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Mayank

Mayank Rautela  | Answer  |Ask -

HR Expert - Answered on May 22, 2023

Mayank Rautela is the group chief human resources officer at Apollo Hospitals.
A management graduate from the Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies with a master's degree in labour laws from Pune University, Rautela has over 20 years of experience in general management, strategic human resources, global mergers and integrations and change management.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 27, 2023Hindi
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I am working as a Salesforce Admin in a MNC Company but I want to switch to Salesforce Developer in another company. I am not getting how to prepare.

Ans: You would need to upgrade your technical skills
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9405 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, I had invested in SBI life Smart Privilege, 10LPY, locking period over and i Can claim full with draw. Now, I am 61y. fund value after 10y grow 1.0cr. My question is can I withdraw all amount and invent SBI MF or other MF effectively so that I can get more benefits in my rest of life? Please guide me..
Ans: You're now 61 and have a fund value of Rs 1.0 crore from an insurance-investment policy (SBI Life Smart Privilege) after its 10-year lock-in period. You ask whether you can withdraw it fully and invest in mutual funds for better benefits.

Let us evaluate this with clarity and structure, considering insurance withdrawal, investment options, taxation, risk, liquidity, and long-term income.

Assessing Your Current Policy Commitment
You hold an investment-linked insurance plan (Smart Privilege) which you funded for 10 years and now its lock-in period is over.

This is an investment-linked policy (ULIP-like).

Such plans carry embedded insurance and fund charges.

Over time, these charges reduce returns.

You now have full flexibility to exit or continue.

You have two options:

Continue in the policy: keep funds invested under the insurer.

Exit and redirect proceeds into financial assets.

Option 1: Staying Invested in the Policy
This fund may continue growing. But check:

What are the ongoing fund management charges?

What are switching or withdrawal penalties?

What is the sum assured or paid-up insurance value?

Evaluate if continuing is financially sensible, or whether keeping insurance cover is still needed at 61. Many ULIPs lose value generation edge due to high costs.

Option 2: Full Withdrawal and Reinvestment
You can exit fully, retrieve Rs 1.0 crore, and use it for new investments.

Steps to take:

Withdraw the entire amount after lock-in

Build a diversified investment plan for this corpus

Reinvest proceeds wisely to generate sustainable income

Tax Implications on Withdrawal
The taxes on your withdrawal depend on the nature of the policy:

If it was a ULIP: withdrawals after 5 years are tax-free.

If it was an insurance-linked investment: insider fund rules apply.

Confirm with your insurer and tax advisor precisely.

Assuming tax-free withdrawal, you can redeploy Rs 1.0 crore without tax hit. If partially taxable or insurance gain is taxed, adjust your corpus figure.

Your Financial Objectives at 61
You’re now approaching retirement and want:

Stability of returns

Regular income in later years

Liquidity for healthcare or emergencies

Strong protection for dependents

Ensure these goals guide your investment strategy.

Immediate Use of Funds: Building the Income structure
With Rs 1.0 crore, you need a smart allocation to generate steady income and preserve capital long-term.

Proposed Portfolio Structure
Debt & Hybrid funds – Rs 40 lakh

Active equity funds – Rs 30 lakh

Liquid / Ultra?short funds – Rs 20 lakh

Short?term debt ladder or bank FD – Rs 10 lakh

This mix:

Provides regular income from debt/hybrid

Lets equity boost corpus growth

Keeps liquidity for urgent needs

Diversifies risk

Choosing Actively Managed Funds
Avoid index funds—they just mirror markets.

They don’t protect during market drops.

No manager works to avoid downside.

Performance equals market average.

Active mutual funds work differently:

Fund managers pick quality stocks and bonds

They aim to outperform or reduce volatility

You get ongoing review and risk management

Make sure you invest through regular plans via an MFD?CFP who can advise on fund selection, rebalancing, and risk profile.

Liquid Funds and Short-Term Debt
Good liquidity is key in later age:

Liquid or ultra-short debt funds offer instant access.

Use them for emergency cash or health bills.

Place 20% of your corpus here for safety.

Choose funds with low exit load and stable returns.

Hybrid Funds for Regular Income
Hybrid funds invest in equity and debt mix.

They offer stable income + moderate growth

Great for retirees looking for monthly payout

Debt allocation cushions equity volatility

Choose conservative hybrid funds for better risk control

You can set up systematic withdrawal plans for monthly income.

Equity Exposure for Growth
Even in retirement, equity adds value over time:

Helps beat inflation

Supports legacy and wealth transfer goals

Equity funds offer dividends and growth

Keep equity exposure conservative:

Large cap or balanced equity themes

No small?cap or sector?specific high?volatility funds

Continue only if risk appetite remains

Tax Planning and Exit Strategy
Remember new mutual fund tax rules:

Equity funds: LTCG over Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt and hybrid funds: gains taxed at slab rates

Plan withdrawals to utilize lower tax brackets. Stagger exits over two financial years if needed. Use your CFP to optimise this efficiently.

Protecting Life and Health Security
Now at 61, protection is crucial.

Insurance Needs:
Term Life Insurance: If cover is still active, ensure it's sufficient.

After 61, your insurance cover may reduce; check policy terms.

Consider increasing health and critical illness cover.

Health Insurance:
Medical costs increase with age

Cashless hospitalisation is vital

Opt for high cover (Rs 5–10 lakh) with family floater

Renew policy annually for guaranteed cover

Ensure you hold both types of insurance actively.

Regular Monitoring and Rebalancing
You must review investments regularly:

Check performance every 6 months

Rebalance equity/debt ratios as needed

Evaluate dividend distributions from hybrid funds

Adjust withdrawals to align with inflation and health needs

Use your CFP to keep the plan relevant and effective.

Financial Stability After Your Lifetime
You wish to cover family needs after your death:

Maintain a will or nominee listing for each asset

Keep liquid assets easily transferable

Ensure term and health insurance are active at all times

Use systematic transfer plans for any corpus you pass on

Inform family about account access and investments

This ensures they have financial safety when needed.

Summary of Action Plan
Exit your current policy post lock?in

Withdraw Rs 1 crore, confirm tax impact

Invest via active mutual funds through regular plans

Equity: Rs 30 lakh

Hybrid/debt: Rs 40 lakh

Liquid: Rs 20 lakh

Short-term debt/FD: Rs 10 lakh

Start systematic withdrawals from hybrid/debt funds

Verify insurance adequacy (life and health)

Monitor and rebalance portfolio every 6 months

Plan for tax-efficient fund exits later

This strategy should give you stable financial security, regular income, liquidity, and strong protection for your loved ones.

Finally
Your idea of switching to mutual funds is smart.
A diversified corpus can improve returns and income stability.
Active funds, not index funds, will help grow wealth wisely.
Regular plans via a CFP ensure ongoing review and guidance.
This approach will give structure, safety, and income in your golden years.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  |611 Answers  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Career
My Son is in 12th Commerce currently.He will complete his schooling in February 2026.Which are the different options in management and allied fields alongwith the premier institutes for the same for such candidates keeping current scenario in mind.Please guide . Thanks.
Ans: Hello Kalpesh,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear that your son is currently pursuing his 12th grade in the Commerce stream and will complete it in February 2026. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that post completing his 12th grade, there are a number of management and related field possibilities that your son can consider pursuing abroad. He can think about pursuing courses like Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor in Management Studies (BMS), Finance, Economics, Marketing, and International Business. You would be glad to know that there are a number of renowned institutes that offer these courses. These include London School of Economics (UK), University of Melbourne (Australia), the University of Toronto (Canada), and National University of Singapore. Moreover, outstanding management programs are offered at business schools such as HEC Paris and ESADE (Spain). In light of the present worldwide emphasis on digital skills and sustainability, I would suggest that your son opts for programs that combine technology, analytics, and ethical business practices.

For more information, you can visit our website: www.edwiseinternational.com

You can also follow us on our Instagram page: edwiseint

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7836 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Career
My daughter got into MSc program at IISER tvm, and is also no. 1 on the wait list for iPhD. Should we take the MSc seat or lose it and wait for iPhD acceptance? She wants to pursue PhD in the long run but is unsure if she'll continue in the same institute. They allow exit option only after 3 yr with MS research degree.
Ans: Kamal Sir, IISER Thiruvananthapuram’s two-year MSc program is a fully residential, research-oriented degree with a flexible curriculum and electives across Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics, but does not offer an institute fellowship for MSc students. Admission to the Integrated PhD (iPhD) is based on national tests and interviews, with top waitlisted candidates often receiving offers before the next academic session. The iPhD includes two years of coursework plus a one-year research project; exit with an MS(Res) degree is permitted only after completing three years (four semesters of coursework plus one year of thesis) and securing requisite grades, with no early exit after the MSc slot. Integrated PhD scholars receive fellowships from the outset, accelerate their research trajectory by one year compared to sequential MSc + PhD pathways, and benefit from continuous mentorship and funding. However, declining the MSc seat risks leaving no backup if the iPhD offer does not materialize.

Final recommendation:
Given your daughter’s long-term PhD ambition and the fellowship and fast-track advantages of the integrated program, recommendation is to accept the MSc offer to secure guaranteed admission, while maintaining waitlist status for the iPhD; this preserves her options and ensures she remains in a vibrant research environment without financial support gaps. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9405 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 39 years old IT professional. Take home is 80k Have a ppf - 15lac approx. about to be mature in a year. Have a wifes ppf - 7lac approx. will mature in next 12 years. In EPF having 10lac. In Single MIS having 9lac A small plot for 9lac Father has passed away having a 2yo son and a younger brother and mother to take care. Being in private sector and due to job unstability what should be the financial plan to save upto 2-3cr in next 4-5 years being conservative investor have not started sip there is NPS total invested is 2.3lac but couldn't see best returns. So my ask is on liquidity, health insurance and term insurance and where else can i invest which gives more financial stability and covers most of my worries after my death.
Ans: You are 39, an IT professional, with many financial responsibilities. You also have a young son, a younger brother, and an elderly mother to support. Let’s build a structured 360° plan that covers income safety, insurance protection, liquidity needs, and wealth accumulation goals.

1. Current Financial Snapshot
First, let’s understand your financial position fully:

Take?home salary: Rs 80,000 per month

PPF (your account): Rs 15 lakh (maturing in about 1 year)

PPF (wife’s account): Rs 7 lakh (maturing in ~12 years)

EPF balance: Rs 10 lakh

Single MIS: Rs 9 lakh

Plot of land: Rs 9 lakh value

NPS investment: Rs 2.3 lakh (started, low return)

Dependents: Son (2 years old), younger brother, mother

You aim to save Rs 2–3 crore over the next 4–5 years, while being conservative. You prefer stability and want strong post-death security for your dependents.

2. Clarify Retirement / Corpus Versus Income Goal
You mentioned wanting Rs 2–3 crore in 4–5 years. This implies:

Target corpus: Rs 2 crore in 5 years needs Rs 33–35 lakh per year investment.

Feasibility check: Your income may not allow such high savings immediately.

Therefore, refine the goal:

Decide your time horizon (e.g., 5 years vs 10 years)

Define purpose: Corpus for retirement or income flow

Decide on post-retirement monthly income expected

Then calculate realistic corpus and required savings

Without clarity, planning remains vague. Let’s assume you aim for Rs 1.5 lakh per month income post-retirement. You will need roughly Rs 3 crore corpus at a 6% systematic withdrawal. This requires systematic accumulation of at least Rs 30 lakh per year, which may need more time or higher savings.

3. Risk Profile and Asset Allocation
As a conservative investor:

You prefer stable returns over high-risk growth

But pure debt instruments may not help meet large corpus.

Balance is key: safe growth with moderate risk

Suggested ideal allocation without using real estate:

PPF / EPF / NPS: 40–50%

Active equity funds: 30–40%

Hybrid/debt funds: 10–20%

Liquid/short-term debt funds: 5–10% (liquidity buffer)

This mix helps achieve stability with steady growth.

4. PPF Maturity Management
Your PPF of Rs 15 lakh will mature next year. Here’s how to handle it:

Don’t withdraw all in one go unless needed

Continue partial investments in PPF or encash gradually

Use maturity proceeds to build liquid and debt funds

Post-maturity, divide funds into safety and growth portions

Some for health, term insurance, emergencies

Some for balanced investment in active funds

PPF’s tax-free and risk-free nature makes it ideal for cautious future deployment.

5. Diversification in Debt Instruments
You hold EPF, PPF, NPS, and MIS — strong debt base. However:

MIS interest is taxable and inflexible

NPS has limited liquidity at maturity

Term insurance is good but premiums may strain cash flow

Consider these adjustments:

Redirect some MIS into short-term debt or conservative hybrid funds

Continue EPF/PPF/NPS, but monitor allocations

Maintain health insurance and check for adequate coverage

Build an emergency fund in liquid/debt funds — target 6–12 months of expenses

6. Increase Exposure to Equity via Active Funds
You haven’t started SIPs yet. To grow corpus, equity exposure is essential.

Avoid index funds: they mirror markets, no downside protection

Active funds add value via expert stock selection

They may outperform in volatile or bear phases

Start with:

3–4 active equity funds via SIPs

Diversified, large-cap, multi-cap, sectoral mix based on risk level

Use regular plans via MFD–CFP, not direct plans

You gain professional guidance, periodic reviews, and alignment to goals

Direct plans only save expense ratio but lack personalized support

Begin with a modest monthly SIP of Rs 10,000–15,000 and increase each year.

7. Systematic Liquid Fund Allocation
Liquidity is critical for job instability and emergencies.

Keep at least Rs 3–4 lakh in liquid or ultra-short-term debt fund

This protects safety without locking in long-term instruments

It bridges income gaps during job changes

Avoid locking liquidity in MIS or fixed deposits alone.

8. Health and Term Insurance Review
You asked about insurance adequacy. Here's what we should check:

Term Life Insurance:

Suit your family’s income replacement and debt

With a 2-year-old child and liabilities, over Rs 1 crore cover is advisable

This ensures your son, brother, and mother are financially secure

Health Insurance:

Must cover whole family including child and mother

Choose a high coverage plan (Rs 5 lakh or more) with cashless hospital network

Covers hospital expenses, surgeries, and critical illness

Insurance safeguard is a non-negotiable foundation for your goals.

9. Repurpose LIC Policy
You hold a Rs 3 lakh LIC policy. Investment-cum-insurance products typically:

Have high charges

Offer low returns

Are illiquid

Suggest:

Consider surrendering this policy

Deploy proceeds into a mix of active equity funds and hybrid funds via regular plans

This improves returns and gives flexibility

Discuss surrender details with your MFD–CFP to avoid penalties or loss of insurance coverage. Instead, ensure you maintain term insurance and health cover separately.

10. Asset Reallocation and Withdrawal Strategy
You have multiple debt instruments maturing at different times. Use a phased withdrawal approach:

On PPF maturity: deploy 50% into SIPs, 30% into hybrid funds, 20% into liquid funds

Do similar for MIS if you wish to withdraw

For NPS EPF: continue till retirement, but track allocation

Gain from equity funds can be moved post-retirement to hybrid/debt for stable withdrawal

This creates a laddered portfolio that balances growth and distribution.

11. Build Monthly Income Plan Post-Retirement
We must design a corpus layout to meet Rs 1–1.5 lakh monthly income:

Assuming a Rs 3 crore corpus,

Debt/hybrid allocation: Rs 1.5 crore, earning ~8% annually → Rs 12 lakh per year

Active equity SIP withdrawals: Rs 12–18 lakh per year to replenish inflation and growth

The remainder in liquid/dynamic balance to meet monthly cash flow needs.

Corpus design should allow systematic withdrawal while preserving principal.

12. Monitoring and Rebalancing
We need to track progress actively:

Annual review of portfolio mix

Rebalance equity/debt allocation back to target

Track performance of active funds vs benchmarks

Adjust SIP amounts with salary growth and inflation

Use MFD–CFP guidance for recalibration and goal mapping.

13. Tax Planning for Better Efficiency
Be aware of current tax rules for mutual funds:

Equity funds: LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%; STCG taxed at 20%

Debt funds: gains taxed as per your income slab

PPF and EPF remain tax?free

Plan redemptions properly:

Withdraw slowly to stay under LTCG threshold

Choose redemption years carefully

Tax-efficient planning increases net returns and effective income.

14. Contingency Protection for Career Instability
Since job security is low:

Extend emergency fund to at least 6–12 months

Keep access to pre-approved credit (overdrafts) just in case

Avoid locking long-term wealth for immediate needs

Build secondary income—freelance skills or online training

This gives a buffer for months with low or no income.

15. Inflation and Lifestyle Adjustment
Your final income target must beat inflation.

Track yearly inflation at ~6–7%

Increase SIP amounts annually by at least this rate

Adjust equity allocation gradually as risk capacity grows

Post-retirement, budget for inflation-linked expenses

Lifestyle flexibility will help maintain corpus and quality of life.

16. Involving Your Family in the Plan
Plan with your wife and elder family members:

Discuss insurance, liquidity, and educational needs

Explain the need for systematic investing

Seek their support for withdrawal planning and spending control

Financial stability is easier with a supportive home environment.

17. Action Roadmap Summary
Let’s list your next steps:

Finalise goal: corpus, timeline, post?retirement income

Build emergency fund in liquid funds

Increase PPF withdrawal approach

Reinvest LIC maturity in active funds via regular plan

Start SIPs in 3–4 active funds at Rs 10k–15k/month

Check health and term insurance coverage adequacy

Build a withdrawal corpus plan using debt, hybrid, equity

Review and rebalance annually with advisor

Plan exit strategy based on funds performance and needs

Stick to this structured 360° plan with discipline and patience.

18. Avoid These Pitfalls
Don’t invest in index funds—they mirror market entirely

Avoid direct plans—lost guidance may cost more than fees saved

Don’t add annuities—they reduce flexibility and returns

Avoid real estate as wealth creation—it’s illiquid

Don’t prematurely withdraw debt assets—use them for income

Avoid mixing insurance in investment—keep them separate

Your conservative mindset is wise. But active planning will help you win long-term.

Finally
You have a solid base with PPF, EPF, MIS, and basic insurance.
Now, with disciplined strategy you can aim for Rs 2–3 crore corpus.
Combining stable debt, active equity investments, liquidity cushion, and insurance will protect you and your family.
Use a Certified Financial Planner and regular investment plans.
Review annually, increase SIPs, and remain aware of tax rules.
This will give you financial stability, liquidity, and peace of mind.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |7836 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 03, 2025Hindi
Career
Is upes good enough for physics honours
Ans: UPES Dehradun's B.Sc. (Hons.) Physics program, offered through the School of Advanced Engineering's Applied Science Cluster, provides three specialized tracks—Astronomy & Astrophysics, Computational Physics, and Materials Science & Nanotechnology—with NAAC A accreditation and research-oriented 3+1 curriculum. The university's physics faculty includes renowned researchers like Dr. Vipin Gaur (18,000+ citations, h-index 65+) working on international collaborations at CERN and Belle II experiments, and Dr. Shalendra Kumar, recognized among the world's top 2% researchers by Stanford University. Infrastructure includes 120+ specialized labs, a centrally air-conditioned library with 2,08,425 print books and 19,148 e-journals, high-performance computing facilities for physics simulations, and MoUs with Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) for astronomical research. The university achieved a 91% overall placement rate with 750+ recruiters, including Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, and research organizations, though specific physics placement data shows typical BSc Physics graduates earning INR 2-7 LPA nationally with career prospects in research institutions, IT sectors, and government organizations.

recommendation:
UPES physics honours offers solid accreditation, internationally recognized faculty, and extensive research infrastructure with global collaborations at CERN and KEK. Consider it if you value research exposure and specialized physics tracks, but alternative options like premier central universities or IISERs may provide stronger academic foundations and higher placement consistency in core physics roles. All the BEST for the Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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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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