Mam i am taking partial drop for neet 2024 can i get at least score 540 in neet 2024 ?

Ans: You have done well in building a strong financial base. You have a good mix of assets. Your goal of generating Rs. 1.5-2 lakh per month after retirement is achievable. Proper planning will ensure financial stability.

Let’s analyse your current situation and find the best investment options.

Understanding Your Financial Position
You have Rs. 50 lakh in liquid assets.
You own three flats worth Rs. 5 crore.
You have a plot worth Rs. 1 crore.
Your only major liability is Rs. 40 lakh for your child’s education.
You are earning Rs. 4 lakh per month.
You want Rs. 1.5-2 lakh per month after retirement.
Your investment plan should balance risk and returns. It should also provide stable income.

Managing Immediate Financial Requirements
You need Rs. 40 lakh for your child’s education in the next three years.
Keep this amount in a safe instrument.
Use a mix of debt mutual funds and bank deposits.
Do not invest this amount in equity as your time frame is short.
This will ensure the required funds are available when needed.
Creating a Reliable Monthly Income
You need to generate at least Rs. 1.5 lakh per month. That means Rs. 18 lakh per year.

Your existing flats can provide rental income.
If you earn Rs. 75,000-1 lakh per month from rent, the shortfall will be Rs. 50,000-1.25 lakh.
The shortfall must be covered through investments.
To generate this income, we will use different investment instruments.

Allocating Liquid Assets
After setting aside Rs. 40 lakh, you will have Rs. 10 lakh left.
This amount should be used to create an emergency fund.
Keep 6-12 months of expenses in a mix of FD and liquid mutual funds.
This will act as a safety net.
Investing for Regular Monthly Income
Since you will retire in three years, a balanced investment approach is needed.

Debt-Oriented Investments
Invest a portion in debt mutual funds.
These provide stable returns and easy liquidity.
Debt funds are more tax-efficient than FDs.
Choose a mix of short-duration and medium-duration funds.
Dividend-Paying Mutual Funds
Invest a portion in mutual funds that provide regular payouts.
Choose actively managed equity mutual funds with a good track record.
This ensures capital growth and inflation-beating returns.
Withdraw through a systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) for tax efficiency.
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
After you turn 60, you can invest in SCSS.
It offers regular interest payouts.
This is a safe and government-backed scheme.
RBI Floating Rate Bonds
These are safe and provide fixed income.
They adjust interest rates based on market conditions.
The interest is taxable, but safety is high.
Using Your Real Estate Assets
Rental income can be a key source of cash flow.
Check if rental yield is low (below 3%).
If returns are low, selling one property and reinvesting may be better.
Invest proceeds in diversified financial assets.
This will generate better returns than rental income alone.
Tax Efficiency and Withdrawal Strategy
Plan your withdrawals smartly to reduce taxes.
Use SWP in mutual funds instead of taking full redemptions.
SWP is more tax-efficient than bank interest or rent.
Spread withdrawals across multiple instruments.
This will reduce tax liability over time.
Health and Insurance Considerations
Ensure you have adequate health insurance.
Medical costs rise with age, so a higher coverage is needed.
A separate health fund of Rs. 10-15 lakh is recommended.
Adjusting Investments Over Time
Your portfolio should evolve based on market conditions.
After retirement, gradually shift more towards safe instruments.
Review the income generation every year.
If expenses rise, adjust investments accordingly.
Finally
You have a strong financial base. Proper allocation will ensure a stable income after retirement.

Use rental income as a primary cash flow source.
Invest in mutual funds and bonds for extra income.
Use SWP for tax-efficient withdrawals.
Keep an emergency fund for unexpected needs.
With the right strategy, you can enjoy financial freedom post-retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

Ans: Given your 5 lakh surplus and your 5-10 year investment horizon, you have several good options to consider, excluding FDs and stocks. Since you are already investing in these regularly, we can explore alternatives that offer better potential over the long term. Here's an in-depth look at the options available.

Mutual Funds (Active Funds)
Why Invest in Active Funds: Actively managed funds can be a good choice for your long-term horizon, given their potential to outperform the market over time. With a horizon of 5-10 years, you have time to weather market fluctuations and benefit from the expertise of fund managers.
Advantages:
Fund managers actively pick stocks to aim for better returns.
Diversification across sectors and industries reduces risks.
Historically, actively managed funds have the potential to outperform index funds in the long run, especially when market conditions are volatile.
Investment Approach: You can invest in a combination of equity-focused mutual funds (for growth) and hybrid funds (for stability). This blend provides potential for capital appreciation while maintaining a level of risk control.
Taxation: Equity mutual funds are subject to capital gains tax. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds: It's advisable to invest through a professional platform or a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) credential. This ensures that you receive the proper advice, have access to expert fund selection, and are guided in managing your investments without the hassle of directly handling multiple funds.
Corporate Bonds and Debt Mutual Funds
Why Corporate Bonds or Debt Funds: Since you're not interested in FDs, you can look at high-quality corporate bonds or debt mutual funds as a fixed-income option. These can provide better returns than traditional FDs while maintaining safety, especially if you choose investment-grade bonds or debt funds with a proven track record.
Advantages:
Corporate bonds usually provide higher interest rates than government securities.
Debt mutual funds, if selected carefully, can offer attractive returns with moderate risk.
The regular income stream generated from these investments can also provide liquidity in case of emergencies.
Taxation: Debt mutual funds are subject to capital gains tax. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed as per your income tax slab. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits.
PPF (Public Provident Fund)
Why PPF: With your 5-10 year investment horizon, PPF is an excellent option to consider. It is one of the safest and most tax-efficient investment options in India.
Advantages:
Tax-free returns, as interest earned is exempt from tax.
The principal amount invested is also eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C.
PPF offers a fixed interest rate, providing you with certainty regarding your returns over the long term.
Considerations: The lock-in period of 15 years may seem long, but you can withdraw funds partially after 6 years in case of an emergency. PPF is ideal for conservative investors seeking tax savings and capital protection.
Taxation: The interest earned and withdrawals from PPF are tax-exempt.
Gold (Sovereign Gold Bonds or ETFs)
Why Invest in Gold: You already hold some physical gold. While physical gold is a good hedge against inflation, Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) or Gold ETFs are a better alternative for long-term growth.
Advantages:
SGBs offer annual interest payments, unlike physical gold.
The returns on SGBs are taxable, but they are also capital gains-tax-free after holding for 8 years.
Gold has historically performed well as a store of value, especially in periods of high inflation or economic uncertainty.
Considerations: While gold provides diversification, it should not form the bulk of your portfolio. Its role is more as a hedge than a growth driver.
Taxation: The interest earned on SGBs is taxable. However, the capital gains from SGBs held for 8 years are exempt from tax.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
Why REITs: Although real estate itself is not recommended for investment, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can be a good alternative for those seeking exposure to real estate without the drawbacks of property ownership.
Advantages:
REITs provide regular income through dividends, typically from rents collected by the underlying properties.
They offer exposure to real estate in a highly liquid, diversified manner.
Unlike physical real estate, REITs are more flexible and require less capital.
Considerations: While they offer diversification, REITs can be volatile and their returns depend heavily on the performance of the property market. It’s essential to choose REITs with strong property portfolios and consistent dividend payouts.
Final Insights
Diversification is Key: You already have significant exposure to FDs and stocks. To diversify further, consider a mix of mutual funds, debt funds, PPF, and gold. This will provide both growth potential and safety in the long term.
Focus on Long-Term: Given your 5-10 year horizon, aim for investments that compound over time. Equity mutual funds, in particular, will be the key growth driver in your portfolio.
Assess Regularly: Since you are making regular monthly investments, ensure that you review your portfolio periodically with a professional to ensure it's aligned with your goals.
By adopting these strategies, you should be well-positioned to grow your wealth and achieve your financial goals over the next decade.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

Ans: Your financial situation is strong, and you have built a solid foundation. Let's assess your current position and suggest improvements for financial security and freedom.

Current Financial Overview
Income: Rs 1,25,000 per month
Expenses: Rs 50,000 per month
Loan EMI: Rs 40,000 per month
Savings capacity: Rs 35,000 per month
Strengths in Your Financial Planning
Debt is reducing: Your loan EMI of Rs 40,000 will end in a few years, increasing your free cash flow.
Multiple asset classes: You have real estate, FDs, equity, MFs, PPF, SGBs, and gold.
Retirement Fund: Rs 45 lakhs is a good base for financial independence.
PPF and MFs: You have a disciplined approach to long-term wealth creation.
Gold Holdings: Rs 15 lakh in physical gold can be useful for future needs.
Areas That Need Improvement
Retirement Fund: Rs 45 lakh is not enough for a comfortable retirement. More growth is needed.
Loan Repayment: Rs 40,000 EMI is a significant outflow. Consider prepaying if possible.
Low Mutual Fund Allocation: Only Rs 10 lakh in MFs is low for long-term wealth creation.
Savings in FDs: Rs 35 lakh in FDs will not beat inflation. Some portion should be shifted to growth assets.
Steps to Strengthen Financial Independence
1. Optimizing Investments for Growth
Increase SIPs from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000 per month once EMI ends.
Equity mutual funds have the potential for higher long-term returns than FDs.
Debt mutual funds can be used for stability instead of large FDs.
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs) are better than physical gold due to tax-free maturity benefits.
2. Loan Repayment Strategy
If the loan has a high interest rate, consider prepaying partially to reduce tenure.
If the interest rate is low, focus on investing extra funds in mutual funds for higher returns.
Once EMI is over, channel Rs 40,000 towards investments for wealth creation.
3. Retirement Planning
You are 46, and your wife is 41. Your investments must generate passive income for 40+ years.
Aim for at least Rs 2-3 crore in your retirement corpus.
Increase equity mutual fund allocation to create long-term wealth.
Consider investing in dividend-paying mutual funds for post-retirement cash flow.
PPF should be continued as it provides tax-free returns and stability.
4. Managing Savings and FDs More Efficiently
FDs give low returns after tax. Convert some FDs into debt mutual funds.
Keep only 6-12 months of expenses in FDs for emergencies.
The rest should be invested in mutual funds for long-term growth.
SGBs should be continued as they offer 2.5% interest and capital appreciation.
5. Education Planning for Your Son
In 7 years, your son will go for higher education. You will need a significant corpus.
Start a separate mutual fund SIP of Rs 15,000 for his education.
Do not rely on FDs or gold for his education as they provide lower returns.
6. Creating Passive Income for Financial Freedom
After loan repayment, invest at least Rs 50,000 per month in mutual funds.
Focus on a mix of equity and debt funds to balance growth and stability.
Rental income is an option, but managing real estate has challenges.
Dividend mutual funds can provide regular income in the future.
7. Tax Efficiency
PPF: Tax-free returns, so continue investing.
Mutual Funds: Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
FDs: Interest is taxed at your income tax slab, reducing post-tax returns.
Gold: Physical gold has capital gains tax; SGBs are tax-free if held till maturity.
8. Insurance Planning
Ensure you have adequate health insurance for your family. Rs 10-20 lakh cover is recommended.
Your wife is working. She should have a term insurance policy to cover future uncertainties.
If you have term insurance, ensure it covers at least Rs 1.5-2 crore.
Avoid ULIPs and traditional insurance policies for investment purposes.
9. Estate Planning and Will Creation
Real estate assets should have clear nominations to avoid future disputes.
Create a Will to ensure smooth asset transfer to your wife and son.
If needed, set up a Trust for your son’s future financial security.
Finally
You are on the right track but need to enhance your investments.
Increase SIPs and allocate more to equity for long-term growth.
Reduce FDs and shift funds to better investment options.
Pay off loans early to reduce financial burden.
Plan for your son’s education and your retirement separately.
Have adequate insurance and create a Will for smooth estate planning.
These steps will ensure financial security and a comfortable retired life.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

Ans: Your situation is unique, but you are still eligible for engineering admissions, including IIT-JEE and other institutes.

Ans: Hi Prabhakara,

Greetings!

Your situation is quite unique. Your granddaughter was born in Telangana and is now pursuing her +1 education there after a gap of nine years. However, according to the government norms for NEET 2024, meeting the requirements to establish domicile in Telangana may be challenging.

NEET Domicile Criteria
In the context of MBBS and BDS admissions for state quota seats in Telangana, it is important to understand the distinctions between local and non-local candidates as stipulated by the Telangana NEET admission rules for the year 2024. The local status is further subdivided into areas associated with Osmania University (OU), Andhra University (AU), and Sri Venkateswara University (SVU). AU’s local area comprises seven districts, while SVU’s area encompasses five districts. Non-local candidates are exclusively eligible for 15% of unreserved seats, whereas local candidates can vie for both the 15% unreserved seats and the remaining 85% of seats allocated within their respective local areas.

Telangana Local Area Candidates:
Students hailing from the districts falling under AU, SVU, or OU regions are considered local area NEET domicile applicants for MBBS/BDS admissions in local institutions, as well as any other educational institutions under the purview of the State Government situated within these local areas.
AU Local Area: Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, West Godavari, Krishna, Guntur, and Prakasham.
OU Local Area: Adilabad, Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Karimnagar, Khammam, Mahaboobnagar, Medak, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, and Warangal.
SVU Local Area: Ananthapur, Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor, and Nellore.
NEET Domicile Criteria for Telangana:
To qualify as a local candidate, applicants must fulfill one of the following criteria:
1. Studied in a school/college within the local area for a minimum continuous period of 4 years immediately preceding the year they appear for the relevant qualifying examination.
2. Resided within the local area for a minimum continuous period of 4 years immediately preceding the year they appear for the relevant qualifying examination.
For candidates who do not meet the above criteria but have studied in educational institutions within the state for a minimum of 7 consecutive academic years, ending with the year of application for NEET, the following conditions apply:
– They are considered local in relation to the local area where they have studied for the maximum number of years out of the said 7 years.
– If the period of study in two local areas is equal, they may choose either for local status.
– If they have not studied in any educational institutions in the state but have resided in any local area or two local areas (for an equal period) for a minimum continuous period of 7 years, they may be considered local.
The following categories can apply for the 15% unreserved seats:
1. Candidates who have resided in the state for a total period of ten years, excluding periods of study outside the state, or whose parents have resided in the state for a total period of ten years, excluding periods of employment outside the state.
2. Candidates whose parents are employed by the state or Central Government, Public Sector Corporations, local bodies, Universities, Educational institutions, and similar quasi-public institutions within the state.
3. Candidates whose spouses are employees of the state or Central Government, Public Sector corporations, local bodies, Universities, Educational institutions recognized by the Government or University, or other competent authorities, and similar quasi-Government Institutions within the state.
Domicile Criteria for Management Quota Seats:
Candidates from across the country are eligible to apply for Management Quota seats (Category B and C-NRI) if they meet the requisite subject and qualifying mark criteria in their 10+2 education.
Applicants who have completed their qualifying education outside Telangana state must provide a “Certificate of Equivalence” from the Board of Intermediate Education of Telangana.
Candidates who have completed their qualifying education outside India must provide a “Certificate of Equivalence” issued by the Association of Indian Universities, New Delhi, and the Board of Intermediate Education of Telangana.
Given the details above, your granddaughter would need to have resided in Telangana for a minimum of four years to obtain a residence certificate. Since she was born before the state formation, I recommend consulting with a Notary Public to explore potential benefits or exceptions. This is my suggestion.

Ans: Check website of institutions

Ans: Right now, the most important thing is her safety. If her parents are threatening her life or their own, this is not just emotional blackmail—it’s a serious matter. You need to be very careful in handling this, as forcing a confrontation might make them act irrationally. The key is to ensure that she is safe and mentally strong enough to withstand their pressure.

Since she has never lived outside her home, she may feel emotionally trapped, making it easier for her parents to manipulate her. She needs support—emotionally and, if needed, physically—to make a decision based on what she truly wants, not out of fear. Talk to her about the worst-case scenarios and how she would handle them. Would she be able to leave if things got too dangerous? Does she have someone in her family or social circle who might support her?

If her safety is at risk, you may need to consider helping her get a temporary safe space where she can think clearly. It could be a trusted friend’s house, a working women’s hostel, or even reaching out to women’s rights organizations that help in cases like this.

Taking legal action is tricky in such cases, as coercion can make her parents force her into saying things she doesn’t mean. Instead of rushing into legal intervention, consider gathering evidence—texts, recordings (if legal in your region), or anything that proves coercion or threats. This will help if things escalate.

If you both are truly committed, then marriage under the Special Marriage Act can be an option, but only if she is mentally and emotionally prepared for the backlash. She will need to stand strong, and you both need to have a plan for what comes next. How will she deal with the emotional toll? Where will she stay after marriage? What if her parents try to contact her after marriage? These are tough questions, but answering them now will help you prepare.

You are not alone in this. Many couples have faced similar situations, and while it is heartbreaking, some have succeeded in making it through. The key is patience, emotional strength, and ensuring that no one is in immediate danger. Encourage her to speak to a counselor or someone she trusts who is neutral but supportive. If she is feeling overwhelmed, it’s important that she knows she has choices beyond what her parents are forcing upon her.

At the end of the day, love should not be a battle of survival, but sometimes, in societies like ours, it becomes one. Be strong, be careful, and take steps that ensure both of you are safe first—everything else can be figured out step by step.

Ans: If you're feeling like running away, it's a sign that you need support—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Do you have anyone you trust who can help, even for short periods, so you can take a break? Support groups for parents of autistic children (both online and offline) can also be a great place to find understanding, advice, and emotional relief.

As for restarting your career, it’s never too late. Since you have childcare responsibilities, looking into work-from-home or flexible jobs might be a good first step. What was your field of interest before marriage? Do you have any skills that can be refreshed? Even small steps, like taking online courses or freelancing, can help you regain confidence and financial independence.

You’re dealing with so much right now, and you don’t have to figure it all out at once. The most important thing is to take one step at a time—whether it's seeking emotional support, finding small ways to regain control of your career, or even just taking a moment for yourself. If the depression feels overwhelming, reaching out to a therapist or counselor might be really helpful. You deserve support, and your well-being matters just as much as your child's.

Ans: If you are dealing with such a situation personally or know someone who is, it is advisable to seek legal counsel to understand the full implications and protect the rights of the child involved.