Dear Komal,
During the pandemic, we have very much got used to baking at home, making desserts and other interesting dishes. But these use heavy, rich ingredients.
At that time, it is didn’t matter so much since there was nothing much else to do.
Now, we are used to such food and we know it is not good.
How can we easily change our food habits?
Raavi

Ans: To prove which will is valid under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, consider the following:

Validity of Wills

The wills must be signed by the testators.
Two witnesses should have attested them.
The testators must have been of sound mind and not under undue influence.
Probate Proceedings

The court will examine medical records, witness testimony, and handwriting analysis.
If wills are proved fake, intestate succession applies.
Who Gets the Property?

If wills are valid, property is distributed as per the wills.
If both are invalid, legal heirs as per Hindu Succession Act, 1956, or Indian Succession Act, 1925 (for non-Hindus) will inherit.
Expert Opinion Needed

A forensic expert can verify signatures.
A legal expert can analyze the case details.
Since probate is pending since 2005, approach the High Court for an expedited resolution.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: You want to generate Rs. 60,000 per month from Rs. 75 lakh. This means you need Rs. 7.2 lakh per year.

The biggest challenge is ensuring the corpus lasts long. If the withdrawals exceed the growth rate, the money will deplete faster.

A well-planned Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) must balance growth, risk, and longevity.

Key Factors to Consider Before Investing

Inflation Impact

Expenses will rise over time.
A higher withdrawal rate today can lead to shortfall later.
Your plan should account for increasing withdrawals in the future.
Investment Risk

Mutual funds carry market risk.
Equity funds may give higher returns but fluctuate.
Debt funds are stable but may not beat inflation.
A mix of both is better.
Tax Efficiency

SWP from equity funds after one year has lower tax impact.
LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Debt fund SWP is taxed as per your income slab.
Tax-efficient withdrawals increase corpus sustainability.
Longevity of Corpus

If your investments grow at 10% and you withdraw at 9%, funds may last long.
If growth is 8% but withdrawals are 12%, corpus may deplete soon.
A sustainable withdrawal rate is key.
Can Rs. 75 Lakh Sustain Rs. 60,000 Monthly?

If Growth is Low (6-8%)

The corpus may last for 12-15 years.
This may not be enough for long-term needs.
If Growth is Moderate (10-12%)

The corpus may last over 20 years.
A balanced approach is needed.
If Growth is High (Above 12%)

Higher returns can extend corpus life.
But market fluctuations will impact withdrawals.
Better Approach to Ensure Sustainability

Start with a Lower SWP Initially

Instead of Rs. 60,000, start with Rs. 45,000-50,000.
This gives the corpus time to grow.
Rebalance Annually

Review fund performance.
Adjust withdrawals based on market conditions.
Mix of Equity and Debt

Keep 60% in equity for growth.
Keep 40% in debt for stability.
Keep a Buffer in Liquid Funds

Maintain 6-12 months of expenses in liquid funds.
This helps avoid withdrawing in a market downturn.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawals

Use long-term capital gains benefits.
Avoid unnecessary tax outflow.
Alternative Strategies for Income Stability

Dividend Option in Mutual Funds

Some funds provide regular dividends.
But dividends depend on market performance.
Part-time or Passive Income Sources

Rental income, freelancing, or part-time work can reduce withdrawal pressure.
This helps corpus last longer.
Final Insights

Withdrawing Rs. 60,000 per month is possible but may reduce corpus life.
A balanced strategy is needed to ensure long-term sustainability.
Reducing withdrawal amount initially will help.
Regular reviews and rebalancing are important.
A mix of equity and debt ensures growth and stability.
Keeping a liquidity buffer helps during market corrections.
With the right approach, you can generate monthly income while protecting your capital.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

Ans: Hi, you can also choose Pharmacology. It has a lot of scope in the pharmaceutical industry.

Ans: Hi! Instead of becoming a doctor, you want to create more doctors—kudos to you! You’re aiming to become an entrepreneur. I’m not sure about your location, but here are some steps to help you get started:

A. Conduct a survey on the following:
1. The number of PCMB students in your chosen location and nearby areas.
2. The number of coaching centers in that location and nearby.
3. The number of students who have opted for coaching centers.
4. The fees for the courses offered.

B. Determine the type of center you want to establish (residential or non-residential).

C. Choose a location accordingly (based on your decision in B) that is also easily accessible.

D. Select the faculty—this is the most crucial part. They should know not only how to teach but also how to help students succeed in exams.

These are the most important factors to consider. Once you’ve completed the survey, you will have a better idea of how to proceed. Best of luck!

Poocho. Life Change Karo!

Ans: Retiring at 41 is a bold decision. You have built a decent corpus. But early retirement requires careful planning. Let’s analyse your financial situation and create a sustainable plan.

Current Financial Position
Mutual Funds: Rs 1.2 crore
Provident Fund: Rs 30 lakh
Total Corpus: Rs 1.5 crore
Home Loan EMI: Rs 35,000 per month (ending in 2032)
Monthly Expenses: Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000
Wife’s Income: Rs 25,000 per month
House Value: Rs 1.5 crore (not considered for expenses)
You have a strong foundation. But your corpus must last for decades. Let’s optimise your investments for steady income and growth.

Key Challenges in Early Retirement
Long Retirement Period: You need funds for 40+ years.
Inflation Risk: Expenses will rise every year.
Home Loan: EMI will continue for 8 more years.
Market Volatility: Equity investments will fluctuate.
Medical Expenses: Health costs will increase with age.
A structured approach will help you retire securely.

Managing Monthly Expenses
Your expenses: Rs 35,000 to Rs 40,000 per month.
Wife’s tuition income: Rs 25,000 per month.
Shortfall: Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 per month.
Your investments must cover this shortfall and future expenses.

Investment Strategy for Sustainable Income
Your portfolio must balance growth and stability.

Equity Mutual Funds (40-50%)

These will provide long-term growth.
Withdraw only when needed.
Keep a mix of large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds.
Debt Mutual Funds (30-40%)

These will provide stability and regular income.
Choose short-duration or corporate bond funds.
Withdraw from this segment first before selling equity.
Fixed Deposits & Bonds (10-20%)

Invest in FDs or government bonds for emergencies.
Avoid locking all funds in long-term deposits.
Emergency Fund (Rs 5-7 lakh)

Keep 12-18 months of expenses in a liquid fund.
This ensures you don’t sell investments during market crashes.
This strategy ensures growth, liquidity, and stability.

Handling Your Home Loan
EMI is Rs 35,000 per month till 2032.
Wife’s income covers most of it.
Instead of full prepayment, make partial prepayments.
Use surplus funds or bonuses to reduce interest.
This will free up cash flow for future needs.
Avoid using all your corpus to close the loan. Investments will generate higher returns.

Medical Insurance & Health Planning
Buy a family floater health insurance of Rs 15-20 lakh.
Ensure it includes critical illness coverage.
Consider a super top-up plan for added coverage.
Keep Rs 5 lakh in a separate medical emergency fund.
Medical costs can drain savings. A strong health cover is essential.

Tax Planning for Retired Life
Mutual fund withdrawals attract capital gains tax.
Equity LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Debt mutual fund withdrawals are taxed as per your income slab.
Use systematic withdrawals to manage tax efficiently.
Utilise tax-free PPF withdrawals after maturity.
A tax-efficient withdrawal strategy will help maximise savings.

Income Generation During Retirement
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from Mutual Funds

Set up SWP from debt mutual funds for regular income.
Withdraw from equity only when markets are high.
Part-Time Work Opportunities

Your wife earns Rs 25,000 from tuition.
Consider online consulting or freelance projects.
Even Rs 10,000 extra per month can reduce portfolio withdrawals.
A small active income will make your corpus last longer.

Inflation-Proofing Your Future
Expenses will double in 15-18 years.
Keep 40-50% of your portfolio in equity for long-term growth.
Review your portfolio every year and rebalance.
Adjust withdrawals based on market conditions.
Long-term sustainability is key for early retirees.

Final Insights
Your corpus is decent, but early retirement needs discipline.
Don’t use all savings to close the home loan.
Invest in a balanced mix of equity, debt, and fixed-income assets.
Plan systematic withdrawals to manage cash flow and taxes.
Health insurance and emergency funds are essential.
Keep some part-time income to reduce financial pressure.
Revisit your financial plan every year.
A well-structured plan will help you retire peacefully at 41.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hello dear.
Yes. You can appear for NEET 2025. Fill the form with utmost care.
But the question is, if you scored 62% in Board Exams, why should you appear for class improvement again? You did not mention the reason for that.
If satisfied, please like and follow me.
If dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
Thanks.

Radheshyam

Ans: Hello;

As per EPFO rules an account is deemed dormant if it has no contribution (except interest) for 36 months consecutively.

However due to request from members, EPFO has a current policy to pay interest upto member age 55 followed by 3 grace years i.e. upto age 58.

Yes both interest and principal are tax free.

Best wishes;

Ans: Hello;

You may check with the insurance company.

Quite likely the policy may have been converted into a paid up policy with a reduced sum assured commensurate with the number of premiums paid.

Best wishes;

Ans: If you can score high in GATE then you can get admission in good engineering college with scholarship.