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Can I Start a Business from Home with a Small Investment?

Nripen

Nripen Bhatt  |6 Answers  |Ask -

Start-Up Expert - Answered on Nov 10, 2024

Nripen is the founding director of Rafts and Rivers LLC, a Texas-based global higher education think tank.
He has 25 years of business consulting experience and is currently mentoring over 100 start-ups, helping students turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Through his company, Nripen is supporting and managing 107 incubation centres and accelerators located within state and central universities in India.
An alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, Nripen is an expert in fintech, edtech, food technology, retail, B2B, product and service launch strategies, app development and UI development.... more
K Question by K on Feb 22, 2024Hindi
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Career

Pvt. Job for the last 30 years. No investment . No property. Living in parental home. Now planning to quit the job ASAP. Need to start business asap from home with small investment max. upto 3 L. No family member in support. Advise needed immediately. Thanks with best wishes

Ans: Dear K,
A lot of business can be started with the capital of Rs.3 Lacs but have you worked on what do you want to do, what is your expertise, how would you deliver, what is the location of your business, who will be your customers.
You are sounding highly dissatisfied with your job, you need a proper counselling, do not take any career affecting step in haste. Take proper advise by elaborating your present situation with the background of the problem.

Regards
Career

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7072 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2024

Money
Hi, I am 42 yrs old and have 21 years of experience in sales and marketing. I have approx. 60 lacs of savings including PF and 10 lacs equity portfolio and 1 cr of real estate assets. I want to quit my job and start business. I had done some home work also in some products. I have 15 lacs of medical policy. 30 lacs of term plan and approx. 7 lacs of traditional plan of insurance. How can I go ahead. Pls advise
Ans: Your 21 years of experience in sales and marketing have led you to build a solid financial foundation. You have Rs. 60 lakhs in savings, Rs. 10 lakhs in equity, and Rs. 1 crore in real estate assets. Additionally, you have a medical policy worth Rs. 15 lakhs, a term plan worth Rs. 30 lakhs, and a traditional insurance plan worth Rs. 7 lakhs. This is a strong base to start from as you contemplate beginning your own business.

Evaluating Your Decision to Start a Business
Starting a business is a significant decision that requires thorough evaluation. Your experience in sales and marketing is a great advantage, and it's crucial to leverage this as you transition into entrepreneurship. Ensure your business plan is comprehensive, covering market research, product demand, competition, and financial projections.

Ensuring Financial Security
Before you quit your job, it’s important to secure your and your family’s financial future. Here are a few steps to ensure financial security:

Building an Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund that covers at least 12 months of living expenses. This fund will act as a safety net in case your business takes longer to generate profits.

Reviewing Insurance Coverage
Your medical policy of Rs. 15 lakhs and term plan of Rs. 30 lakhs are essential for protecting your family. Consider increasing your term plan coverage to match your current income and liabilities.

Evaluating Traditional Insurance Plan
The traditional insurance plan of Rs. 7 lakhs may not provide the best returns. Consider surrendering it and reinvesting the proceeds into mutual funds for better growth potential.

Planning Your Business Finances
Starting a business requires careful financial planning. Here are steps to help you get started:

Creating a Business Budget
Prepare a detailed budget for your business. Include initial setup costs, monthly operating expenses, marketing costs, and other miscellaneous expenses. This budget will help you understand your financial needs and plan accordingly.

Securing Initial Capital
You have Rs. 60 lakhs in savings, which is a good starting point. Decide how much of this amount you are willing to invest in your business. Keep a portion of your savings intact as a safety net.

Exploring Funding Options
Consider exploring funding options such as business loans, angel investors, or venture capital if your business requires additional capital. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of these funding options.

Diversifying Investments
While starting a business, it's essential to continue growing your personal wealth. Diversifying your investments will help you achieve this. Here are some options to consider:

Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are an excellent way to diversify your investments. They offer the potential for higher returns through professional management. Consider investing in a mix of equity and debt funds based on your risk appetite.

Types of Mutual Funds
Equity Funds: Invest primarily in stocks. Suitable for long-term goals due to their growth potential.

Debt Funds: Invest in fixed-income securities. Suitable for short to medium-term goals with lower risk.

Hybrid Funds: Combine equity and debt investments. Provide a balance of risk and return.

Benefits of Mutual Funds
Professional Management: Funds are managed by experienced fund managers.

Diversification: Spread your investments across different securities, reducing risk.

Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell units as per your needs.

Power of Compounding: Long-term investments can grow significantly through compounding returns.

Risks of Mutual Funds
Market Risk: Returns depend on market performance.

Credit Risk: Risk of issuer default in debt funds.

Interest Rate Risk: Changes in interest rates can affect debt fund returns.

Power of Compounding
Investing in mutual funds for the long term allows you to benefit from compounding. Reinvesting your returns helps your investments grow exponentially over time. This is a powerful tool for wealth creation.

Strategic Investment Approach
Here's a strategic approach to investing in mutual funds:

Asset Allocation
Equity Allocation: Given your moderate risk appetite, allocate 60-70% of your investments in equity funds.

Debt Allocation: Allocate 20-30% in debt funds for stability.

Hybrid Funds: Allocate the remaining 10-20% in hybrid funds for a balanced approach.

Regular Investments
Set up systematic investment plans (SIPs) to invest regularly in mutual funds. This approach helps in averaging out the cost of investments and reduces market timing risk.

Review and Rebalance
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Rebalance your portfolio to maintain your desired asset allocation and adjust based on market conditions.

Managing Business and Personal Finances
Balancing your business and personal finances is crucial. Here are some tips to help you manage both effectively:

Separate Business and Personal Finances
Keep your business and personal finances separate. Open a separate bank account for your business transactions. This will help you track your business expenses and income more efficiently.

Budgeting for Personal Expenses
Create a budget for your personal expenses. Ensure that your personal expenses are covered by your emergency fund and any income generated from your investments.

Monitoring Cash Flow
Regularly monitor your business and personal cash flow. This will help you identify any potential financial issues early and take corrective action.

Financial Goals
Set clear financial goals for your business and personal life. This will help you stay focused and motivated. Review your goals periodically and adjust them based on your progress.

Seeking Professional Advice
While you have done commendable homework, seeking professional advice can provide valuable insights. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you with detailed financial planning and investment strategies tailored to your goals.

Final Insights
Your solid financial foundation and prudent planning are commendable as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey. Balance your business ambitions with personal financial security. Diversify your investments, keep your emergency fund intact, and regularly review your financial goals. Your experience in sales and marketing will be invaluable as you start your business. Wishing you the best of luck!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |428 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 15, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
I am a 25 year old girl. I have good job and happy career wise. I am in a relationship with a boy who is very career oriented, and runs from the marriage topic also. My parents are now behind to me to get married. I am also interested in getting married and settle in my. When I told my boyfriend about this. He gets furious. He don’t want to communicate with me on this. He don’t give any attention to my problem. He says if you really love me then you will love and you will do whatever needed to be done. Now everything is on me.I am very confused what to do. I can’t tell my parents about him, as he is not ready. I also have a fear, that this boy is not going to marry me, so am I leaving good boys which my parents are showing me. Am I already late...what if I don’t get anyone, will I have to compromise in my life If I will delay. Please help!!
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Let me start with the most important thing- you are far from late. You are only 25; I would say this is your time to focus on your career and live a little. But if you are ready for marriage, then that is great too. But do not ever think that it's too late. It isn't even a little late. If anything, in today's day and age, it's early.

Now coming to your boyfriend- have you ever asked him if he has any plans to get married or if he intends to continue this relationship without ever committing to marriage? It's important that you discuss this. And his dialogue, "if you really love me then you will love and you will do whatever needed to be done" doesn't make any sense because you can tell him the same. I suggest you speak to him openly and let him know that you want to get married- if not right now, but somewhere down the line you want marriage. If his intentions are not the same, he should let you know so that you can move on and find someone who shares the same outlook as you. And, to be honest, not paying attention to your problems is concerning. In a relationship, two people should help each other out in times of trouble.

Please have the talk and reconsider the relationship according to how it goes.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |428 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |428 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 21, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
I (27M) have recently started searching for prospects through Arranged Marriage Platforms. I got connected with a Lady (25F) & we seemed to be getting along quite well, through chatting & phone calls. When we were planning to meet in person, for our first Date, she picked a place which is one of the most expensive ones in our City & just a single Date over there may cost us around ?10 Thousand. Though, I am earning pretty well (?30Lakh/Annum), I am reluctant to spend so much amount on our First Date, whilst we are still in the process of getting to know each other. If I'd been Married to her, I'd be willing to spend that much for celebrating our Wedding Anniversary. But this is just our First Date & I am not even sure whether we'd be getting Married or not. The Date is scheduled for next Month & I'm still in Dilemma, whether I should request her to meet up at a more affordable venue or ask her to split the expenses, equally or proportionate to our Earning (She earns just around ?6 Lakh/Annum). I'm afraid that being so Straight-forward & upfront about Money Matters, at this stage, might give her a negative impression about me. She seems to be having a lot of Materialistic Expectations from me, as I earn much more than her & she has been hinting me about her expectations such as Expensive Gifts & Vacations abroad. Even though I am a person who's very cautious & disciplined with Money, I'd be glad to spend generously, for the happiness of my Life Partner, but not at this stage, when we haven't even committed to each other. Please suggest me, how can I handle this situation without coming off as too miserly? Moreover, I'm also planning to discuss some important matters, such as how we'd be handling our Finances in the Future. But I am worried, whether it would be appropriate to bring up this matter, in our very first personal meet-up? I'm afraid that she might Judge me as too Money-minded & I might lose out on a suitable match. Please Help me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Your concerns are completely valid. Splurging, especially at this stage, is unnecessary. Good connections can be built anywhere; expensive places play no part in it. Also, being disciplined about money is the right approach.

I understand that you are worried about coming off miserly, but you are not. You are merely being responsible. You can suggest another more affordable place and see how she reacts. If she is okay with it, then great. If not, then you should rethink this match. You don't want to marry someone who is in it for the money. Now, coming to discussing how to split the finances, I would suggest you wait a bit. A first date might not be the right place for it. If all goes well, and you think this woman can be a suitable match, bring it up politely on the second or third date, to have clarity on it early on. For instance, you can casually start by giving an example of a friend who recently got married- something like, "Rohan's wife takes care of the groceries and stuff, while he pays off the bill." And then mention that you were wondering how you two should split it if you happen to get married. It is a reasonable question and should not show you off as money-minded. It's always best to discuss these important matters in the initial stages to avoid any conflict in the future.

Hope this helps!

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |428 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 20, 2024Hindi
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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |428 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 20, 2024
Relationship
Hello, I am married for 4 years. And someone from my office loves me. He wants me to love him also even if I am married. That office colleague take too much efforts for me, he listens everything about me, he cares about me. But my husband only focused on his work. So I want love, that boy is the best for the love. But loving another man even if you have husband is cheating. I don't know but I feel that I want both of them and I am confused about it. I also love that man from my office. I am so much confused.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that you are feeling undervalued by your husband but the "I want both of them" approach has never worked out well for anyone, especially in an exclusive relationship. You have a few options here-
You speak to your husband about how the lack of attention from him is affecting you and work on it with him.
Tell him openly about this man and let him know that there's a slight chance that you might develop feelings for him if your husband continues to pay all his focus on work and none on you. This could shake him up from his slumber and help him realize that he has not been fair to you.
Opt for separation- if you do not have an open marriage, you cannot have both of the men. It isn't moral to do this behind your partner's back.

I strongly suggest you consider doing the first option. Communicate your feelings of loneliness to your husband and seek help from a marriage counselor. It can do wonders for your relationship.

Best Wishes.

...Read more

Dr Shakeeb Ahmed

Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan  |127 Answers  |Ask -

Physiotherapist - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 19, 2024Hindi
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Health
Hello Dr.Shakeeb, I’m a 55 yrs male, had stents implanted in 2020 because of bad food habits and lack of regular movement, things have improved since then with better control on food habits. My problem is belly fat which is embarrassing and my weight is 77kgs, I was on knee braces for last 30 days bcoz of a slight ligament strain, so not able to do strenuous exercises. Pls suggest a workable regime for belly fat elimination considering my case history.
Ans: Hello Sir. Thank you for your query. Reducing belly fat requires a combination of calorie control, low-impact exercises, and lifestyle changes, tailored to your health history. Start by maintaining a slight calorie deficit of 200-300 kcal/day, focusing on a balanced diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats while avoiding sugary and processed foods. Drink 2-3 liters of water daily to stay hydrated. Engage in low-impact activities like brisk walking for 30-40 minutes daily, which is gentle on the knees and heart-friendly. Incorporate simple core-strengthening exercises such as pelvic tilts, seated knee lifts, and standing side bends to activate abdominal muscles without straining your knees. As your ligament strain heals, consult Physiotherapist about gradually increasing exercise intensity, including light resistance training. Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep and manage stress through mindfulness to lower cortisol levels, which can contribute to belly fat. Small, frequent meals can keep your metabolism active, and tracking progress through waist measurements rather than just weight will help you stay motivated. These adjustments will promote gradual, sustainable fat loss while ensuring safety and heart health. I wish you healthy and active lifestyle.

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1318 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Relationship
Dear Anu Krishna, I'm 48 married with 2 kids daughter in 10th and son in 5th. Wife works as a VP in a large firm. Since post COVID there has been almost no intimacy. I tried to talk to her and she says that I'm a sex maniac. I said once in six months at least she says not interested. She s fit in good health exercises and all tests are ok. Last year my friend's wife informed me about their private WhatsApp messages and I was shocked. We go on tours and trips and functions and everything externally is normal. I buy her gifts and we go out to restaurants etc. Everything except intimacy. I've tried to talk about 50 times but she doesn't want to talk not seek any help. Infact the signs of this started from 2016. She's 43 now. I m thinking of now seperating from her. Im really fed up. Nothing is working, and she's adamant. I've pulled on for kids but maybe I can be together for a few more years. I can't live with her forever. You generally ask people to get help and talk etc which is done and tried and yet no solution. Can you agree for once that there is a genuine case to not continue It's my life I know but I think I'm 100% right and that i have hit the end of the road. Inhold you in high regard hence writing to you Sameer
Ans: Dear Sachin,
Thank you for your kind and respectful acknowledgement of me.
Now,
You wrote:
Last year my friend's wife informed me about their private WhatsApp messages and I was shocked. - What was shocking? You have not shared this!

Lack of interest in sex can be due to:
- change in hormones
- boredom in the bedroom routine
- lack of intimacy outside the bedroom

Now, what I must agree on is something that we can keep aside, yeah? My job is to try and guide people to put things together of course, if that's what they want. You seem to have already believed that nothing can work; how can anyone guide you? When you claim that you nothing is working, I will still ask you, "How do you know that you have tried everything to know that nothing is working?"

Also, if you have decided to separate, what more can I suggest? You feel that you are 100% right, BUT you know what: If you actually were 100% right, you would not be here checking in with me...Just playing the mirror here for you.
I still would suggest that you work on your marriage; communicate and rebuild...it's a long path BUT the fruits of it can be amazing!

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1318 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Nov 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 18, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hi , I am married 2.5 years ago to a man , who is very less in education compared to me , this marriage was done as a compromise or in worries about my future as my parents are no more .. He and his family is average in all case ..cleanliness, hygeiene , social relations, religious practices , education , self respect , financial well being ... all these things are either meaningless for them or they vary poor in those . Nor even they have moral values , as they have cheated me by hiding my husband's age to me . I told them that we strongly believe in astrology and will not go without it . Still they gave me wrong information about his age and he is very elder to me .As I am well educated , employed and self dependant. So they somehow trapped me for marriage. After 3-4 months of marriage my husband was diagnosed (a type of oral cancer) caused due to consuming gutkha and ciggarettes. He lied and denied to have any disease still i started his medication . In some time I lost my job also still continued his treatment , tried to help him in his business , it made a big impact on my sqving too :( But because of his careless business practice , it didnt work for him. Also I paid many times his car's EMI . And supported in all types of expenses be it house hold , his medication or business . He has parental properties in village but they are hardly using it for their own use and wanted to use my money till now . As I now denied to give more money , now they have started looking to sell or rent / lease their property for their use . I have spent lot of money on them , I hardly believe they will try to pay it out fully to me or give some part of property for my safe future now :( I am now 43 and have no children . At other hand my brother is also alone( even being his wife and 2 sons) Wife is quarrelsome and has a history of false case of dowry on my brother and due to this my brother and my family sufferered a lot , its been 20 years now . But this has tortured my brother me and my mother a lot in past .Sis-in-law never let my nephews to stay or sit for some time with us (me or my mother ). And now as my both nephews have grown up my sis-in-law told them lie as if she was victim and , we were the culprit . Children were innocent , they didnt knew the fact , hence taking mother's side now. I thought that as my sis-in-law doesn't like us so unwillingly I decided to marry with a compromise , thinking that after my marriage all will be fine in brother's home , But nothing improved. And now my brother , after my marriage is emotionally alone at home , I feel very sorry about this . I want to go back and take care of my brother , as now he is 53 and emotionally very weak , diabetic and suffering other disease too . Sis-in-law is least interested in his health , care .. so as her children. Going back to parental (it is my father's home, so i also have legal right on that property )home and leaving husband is not so easy, .. Elder Nephew and sis-in-law can become very violent as they are always . I dont want to endanger my brother's health and if I dont go then also .. brother is taking care of him alone ..that too very casually ..how can i make all things correct . Please suggest .
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Hello! Excuse me...
Take care of yourself first before trying to save someone else.
Your brother is a grown man and knows what is to be done. Allow him to process his life's situations. By stepping into it especially in your state of mind will make things worse. Also, if you want guidance on this, kindly post another question else it will get confusing for all of us here.

First think of what you must do to make things better for yourself. Ask yourself whether you are interested in continuing the marriage. A lot of your time, money and energy has been invested in it and based on a lie. You have no clue what else they have lied about...do you want a marriage that is standing on a bed of lies? is it possible for you to trust your husband and his family all over again? What can they do so that you place trust in them again?

If this is not possible, the you are in a place where you need to make decisions about your marriage and your life in general.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

...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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