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Lost job at 53, scared and feeling lost, how do I cope with uncertainty and rebuild my life?

Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |340 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jan 28, 2025

Professor Suvasish Mukhopadhyay, fondly known as ‘happiness guru’, is a mentor and author with 33 years of teaching experience.
He has guided and motivated graduate and postgraduate students in science and technology to choose the right course and excel in their careers.
Professor Suvasish has authored 47 books and counselled thousands of students and individuals about tackling challenges in their careers and relationships in his three-decade-long professional journey.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 24, 2025Hindi
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Career

Dear Professor I am 53 years old. Happily married having grown up kids 23 and 19. Recently I lost my job and unable to find a new one. It has been three months I am very scared of my future although I have savings of approximately 1.80 crore and a nice house. My elder son is in the final stages of settling abroad and my younger one will also follow him. I am afraid with little savings and kids settling abroad how I will survive and who will look after me in our old age? Now I also feel guilty about looking after my aged parents living with my divorced sister at my ancestral place although they are financially well off. I was very enthusiastic and successful in my career but since I lost my job I have also lost my confidence and zeal in life. I am feeling very low. I was already on medication for stress and hypertension before I lost my job. Please advise.

Ans: In Indian Scenario your saving is not bad provided you don't have any educational loan for your children. If you keep 1.8 Crores in SBI as a FD you will get per month approx interest INR-123000/- per month, though IT will be applicable. It's not a good amount if I consider a good life style. But I suggest you to find a new job and connect different people in LINKEDIN. What is your qualification? What kind of job you were doing? Let me know all the details related to your job profile. I can imagine your situation. It is just like thrown from an aircraft in high altitude without parachute. Insecurity is very natural. Please furnish the details so that I can guide you in a better way. Don't break down. Everything will be OK, it's a matter of time. Best of luck. Professor..............................:)
Career

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Asked by Anonymous - Jun 06, 2023Hindi
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I am 48 years old. Ever since my childhood I was a bright student but was denied education and other facilities like good clothes, footwears etc despite I was being a only son having 2 sisters, where as eldest sister was provided with extra facilities which she did not care for. Our economical background was moderate. We were not poor. After my schooling which was free I completed my diploma and degree in mech. Engg(long distance education) of my own and worked in related companies for 10 years. My performance was appreciated orally but received nominal monitory benefits. After that I learnt Info Tech skills from my savings and worked in IT field for 16 years. Here also my work was highly appreciated but received quite a minimal monitory benefits, May be because of my very simple and state forward nature but not naïve one certainly. Now since last 1 year I learnt trading skills in share market, but here also, even though I am not in loss but is still awaiting a minimum satisfactory success. I am able to cater to all the requirement of my nuclear family but does not have a car and still not able to make long distance tours. Now days I feel like I am a big looser and also feel like my luck will never let me win big. Whereas most of my friends have achieved great success in less than 5% struggle than mine with the help of their parents. I am feeling diminished, lost, wasted and hapless/hopeless. Kindly suggest.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Let's accept that not all of us are born with a silver spoon and furthermore, we may always be at the losing end with core relationships as well...
At 48, do you want to go back in time and count all that went wrong, how unfair people and life was? Are you able to change anything? NO!

1. You cannot change your past but you can certainly change the way you feel about it.
2. The way you feel about your past is what will create your current reality. You can check with yourself; your present life is possibly filled with challenges and short-lived happy times. That is because you have chosen to play the VICTIM card even now. What happens in the past, stays there.
3. Why not instead laud your efforts at learning new skills at trading and expand your expertise through certifications and other forms of learning? This will not only help at work but will also teach you to look within yourself more.
4. I am unsure if your statistic of 5% is something that you have come up with enough research
5. Your parents did what they could and to accept it even if you feel unfairly treated is the only way you can move ahead

Choose: Play the victim of the past OR Play the creator of the present and future.

To choose the latter will mean. letting go of the past that you are holding onto? Are you ready to do this? I am sure you want to; who wouldn't want to create a better life for themselves?

All the best!

..Read more

Maxim

Maxim Emmanuel  | Answer  |Ask -

Soft Skills Trainer - Answered on May 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 20, 2024Hindi
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Career
Sir, I am 27 years old, Single. Its been 2 years + I am doing private 3 years project contractual job this contractual job.its going to complete in Dec 31st 2024. I gave Ctet teacher exam but i failed 3 time. But i m not focusing in State tet so, i want focus but in market lots of content and i dont have gude what shall i do. I am not happy with my current job. This job changes me alot in my caracter now, i cant sleep properly because if this job will finished what shall i do, till yet i have not creck any exam. And if i go in market i started to forgot ex:- After giving money i forgot to take back, after giving money i forgot to take things sometime. My age also gainig if want to marry so, i have earned money or save money i have to bear all expenses because my parents financially poor if I want save, same time i need to look my younger brother study expenses i need to bear and family running mantainance and also have EMI loans need to pay and also i am helping my parents to build their house with my own money my parents does not have money for my marriage. Now i have overthinking, depression, fear, feeling lossing confident, my dream job also get critical in this situation what shall i do. In office also staff try to polling down because i am getting higher salary what shall i do. For this reason just resently my health conditions because worse my pressure 139 felt vomit feel dizzy. What shall I do now Sir.
Ans: I have gone through your query and understand that you are at the Cross roads of Life.

It's at these times... When the going gets tough... The tough gets gong.
That's your strength.. A tough resilient young lady!
Kindly note you are doing an excellent job hence rewarded with better pay in your organization.. Obviously there's going to be jealousy..Be calm & Handle it with maturity.

Now I understand you are very committed selfless person. Who's contributing a lot to your family,... Wow in fact helping build your own new house. !

In regards to your contractual job, talk to your employer, let them know, that you would have to look for another job post December 2024 if there's no clear further commitment.

In regard to your marriage at 27 you aren't too old to find a like minded partner don't rush and regret, start the process through matrimonial apps.

I see you talk about your health, especially blood pressure, well that's because you are unduly stressed.
Add tender coconut water to your diet, talk to a proper Ayurvedic doctor..!

I am sure you will get over this mid life syndrome and invite us all for your happy day!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Prof Suvasish

Prof Suvasish Mukhopadhyay  |340 Answers  |Ask -

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7720 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Listen
Money
Sir , i need financial advise I am from kashmir we are financially poor we are depends on agricultural sector but unfortunately my father dies and i became a alone man in my family. So can you tell me how. I can get out from this to become rich . I àm 18 yrs old student so i became depresed day by day for poor financial condition. And i want to become a rich so i took in 11th commerce stream that can give me a knowledge about business. So who to start from what to what. Who to raise funds to become enterpuner
Ans: You are taking the right step by studying commerce. Learning about business, finance, and entrepreneurship will help you build a strong foundation.

Focus on Education
Study commerce seriously. It will give you business knowledge.

Read books on entrepreneurship and finance. Simple books will help.

Watch free business and finance content online. Learn from successful people.

Improve your English and communication skills. This will help in business.

Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. Entrepreneurs need these.

Identify Your Strengths
What are you good at? Find your strengths and improve them.

Are you interested in farming, business, or something else? Choose your path.

If you have skills like writing, designing, or coding, use them to earn money.

Start Small
You don’t need a big investment to start. Find low-cost business ideas.

Agriculture-based small businesses can work in Kashmir.

Consider online businesses. Dropshipping, freelancing, or digital marketing can help.

Sell handmade products, dry fruits, or traditional items online.

Start a YouTube channel or blog on a topic you love.

Teach students or provide tuition. Many students need guidance.

Raising Funds
Save a little from whatever income you get. Start small but be consistent.

Look for government schemes for young entrepreneurs. Many offer financial help.

Apply for business loans or grants from banks when you are ready.

Find local investors who may believe in your idea.

Work part-time or freelance to build savings.

Building a Mindset
Never lose hope. Struggles make you stronger.

Learn from failures. They are lessons, not losses.

Have patience. Success takes time.

Be disciplined with money. Avoid wasteful spending.

Stay around positive and hardworking people.

If you start learning and acting today, you will see changes in a few years. Keep going.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7720 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Listen
Sir , i need financial advise I am from kashmir we are financially poor we are depends on agricultural sector but unfortunately my father dies and i became a alone man in my family. So can you tell me how. I can get out from this to become rich . I àm 18 yrs old student so i became depresed day by day for poor financial condition. And i want to become a rich so i took in 11th commerce stream that can give me a knowledge about business. So who to start from what to what. Who to raise funds to become enterpuner
Ans: You are taking the right step by studying commerce. Learning about business, finance, and entrepreneurship will help you build a strong foundation.

Focus on Education
Study commerce seriously. It will give you business knowledge.

Read books on entrepreneurship and finance. Simple books will help.

Watch free business and finance content online. Learn from successful people.

Improve your English and communication skills. This will help in business.

Develop problem-solving and decision-making skills. Entrepreneurs need these.

Identify Your Strengths
What are you good at? Find your strengths and improve them.

Are you interested in farming, business, or something else? Choose your path.

If you have skills like writing, designing, or coding, use them to earn money.

Start Small
You don’t need a big investment to start. Find low-cost business ideas.

Agriculture-based small businesses can work in Kashmir.

Consider online businesses. Dropshipping, freelancing, or digital marketing can help.

Sell handmade products, dry fruits, or traditional items online.

Start a YouTube channel or blog on a topic you love.

Teach students or provide tuition. Many students need guidance.

Raising Funds
Save a little from whatever income you get. Start small but be consistent.

Look for government schemes for young entrepreneurs. Many offer financial help.

Apply for business loans or grants from banks when you are ready.

Find local investors who may believe in your idea.

Work part-time or freelance to build savings.

Building a Mindset
Never lose hope. Struggles make you stronger.

Learn from failures. They are lessons, not losses.

Have patience. Success takes time.

Be disciplined with money. Avoid wasteful spending.

Stay around positive and hardworking people.

If you start learning and acting today, you will see changes in a few years. Keep going.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7720 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
Which are the best mutual funds in India as of January 2025 for long term wealth generation of 1 crore and above with SIP 30000/month for 10 years. Expenses Child Education, Marriage, New Home.
Ans: You are making a great decision to invest Rs. 30,000 per month. This disciplined approach helps build significant wealth.

Your goals include child’s education, marriage, and a new home. Each goal requires a well-structured investment strategy.

You want to accumulate Rs. 1 crore or more in 10 years. Achieving this requires a balance of growth and stability.

Mutual funds are an excellent choice for long-term wealth creation. Choosing the right categories enhances returns.

Selecting the Right Mutual Fund Categories
Flexi Cap Funds
These funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. They adjust based on market opportunities.

They provide stability while capturing growth potential. A strong fund manager ensures effective allocation.

This category suits long-term wealth creation. It balances risk and returns efficiently.

Large & Mid Cap Funds
They invest in large and mid-sized companies. This provides a mix of stability and high growth.

Mid-cap exposure enhances returns over long periods. Large caps add stability during market corrections.

Ideal for goals like home purchase and child’s education. They provide strong long-term growth.

Mid Cap Funds
These funds focus on mid-sized companies with strong growth potential. They outperform large caps over long periods.

Higher volatility requires patience. Staying invested ensures significant wealth accumulation.

Best suited for long-term goals beyond 7-10 years. They add high-growth potential to the portfolio.

Balanced Advantage Funds
These funds dynamically shift between equity and debt. This reduces risk while capturing market upside.

They provide stability during market downturns. This ensures smoother investment growth.

Ideal for goals with moderate risk appetite. Suitable for child’s education and home purchase.

International Funds
Adding international exposure improves diversification. It reduces dependence on the Indian economy.

Investing in global giants enhances portfolio quality. These funds offer exposure to sectors not available in India.

A small allocation provides a balanced portfolio. Helps in hedging against local market fluctuations.

Avoiding Index Funds and Direct Funds
Index funds only follow the market. They do not generate extra returns through active management.

Actively managed funds have experienced fund managers. They help beat market returns over the long term.

Direct funds require personal management. Investing through an MFD with a CFP ensures expert guidance.

Regular plans provide better long-term outcomes. This avoids costly mistakes in fund selection.

Asset Allocation for Your Goals
Allocate across different fund categories. This balances growth, risk, and stability.

Equity exposure should be dominant. This ensures high returns over 10 years.

Debt allocation should be minimal at this stage. It can increase closer to goal timelines.

A systematic investment approach ensures disciplined wealth creation. This reduces market timing risks.

Investment Strategy for Rs. 30,000 SIP
Flexi Cap Fund – Rs. 7,500 per month

Large & Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 6,000 per month

Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 5,500 per month

Balanced Advantage Fund – Rs. 5,000 per month

International Fund – Rs. 3,000 per month

Sectoral/Thematic Fund (Optional) – Rs. 3,000 per month

Managing Risk and Returns
Long-term investing reduces volatility risks. Staying invested for 10 years ensures compounding benefits.

Periodic review helps in adjusting allocations. A CFP can guide portfolio rebalancing based on market conditions.

Diversification enhances stability. Multiple categories reduce concentration risk.

Avoid frequent changes. Switching funds often affects returns negatively.

SIP and STP for Additional Investments
If you have lump sum funds, invest via STP. This reduces market timing risks.

A systematic transfer plan moves money gradually. This captures market movements effectively.

A mix of SIP and STP ensures better entry points. This enhances long-term returns.

Tax Efficiency and Withdrawal Planning
Long-term capital gains tax applies after one year. Keeping funds for 10 years optimises tax efficiency.

Systematic withdrawal planning is important. Structured withdrawals minimise tax outgo.

Tax-saving funds can be considered for additional benefits. These provide deductions under Section 80C.

Final Insights
A well-planned SIP strategy helps achieve Rs. 1 crore and beyond.

A mix of flexi cap, mid cap, and balanced funds creates stability.

Avoiding index and direct funds improves returns. Expert guidance ensures better fund selection.

Periodic reviews and disciplined investing are key. Staying invested ensures wealth creation.

Diversification across asset classes adds protection. International exposure provides additional benefits.

Your goals are achievable with proper planning. A structured approach ensures financial success.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7720 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
Money
Which are the best mutual funds in India as of January 2025 for long term wealth generation of 1 crore and above with SIP 30000/month for 10 years. Expenses Child Education, Marriage, New Home.
Ans: You are making a great decision to invest Rs. 30,000 per month. This disciplined approach helps build significant wealth.

Your goals include child’s education, marriage, and a new home. Each goal requires a well-structured investment strategy.

You want to accumulate Rs. 1 crore or more in 10 years. Achieving this requires a balance of growth and stability.

Mutual funds are an excellent choice for long-term wealth creation. Choosing the right categories enhances returns.

Selecting the Right Mutual Fund Categories
Flexi Cap Funds
These funds invest across large, mid, and small-cap stocks. They adjust based on market opportunities.

They provide stability while capturing growth potential. A strong fund manager ensures effective allocation.

This category suits long-term wealth creation. It balances risk and returns efficiently.

Large & Mid Cap Funds
They invest in large and mid-sized companies. This provides a mix of stability and high growth.

Mid-cap exposure enhances returns over long periods. Large caps add stability during market corrections.

Ideal for goals like home purchase and child’s education. They provide strong long-term growth.

Mid Cap Funds
These funds focus on mid-sized companies with strong growth potential. They outperform large caps over long periods.

Higher volatility requires patience. Staying invested ensures significant wealth accumulation.

Best suited for long-term goals beyond 7-10 years. They add high-growth potential to the portfolio.

Balanced Advantage Funds
These funds dynamically shift between equity and debt. This reduces risk while capturing market upside.

They provide stability during market downturns. This ensures smoother investment growth.

Ideal for goals with moderate risk appetite. Suitable for child’s education and home purchase.

International Funds
Adding international exposure improves diversification. It reduces dependence on the Indian economy.

Investing in global giants enhances portfolio quality. These funds offer exposure to sectors not available in India.

A small allocation provides a balanced portfolio. Helps in hedging against local market fluctuations.

Avoiding Index Funds and Direct Funds
Index funds only follow the market. They do not generate extra returns through active management.

Actively managed funds have experienced fund managers. They help beat market returns over the long term.

Direct funds require personal management. Investing through an MFD with a CFP ensures expert guidance.

Regular plans provide better long-term outcomes. This avoids costly mistakes in fund selection.

Asset Allocation for Your Goals
Allocate across different fund categories. This balances growth, risk, and stability.

Equity exposure should be dominant. This ensures high returns over 10 years.

Debt allocation should be minimal at this stage. It can increase closer to goal timelines.

A systematic investment approach ensures disciplined wealth creation. This reduces market timing risks.

Investment Strategy for Rs. 30,000 SIP
Flexi Cap Fund – Rs. 7,500 per month

Large & Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 6,000 per month

Mid Cap Fund – Rs. 5,500 per month

Balanced Advantage Fund – Rs. 5,000 per month

International Fund – Rs. 3,000 per month

Sectoral/Thematic Fund (Optional) – Rs. 3,000 per month

Managing Risk and Returns
Long-term investing reduces volatility risks. Staying invested for 10 years ensures compounding benefits.

Periodic review helps in adjusting allocations. A CFP can guide portfolio rebalancing based on market conditions.

Diversification enhances stability. Multiple categories reduce concentration risk.

Avoid frequent changes. Switching funds often affects returns negatively.

SIP and STP for Additional Investments
If you have lump sum funds, invest via STP. This reduces market timing risks.

A systematic transfer plan moves money gradually. This captures market movements effectively.

A mix of SIP and STP ensures better entry points. This enhances long-term returns.

Tax Efficiency and Withdrawal Planning
Long-term capital gains tax applies after one year. Keeping funds for 10 years optimises tax efficiency.

Systematic withdrawal planning is important. Structured withdrawals minimise tax outgo.

Tax-saving funds can be considered for additional benefits. These provide deductions under Section 80C.

Final Insights
A well-planned SIP strategy helps achieve Rs. 1 crore and beyond.

A mix of flexi cap, mid cap, and balanced funds creates stability.

Avoiding index and direct funds improves returns. Expert guidance ensures better fund selection.

Periodic reviews and disciplined investing are key. Staying invested ensures wealth creation.

Diversification across asset classes adds protection. International exposure provides additional benefits.

Your goals are achievable with proper planning. A structured approach ensures financial success.

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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