iam 71 years of age. i dont take medicines for diabetes. my latest readings: fasting---- 127.3 mg/dl pp------------175.5 mg/dl HbA1c-------6.4% iam i diabetic. should i start taking medicines. pl advise.

Ans: Sector-specific mutual funds like the energy-focused fund you are investing in carry higher risks. They are more volatile compared to diversified mutual funds. This volatility happens because they depend heavily on the performance of a particular sector.

You are rightly evaluating your investment as it has underperformed. Let us analyse and suggest alternative approaches for better returns.

Challenges with Sector-Specific Mutual Funds
High Dependency on a Single Sector: Sector-specific funds rely on one sector. If the sector struggles, your returns may decline.

Volatility: These funds are highly cyclical and sensitive to market conditions.

Not Ideal for SIPs: Systematic investments in sector-specific funds may not yield consistent returns. This is because the sector may not perform well during the investment period.

Benefits of Diversified Mutual Funds Over Sector-Specific Funds
Risk Mitigation: Diversified mutual funds invest across various sectors. This lowers the overall risk.

Consistent Performance: They tend to perform steadily across market cycles, offering balanced returns.

Flexibility: These funds adjust their portfolio allocation to changing market conditions.

What Should You Do with Your Current SIP?
Review Your Financial Goals
Decide whether the energy sector aligns with your long-term goals.

Monitor Fund Performance
Assess the fund's returns against its benchmark and peers over a 3-5 year horizon.

Gradual Exit Strategy
Avoid stopping SIP abruptly. Gradually reduce your exposure while reallocating to other funds.

Alternative Investment Options for Better Results
Actively Managed Equity Funds
These funds provide professional management to adapt to market changes.
They offer growth by investing in multiple sectors and market capitalisations.
Balanced Hybrid Funds
These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt.
They offer growth potential while ensuring stability in returns.
Flexicap Funds
These funds invest in large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
They give you a balance of risk and reward over time.
Why Regular Funds and Not Direct Funds?
Certified Guidance: Regular funds provide access to expert guidance from a certified financial planner (CFP).
Monitoring: A CFP tracks your investments and adjusts your portfolio.
Tax Efficiency: Regular funds help optimise tax liability through planned withdrawals.
Direct funds require you to manage all these aspects alone, increasing complexity and potential errors.

Taxation Considerations for Switching Funds
Equity Funds: Gains exceeding Rs 1.25 lakhs are taxed at 12.5% for long-term capital gains (LTCG). Short-term gains (less than 1 year) are taxed at 20%.

Debt Funds: LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income slab.

Plan your fund switches carefully to minimise tax impact.

Final Insights
Sector-specific funds, while appealing, may not align with your financial goals due to high risks and volatility. Moving to diversified or balanced mutual funds can ensure consistent growth with reduced risks. Opting for regular funds under a certified financial planner ensures professional guidance and effective portfolio management.

Invest wisely to secure stable and rewarding financial growth.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It's really sad all the years of togetherness becomes nothing in front of physical relationships.
My suggestion would be to work on whatever is coming in between the two of you; which means what is stopping you from having a good sex life must be addressed.
It could be simple medical treatment or mind techniques to work on these challenges. Divorce in my opinion in your case, seems to be an impulsive move taken in frustration. Think it through and calmly address the main issue and work at it. Request your wife also to be a part of this. Do reconsider your decision to separate by trying to work out the differences. Even after that if things persist, then you know what you want to do. But at least give it a try...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Ever heard of the word, 'NO'? It's used to draw boundaries. Of course, since it's family that you are talking about here, you can soften the 'NO' BUT never give explanations as people can latch on to that and find another way to push the boundary.

This is what you said:
I want everyone to be happy i dnt want to spoil anything.
>>>
Well, you can't have the cake and eat it too, yeah? Be clear on what you want! When you push back your sister and family, there is bound to be some disappointment from them, but when you know that it's going to help your wife and you, then be firm about it. Someone maybe unhappy and that does not mean that you have spoiled anything...it simply means that they are learning newer ways of adapting to newer arrangements of living and leading life.

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
What we are uncomfortable with is what we must face and overcome.
Join Toastmasters Club (look up the Internet for more on this) or any public speaking clubs that will enable you to not just speak but build on your confidence. For growing your social circle, move around with people who share similar interests such as yours. Maybe hiking, trekking, painting...This will ensure that you have opportunities to not just meet people but also connect with them through sharing experiences and thoughts. Slowly, but surely...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

Ans: I understood. You feel stagnant. Am I right? Do you have an MBA in Marketing? If not then immediately go for an online MBA ( Marketing) so that you can boost your career. With job off line MBA is not possible. But online MBA also very good provided one studies the study material seriously. Mind that- Higher Degree always pays. Best of luck. Just follow me. May God Bless You. Professor.............................:)

Ans: He can go for online certification courses. Secondly he should learn the particular softwares related to Mechanical Engineering. In prefinal year through the training and placement cell of the college he can apply for Internship. But the best internship for core Mechanical Engineering is to have hands on experience in some 2 -wheeler/Auto Rickshaw/4-wheeler servicing centre. That can be the best internship. Best of luck to yoyr son. MAY GOD BLESS HIM. Regards. Professor..............................:)

Ans: You can join any one of the following Academies taking into consideration your location preference, course curriculum, your fee affordability & its reviews (1) Noel Keymer’s Voice Academy (Mumbai) (2) Sugar Mediaz (Mumbai Voice Modulation Academy (Mumbai) & (4) Phoenix Institute (Pune). All the BEST for Your Prosperous Son's Future.

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Ans: Moumita, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank offers promising career opportunities, particularly for those interested in roles related to microfinance, retail banking, & financial inclusion.

The bank emphasizes a supportive work culture, providing competitive benefits such as paid leaves, health insurance, and career advancement opportunities. Employees have highlighted the company's strong focus on work-life balance and professional growth, although some roles may come with high targets and WORK PRESSURE?. Explore available roles and apply through their official careers page. The recruitment process typically includes a written test, interviews, and orientation sessions. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Son's Future.

To know more on ‘ Careers | Education | Jobs’, ask / follow Us here in RediffGURUS.

Ans: First of all a BIG CONGRATULATIONS for your new job. Just go for an online MBA in finance. Off line is not possible with job and your organization won't give you study leave with full pay. Just follow me. Best of luck. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. Professor...........................:)