invest in 2 SIPs of Rs10K each from past 5 months. Our life style expenses amount to around Rs60000 per month. Can you suggest a proper financial approach and goals. I would like to buy a house and may be retire between 50-60 years of age.
Ans: It shows that you are serious about planning. Starting young gives you a long runway to build lasting wealth. Below is a detailed 360-degree financial planning guide for your goals.

» Current Financial Snapshot and Observations

– You are 33 years old with high combined income.
– Combined income of Rs4.6 lakh/month gives solid saving potential.
– Plot EMI of Rs1.2 lakh/month is quite large.
– Lifestyle expenses are well-controlled at Rs60,000/month.
– Current SIPs are Rs20,000/month, which is a good start.
– LIC premium is only Rs30,000/year, manageable but worth reviewing.
– Your spouse holds 3 term policies, with Rs1 lakh annual premium.

» Cash Flow and Surplus Evaluation

– Net take-home income: Rs4.6 lakh/month.
– EMI: Rs1.2 lakh/month.
– Household expenses: Rs60,000/month.
– Insurance premium (monthly average): Rs10,000 approx.
– SIPs: Rs20,000/month.

Estimated surplus = Rs2.9 lakh/month.

High potential to build wealth over time.

However, plot EMI is a large component, should be monitored.

» Insurance Review and Correction

Your spouse has multiple term policies.

Ensure the combined cover is 10x to 15x her annual income.

You haven’t mentioned your own term insurance.

Please buy a term policy for yourself of at least Rs2 crore.

Choose only a plain term policy, avoid investment-linked plans.

Health insurance for the family is not mentioned.

Buy a Rs20 lakh floater for family with maternity, OPD if possible.

Also include a Rs10 lakh super top-up for long-term safety.

» Investment cum Insurance Policies Review

– You are paying Rs30,000/year for LIC.
– LIC policies usually offer low returns and poor liquidity.
– If it is a traditional or endowment plan, better to surrender.
– Redeploy proceeds into mutual funds via SIPs.
– Avoid ULIPs and any investment-linked policies in future.
– Keep insurance and investment separate always.

» SIP and Mutual Fund Strategy Review

– Currently investing Rs20,000/month in SIPs.
– Only 5 months old, still early stage.
– Gradually increase SIP amount by 10-15% every year.
– Focus on diversified equity mutual funds.
– Avoid direct funds. Go via regular plans through a trusted MFD.
– A good MFD with CFP credentials will guide and monitor.
– Direct funds lack advisory support.
– Mismanagement risk is high in direct plans.
– Stay invested long-term to benefit from compounding.
– Avoid index funds. They lack flexibility.
– Index funds mirror market blindly without risk control.
– Actively managed funds are better for risk-adjusted returns.
– Stay consistent in SIPs, regardless of market conditions.

» Emergency Fund and Liquidity

– You haven’t mentioned your emergency fund.
– Set aside 6 months of expenses in liquid instruments.
– Target Rs4 lakh in an FD or liquid mutual fund.
– Keep this fund untouched unless for emergencies.
– Avoid using credit card or loans for short-term cash needs.

» House Purchase Planning

– Buying a house is one of your major goals.
– First assess how long you plan to live in one place.
– Home loan EMI should not exceed 30-35% of your income.
– You already pay Rs1.2 lakh EMI for plot.
– Avoid over-leveraging through another home loan immediately.
– First reduce or close the current plot loan partially.
– Use bonuses or surplus to prepay plot loan in chunks.
– Save for 20% down payment for new house in next 4-5 years.
– Meanwhile, continue renting if needed.

» Child Education Planning

– Your son is 3 years old.
– School education needs will rise in next 2-3 years.
– Start SIPs separately for his education.
– Target Rs10,000 to Rs15,000/month towards education goal.
– Use child-named mutual fund folios to track separately.
– Avoid child ULIP or endowment policies.
– They have poor growth and high costs.
– Equity mutual funds offer better growth over 10+ years.
– Review plan every year and increase SIP if surplus rises.

» Retirement Planning Strategy

– Retirement timeline is 50 to 60 years, which gives 17 to 27 years.
– Create a dedicated SIP for retirement corpus building.
– Currently you may start with Rs15,000/month.
– Increase by 10% every year.
– Avoid NPS and annuities as primary retirement instruments.
– Equity mutual funds offer better control and liquidity.
– Rebalance portfolio to hybrid or debt funds as retirement nears.
– Don’t delay starting your retirement SIPs. Time is your best friend.

» Tax Efficiency and Planning

– Income of Rs4.6 lakh/month puts you in highest tax slab.
– Use 80C: PPF, ELSS, life insurance, EPF if available.
– Avoid locking large funds in PPF if liquidity is a concern.
– Use ELSS only if advised by a CFP through regular plans.
– Claim 80D for health insurance.
– HRA exemption if you stay in rented home.
– Use 80CCD(1B) if you still choose NPS.

» Goal-Based Investment Buckets

– Categorise your savings into goal buckets.
– Short term (1-3 years): Emergency fund, vacation, short goals.
– Use liquid and short-term debt funds.
– Medium term (3-7 years): House down payment, car purchase.
– Use hybrid mutual funds.
– Long term (7+ years): Retirement, child education.
– Use equity mutual funds.
– Avoid mixing goals. Keep investments separate.

» Debt Management Insights

– Your plot EMI of Rs1.2 lakh is very high.
– Try to reduce this burden before taking new loan.
– Any surplus beyond SIP and emergency fund should reduce this EMI.
– Keep debt-to-income ratio below 40% for financial safety.
– Avoid personal loans and credit card EMI traps.

» Spouse Income and Joint Planning

– Your spouse earns more than you, which is a big strength.
– Plan finances jointly. Assign goals to each one.
– She can handle education or retirement goals fully.
– Her surplus must also go into SIPs and emergency fund.
– She should also have a separate term policy, health cover.

» Will and Nomination Planning

– Prepare a simple will for asset clarity.
– Keep proper nomination in mutual funds, insurance, bank accounts.
– This ensures smooth transmission without legal hassles.
– Teach spouse about all your accounts and investments.
– Keep a joint investment tracker and update it monthly.

» Final Insights

– You have a strong income base and young age advantage.
– Your current liabilities need monitoring.
– Investments are still in early stage, but can be scaled.
– Avoid insurance products for investing.
– Build goal-specific mutual fund portfolios.
– Work with a Certified Financial Planner and MFD.
– Keep reviewing your progress every 6 months.
– Secure family through proper health and life cover.
– Maintain discipline, simplicity, and consistency in savings.

You have the perfect base to create lasting wealth. Proper guidance, consistent savings, and clarity in goals will help you build financial freedom.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10130 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Money
I am 41 years old. I have 2 kids below 3 years age. My monthly income is 1.50 Lacs and rental income of 60000. I have no plans except one Housing loan of 37 Lacs. I am doing 50000 Sip and have a portfolio of 20 Lacs in Mutual funds and 20 Lacs in shares. My monthly expenses are now Approx 70000 excluding children education. I am planning to retire at 50 age. Plz suggest how much corpus should be there to pass a comfortable life after retirement. Plz
Ans: You are already doing many things right.

You have built a strong foundation with your income, SIPs, and investments. Your goal to retire at age 50 is early. That makes your planning more unique and needs a deep approach.

Let us now look at your situation from all possible angles.

 
» Income and Lifestyle Snapshot

– Your total monthly income is Rs. 2.10 lakhs.
– Your regular expenses are around Rs. 70,000 per month.
– After expenses, you are left with Rs. 1.40 lakhs every month.
– That gives you a very good savings potential.
– You have a housing loan of Rs. 37 lakhs.
– You are doing Rs. 50,000 SIP every month.
– You already have Rs. 20 lakhs in mutual funds and Rs. 20 lakhs in shares.

This is an impressive starting point for early retirement.

 
» Early Retirement at 50 – What it Means

– Retirement at 50 means your money must work for 40+ years.
– You may need income till age 90 or more.
– That is 40 years of regular cash flows without salary.
– Inflation will reduce the value of money every year.
– So your corpus must not only provide income but also grow.

That needs a higher corpus and better planning than normal retirement.

 
» Retirement Lifestyle Needs

– Your current monthly expense is Rs. 70,000.
– Let’s assume modest lifestyle growth due to children.
– By age 50, expenses could go up to Rs. 1.2 lakhs/month.
– This excludes kids’ education, marriage, medical shocks.
– At Rs. 1.2 lakhs/month, yearly expenses = Rs. 14.4 lakhs.
– With inflation, you need this income to rise yearly even after retirement.

Hence, your retirement corpus must be inflation-proof and growth-oriented.

 
» Target Retirement Corpus at Age 50

– For comfortable and inflation-protected income, corpus must be large.
– You need to cover 40 years post-retirement.
– Considering lifestyle, inflation, longevity, risks, and growth:
– A retirement corpus of Rs. 4.5 Cr to Rs. 5.5 Cr is recommended.

This is not fixed, but an approximate comfort zone for your scenario.

 
» Current Assets and Commitments

– Mutual funds: Rs. 20 lakhs
– Shares: Rs. 20 lakhs
– SIP: Rs. 50,000/month
– Housing Loan: Rs. 37 lakhs (need clarity on EMI and term)
– Rental Income: Rs. 60,000/month

Your current asset value is around Rs. 40 lakhs in growth assets.

 
» Estimated Future Value of Assets at Age 50

– Continue Rs. 50,000 SIP for 9 years (age 41 to 50).
– That could grow to Rs. 85–90 lakhs with moderate returns.
– Your existing Rs. 40 lakhs may grow to Rs. 80–90 lakhs.
– Total potential value: around Rs. 1.7–1.8 Cr at age 50.
– This is short of the target Rs. 5 Cr.

You may have a shortfall of Rs. 3–3.3 Cr at retirement age.

 
» Steps to Bridge the Shortfall

– Increase SIPs gradually every year by 10% minimum.
– If you raise SIP to Rs. 75,000/month next year, it helps a lot.
– Avoid buying any non-earning real estate.
– Don't divert funds into traditional plans or ULIPs.
– Avoid direct fund plans. Use regular funds through a trusted MFD and CFP.

Direct funds save costs but come with poor handholding. Regular funds with a CFP ensure proper guidance.

 
» How to Treat Your Equity Shares

– Rs. 20 lakhs in shares is a large direct equity exposure.
– Consider shifting part of it to diversified mutual funds.
– Direct equity has high volatility and emotional risk.
– Mutual funds offer professional management and lower emotional bias.
– Use that capital to strengthen your retirement base.

This makes your portfolio more balanced and goal-focused.

 
» Loan and Liability Consideration

– Your home loan of Rs. 37 lakhs needs repayment plan.
– Prioritise closing this loan before age 50.
– Use rental income partially for loan EMI.
– Avoid using mutual funds to close loan unless rates are too high.
– Keep your home loan and investments both running in balance.

Clearing the loan by retirement makes your income requirements lower.

 
» Child Education and Other Life Goals

– You have 2 kids below age 3.
– Major education costs will begin after 12–15 years.
– Plan separate SIPs for their education starting now.
– Rs. 15,000/month for each child in a separate SIP is ideal.
– Use diversified hybrid or flexicap funds for this.

This keeps your retirement corpus untouched.

 
» How Rental Income Helps Your Retirement

– Rs. 60,000/month rental is a strong base.
– Keep it invested for now or use it for goal-based SIPs.
– After retirement, this income reduces withdrawal pressure.
– But rents may not grow fast or may stop due to property issues.
– Hence, treat rental income as supportive, not core.

Continue to keep your own investments independent of rental money.

 
» Medical, Term and Risk Cover Needs

– Early retirement needs strong medical insurance.
– Take a family floater of Rs. 25 lakhs minimum.
– Ensure children and spouse are covered.
– Term insurance of Rs. 1 Cr or more is also a must.
– After retirement, term insurance may not be needed.
– Health cover must be continued for life.

Medical costs can eat your retirement corpus if uninsured.

 
» Why You Should Avoid Index Funds and Direct Funds

– Index funds only copy the market.
– They don’t protect you in falling markets.
– They have no fund manager insight.
– They underperform in sideways or falling markets.

Actively managed funds are better. They adjust strategies and deliver consistent returns.

– Direct funds lack service and guidance.
– There’s no review, rebalancing, or strategy input.
– Mistakes go unnoticed in direct plans.
– Wrong fund selection affects long-term returns.

Always use regular plans through MFD + CFP. That gives you both performance and service.

 
» Action Plan to Reach Your Retirement Goal

– Increase SIP to Rs. 70,000–80,000/month from next year.
– Allocate some of your Rs. 20 lakh shares into mutual funds.
– Create a separate SIP bucket for each child’s education.
– Plan to close housing loan by 48–49 age.
– Maintain emergency fund of Rs. 3–6 lakhs always.
– Keep Rs. 25 lakhs medical cover and Rs. 1 Cr term cover.
– Avoid investment-linked insurance, ULIPs, annuities, index funds.

These steps bring your retirement plan into full control.

 
» Finally

Your dream of retiring at 50 is bold and inspiring.

It needs discipline, structure, and yearly review.

You are already ahead with your habits and mindset.

With sharper asset allocation and SIP growth, you can reach the Rs. 5 Cr mark.

The earlier you tune your plan, the easier the journey becomes.

Start giving every rupee a job aligned to your retirement.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you plan, track, and review this every year.

Keep investing with clarity. Early freedom is possible.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10130 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 31, 2025Hindi
Money
I don't know anything about investment, mutual funds, SIPs etc. I want to learn and start investing. Please tell me how to start.
Ans: It is truly inspiring that you want to start investing now. Many people delay it for years. You are taking the right step at the right time. Wanting to learn is the first and best decision.

Now let me guide you from zero knowledge to confident investing. I will keep it simple, clear, and practical.

» Understand the Purpose of Investment

– Investment helps you grow your money.

– It beats inflation and protects future expenses.

– It builds wealth over time with discipline.

– Investment also supports retirement and life goals.

– Without investing, money loses value over time.

– You earn today, but investing grows that earning.

– Saving alone is not enough. Investing is must.

» Difference Between Saving and Investing

– Saving means keeping money idle or low return.

– Like bank FD or savings account.

– Investing gives you better returns by taking calculated risk.

– It involves equity, mutual funds, gold bonds, etc.

– Investing can beat inflation over the long term.

– Saving gives safety, but returns are too low.

– Investment gives growth with time and planning.

» Start with Clear Goals

– Define what you want to invest for.

– Like retirement, child’s education, wealth building.

– Write these goals down with time frames.

– Goals help you choose right investment types.

– Short-term and long-term goals need different plans.

– Having clear goals gives your money direction.

– Don’t invest blindly without knowing the reason.

» Know What Mutual Funds Are

– Mutual fund pools money from investors like you.

– A fund manager invests it in stocks or bonds.

– You get returns based on performance of those investments.

– It is managed by professionals and well-regulated.

– Mutual funds are safer than investing directly in shares.

– They are transparent and give liquidity.

– Returns are market-linked, so they can fluctuate.

– But over time, they give good growth.

» Types of Mutual Funds You Should Know

– Equity mutual funds invest mainly in stocks.

– They are for long-term wealth building.

– Returns can be higher, but fluctuate short term.

– Debt mutual funds invest in bonds and deposits.

– They are for low risk and short-term needs.

– Hybrid funds mix both equity and debt.

– They suit medium-term investors.

– All these funds are managed by experts.

» Don’t Start with Index Funds

– Index funds only copy a stock market index.

– They have no active fund manager.

– They can’t manage market falls.

– They fall fully when markets fall.

– There’s no active stock selection in them.

– They don’t offer downside protection.

– In India, actively managed funds still perform better.

– So avoid index funds in the beginning.

» Don’t Choose Direct Plans in the Beginning

– Direct mutual funds are low cost but lack guidance.

– You must select and track everything alone.

– Small mistake can lead to big losses.

– Beginners should not go for direct plans.

– Regular plans come with service and review.

– When you invest through Certified Financial Planner, you get advice.

– A CFP tracks performance and makes changes for you.

– It saves time and avoids confusion.

» SIP is a Good Way to Start

– SIP means Systematic Investment Plan.

– You invest small fixed amount every month.

– You don’t need large amount to start.

– SIP creates habit and discipline.

– It works well for salaried people.

– SIP reduces market timing risk.

– It works in both rising and falling markets.

» You Can Also Invest Lump Sum

– If you have saved money, invest lump sum.

– For lump sum, equity investment should be slow.

– You can use STP from liquid fund to equity fund.

– STP means Systematic Transfer Plan.

– It moves money every month automatically.

– It balances market entry timing.

– A Certified Financial Planner can help you set it.

» Learn the Basic Process to Start

– First, complete KYC with PAN, Aadhaar, and mobile.

– It is required for mutual fund investing.

– Then link bank account with your investment account.

– Choose a SIP amount or lump sum amount.

– Select fund categories as per your goal.

– Invest online or through a CFP platform.

– Get statement and track regularly.

» Use Only Registered Platforms

– Avoid random apps or websites.

– Use platforms where CFPs are involved.

– These platforms offer personalised investment service.

– They also offer portfolio tracking and tax reports.

– Everything stays consolidated and simple.

» Always Keep Emergency Fund Ready

– Before investing, keep 6 months expense as savings.

– Use liquid mutual funds or savings account.

– This fund protects you during job loss or health issue.

– Emergency fund avoids breaking long-term investments.

» Take Only Term Insurance for Protection

– Do not mix investment and insurance.

– Avoid ULIPs and traditional LIC plans.

– They give low returns and poor flexibility.

– If you already have such plans, consider surrendering.

– Reinvest the money in mutual funds.

– Take only term insurance for life cover.

– It is cheap and gives large cover.

» Don’t Try to Time the Market

– Many try to wait for perfect time.

– That perfect time never comes.

– Best is to start early and stay long.

– Over time, ups and downs balance out.

– Delay only reduces compounding benefit.

» Start Small But Stay Consistent

– You can start SIP with Rs.1000 also.

– Don’t wait to save big amount.

– Even small steps lead to big results.

– Increase SIP when income rises.

– Consistency is more important than amount.

» Don’t Follow Market Tips Blindly

– Many YouTube and WhatsApp groups give wrong tips.

– These tips are not suitable for you.

– Each investor has different goals.

– Avoid such noise and stay on your plan.

– A Certified Financial Planner gives customised advice.

» Track Your Investments Periodically

– Don’t check returns daily.

– Markets go up and down.

– Check performance once every 6 months.

– Rebalance the funds if needed.

– A CFP does this with proper reports.

» Taxation Rules You Should Know

– Equity fund profits after 1 year are long-term.

– LTCG above Rs.1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

– Profits before 1 year are short-term.

– STCG taxed at 20%.

– Debt funds are taxed as per your income slab.

– Plan redemptions smartly to reduce tax.

» Use Goal-Based Investment Strategy

– Set a goal for each investment.

– Like Rs.10 lakh for child’s college in 10 years.

– Then select fund as per the goal.

– This gives purpose to each rupee invested.

– It also makes tracking progress easier.

» Don’t Panic During Market Falls

– Market may fall sometimes.

– It is normal and temporary.

– Don’t stop SIPs or withdraw money.

– These corrections are part of the journey.

– Stay invested and let time work.

» Keep Your Documents Organised

– Maintain folio numbers and investment proofs.

– Save them digitally for easy access.

– Link email and mobile for alerts.

– Nominate family member for all investments.

– This avoids future legal problems.

» Learn More Slowly and Steadily

– Read about mutual fund basics from good sources.

– Follow reliable platforms and YouTube channels.

– Ask questions to a Certified Financial Planner.

– Don’t try to learn everything at once.

– Learn one step at a time and apply it.

» Stay Away from Complicated Products

– Avoid stock trading, crypto, NFOs, PMS.

– Stick to mutual funds and term insurance.

– Keep things simple and easy to manage.

– Simplicity is powerful in wealth creation.

» Have Realistic Expectations

– Mutual funds don’t give fixed returns.

– Returns change year to year.

– Expect 12% to 15% from equity over long term.

– Debt funds give 6% to 8%.

– Don’t expect miracles in short time.

– Stay calm and focused on your goals.

» Take Guidance from a Certified Financial Planner

– A CFP helps you plan investments as per your goals.

– They guide you on which funds to choose.

– They help you track and rebalance yearly.

– They give clarity and avoid confusion.

– You will get customised and unbiased advice.

– Regular plan with CFP gives complete support.

» Finally

– You have made a bold and wise move.

– Starting is more important than knowing everything.

– With right guidance, you will succeed in investing.

– Mutual funds are powerful tools for growing wealth.

– Learn gradually and invest consistently.

– Your money will work for you with time.

– Stay patient and positive. Future is bright.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10130 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 29, 2025Hindi
Money
Is ELSS really better than PPF for tax-saving? I'm not sure what to choose. I'm 29 years old, working in an MNC with a take-home salary of 1.2 lakh/month. I currently invest 1.5 lakh in PPF to save tax under Section 80C, and keep around 5 lakh in fixed deposits. A few colleagues suggested ELSS for higher returns and better liquidity. I'm confused. Should I shift some of my tax-saving investments to ELSS or continue with the safer PPF route?
Ans: You’ve done very well by starting your PPF investments early. At 29, you’ve taken a responsible step. Many in their 20s delay long-term financial thinking. You also have a decent monthly salary and healthy savings in FDs. That shows good financial discipline.

However, your question is a very common one today. Many are told ELSS is better for tax-saving than PPF. But that’s not always true. Let us evaluate in detail.

» Understanding PPF: The Safety-First Tax Saver

– PPF gives fixed, government-backed interest.

– The interest rate changes every quarter. It is around 7%–8% currently.

– PPF has a 15-year lock-in period. You cannot fully withdraw before that.

– Partial withdrawal is allowed only after 5 years, under limited conditions.

– PPF is tax-exempt at all stages. Investment, interest, and maturity—all are tax-free.

– Ideal for conservative investors. Suitable for goals like retirement or children’s future.

– It is best for risk-averse investors who want stability.

– No market-linked volatility. So, no negative return risk.

– It suits people who value capital safety over returns.

– You can open a PPF account in post office or authorised banks.

» Understanding ELSS: The Market-Linked Tax Saver

– ELSS stands for Equity Linked Saving Scheme.

– It is a mutual fund category with tax benefits under Section 80C.

– 80% to 100% of its portfolio is in equity and equity-related instruments.

– It has the shortest lock-in under 80C—only 3 years.

– However, liquidity doesn’t mean guaranteed easy exit. Value fluctuates.

– Market falls can affect returns even after 3 years.

– Over long periods (7–10 years), ELSS has potential to beat inflation and fixed returns.

– It is suited for long-term investors who can handle some market risk.

– ELSS can help you create wealth, unlike PPF which mainly preserves capital.

– Investment is eligible for Rs 1.5 lakh deduction under 80C.

– However, returns are taxable. LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

– STCG (if redeemed before 1 year) is taxed at 20%.

» Risk-Reward Comparison: PPF vs ELSS

– PPF offers guaranteed but modest returns.

– ELSS offers potentially higher returns but no guarantee.

– PPF suits those who are not comfortable with capital erosion.

– ELSS suits those who want long-term wealth creation.

– PPF works best for those with fixed goals in mind and fixed time frames.

– ELSS fits those who can remain invested for 7+ years without worrying about ups and downs.

– ELSS can outperform PPF over long periods, but may underperform in the short term.

– Volatility in ELSS is higher. Returns can vary based on market cycle.

– PPF does not carry market risk. ELSS does.

» Tax Efficiency: Which Saves More?

– PPF offers EEE benefit. No tax at entry, on interest, or on maturity.

– ELSS investment is tax-deductible under 80C.

– But returns are taxable. Gains over Rs 1.25 lakh attract LTCG tax of 12.5%.

– Also, if sold before 12 months, 20% STCG tax applies.

– Therefore, even if ELSS gives higher gross return, net benefit may reduce.

– PPF’s tax-free maturity gives clear advantage for conservative investors.

– For high earners in higher tax brackets, ELSS’s post-tax gains may still be attractive over time.

» Liquidity and Flexibility

– ELSS has 3-year lock-in, but recommended holding is 5–7 years minimum.

– After 3 years, you can redeem or switch as needed.

– PPF has strict withdrawal norms. Liquidity is poor in early years.

– Partial withdrawal allowed only after 5th year.

– Loan facility is available on PPF between 3rd and 6th year.

– If liquidity is a concern, ELSS offers more flexibility.

– But flexibility with volatility requires emotional discipline too.

» Asset Allocation Advice for You

– At age 29, you have long investment horizon.

– You can take some calculated risk for better wealth creation.

– PPF is excellent for long-term stability. Continue contributing a base amount.

– But putting full Rs 1.5 lakh in PPF limits your return potential.

– You may consider splitting your 80C investments.

– Invest Rs 75,000 in PPF to keep safety base.

– Invest remaining Rs 75,000 in ELSS via SIP mode.

– SIP reduces risk of market timing and gives rupee-cost averaging.

– This mix gives both stability and growth.

– It also builds market experience gradually without taking full exposure.

– In future, as income grows, increase ELSS portion gradually.

» Why Not to Choose Index Funds

– Index funds only track a market index. No active research or stock selection.

– They perform as per the index—no outperformance.

– In volatile or sideways markets, index funds can stay flat.

– Actively managed funds can outperform index funds in Indian markets.

– Indian markets are not yet fully efficient. Stock picking by experts still adds value.

– Also, index funds don’t protect in market crashes. Active funds may shift to defensive sectors.

– Therefore, ELSS with active management is better for tax-saving than index-linked ELSS.

» Why Not to Choose Direct Funds

– Direct funds have lower expense ratios. But savings are often overestimated.

– Without guidance, fund selection and rebalancing becomes random.

– Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner give handholding.

– A qualified MFD with CFP credential monitors your goals and adjusts plan.

– They align investments with your timeline and risk profile.

– DIY investors often make emotional mistakes—panic exits, wrong funds, over-diversification.

– Cost of wrong decision is much higher than expense ratio difference.

– Therefore, invest in regular plans via an MFD with CFP certification.

» Disadvantages of Using Only PPF

– You lose out on equity growth.

– Returns may not beat inflation over long term.

– Fixed rate investments limit wealth creation.

– Over-dependence on fixed return schemes may delay goals.

– Especially for retirement or children’s higher education, equity is essential.

– If you only use PPF, you may need to save more to meet the same goal.

» Your FD Position: Reconsider the Allocation

– You are keeping Rs 5 lakh in fixed deposits.

– FD returns are taxable fully as per your slab.

– FD rates are not inflation-adjusted. Post-tax returns are lower.

– Consider moving part of FD corpus to hybrid mutual funds.

– Hybrid funds give some market exposure with lower risk than ELSS.

– If you want liquidity and better returns than FD, hybrid funds help.

– Keep emergency fund equal to 6–8 months’ expenses in FD or liquid funds.

– Avoid excess cash parking in FDs beyond emergency need.

» Practical Action Steps for You

– Maintain Rs 75,000 yearly in PPF to keep safe corpus building.

– Start a Rs 6,000/month SIP in ELSS for 80C savings and equity exposure.

– Choose regular ELSS plans and invest through a CFP-qualified MFD.

– Avoid ELSS direct plans unless you have deep fund knowledge.

– Keep Rs 2–3 lakh in FD for emergencies. Shift rest to hybrid mutual funds.

– Review your allocation every 12 months. Rebalance as per your life stage.

– Avoid mixing insurance and investments. Don’t buy ULIP or traditional policies for tax.

– Focus on goal-based planning. Align tax-saving tools to your goals.

» Finally

– You are young. You can afford to take calculated investment risk.

– PPF is great for safety. ELSS adds wealth-building power.

– Don’t blindly follow colleagues. Choose what suits your goals and risk comfort.

– A balanced approach—some in PPF, some in ELSS—is ideal for you today.

– Over time, shift more towards equity as your confidence grows.

– Use regular mutual funds with a CFP-guided MFD for right choices.

– Avoid index funds and direct plans. Avoid short-term temptation over long-term stability.

– With proper guidance, your savings will grow with less stress.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10130 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir I have retired from a private school in New Delhi in July 2023. My pension is Rs 3344 per month after 25 years of service. Will I benefit from the EPFO hike of Rs 7500 minimum pension per month??
Ans: You’ve rightly asked about the recent EPFO pension increase. Many pensioners across India are seeking clarity on this. Your concern is valid and deserves a full explanation from all angles.

» Current pension of Rs 3344 is based on old EPS rules

– Your pension comes from Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) under EPFO.
– EPS is part of your EPF contributions during your job.
– Rs 3344 per month is what you currently get.
– This is calculated based on service years and salary history.
– EPS pensions are often low due to wage ceiling caps.
– Till now, the minimum monthly EPS pension was Rs 1000.

» Recent discussions around Rs 7500 minimum pension

– EPFO Board has proposed a hike in minimum pension.
– Proposal is to raise it to Rs 7500 per month.
– This proposal was sent to the Government of India.
– But it is not yet approved or implemented.
– Central Government must accept and notify this change.
– As of now, there is no official hike implemented.

» Will you automatically get Rs 7500 if approved?

– Yes, if the Rs 7500 minimum gets approved.
– All EPS pensioners getting less than Rs 7500 will benefit.
– That includes you and others below the new threshold.
– You will see a revision in pension credit automatically.
– No need to apply again or submit extra forms.
– EPFO will revise records centrally for all eligible retirees.

» When will this Rs 7500 proposal be approved?

– No fixed timeline yet from the Government.
– It needs Union Cabinet clearance and Budget allocation.
– May depend on political and financial decisions.
– Discussions are ongoing at ministry level.
– Keep checking EPFO and newspaper updates every month.

» Why current EPS pensions are too low despite long service

– EPS uses capped wage of Rs 15000 per month (or lower earlier).
– Even if your salary was higher, only capped value is considered.
– Contribution to EPS is only 8.33% of this capped amount.
– No compounding in EPS, unlike EPF.
– So total pension corpus stays small.
– That is why most EPS pensions stay below Rs 3500 per month.

» Understanding EPS pension is different from NPS or EPF

– EPF gives lump sum at retirement with interest.
– EPS gives monthly pension after age 58.
– Your pension is fixed and not linked to inflation.
– EPS cannot be withdrawn fully after retirement.
– It is different from private pension or insurance schemes.

» You cannot increase this pension now

– After retirement, EPS pension amount cannot be modified.
– You cannot deposit more to get higher pension.
– Even if minimum pension is raised, it will apply only if approved.
– No voluntary top-up possible in EPS after service ends.

» No online way to check status of Rs 7500 revision

– EPFO portal does not yet reflect this pension revision.
– It will show current credited pension only.
– Future hikes, once implemented, will reflect automatically.
– You can use the pensioner passbook service on EPFO website.

» If you opted for higher pension contribution earlier

– You may benefit more if you chose higher pension option.
– This was offered after a Supreme Court ruling.
– Higher pension option allows full salary-based contribution to EPS.
– If you opted before deadline, pension could be recalculated.
– But if you didn’t opt, your amount stays as per old method.

» What you can do now while waiting

– Keep checking your pension passbook every 2–3 months.
– Keep Aadhaar, bank details, and life certificate updated.
– Use Jeevan Pramaan portal or visit post office for life certificate.
– Ensure your pension continues without interruption.
– If Rs 7500 hike gets approved, you will receive arrears too.

» Build additional monthly income beyond EPS pension

– Rs 3344 pension is very small in current times.
– You need to plan additional income for peaceful living.
– If you have EPF corpus left, reinvest it wisely.
– Use mutual funds for better monthly income.
– Choose regular plans via Certified Financial Planner or MFD.
– Avoid direct funds, as they don’t offer guidance.
– A planner helps you withdraw smartly and sustainably.

» Disadvantages of relying only on EPS or EPF

– EPS pension is fixed and doesn’t rise with inflation.
– EPF corpus may not last 20–25 years of retirement.
– Medical and living costs rise faster than PF interest.
– You need flexible, growing monthly income.
– Diversified mutual fund investment can offer better returns.
– Don’t depend on pension alone for lifetime needs.

» Avoid index funds and direct mutual funds for monthly income

– Index funds follow market blindly.
– No strategy to protect you in bad times.
– They offer no human management or market insights.
– Direct funds offer no professional help or review.
– Mistakes go unchecked in direct investing.
– Regular funds via trusted expert help you plan better.

» Other monthly income tools you can explore

– Choose balanced mutual funds for stability and growth.
– Use Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from funds.
– You can get monthly cash flow like pension.
– Better control and growth than EPS or annuities.
– No need to lock money like annuity plans.

» Why you should not choose annuities

– Annuities give fixed return, often lower than inflation.
– Capital is mostly locked.
– No liquidity or growth.
– Inheritance benefit is low.
– Mutual fund SWP gives more control and returns.

» EPS pension hike depends on political decisions

– Pension increase is not a financial rule change.
– It is a welfare policy matter.
– Government must budget and approve it.
– So approval may take time or be delayed.
– Stay updated through pensioners’ association or EPFO news.

» Make sure pension account details are accurate

– Your pension goes to bank account linked to EPFO.
– Check bank IFSC and Aadhaar are correct.
– Any error can stop pension.
– Submit correction request if any mismatch is found.
– Visit your regional EPFO office if portal doesn’t work.

» Plan for medical expenses from now

– Government pension schemes do not offer medical cover.
– Use part of your savings for health insurance.
– Choose senior citizen plan with lifelong renewability.
– Even basic cover reduces hospital stress later.

» Use part of corpus for long-term income plan

– If you got EPF lump sum at retirement, don’t keep idle.
– Keep emergency amount in bank.
– Rest should be invested to generate monthly cash flow.
– Don’t use full amount at once.
– Use SWP approach from mutual funds.
– Take help of Certified Financial Planner.
– Rebalance your investments every year.

» Stay updated through EPF pensioner support

– Use EPFO pensioner portal to track your account.
– Register mobile number and UAN properly.
– Contact regional EPFO office if issue arises.
– Pensioners can also submit life certificate via mobile app.

» Avoid waiting for government schemes alone

– EPS hike may or may not come this year.
– You cannot depend on it completely.
– Take personal action to secure your future.
– Monthly investments and smart withdrawals give more peace.
– Small steps now give big results later.

» Finally

– Your Rs 3344 pension may increase only if the Rs 7500 proposal is approved.
– As of now, there is no confirmed hike.
– You need to plan other income sources urgently.
– Use mutual funds with planner guidance for flexible cash flow.
– Avoid index funds, annuities, and direct funds.
– Depend on a balanced, guided approach for retirement income.
– Stay alert and proactive with your pension updates.
– Take help where needed, but don’t wait too long to act.

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  |9899 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Career
My son has completed B Tech in CSE in 2024. He selected in campus in a small Company. He has completed 1 year service. His roll is Java Developer. Now due to no Project, the Company insisted him for resigning. So my question is what to do after resigning. Can 1 year of experience is sufficient for applying another Company? Kindly suggest and guide me
Ans: Prashant Sir, With one year of experience as a Java Developer after a B.Tech in CSE, your son is positioned to successfully apply for roles in the tech industry, provided he implements a strategic job search. Most tech recruiters value early professional experience, particularly when paired with active upskilling in relevant programming languages and frameworks (such as Spring Boot or cloud services) and continuous soft skill development through courses or certifications from platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning. A resume should focus on tangible achievements—highlighting real-world projects, technologies used, and impact, not just job duties. Updating a LinkedIn profile with detailed skills, endorsements, and professional connections greatly increases visibility; daily or weekly engagement with the platform, following recruiters and companies, and leveraging the job alerts section ensures more targeted leads. Networking with industry professionals, joining technical forums, and reaching out to alumni help uncover hidden opportunities, while participating in freelance or open-source projects illustrates initiative and growth. Job portals like Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, and Naukri are key for applying, but the process should be paired with personalized cover letters and resume tailoring for each application. Engaging with career coaches can provide mock interviews, guidance on personal branding, and clarity on positioning experience for better roles. The competitive market for junior developers may require resilience, broad job applications, and a willingness to consider contract, project-based, or mid-tier company roles as stepping stones to top firms.

Recommendation: Your son should proactively improve his technical and communication skills via certifications and projects, maintain an optimized resume and LinkedIn profile, and actively network with domain professionals. Systematic job applications and upskilling—combined with persistence—will maximize chances of securing a stronger IT position leveraging his one-year development experience. All the BEST for Your Son's Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10130 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 29, 2025Hindi
Money
I have a question on my EPF, I am unable to transfer my old PF money to new company pf account. Everytime I tried it got rejected by field officer and I go to know the information stating previously in old organisation I had applied for pension now that option is not opted by me hence cannot be transfered. I left as is.. because interest was getting accumulated for the old PF account. Now I am worried because the interest did not get credited for this year 2024-25. Please can someone help me about this.
Ans: You’ve acted wisely by tracking your EPF.

Your concern is genuine. Many employees face similar EPF transfer issues due to pension-related mismatches. Let's understand your situation clearly and offer practical, 360-degree solutions.

» EPF transfer rejection due to pension option error

– You had applied for pension withdrawal in your old job.
– That means your EPS account (pension) was settled earlier.
– Now, while transferring, your PF and EPS are both linked.
– Since EPS is already settled, EPFO system is rejecting the request.
– System expects both PF and EPS to be available for transfer.
– But EPS is missing, hence the mismatch causes rejection.

» Leaving old EPF as it is: why it worked till now

– You noticed interest was accumulating till last year.
– EPFO pays interest even on inactive accounts for up to 3 years.
– So, if your old PF became inactive in 2021–22, interest will stop after 2024–25.
– That’s why no interest got credited this year.
– EPFO changed rules: after 3 years of inactivity, interest stops.
– So your old EPF is now considered inoperative.

» Understanding inoperative EPF and its impact

– Inoperative PF earns no interest after 3 years of no contribution.
– This hits long-term compounding badly.
– You will lose value due to inflation.
– Funds remain safe but growth stops.
– You can still withdraw it anytime.
– But it won’t grow anymore.

» How EPS withdrawal earlier blocks transfer now

– EPS (Employee Pension Scheme) and EPF run together.
– When you withdrew EPS from old job, the system marked that account “settled”.
– So, only PF balance remained.
– EPFO transfer system checks for both PF and EPS.
– Since EPS was withdrawn, system thinks account is closed.
– Hence, it doesn’t allow PF transfer alone.
– Manual intervention becomes necessary in this case.

» Next step: what you can do now

– Don’t worry. This is fixable with the right steps.
– You have two main options to act now.

» Option 1: Withdraw the old PF money fully

– Since your old PF account is not earning interest now, you can withdraw.
– Visit https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/
– Login using UAN and OTP.
– Go to ‘Online Services’ → ‘Claim (Form-31, 19 & 10C)’.
– Choose Form-19 for full PF withdrawal.
– Fill and submit claim.
– Funds will be credited in 5–15 working days.
– Make sure your bank details, Aadhaar, PAN, UAN are linked and verified.
– This is the easiest and cleanest way forward now.

» Option 2: Try manual EPF transfer through grievance portal

– If you still want to transfer funds to new PF account, go for manual route.
– Visit EPF grievance portal: https://epfigms.gov.in/
– Select ‘Register Grievance’.
– Fill your UAN, personal and employment details.
– In subject, mention: “Unable to transfer old PF due to EPS withdrawal”.
– Write clearly: “EPS already settled. Request PF transfer only.”
– Attach relevant documents: previous PF passbook, EPS settlement proof, UAN card, Aadhaar.
– Ask EPFO to allow manual PF-only transfer.
– Follow up with Field Officer at your regional EPFO office.

» Understanding why withdrawal may be better than transfer here

– Your old PF account has stopped earning interest now.
– Keeping idle money in EPFO doesn't make sense.
– You’re missing future growth.
– Transferring also needs manual efforts and delays.
– Withdrawal is faster and cleaner.
– You can reinvest withdrawn money in growth-based instruments.
– You can build wealth more actively from that amount.

» What if you are not able to withdraw also?

– If portal shows error or bank/Aadhaar not updated, do this:
– Go to your employer’s HR for KYC update in EPFO.
– Submit Aadhaar, PAN, and cancelled cheque.
– Once approved by employer, you can withdraw.
– Or update these online in EPFO portal under ‘Manage > KYC’.
– Keep checking status every few days.

» Avoid delay and inaction anymore

– The earlier you act, the better.
– Every month your idle EPF loses earning power.
– Don’t let inflation reduce your corpus value.
– Reinvesting now gives better financial outcomes.

» Reinvest EPF withdrawal smartly for better growth

– If you withdraw EPF, don’t let it sit in savings account.
– You can invest in long-term diversified funds.
– Select regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner or MFD.
– Avoid direct plans.
– Direct funds give no guidance or support.
– Regular funds through an expert help in goal-based, reviewed investing.
– This brings discipline and avoids emotional decisions.

» Why direct mutual funds are not right for most investors

– Direct funds look cheap but lack personalised advice.
– You must track, manage, and rebalance yourself.
– No one guides you if market falls or goals change.
– Without CFP-led support, chances of mistakes are high.
– Many direct fund users exit early or choose wrong schemes.
– Regular plans with expert help lead to better long-term behaviour.
– Costs are higher, but results and peace of mind are better.

» Build long-term wealth using the withdrawn PF amount

– You can split the amount into short-term and long-term goals.
– Use debt mutual funds for next 1–3 year goals.
– Use equity mutual funds for 5+ years goals.
– Avoid index funds.
– Index funds copy market returns only.
– They do not adapt to market conditions.
– They cannot beat inflation in all phases.
– Actively managed funds can outperform with expert decisions.
– Choose experienced fund houses with good track record.

» Keep future PF accounts active always

– In your new job, ensure your EPF is regularly updated.
– Link Aadhaar and PAN with UAN.
– Download passbook every 6 months and track interest.
– Update nominee details.
– Keep mobile number active and linked.
– Regular monitoring prevents similar problems in future.

» Watch out for new EPF rules and interest changes

– EPFO interest rate changes yearly.
– Inactive accounts earn nothing after 3 years.
– Keep PF active by contributing or transferring.
– Long gaps reduce interest benefit.
– Track annual credit in April–July every year.

» Use grievance portal for any future issues

– EPF-related issues are best resolved via: https://epfigms.gov.in/
– Raise ticket with UAN and issue details.
– Attach screenshots or documents if needed.
– EPFO responds within 10–15 days usually.
– Follow up by calling regional office if delay happens.

» Consider PF partial withdrawal only when needed

– You can withdraw PF for home, marriage, or medical needs.
– But full withdrawal should be done only after job change or unemployment.
– Avoid breaking PF for short-term needs.
– It breaks long-term compounding.
– Use emergency funds instead.

» EPS amount once withdrawn cannot be restored

– Since you withdrew EPS earlier, you cannot restore pension benefit now.
– Only PF balance is available now.
– Future employers will build new EPS account.
– At retirement, EPS benefit depends on service years and contribution.
– Keep tracking EPS service years regularly.

» Build a backup for retirement beyond EPF

– EPF alone is not enough for retirement.
– It is low-growth and conservative.
– Use SIPs in equity funds through regular plans.
– Use PPF or debt funds for stability.
– Build a diversified retirement corpus over time.
– Don’t depend only on EPF interest.

» Final Insights

– You’ve done well by monitoring EPF and raising concerns.
– Act quickly now—withdraw or request manual transfer.
– Let the funds work for you again.
– In future, avoid PF inactivity beyond 3 years.
– Reinvest the funds for long-term wealth.
– Take support from a trusted CFP-led platform or MFD.
– Avoid DIY mistakes in mutual funds.
– Build a better, stable future using informed choices.

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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