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Dr Karthiyayini

Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan  |1146 Answers  |Ask -

General Physician - Answered on Oct 18, 2023

Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan has been practising for 30 years.
She specialises in general medicine, child development and senior citizen care.
A graduate from Madurai Medical College, she has DNB training in paediatrics and a postgraduate degree in developmental neurology.
She has trained in Tai chi, eurythmy, Bothmer gymnastics, spacial dynamics and yoga.
She works with children with development difficulties at Sparrc Institute and is the head of wellness for senior citizens at Columbia Pacific Communities.... more
Sushil Question by Sushil on Oct 17, 2023Hindi
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Dr, My father 73 yrs old suffering from diabetes, bo, parkinson and already having heart issue average 50% blockage and now have been detected with acoustic neuroma brain tumor, due to which he has lost almost 80% eye vision, rarely can see.... Need of eye operation... But if the brain tumor is not operation, again eye vision problem can be there.. dr neurologist and even family doctor is saying his operation is risky due to multiple health issue...can cause further complications. He asked us to prepare us mentally strong wrt this... Plz guide us...

Ans: What does your father want?
How, does he feel about his impaired vision?
Decision should be taken with his concurrence and not convincing him
DISCLAIMER: The answer provided by rediffGURUS is for informational and general awareness purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or treatment.
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Dr Karthiyayini

Dr Karthiyayini Mahadevan  |1146 Answers  |Ask -

General Physician - Answered on Apr 23, 2024

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Hello doctor, my father had a mini heart attack in September. He was experiencing asthma and jhanjhanahat (I don't know what else can I call it) in shoulders and hands . His hands would get tight all of a sudden and it would pain a lot. Also, he is very physically active. He used to go to a pulmonologist for asthma but he overlooked all of these and suggested to put volini spray on it. So when he got the heartattack his left body got paralysed for a while and after that he was fine. The doctor said that there was blockage in artery so he got a surgery done where the stunt was placed near waist. We maintained a good diet after that but when he got back to his house my brother's wife would not care much about the diet and fed him oils and refined oil as much as she could. Now it has been 7 month now he has been experiencing tightness in hands and legs again. Please suggest doctor. I fear that he might get heart attack once again. And sir please suggest on one more thing that he used to be a very strict and sophisticated person. But now he has completed changed. Now he is not as strict as before but some weird behaviour is something that I have been noticing over few months. He is highly forgetfully. Like he will ask you for something and then forget about it just after few minutes and then scold you for it. He keeps repeating what he says during a conversation. Sometimes he reacts violently without understanding the situation well which was not the case before. I fear he might have some psychological problems as my mother in law as severe dementia that she cannot even eat or walk. I fear the same.
Ans: May be you father is having vascular dementia
Please consult a Neurologist

..Read more

Dr Hemalata

Dr Hemalata Arora  | Answer  |Ask -

General Physician - Answered on Jun 21, 2024

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I am 77 years old. I was taking medicine for high BP from the age of 50 years.I was very active doing yoga regularly in the morning and doing walk in the evening. I do not smoke and do not drink as well. I am a person with height weight normal as per the standard chart. I was very active doing my job and never use to get tired. I worked for six years in Central Govt, thirty years in PSU and seventeen years in Private Organisations. I used to believe that " a Person should never retire from work". I stopped going to work from March 2020 after the Covid 19 spread in India. During a routine check up, my doctor mentioned on my prescription as "Stable Angina". I asked about it but he replied, it is nothing, do not worry. I was not having any pain etc. But this remark of Stable Angina. was written on my prescription on every visit. In June 2022, I got a CT Angiography done just to know the deposits in my arteries. It was found to be more in all the five arteries. But I had no symptoms of any pain or breathlessness while moving or working.In August 2022, I got some problem in my left eye, went to eye specialist, he observed a little deposit in eye nerve. He tried to break it but could not. I went for Angiography. All the arteries were found with deposits but still I had no pain etc. I was operated for Heart By pass Surgery on 22.9.22 and released from Hospital on 1.10.22. I was put on High Protein Diet. During Jan 23 to July 23, my Blood Urea Nitrogen & Urea got up the required level.High Protein Diet was stopped and advised take more Fruits. BUN & Urea came normal. More fruits were being taken. It caused potassium level to go up. Then in fruits also restriction imposed on banana, coconut water & citrus fruits. Now I am on restricted diet. BUN & Urea are normal but potassium remains fluctuating. Now I am alright but feel very weak. I do little walk but get tired soon. I am not able to do yoga due to low energy. Vitamin supplements are being taken but not getting strength. Even feels stability problem. While standing feels giddiness and feels that i may fall. I am also feeling severe pain in my arms muscles. Now I am taking medicines for BP, Cholesterol, Blood Thinner, Enlarged Prostrate Gland, Vitamin supplement. I always think why I am feeling so many problems after Heart Bye Pass Surgery. Please advise.
Ans: I feel you need your medications adjusted. They're probably making you feel like this.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7254 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2024

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I have 20 lakhs in my account and a house in my name. At present I am not earning. I have taken SBI Life smart wealth builder with installment of 1Lakh, for 12 years and premium payment term of 7 years. Applicable tax rate is 18%. I also invested in MF and taken a health insurance. I am thinking if it would be wise to continue with the SBI life. If I close SBI life and invest that in MF will it be beneficial for me? I have taken a break from my career due to health issues, and planning to continue with my job soon with an expected income of 40-50k. I am 50 years old. I need to take care of my son's (18 years) higher studies and plan for my retirement.
Ans: You are in a transitional phase with important financial goals. Let’s assess your options to make informed decisions.

Assessing SBI Life Smart Wealth Builder Policy
High Cost of Policy: The policy includes administration charges, fund management fees, and taxes of 18%.

Limited Returns: ULIPs often provide lower returns compared to actively managed mutual funds.

Lock-in Period: Your policy locks funds, restricting liquidity for immediate goals.

Surrender Value: Check the surrender value. Early surrender might lead to penalties and reduced returns.

Potential Benefits of Investing in Mutual Funds
Higher Returns: Mutual funds, especially actively managed ones, often outperform ULIPs over time.

Flexibility: You can withdraw funds based on your needs, offering better liquidity.

Diversification: Mutual funds provide exposure to different asset classes, reducing risk.

Cost Efficiency: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner minimises hidden charges and optimises returns.

Managing Your Rs. 20 Lakh Corpus
Emergency Fund: Set aside Rs. 5-6 lakhs in liquid funds or fixed deposits for emergencies.

Education Planning: Allocate funds in short-term debt mutual funds or recurring deposits for your son’s higher studies.

Retirement Corpus: Invest the remaining amount in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds for long-term growth.

Health Insurance Adequacy: Review your existing health insurance to ensure sufficient coverage.

Planning Your Income Resumption
Once you resume work, save at least 20-30% of your income.

Prioritise retirement contributions alongside education planning.

Use surplus income to reduce financial dependency on investments.

Tax Efficiency
Mutual Funds: Equity mutual funds provide tax benefits but watch for LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh (taxed at 12.5%).

Surrendering ULIP: Check tax implications on surrender proceeds. ULIPs offer tax exemption if premiums don't exceed 10% of the sum assured.

Health Insurance: Claim Section 80D deductions for premiums paid.

Strategic Steps Forward
Review the policy surrender value. If penalties are high, consider continuing till break-even.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for a detailed portfolio review.

Set realistic timelines for education and retirement goals.

Maintain separate funds for short-term needs and long-term growth.

Finally
Your proactive approach will create a strong financial foundation. By reallocating your resources wisely, you can secure your son’s education and your retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7254 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am going to retire soon with retirement fund of 2 Cr along with pension sufficient for me and my spouse. I have own builder flat in Delhi and health coverage. I have one married daughter who is well settled with 2 kids under 5 years. One flat in my building is on sale for 2 Cr. I need advice for investment for 2Cr retirement fund . Should I buy the flat in my building or should I invest 2 Cr in senior citizen saving scheme, post office MIS , fixed deposit in Bank. My spouse of same age is also earning equally.
Ans: Retirement is a significant phase of life, and your financial decisions now will shape your future security and lifestyle. Let’s analyse your situation and investment choices.

Assessing Your Current Position
You have a retirement fund of Rs. 2 crore, which is substantial.

Your pension adequately covers your and your spouse’s living expenses.

Your spouse’s earnings provide an additional safety net.

You own a flat in Delhi and have health insurance coverage.

You have no immediate financial dependency, as your daughter is well-settled.

Should You Invest in Real Estate?
Avoid investing Rs. 2 crore in another flat, even if it is in your building.

Real estate offers low liquidity, making it harder to access funds in emergencies.

Rental income might not justify the high capital investment, considering property management costs and potential downtime.

Real estate lacks diversification compared to other investments, increasing risk.

Alternative Investment Options
1. Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)
SCSS is a secure option offering fixed returns for retirees.

Invest up to the permissible limit for predictable and regular income.

It is a low-risk investment backed by the government.

2. Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (MIS)
Post Office MIS provides guaranteed monthly income.

It is another safe choice for retirees with capital preservation as a priority.

Returns, though lower, are steady and reliable.

3. Bank Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits (FDs) offer fixed returns and flexible tenures.

Senior citizen FDs provide slightly higher interest rates.

Split the funds across different banks for better safety and liquidity.

4. Balanced Investment in Mutual Funds
Invest in a mix of debt and equity mutual funds for moderate growth and stability.

Actively managed funds through an MFD with a Certified Financial Planner can optimise returns.

Debt mutual funds provide stable returns while equity offers growth potential.

Avoid direct funds due to their complexity and the need for constant monitoring.

5. Liquid Funds and Emergency Reserve
Allocate a portion to liquid funds for quick access in emergencies.

These funds are more effective than savings accounts for parking surplus money.

Maintain an emergency reserve for at least 24 months of expenses.

6. Inflation-Protected Investments
Some funds and bonds are designed to protect against inflation erosion.

These investments ensure your purchasing power remains intact over time.

Tax Considerations
Plan investments to minimise tax liabilities under your income bracket.

Be aware of the latest tax rules on mutual funds and fixed deposits.

Capital gains from equity investments over Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.

Fixed deposit interest is taxed as per your income slab. Plan withdrawals accordingly.

Succession Planning and Gifting
Consider creating a detailed estate plan to avoid future legal hassles.

Set up nominations and update wills to ensure smooth wealth transfer.

You may gift small amounts to your daughter or grandchildren under tax-free limits.

Final Insights
Investing your Rs. 2 crore retirement fund wisely ensures peace of mind and financial stability. Opt for a diversified approach balancing safety, liquidity, and moderate growth. Avoid locking all funds into real estate to keep your portfolio flexible. Thoughtful planning now will safeguard your golden years and your family’s financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |435 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Whenever I argue with my partner, it quickly escalates into something bigger than it should be. I don't express how much I love them, but I feel like our communication is breaking down. How can I improve this situation?
Ans: It’s clear that you deeply care about your partner and the health of your relationship, but recurring arguments and a lack of expressed love are creating a disconnect. To nurture love and clarity in your communication, it’s essential to create an emotional space where both of you feel safe, valued, and understood—even during disagreements.

When arguments arise, they often escalate because emotions are heightened, and both people feel the need to defend their perspective. To shift this dynamic, start by focusing on emotional regulation in those moments. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you’re both on the same team, even if you see things differently. This small pause can prevent reactive words or actions that might escalate the conflict further.

Outside of conflicts, consider the daily emotional climate of your relationship. If love isn’t being expressed regularly, your partner may feel insecure or disconnected, which can intensify disagreements. Begin to nurture love by weaving simple but heartfelt expressions of care into your everyday interactions. This might be as simple as saying, “I appreciate you,” giving a warm hug, or acknowledging something they did, however small. These gestures build emotional reserves that make handling tough conversations easier because they remind both of you of the underlying bond.

When it comes to communication, try reframing the way you approach disagreements. Speak from your feelings rather than placing blame. For instance, instead of saying, “You’re not listening to me,” try, “I feel unheard, and it’s making me frustrated.” This subtle but powerful shift fosters understanding rather than defensiveness. Equally important is listening with an open mind. Practice reflecting back what your partner shares to show you’re truly hearing them. For example, “I hear that you’re upset because you feel I didn’t prioritize you—am I understanding that correctly?”

Love is nurtured in the moments between conflicts—through trust, small acts of kindness, and consistent emotional support. Reflect on what makes your partner feel loved and cherished, and intentionally incorporate those actions into your daily life. At the same time, share what you need emotionally so they understand how to nurture you too. This mutual exchange strengthens your connection and creates a deeper sense of partnership.

Finally, consider having a calm, heartfelt conversation about how you both want to handle conflicts and express love moving forward. Creating shared goals for your relationship can bring clarity and purpose, helping you both feel aligned. By approaching your relationship with patience, empathy, and intentional care, you can not only resolve current challenges but also nurture a love that feels steady, secure, and fulfilling.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7254 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 11, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 33. A mom to a 5 months old. I have been working since I was 24 in education industry. I have accumulated a corpus of 1.4 cr ( solely mine) and a house registered jointly in my name and my husband's name. Now if I choose to be a stay at home mom for next 3 yrs. How much will my finances be affected? Could you please let me know.
Ans: Taking a career break for three years will have financial implications. Let us assess it from multiple perspectives to provide insights.

Income Loss Impact
Your current income will cease for three years, reducing your cash flow.

This pause might impact your future earning potential, depending on re-entry challenges in your industry.

Evaluate if your husband's income and your savings can sustain your family needs during this break.

Corpus Utilisation and Growth
A Rs. 1.4 crore corpus is commendable. Assess its current allocation for better optimisation.

If untouched, this corpus can grow significantly over three years through strategic investment.

Avoid dipping into the corpus unless absolutely necessary, as it can reduce future compounding benefits.

Household Budget Planning
Ensure your household expenses are managed within your husband’s income.

Create a detailed budget, listing mandatory expenses like EMIs, child needs, and lifestyle costs.

Plan for inflation while allocating funds for fixed expenses over the next three years.

Emergency Fund Importance
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to at least 12 months' expenses.

Use a combination of fixed deposits and liquid funds for this purpose.

Avoid using your primary corpus as an emergency reserve.

Investment Portfolio Review
Review the current allocation of your Rs. 1.4 crore. Balance between equity and debt based on your goals.

Equity allocation can grow your wealth but keep debt for stability.

Invest in actively managed funds through a Certified Financial Planner to optimise returns.

Impact on Long-term Goals
Pausing your career may delay achieving some financial goals.

Align your current investments to meet goals like child education or retirement.

Regularly monitor the performance of your investments and adjust as required.

Tax Implications
Check the tax efficiency of your investments during the break.

Consider tax-saving instruments to reduce liability on your husband’s income.

Be aware of the latest tax rules on mutual fund capital gains.

Insurance and Contingency Planning
Review health and term insurance for adequate coverage for your family.

Ensure your husband is adequately covered with term insurance since he will be the sole earner.

Plan for additional medical expenses associated with child care during this time.

Re-Entry Considerations
Stay updated with industry trends to ensure a smooth return to work after three years.

Enhance skills during the break, if possible, to make re-entry easier and impactful.

Consider part-time or freelance work during the break to keep connected with the profession.

Finally
Taking a break to focus on motherhood is a beautiful choice. Planning carefully will ensure your finances remain stable during this period. With a structured approach, you can balance your family needs and long-term financial goals seamlessly.

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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