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Geeta

Geeta Ratra  | Answer  |Ask -

Visas, Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Nov 07, 2023

Geeta Ratra has been an immigration expert for more than two decades and has strong knowledge of international immigration policies and procedures. She is vice president, operations, at Abhinav Immigration Services. Besides visa and immigration services, they also provide study abroad advice that includes application assistance, counselling and university shortlisting.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Sep 27, 2023Hindi
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Career

My son is in third year of BTech in Mumbai. He is confused between an MBA and MS in the US. What are some of the things to keep in mind before doing an MS in USA? What are some of the good universities to consider? What will be the approximate cost of education, living expenses? How will it help my son's career?

Ans: It's great that your son is considering his options. When pursuing an MS in the US, he should consider factors like program relevance, university reputation, potential scholarships, and location. Some reputable universities include MIT, Stanford, and Harvard. The cost can vary widely, but tuition and living expenses may total $30,000 to $60,000 annually. An MS can enhance career prospects, offering advanced skills and access to a broader network of opportunities. It's essential to research specific programs and consult with career advisors for a more tailored approach.
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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |613 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2023

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My son wants to go for MS degree in US. He is working as software engineer for one year now. Please advise pros and cons. Thanks,
Ans: Hello Sreekumar,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. Choosing to pursue a Master of Science (MS) degree in the United States can be a significant decision with several pros and cons to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Pros:
1. Advanced Education: An MS degree can provide specialized knowledge and advanced skills in a particular field, allowing your son to deepen his expertise and stay competitive in the job market.

2. Career Opportunities: Many employers value candidates with advanced degrees, and an MS can enhance his chances of landing higher-level positions or advancing his career in the software engineering field.

3. Networking: Studying in the US can provide excellent networking opportunities, allowing your son to connect with industry professionals, potential mentors, and fellow students who may become valuable contacts in the future.

4. Research Opportunities: If your son is interested in pursuing research or academia, an MS degree can serve as a stepping stone towards a Ph.D. program and open doors to research positions or teaching opportunities.

5. Exposure to Diverse Perspectives: Studying in the US exposes students to a culturally diverse environment, which can broaden their horizons, foster global awareness, and provide a rich learning experience.

Cons:
1. Financial Considerations: Pursuing an MS degree in the US can be costly, including tuition fees, living expenses, and potentially higher healthcare expenses. It's important to carefully assess the financial implications and explore scholarships, grants, or assistantships to help mitigate costs.

2. Competitive Admissions: Admission to reputable MS programs can be highly competitive, especially in sought-after fields. Your son will need to prepare a strong application, including competitive test scores, letters of recommendation, and a compelling statement of purpose.

3. Temporary Stay: Pursuing an MS degree usually involves a temporary stay in the US on a student visa. It's essential to be aware of the associated visa requirements, potential limitations on employment, and the need to return to one's home country after completing the degree, unless pursuing further work authorization or education.

4. Personal Adjustments: Moving to a different country for studies can be a significant adjustment, including adapting to a new culture, lifestyle, and potentially being away from family and friends. Your son should be prepared for the challenges of living abroad and maintaining a support network.

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |613 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Sep 11, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 10, 2023Hindi
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Career
Deat Sir, I am 2nd year B.Tech student (Computer Science) and would like to persue MS either in UK or US. I Dont have any knowledge about the right process. Can you please guide me how should i prepare for the same?
Ans: Hello,

First and foremost, thank you for contacting us. An important move in your academic and professional journey involves preparing to pursue an MS in Computer Science in the UK or the US. For the same, careful planning and preparation is crucial. The process involves the below mentioned steps:

1. Study available options: The first step involves conducting a thorough research on universities and courses offered in both the UK and the US. Take into account each program’s standing, the location, expense, and particular research fields or specialties you are interested in.

2. Academic Readiness: Ensure you have a good academic record. Maintain a high grade point average (GPA) and enroll in specialized courses in your preferred field.

3. Appear for Standardized Tests: English proficiency tests like the TOEFL or IELTS are often required for admission to universities in the UK. On the other hand, the GRE is required by majority of the universities in USA. Look into the unique criteria of your programs’ of interest.

4. Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement: Compose a convincing SOP that highlights your academic and professional ambitions, your reasons for wanting to pursue an MS, and your interest in the said course and university.

5. Recommendation Letters: LoRs are of prime importance in the application process. You will need to submit letters of recommendation from professors who can attest to your intellectual prowess and character.

6. Curriculum Vitae/Resume: Make a strong CV outlining your academic accomplishments, research expertise, apprenticeships, and any pertinent projects or publications you’ve submitted.

7. Plans your Finances: Look into the finance possibilities, scholarships, and opportunities for assistantship. International students studying in both, the UK and the US are offered scholarships.

8. Submission Deadlines: Each university has different deadlines, keep tabs on application deadlines for the programs of your choosing.

9. Visa Prerequisites: Familiarize yourself with the visa requirements to study in the UK or US. The application process for each country is unique, and you will require to apply for a student visa.

10. Prepare for Interviews (if necessary): As part of the application process, certain programs may require students to appear for interviews. Prepare for the same by evaluating your application documents and practicing your answers to such inquiries.

11. Submit your Applications: Via the official websites of the universities or through the application portals, submit your applications. Take note of all the necessary documents and costs.

On receiving admission offers, the next step involves preparing to migrate. As part of this, you should find accommodation, organize your funds, and get the required immunizations or medical exams done. Plan your travel beforehand, and on arrival, attend the orientation program held by the university. Prepare yourself for both academic and cultural adaptations. For assistance, consult academic counselors and avail international student services. Start socializing with other students and professors early. Search for internship openings that match your professional objectives.

The application process being cut-throat, you will need to begin well in advance and work hard on every part of your application. In addition, consult professors, mentors, and former students who have already undergone the procedure. All the very best for your MS journey!

For more information, you can visit our website.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9750 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2025Hindi
Money
Flexi cap =14000, HDFC Balance Advantage Fund - Direct plan- Growth = 2000 Lage and Midcap Fund= 6500 Midcap Fund= 3000 Nifty Smallcap 250 Index Fund= 1000 Small Cap= 2500 Nifty 500 Momentum 50 ETF= 1000 Sector Fund ( Energy + Bussniss Cycle )= 3000 Current Corpus = 9 lakh , one home loan 8.50L ( 2 kids= 14 and 6 old) 2Cr after 15 years and 50 lakh after 10 years , plz suggest
Ans: You are already investing in multiple mutual funds. Your target corpus is Rs?2?crore in 15 years and Rs?50?lakh in 10 years. You also have a home loan of Rs?8.5?lakh and 2 kids aged 14 and 6.

Let’s assess your situation and restructure it with a 360-degree, goal-oriented, simple language plan.

? Understand Your Monthly SIP Structure
– Flexi Cap: Rs?14,000
– Balanced Advantage: Rs?2,000
– Large & Mid Cap: Rs?6,500
– Mid Cap: Rs?3,000
– Small Cap: Rs?2,500
– Nifty Smallcap 250 Index: Rs?1,000
– Nifty 500 Momentum 50 ETF: Rs?1,000
– Sector Funds (Energy + Business Cycle): Rs?3,000

Total SIP: Rs?33,000 per month. Corpus now is Rs?9?lakh.

? First Issue: Over-diversified Fund Portfolio
– You are in too many funds.
– Some of them are overlapping.
– Index and ETF investments also dilute focus.
– Sector funds and thematic funds are not suitable for goal planning.
– They are risky and not diversified.

Having 7–8 funds increases confusion, not returns.

? Second Issue: You Hold Index and ETF Funds
– Nifty Smallcap 250 Index is unmanaged and volatile.
– It tracks the index without protection.
– ETF (Momentum 50) also depends on short-term trends.
– They work only in rising markets.
– In flat or falling markets, they drop fast.

Actively managed funds are better for long-term goals.
A Certified Financial Planner can guide your allocation.

? Third Issue: Sector and Theme-Based Funds
– Sector funds are risky and cyclical.
– Energy or Business Cycle funds are for advanced investors.
– They are not suitable for education or retirement goals.
– Sectors may underperform for long periods.
– You don't need them for goal-based planning.

Better to exit sector funds and shift to core diversified equity.

? Fourth Issue: Lack of Defined Goal Buckets
– You aim for Rs?50?lakh in 10 years.
– You also aim for Rs?2?crore in 15 years.
– But the current fund setup doesn’t align clearly.
– You must split SIPs for each goal.
– Each goal should have its own mix of funds.

Without goal buckets, tracking and reviewing becomes difficult.

? Fifth Issue: No Mention of Emergency Fund
– You have a home loan to repay.
– You have school-going kids.
– But there is no emergency buffer shown.
– Emergency fund should be equal to 6–12 months’ expenses.
– Park this in liquid or ultra-short term funds.

Emergency savings protect investments from being disturbed.

? Suggested Mutual Fund Portfolio Restructuring
Let us simplify your SIP basket.

Remove these from portfolio:
– Nifty Smallcap 250 Index
– Momentum 50 ETF
– Both Sector funds

Keep and continue:
– Flexi Cap Fund
– Large & Mid Cap Fund
– Mid Cap Fund
– Balanced Advantage Fund
– Small Cap Fund (with smaller exposure)

Now divide SIPs in buckets:

For Rs?50?Lakh Goal in 10 Years:
– Large & Mid Cap Fund (Rs?7,000)
– Flexi Cap Fund (Rs?7,000)
– Balanced Advantage Fund (Rs?3,000)

Total = Rs?17,000/month

For Rs?2?Crore Goal in 15 Years:
– Mid Cap Fund (Rs?4,000)
– Small Cap Fund (Rs?3,000)
– Flexi Cap Fund (Rs?3,000)
– Large & Mid Cap Fund (Rs?3,000)
– Balanced Advantage Fund (Rs?3,000)

Total = Rs?16,000/month

This separation makes goal tracking clear and efficient.

? Continue SIPs Through Regular Plans via MFD
– Direct plans lack support.
– Regular plans through a CFP or MFD give guidance.
– Helps manage volatility and stay invested.
– Better asset allocation and exit strategy.

Emotional discipline and handholding increase wealth over years.

? Equity Mutual Fund Taxation
– Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) above Rs?1.25?lakh/year taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term gains taxed at 20%.
– Plan redemptions smartly to reduce tax burden.

A Certified Financial Planner can optimise exit strategy for minimum tax.

? Home Loan vs Investment
– Your home loan is Rs?8.5?lakh.
– Don’t prepay aggressively.
– Let SIPs run and grow long-term wealth.
– Only part-prepay if cash is idle.

Low-interest home loans help create tax benefits.

? Children’s Education Planning
– Elder child may need college funds in 4 years.
– Use part of your Rs?9?lakh corpus here.
– Shift Rs?3–4?lakh to a short-term debt fund.
– This keeps funds safe and ready.

Don’t keep child education corpus in equity now.

? Retirement Planning Outlook
– Rs?2?crore goal in 15 years is achievable with Rs?16k/month SIP.
– You must increase SIP every year.
– Even a 5–10% increase can improve returns.
– Your EPF/PPF can also support retirement corpus.

Combine mutual funds with PF benefits for better retirement readiness.

? Insurance Protection Review
– No mention of term insurance.
– Buy Rs?1 crore term plan now.
– You have 2 kids and a home loan.
– This is non-negotiable.
– Premium is low if taken early.

Separate protection gives peace of mind to family.

? Importance of Annual Review
– Fund performance needs yearly check.
– Some funds may need to be changed.
– Risk appetite may change.
– Goals may shift.

Annual check with Certified Financial Planner keeps your plan healthy.

? Final Insights
– Reduce the number of funds to avoid overlap.
– Exit index, ETF, and sector funds.
– Focus only on actively managed, diversified equity mutual funds.
– Make separate SIPs for each goal.
– Continue home loan EMIs, avoid prepaying.
– Build emergency fund now.
– Use regular mutual fund plans via CFP or MFD.
– Start term insurance immediately.
– Review fund performance and progress every year.

You have a solid start. A clear structure and consistent investing will achieve both your goals safely.

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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