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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |564 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on May 09, 2024

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
Anya Question by Anya on Apr 19, 2024Hindi
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What are the scholarships available for students who want to pursue masters in USA ,especially who are freshly graduate from btech

Ans: Hello Anya,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am glad to hear that you intend pursuing your Masters in the USA. As an answer to your query, I would like to tell you that there are a number of scholarships viz., the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, Tata Scholarship for Students from India, Fulbright Scholarships, Civil Society Leadership Awards (CSLA), Chevening Scholarships, Rotary Foundation Global Grants, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships, University-specific Scholarships, scholarships offered by private foundations and organizations, and Government Scholarships, that are available for students studying a Masters degree in the USA, particularly for the ones who have recently earned a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree.

Besides the ones mentioned above, there are a number of other scholarships available that you can consider applying to. I would recommend that you conduct an extensive study and apply to the scholarships that best resonate with your qualifications and objectives. Not just that, in order to acquire more precise details about the available scholarships and possibilities for monetary assistance, I would suggest that you get in touch with the admissions offices of the universities you intend applying to.

For more information, you can visit our website.
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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |564 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 03, 2024Hindi
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My son is in final year MBBS at Himmatnagar in Gujarat. He has already cleared his USMLE part 1. Can you pl provide me with a list of universities that offer scholarships to foreign trained students for pursuing their MD in the United States.
Ans: Hello,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear that your son is currently pursuing the final year of his MBBS and has already cleared part 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that there are several universities in USA that offer scholarships to foreign-trained students pursuing Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs. The list is as under:
1. Harvard Medical School
2. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine
3. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
4. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
5. Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
6. Stanford University School of Medicine
7. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
8. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
9. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
10. Yale School of Medicine
11. Weill Cornell Medicine
12. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Remember that the availability of scholarships may differ, and thus, in order to acquire the most precise and recent information on scholarship programs, I would recommend that your son gets in touch with individual universities.

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Shekhar

Shekhar Kumar  |154 Answers  |Ask -

Leadership, HR Expert - Answered on Apr 11, 2024

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Done BDS this year looking for further course and university in USA
Ans: Thank you for contacting me. I am happy to hear that you have completed your BDS and you want to pursue higher studies in USA. There are various courses which are mentioned below to help you.

Master level courses includes options in Dental Surgery (MDS) with specialization in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery / Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics / Periodontology or Periodontics / Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics / Oral Pathology and Microbiology / Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry / Oral Medicine and Radiology

Diploma level courses includes options in Diploma in Dental Materials / Dental Hygiene / Hospital Management and Administration / Forensic Odontology / Public Health Dentistry

Certification Level courses includes options in Certificate in Aesthetic Dentistry/ Dental Implantology/ Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/ Endodontics (Root Canal Treatment)/ Orthodontics

Postgraduate level course includes Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Dental Implantology / Pediatric Dentistry / Geriatric Dentistry

Fellowship Level program options includes Fellowship in Cosmetic Dentistry / Oral Implantology/ Laser Dentistry

Here are some of the recommended universities in USA where you can pursue higher studies abroad mentioned below:

Harvard University School of Dental Medicine (Boston, Massachusetts) / University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry (Los Angeles, California) / University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Ann Arbor, Michigan) / University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) / University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) / Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York City, New York) / University of Washington School of Dentistry (Seattle, Washington) / University of Maryland School of Dentistry (Baltimore, Maryland) / University of Florida College of Dentistry (Gainesville, Florida) and Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (Boston, Massachusetts)

These are just few of the course examples for you to carefully consider the best option based on your interest and career goals after BDS. I wish you best of luck with your higher studies and dentistry! If you have any specific questions or need further advice, feel free to ask me on Rediff Gurus

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7281 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Money
I am 49 years old working in private sector. Currently, drawing Rs. 1.50 lakhs per month, my investment details. - Lumpsum investment – canara robeco midcap regular – Rs.2 lakhs, union multicap fund –Rs.1 lakh, mahindra Manulife small cap rs.2 lakh; canara robeco multi cap Rs.2.20 lakhs; mahindra Manulife business cycle fund – Rs. 50,000; white oak capital large & mid cap fund – Rs. 100,000; ICICI prudential energy opportunities fund – rs. 100,000 - SIP – HDFC Defence fund – Rs. 10,000; mahindra manulife manufacturing fund – Rs.10000; white oak special opportunities fund 10,000 - FD with HDFC bank – rs. 12,00,000 - LIC – Rs. 10 lakhs My future expenditure, daughters marriage in 3 to 4 years and to purchase house in chennai and to save money for retirement. Please give me advice on how to invest so that I can meet my future demands and have a self-sufficient retirement.
Ans: Assessment of Current Investments
Mutual Funds

Your portfolio has a good mix of midcap, multicap, small-cap, and sectoral funds.
Diversification across different fund categories is appreciable.
However, the allocation to thematic and sectoral funds like defence, manufacturing, and energy is high.
Sectoral funds can be volatile and risky, especially for near-term goals.
Fixed Deposit (FD)

Rs. 12 lakh in FD provides stability and liquidity.
FDs are suitable for short-term needs but offer limited growth potential.
LIC Policy

The LIC policy provides Rs. 10 lakh, likely covering insurance and investment.
Such policies usually yield lower returns than mutual funds.
Future Financial Goals
Daughter’s Marriage (3–4 years)

Allocate funds with a low-risk profile for this goal.
Avoid high exposure to equity for this purpose.
House Purchase in Chennai

Save in instruments that offer both safety and moderate returns.
Flexibility and liquidity are important for this goal.
Retirement Corpus

Focus on long-term equity investments for growth.
Diversify to balance returns and risk.
Proposed Investment Strategy
Short-Term Goals (Daughter’s Marriage and House Purchase)
Utilise Fixed Deposits Wisely

Allocate a portion of your FD for your daughter’s marriage.
Retain some FD for emergency purposes only.
Invest in Debt Mutual Funds

Choose high-quality short-duration or dynamic bond funds.
Debt funds can provide better post-tax returns than FDs.
Keep the money safe and accessible for short-term use.
Avoid Sectoral and Thematic Funds

Shift sectoral fund investments to safer debt-oriented funds.
Sectoral funds are not suitable for short-term goals.
Medium- to Long-Term Goal (Retirement Planning)
Increase SIP in Diversified Equity Funds

Diversify into flexicap, multicap, or large-cap funds.
These funds balance risk and growth for long-term wealth creation.
Reduce Thematic Fund Allocation

Limit exposure to thematic funds to less than 10% of the portfolio.
Reallocate to well-diversified equity funds.
Invest in Hybrid Funds

Include balanced advantage or hybrid equity funds.
These funds reduce volatility while offering equity-like returns.
Consider Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)

Invest in ELSS for tax-saving benefits under Section 80C.
ELSS funds also offer long-term growth.
General Recommendations
Review Insurance Policy

Assess if the LIC policy offers adequate life coverage.
If it is a traditional endowment or ULIP, consider surrendering.
Reallocate proceeds to mutual funds for better returns.
Maintain Emergency Fund

Keep 6–12 months’ expenses in a savings account or liquid funds.
This ensures you have liquidity for unforeseen expenses.
Monitor and Rebalance Portfolio

Review your portfolio quarterly or semi-annually.
Rebalance to maintain alignment with your goals.
Focus on Tax Efficiency

Use tax-efficient instruments like ELSS, debt funds, and retirement-focused funds.
Plan withdrawals strategically to reduce tax impact on capital gains.
Retirement Planning Recommendations
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

In the future, use SWP from mutual funds for retirement income.
It provides tax efficiency compared to traditional annuities.
Healthcare Planning

Ensure your health insurance coverage is adequate for post-retirement needs.
Increase coverage if necessary to avoid financial strain later.
Invest in Equity for Growth

Continue investing in equities for long-term wealth appreciation.
Equity helps combat inflation effectively over the years.
Final Insights
Your investment portfolio is commendable and diversified. However, some adjustments can improve alignment with your goals. Reduce sectoral exposure and shift towards safer instruments for short-term needs. For retirement, continue SIPs in diversified equity and hybrid funds. Regular monitoring and rebalancing will keep your financial plan on track. With these changes, you can achieve your goals while ensuring a comfortable and self-sufficient retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7281 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2024Hindi
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Money
Can I utilise my money received by cancelling aggreement of one flat to repay the loan amount for the flat where I am residing?
Ans: Yes, you can use the money received from cancelling the agreement of one flat to repay the loan for the flat where you are residing. This can be a financially prudent decision, especially if the loan carries a high-interest rate. Here’s a detailed analysis to help you decide:

Benefits of Using the Money to Repay Your Loan
Interest Savings

Paying off your home loan early can save significant interest.
The earlier you repay, the more you save on interest due to the reducing balance method.
Debt-Free Living

Being debt-free reduces financial stress.
You free up cash flow that can be allocated to other financial goals.
Guaranteed Returns

Loan repayment offers guaranteed returns equivalent to the interest rate on your loan.
This is often better than the post-tax returns from other investments.
Enhanced Creditworthiness

Paying off a loan improves your credit score.
This is beneficial if you plan to borrow in the future for any purpose.
Factors to Consider Before Repaying the Loan
Prepayment Penalty

Check if your lender imposes a penalty for early repayment.
Most lenders, however, do not charge penalties on floating-rate loans.
Emergency Fund

Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund before using the money to repay the loan.
Ideally, keep 6-12 months of expenses in a savings account or liquid funds.
Opportunity Cost

Compare the potential returns from investing the money against the savings from loan repayment.
If your loan interest rate is lower than potential investment returns, consider investing instead.
Tax Benefits

Home loan interest payments qualify for tax benefits under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act.
Principal repayments are eligible under Section 80C.
If you repay the loan, you forgo these benefits, so weigh the impact on your tax planning.
Alternative Approaches
Partial Repayment

Consider making a partial repayment instead of fully paying off the loan.
This reduces the principal while keeping some funds liquid for other opportunities.
Invest for Higher Returns

If your loan interest rate is low, explore investing in mutual funds or other instruments.
Over time, these investments could potentially offer better post-tax returns.
Settle High-Cost Loans First

If you have any other high-interest loans, prioritise repaying those.
Examples include personal loans or credit card debts.
Final Insights
Repaying your home loan with the money from the cancelled flat agreement is a sound decision if your goal is to reduce debt and save on interest. However, consider your overall financial situation, including tax benefits, liquidity needs, and potential investment opportunities. A balanced approach—partly repaying the loan and investing the remaining amount—could offer the best of both worlds. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can help you tailor the decision to your specific goals and circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Rajesh Kumar

Rajesh Kumar Singh  |15 Answers  |Ask -

IIT-JEE, GATE Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

Harsh

Harsh Bharwani  |64 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2024

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I'm a Chartered accountant .. recently qualified .I'm interested in start up company with intention of book keeping services .software .pls give me some piece of idea regarding how to begin my book keeping services software ..
Ans: Starting a bookkeeping service powered by your own software is a great way to leverage your skills as a recently qualified chartered accountant. With the growing demand for streamlined accounting solutions, your idea has a lot of potentials. Here's how you can get started effectively:

Understand the market and identify your niche:- You have to start by researching the market to identify the specific needs of small & medium-sized businesses. Because many businesses are struggling with manual accounting or find existing software too complex or expensive. Focus on building a solution that is simple, affordable and addresses their pain points, such as automating invoices, tracking expenses and generating tax reports.

Develop or customize software:- Decide whether to build your software from scratch with the help of a development team or customize an existing platform like QuickBooks or Zoho Books to create a unique product. But make sure your software includes essential features like cloud access, real-time financial tracking, automated reminders, payroll management, and integration with banking systems. Prioritize an intuitive interface so that even non-accountants can use it easily.

Provide flexible and scalable solutions:- Start structuring your services with flexible pricing models, such as tiered subscription plans based on business size and its features. With Offers add-ons such as tax filing assistance, compliance consulting, or financial planning to differentiate yourself from other competitors. A free trial or discounted onboarding package can attract new customers and build trust to convert the audience into customers.

Build a strong brand and online presence:- Start your service as a reliable, tech-enabled bookkeeping solution by emphasizing your credentials as a chartered accountant. You Have to create a professional website with client testimonials, feature highlights and demo videos of your software. Use social media and content marketing to showcase the benefits of your services, such as cost savings, error reduction compliance accuracy and many more. Networking with local businesses and participating in professional forums can also help increase your visibility in the market.

Stay up to date and constantly improve:- Accounting laws and technology are evolving quickly, so keep your software updated with new versions to meet regulatory requirements after getting client feedback. Introduce AI-powered features like predictive analytics or fraud detection to stay ahead of competitors. Engage with your clients regularly to understand their challenges and improve your offerings.

By combining your expertise in accounting with cutting-edge technology, you can create a reliable and scalable bookkeeping solution that not only supports businesses but also establishes you as a leader in this field. Start small, focus on client needs, and let your service grow along with your reputation.

...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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