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Komal Jethmalani  |308 Answers  |Ask -

Dietician, Diabetes Expert - Answered on Sep 17, 2023

Komal Jethmalani is a practising dietician and nutritionist with over 26 years of experience.
She specialises in weight loss and diabetes management.
Jethmalani has completed her MSc in food and nutrition from SNDT University and trained at Jaslok Hospital.
She is a NDEP-certified diabetes educator.... more
Manish Question by Manish on Sep 10, 2023Hindi
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Hi my name is manish yadav. Weight 68kg and height 5feet and 9 inches. My fasting blood sugar is 113.0 my age 42. What should I do to decrease my sugar leval.

Ans: A fasting blood sugar level of 113 mg/dl is indicative of pre-diabetes. You can lower your blood sugar levels by following a low carbohydrate and low fat diet. Ensure consumption of whole grains like whole wheat, oats, jowar, bajra, beans, pulses, fruits and vegetables, which are rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber. Include adequate protein rich foods in your diet to blunt blood sugar spikes. Have small and frequent meals. Avoid sweets, alcohol, chocolates, fried foods, etc. Follow a regular exercise schedule to lower body fat.
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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1896 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 2024

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I am 84 year old senior citizen. I withdrew two fixed deposit prematurely. Bank levied penal charges on premature withdrawal. Can I claim penal interest as deduction while filling ITR returns. Pl guide
Ans: No, unfortunately, you cannot claim the penalty levied on premature withdrawal of your fixed deposits (FDs) as a deduction while filing your Income Tax Return (ITR).

Here's why:

Income vs. Expense: The penalty on FD withdrawal is considered an expense incurred for breaking the terms of the deposit agreement. It's not directly related to earning income from the FD interest.
Tax Deductions: Income tax deductions are allowed for expenses incurred for generating taxable income. The penalty on FD withdrawal doesn't fall under this category.
Taxation on FD Interest for Senior Citizens:

Even though you cannot deduct the penalty, there might be some relief on the interest income itself:

Section 80TTB: If your total interest income from all FDs and Savings accounts is less than ?50,000 per year, you can claim a deduction under Section 80TTB of the Income Tax Act. This eliminates tax liability on that interest income.
No TDS for Senior Citizens: For senior citizens (above 75 years old), banks don't deduct TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) on FD interest up to ?50,000 per year from a specified bank where you receive your pension.
Recommendations:

Plan for Premature Withdrawals: If you foresee needing the money before the FD matures, consider shorter tenure FDs or opting for partially withdrawable FDs to avoid penalties.
Explore Tax-Saving Options: Look into tax-saving fixed deposits or senior citizen savings schemes (SCSS) that offer better interest rates and may not have high penalties for premature withdrawal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1896 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 10, 2024Hindi
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Hi Ramalingam, Hope you are doing well. Age 31, IT Professional (8 Years), Married, Nuclear Family, Mid level family business in small town. 1) Currently I am NRI from last 1 year and recently have bought Few mutual funds like UTI large cap Index, Parag Parikh flexi cap, Motilala Oswal Mid Cap, Quant & Nippon small cap funds. All are just started recently with total SIP of 28k monthly. 2) I have been investing in PPF from last 4 years. 3) Minor LIC and Company PF of around 4.5L. 4) No loans, EMI as of now, own family house and agricultural unutilized land. 5) Existing Equity shares of 3L which I bought 5 year earlier. 6) I am not looking for buying flats/apartment as such. The major mistake I feel was I didn't invest till now and had kept money in savings account idle, which I regret to some extent. Queries: 1) As currently I am an NRI, I wanted to know what are the taxation rules on my shares if I buy or sell. Also, I hope there should be no issues as I bought mutual funds being NRI as anyway at point of selling I will be resident indian hopefully. Should I increase the amount of SIP? I am looking for Step up SIP Of 5-10%. Should I go for International fund now? 2) I was thinking to invest in fixed deposits and govt bonds, am I eligible to do this or this will attract me more taxation. For your better understanding, Currently I am in Saudi Arabia. 3) Your suggestions related to investment in Equity, gold, debt are highly appreciated as it will guide me further. 4) What are better things to look out from investment perspective being an NRI 5) Can you please help me plan for an excellent financial stability plan if I want to retire early around 45-48 years that is in next 15 to 18 years from now. Thanks
Ans: I appreciate your detailed overview of your financial situation and your proactive approach to investing. Let's address each of your queries systematically to ensure we cover all aspects comprehensively.

1. Taxation on Shares and Mutual Funds: As an NRI, capital gains tax rules apply to your investments in shares and mutual funds in India. For equity investments held for over one year, long-term capital gains (LTCG) are taxed at 10% without indexation. For mutual funds, equity-oriented funds are treated similarly. However, if you become a resident Indian again, you'll be taxed as per the applicable resident Indian tax laws. Increasing your SIPs by 5-10% annually is a prudent strategy, especially considering your long-term investment horizon and the power of compounding. Regarding international funds, they can provide diversification benefits, especially during periods of rupee depreciation, but ensure you understand the associated risks before investing.

2. Investment in Fixed Deposits and Government Bonds: As an NRI, you are eligible to invest in fixed deposits and government bonds in India. Interest earned on fixed deposits is taxable in India, subject to applicable tax laws. Government bonds also carry tax implications, but specific rules depend on the type of bond and your residential status. Given your current location in Saudi Arabia, consider exploring NRI-specific investment options like NRE or NRO fixed deposits, which offer tax benefits and repatriation flexibility.


3. Investment Strategy: Diversification is key to a well-rounded investment portfolio. Equity investments offer long-term growth potential, while debt instruments like PPF provide stability and tax benefits. Considering your risk appetite and investment goals, continue your SIPs in equity mutual funds, but ensure you have an adequate emergency fund in place. Explore options like international funds for global exposure and consider increasing exposure to debt instruments for capital preservation.

4. Investment Considerations for NRIs: As an NRI, it's essential to stay informed about regulatory changes and tax implications related to your investments in India. Additionally, consider factors like currency risk, repatriation restrictions, and geopolitical developments when making investment decisions. Regularly review your portfolio and consult with a financial advisor to optimize your investment strategy based on changing market dynamics.


5. Early Retirement Planning: Achieving early retirement requires careful financial planning and disciplined saving and investing. Start by setting clear retirement goals, estimating your future expenses, and determining the required corpus. Maximize contributions to tax-efficient retirement accounts like EPF, PPF, and NPS. Consider allocating a portion of your portfolio to growth-oriented assets like equity mutual funds to generate inflation-beating returns over the long term. Regularly reassess your retirement plan and adjust your investment strategy as needed to stay on track towards your retirement goals.

By following a systematic approach to investing, staying informed about regulatory changes, and regularly reviewing your financial plan, you can work towards achieving financial stability and early retirement.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1896 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 2024

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Hello Sir im turning 36 this Dec...Im not very old in MF investment however looking forward to being consistant...I want to build up a corpas of 50 lakh by age of 40..my invest as per below... Quant/kotak/axis small cap direct growth- 10K each/month(9 month old) parag parikh ELSS tax saver- 2K/month(12 month old) mirae asset ELSS tax saver-2.5K/month(3 year old) quant ELSS tax saver-3K/month(16 month old) Kotak ELSS tax saver-2K/month(16 month old) SBI PSU direct plan-3K/month( 1 month) Aditya birla sunlife PSU equity fund- 5K/month(1 month) need your expertise if I need to change funds...these are combined investment by me & my wife..TAX saver are required to avoid tax liability under 80C..aprat from this Im investing 40K/year in PPF valued 1lakh(3 year old)
Ans: It's great to see your commitment to building your investment portfolio. Let's review your current mutual fund investments and see if any adjustments are needed to align with your goal of accumulating a corpus of ?50 lakhs by the age of 40.
Your current allocation seems well-diversified across various mutual fund categories, including small-cap funds, ELSS tax savers, and sector-specific funds like SBI PSU and Aditya Birla Sunlife PSU equity funds. However, there are a few points to consider:
1. Small-Cap Funds: Investing in small-cap funds can offer high growth potential but comes with increased risk due to market volatility. Since you're relatively new to mutual fund investments, ensure you have a high risk tolerance and a long-term investment horizon for these funds.
2. ELSS Tax Saver Funds: It's wise to continue investing in ELSS funds to avail tax benefits under Section 80C. However, having multiple ELSS funds may lead to duplication of holdings and increase complexity without significantly diversifying your portfolio. Consider consolidating your ELSS investments into one or two funds with a proven track record and consistent performance.
3. Sector-Specific Funds: Funds like SBI PSU and Aditya Birla Sunlife PSU equity focus on specific sectors, which can be volatile and dependent on sectoral performance. While they offer the potential for high returns, they also carry higher risk. Ensure these funds complement your overall portfolio strategy and are not over-concentrated in a single sector.
4. PPF Investment: Investing in PPF is a good strategy for long-term wealth accumulation and tax-saving. However, keep in mind that PPF has a lock-in period of 15 years, so ensure it aligns with your liquidity needs and investment goals.
Considering the above points, here are some suggestions:
• Evaluate the performance of your existing funds and consider consolidating your ELSS investments into one or two funds with strong fundamentals and consistent performance.
• Monitor the performance of small-cap funds closely due to their higher volatility and consider rebalancing your portfolio if needed.
• Review your sector-specific fund investments periodically and ensure they align with your risk tolerance and investment objectives.
Lastly, it's essential to regularly review your investment portfolio and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your financial goals.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
Asked on - May 10, 2024 | Answered on May 10, 2024
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Thank you for vastly explaining my port folio.....have one question regarding ELSS funds...can I stop investing in one fund wait for balance to mature as every SIP has a lock in period!! what happens when we stop SIP in ELSS funds... we couple both are working so I'm intending for high risk/high return for next 2-3 years...I have also start investing in stock(being cautious)
Ans: Absolutely, you can stop investing in one ELSS fund and allow the existing investments to mature. ELSS funds have a lock-in period of three years from the date of each investment, so once the lock-in period is over for each SIP, you have the option to either redeem the units or continue holding them.

When you stop SIPs in ELSS funds, the existing investments continue to grow, and you retain ownership of the units. However, keep in mind that stopping SIPs doesn't impact the lock-in period of the existing investments. Each SIP installment will have its own lock-in period of three years from its investment date.

If you're looking for high-risk, high-return investments for the next 2-3 years, it's essential to assess your risk tolerance and investment horizon carefully. ELSS funds, especially those investing in small-cap or mid-cap stocks, can be volatile in the short term but may offer higher returns over the long term.

Additionally, investing in individual stocks requires thorough research and a good understanding of the stock market. It's wise to approach stock investing cautiously, especially if you're relatively new to it. Diversification and thorough research are key to managing risk in stock investments.

Overall, it's great that you and your spouse are both working towards your financial goals and are open to taking calculated risks for potentially higher returns. Remember to regularly review your investment portfolio, stay informed about market developments, and adjust your strategy as needed to stay on track towards your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |1896 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 10, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 19, 2024Hindi
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I have booked a residential flat with a developer who shall be developing a scheme comprising of 6 flats, 3 of which shall be retained by the land owners and 3 shall be sold by the developer to buyers like me. The developer has entered into an agreement for redevelopment with the land owners and he shall be receiving sale price of the flat from 3 persons purchasing the flats, I am one of them as stated earlier. The redevelopment agreement between the land owner and the developer is only for constructing the structure. The Sale-Deed shall be executed between the Vendor -that is the original land owners and the Purchasers like me. The developer shall be the Confirming Party, confirming the receipt of the entier payment, against the purchase of the flat, delivery of possession to the purchasers like me. Therefore the sale deed shall be between the purchaser and the land owners. The developer has rendered the services to be taxed under the GST Act to the land owners. The Land owners may recover the GST paid/charged/recovered by the developer, from the 3 purchasers. My queries are: 1. What is the rate at which on the services of development/construction rendered on the piece of land are taxable under the GST Act? 2. If I presume, it is at 5%, in that case am I not required to pay 1/6th of the GST paid by the land lord and nothing more than this? 3. Can developer demand the GST on the entire cost of the flat including the cost of the undivided share of land falling to my share? The land, under the Sale-Deed is sold/transferred by the Land lord and not by the developer, under what authority he can demand 5% GST on the cost of the land? 4. Are we not buying a ready to move or a ready made flat although we have to pay on the basis of the stage wise completion of the building structure and therefore only 1% GST? Please guide.
Ans: You're right to be questioning the GST implications in this situation. Here's a breakdown of your queries:

GST Rate on Development Services: The GST rate for construction services on an immovable property (land + building) is generally 5%. However, there's an exception for affordable housing projects, where the rate is 1%.

Sharing of GST by Landowners and Purchasers: Since the sale deed is directly between you (purchaser) and the landowner (vendor), you are not obligated to pay 1/6th of the GST paid by the landowner to the developer. You'll only pay GST on the value mentioned in your sale deed.

GST on Land Cost: The developer cannot demand GST on the entire cost of the flat, including the undivided land share. GST applies to the value of services rendered (construction) and not the land itself.

GST on Ready-to-Move Flats: The GST rate of 1% for ready-to-move flats only applies to completed projects where the occupancy certificate has been issued. In your case, it's an under-construction project, so the 5% rate applies.

Here's how the GST should ideally work in your scenario:

The developer pays GST to the government on his service charges for constructing the flats (5% of his construction cost).
The landowner pays stamp duty and registration charges on the land value mentioned in your sale deed.
You, the purchaser, pay GST to the developer on the value mentioned in your sale deed (excluding land cost) at the rate of 5% (assuming it's not an affordable housing project).
Recommendations:

Ask the developer to provide a breakup of the total cost, clearly mentioning the land cost and construction service charges.
Pay GST only on the construction service charges mentioned in your sale deed.
If the developer insists on including GST on the land cost, consult a tax advisor to understand your rights and explore further options.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...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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