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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |594 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jul 31, 2023

Sushil Sukhwani is the founding director of the overseas education consultant firm, Edwise International. He has 31 years of experience in counselling students who have opted to study abroad in various countries, including the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. He is part of the board of directors at the American International Recruitment Council and an honorary committee member of the Australian Alumni Association. Sukhwani is an MBA graduate from Bond University, Australia. ... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2023Hindi
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Career

My son wants to go for undergraduate in US. Please advise pros and cons. Thanks,

Ans: Hello,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. With your son's interest in pursuing undergraduate education in the USA, it's critical that you understand the many benefits and downsides. Here’s a summary:

Pros:

1. Academic Excellence: Universities in USA provide excellent education and research opportunities, with degrees that are recognized worldwide.

2. Array of Options: The United States offers a wide range of academic programs and majors, allowing students to customize their education to their interests and future prospects.

3. Research Possibilities: Colleges in USA have well-funded research programs that allow students to partake in cutting-edge studies, work with renowned scholars, and earn priceless experience.

4. Build global networks: Study in USA allows your son to interact with students from many cultures, establishing a strong global network for future professional opportunities.

5. Career Opportunities: A degree from the United States improves career opportunities internationally since employers value the abilities and global exposure earned.

6. Extracurricular Activities: Extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations at US universities often allow students to develop leadership abilities and pursue interests outside of academics.

Cons:

1. Exorbitant Price: International students studying in the United States endure higher tuition rates than domestic students, causing a major financial strain. Furthermore, living expenses, viz., housing and healthcare, add to the overall price.

2. Immigration and Visa Rules: Navigating the US visa procedure can be challenging and time-consuming. Your son must make sure he fulfills all the requirements and keeps up with any changes to the policy.

3. Culture Shock: Moving to a foreign country can be challenging, and your son might face culture shock. Getting used to a new environment, lifestyle, and social conventions takes time and patience.

4. Away from Home: For some students, being far from home can be emotionally stressful, particularly during significant events or trying times.

5. Competitive Admissions: Admission to prestigious US institutions can be fiercely competitive, and meeting the admission requirements can be a challenging procedure.

6. Medical Insurance: In the US, health insurance is mandatory, but it may also be pricey. Understanding coverage and selecting the appropriate plan is critical for overseas students.

The decision to study in USA depends on your son's particular circumstances, academic interests, and professional objectives. Pursuing a US undergraduate education can be satisfying if he is passionate about a certain field and aware of the difficulties and opportunities. Making an educated decision requires research into colleges, programs, and scholarships.

For more information, you can visit our website.
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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |594 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  |594 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Apr 06, 2024

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Career
My son is completing MBBS from AFMC Pune, He wants to pursue PG from USA , which universities are good for him?
Ans: Hello Suresh,

First and foremost, thank you for getting in touch with us. I am glad to hear that your son is pursuing his MBBS from AFMC Pune and further wishes to pursue his post-graduation from the USA. I would like to let you know that it is important for your son to select an appropriate university to pursue his postgraduate medical education in the USA and a number of variables viz., his academic success, area of expertise, budget, as well as his personal choices play a key role in this decision. As an answer to your query, I would like to tell you that there are several well-known medical universities in the USA that are regarded for the postgraduate programs they offer viz., Stanford University - Stanford University School of Medicine, Columbia University - Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, University of Washington - UW School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania - Perelman School of Medicine, Harvard University - Harvard Medical School, Yale University - Yale School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) - UCSF School of Medicine, Duke University - Duke University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University - Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine.

Your son can apply to any of these universities that are prominent for the top-notch instruction, hands-on training, and research possibilities they offer to students. However, I would recommend that your son conducts a detailed study on the programs that each university offers, the experience of the faculty members, and a number of other aspects in order to ascertain which universities best resonate with his choices and objectives. Not just that, he should also take into account the prerequisites for application, which comprise of standardized tests viz., the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), personal statements, and endorsement letters. Remember that these differ between universities.

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8342 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 13, 2025
Money
Greetings!!!! I am 43 years Old, I had started 10k per month TATA AIA SIP in previous year for total 7years Plan. I want to education plan for my 1 kid who is 6 years old now. Please advice and guide me about more investments plan, as i am still confused about future growth and any plan for my wife age 38years.
Ans: You're at a critical financial stage. Planning for your child’s education and securing your family’s future are both top priorities. You've already started a ULIP, which is a start. But let’s take a deeper 360-degree view of your situation.

Below is a detailed plan, broken into simple sections for better clarity.



Assessment of Your Current ULIP Investment

You're investing Rs. 10,000 per month in a 7-year ULIP.



ULIPs mix insurance with investment. That reduces the growth power of your money.



Charges like premium allocation, fund management, and mortality charges reduce returns.



Your actual invested amount is much lower in the first few years.



ULIPs have limited flexibility in fund switching and partial withdrawal rules.



Maturity benefits are taxed if the annual premium exceeds Rs. 2.5 lakh. Be cautious of this.



A ULIP is not ideal for education goals or long-term wealth building.



As a Certified Financial Planner, I suggest surrendering this policy and moving funds to mutual funds.



You can continue till 5 years to avoid surrender charges if already started.



But do not renew after the 7-year term. Don't increase contributions in this ULIP.



Planning for Your Child’s Higher Education

Your child is 6 years old. You have around 11-12 years.



College education in India or abroad can cost Rs. 30–60 lakhs or more.



Instead of ULIPs, invest in diversified mutual funds. This will give better inflation-adjusted returns.



Use a mix of large cap, flexi cap and small cap mutual funds.



Start SIPs in these funds with a long-term horizon of 10-12 years.



You may also consider goal-based child education funds that are actively managed.



Don't invest in direct funds. They look cheaper, but don’t offer guidance.



Always invest through a Certified Financial Planner via a regular plan.



Your investment will stay aligned with your goal as the planner will guide with rebalancing.



Use a dedicated SIP only for child’s education goal. Don’t merge it with retirement planning.



Suggested Action Plan for Child’s Education

Shift future contributions from ULIP to SIPs in active funds.



Start with Rs. 20,000 per month SIP only for education.



Review this SIP every year and increase it by 10%-15% annually.



Add lump sums like bonuses or yearly increments into the same goal fund.



In the last 2 years before the education goal, shift to debt funds slowly.



This will protect your accumulated amount from equity volatility.



Investment Plan for Your Wife (Age 38)

She has a long horizon. She can invest for both retirement and her independent needs.



Open a separate mutual fund folio in her name.



Start SIPs in flexi cap, large & midcap, and hybrid funds in regular plans.



You can start with Rs. 10,000 per month and increase gradually.



You may also use her PPF account for additional tax-free corpus.



Avoid investing in gold, insurance policies, or real estate for her.



Ensure she has her own health insurance and a term insurance if she’s working.



If she’s not working, then create an emergency fund in her name.



That gives her independence and safety if she needs cash.



Family Protection with Insurance

You did not mention your term cover. You must have it if not already.



Ideal cover should be 15–20 times your yearly income.



ULIPs or LIC endowment policies should not be considered for protection.



Avoid investment-linked insurance plans. Keep insurance and investment separate.



Review your existing insurance covers. Add riders like critical illness and accident if needed.



Tax Efficient Planning

Use Section 80C wisely. Don’t just rely on ULIP or LIC plans.



Max out PPF, ELSS mutual funds, and children tuition for tax saving.



Invest in actively managed ELSS funds for better returns than ULIPs.



Avoid index funds for tax planning. They may underperform in volatile markets.



Debt funds are taxed as per slab now. Use carefully if short horizon.



Track capital gains if you sell mutual funds. Use new tax rules for equity funds:



  - LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

  

  - STCG taxed at 20%



Plan redemptions well in advance to manage taxes efficiently.



Retirement Planning (For You and Wife)

Start a separate SIP for your retirement corpus. Do not merge with other goals.



You have 17 years for retirement. That’s good for wealth accumulation.



Invest in a mix of actively managed flexi-cap and large-cap funds.



Add hybrid funds to reduce volatility as you near retirement.



Continue EPF, and increase VPF if possible. It is tax-free and safe.



Don't consider NPS if liquidity is important. Maturity rules are rigid.



Use mutual funds with regular advice to stay on track till age 60.



Exit ULIPs and Poor Insurance Products

You mentioned TATA AIA ULIP. Continue for 5 years to avoid penalty.



After that, exit and move funds to SIP in mutual funds.



If you or wife have LIC endowment, Jeevan Saral, or ULIPs, surrender them.



Reinvest maturity amount into SIPs in regular mutual fund plans.



Do not fall for insurance agents who pitch plans as tax saving or guaranteed.



Emergency Fund and Liquidity

Keep at least 6 months of family expenses in a liquid mutual fund.



Don’t use your SIP or education fund as emergency source.



You may open a separate savings bank linked sweep account for this.



This fund will help if there is any job loss, health issue, or urgent need.



What Not to Do

Don’t invest in new ULIPs or insurance-linked plans.



Avoid direct mutual fund investments. You won’t get guided rebalancing.



Do not use your child’s education fund for house down payment.



Don’t pick index funds. They underperform in sideways or bear markets.



Don’t buy land or gold as an investment for your goals.



Final Insights

You are at a very strategic life stage. You have time and income strength.



ULIPs will not help you grow wealth. Shift to goal-based mutual fund SIPs.



Separate goals: child education, your retirement, wife’s security, and emergencies.



Invest only through a Certified Financial Planner for customised long-term support.



Review all goals every year. Increase SIPs with income.



Protect family with pure term insurance and health insurance.



Focus on building wealth in regular mutual funds, not through insurance products.



Real financial freedom comes when goals are funded without stress.



You have a clear head start. Use it with discipline and right guidance.



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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