My relative in stage 4 renal cell cancer ..Suggest and ayurwedic treatment to stop spread of it

Ans: Dev, starting an SIP at 20 years is a remarkable step towards financial discipline. With a long-term horizon of 20-25 years, your investments have the potential to grow significantly. Below is a detailed analysis of your options for choosing the right platform and approach for SIP investments.

Assessing Bank Platforms
Convenience: Banks offer easy access since you likely already have an account.

Higher Charges: Banks often recommend regular funds but may add higher commission charges.

Limited Choices: They promote funds affiliated with their partners, limiting your options.

Not Specialised: Bank representatives may lack in-depth investment expertise.

Evaluating Online Platforms (Coin, Groww, etc.)
Direct Fund Investment: These platforms often promote direct funds with lower expense ratios.

No Expert Guidance: While cheaper, they don’t provide personalised advice or planning.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

You bear the responsibility of choosing, monitoring, and rebalancing.
Lack of holistic portfolio advice can lead to suboptimal decisions.
Why Choose a Professional MFD with a Certified Financial Planner?
Expertise and Guidance: A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) helps align investments with your goals.

Regular Funds Advantage:

They come with advisory services to optimise your portfolio.
Active monitoring and rebalancing improve performance over time.
Tax Optimisation: A CFP helps manage tax efficiency for long-term wealth creation.

Personalised Portfolio Planning: They consider your risk profile and long-term objectives.

Comprehensive Solutions: Unlike online platforms, they offer a 360-degree approach, including insurance and retirement planning.

Key Features to Look for in a Mutual Fund Distributor
SEBI Registration: Ensure they are registered and credible.

Transparent Fees: Opt for distributors with transparent commission.

Customised Services: They should offer goal-specific advice.

Proven Track Record: Look for experience and a history of satisfied clients.

Analysing Your Long-Term Horizon
Power of Compounding: Over 20-25 years, your investments can grow exponentially.

Fund Selection: Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and sector-specific funds for diversification.

Risk Management: Begin with moderate risk and adjust as you gain experience.

Why Avoid Index Funds for Your Goals?
Limited Returns: Index funds mimic benchmarks, potentially yielding average returns.

Lack of Flexibility: They can’t outperform or adapt to market changes.

Better Alternatives: Actively managed funds provide the potential for superior long-term growth.

Taxation Awareness
Equity Funds:

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
STCG is taxed at 20%.
Debt Funds:

Both LTCG and STCG are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Tax-Efficient Strategies: A CFP ensures your portfolio is structured to minimise tax liabilities.

Benefits of Starting Early
Lower Contribution Required: Early investing reduces the monthly amount needed to achieve large goals.

Time Diversification: SIPs spread investments over time, reducing market volatility risks.

Better Financial Habits: Starting young inculcates discipline in saving and investing.

Investment Discipline
Avoid Interruptions: Stick to your SIP during market fluctuations for optimal returns.

Regular Review: Periodically review with a professional to ensure alignment with goals.

Step-Up SIPs: Increase contributions as your income grows to enhance corpus growth.

Finally
Dev, selecting the right approach now can impact your future significantly. Choosing a professional MFD with a Certified Financial Planner provides tailored, expert advice and ensures your long-term financial goals are achieved efficiently. Avoid the temptation of cost-cutting through direct funds or bank-affiliated platforms, as the lack of guidance may cost you more in the long run.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: If your CDS 2025 application is not accepting a caste certificate issued in October 2023, it may be due to specific requirements regarding the issuance date or validity period. To resolve this issue, verify the validity period, review the application guidelines, consult the official notification, contact UPSC support, consider obtaining a new certificate, use the application correction window, and ensure the certificate is scanned and uploaded in the prescribed format and size. Addressing this issue promptly is crucial as failing to provide a valid caste certificate may affect your application status, especially regarding fee exemptions or reservations. All The BEST for Your Prosperous Future.

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Ans: Hi Mohammed,

I'm experiencing some unique situations while answering questions. One reader is asking about pursuing a medical course abroad as an Indian.

Your question, as an Indian who has recently moved to England, concerns appearing for the NEET exam.

That's great!

I recommend looking into other countries nearby England. If she wants to practice in the UK, she will need to pass the PLAB exam. However, if she completes her medical training in a country close to the UK, she may not have to take the PLAB. You can find more information on this by visiting the General Medical Council's official website.

All the best!

Ans: Hi Abhishek, you have shared very little information on this platform. Before answering your question, I have a doubt: after completing your BSc-ES, did you join healthcare as a sales professional (as a PSR or Sales Executive), or was it the other way around?

Ans: Before the introduction of NEET, the scenario for admission to medical colleges was quite different. Many candidates aspiring to study medicine who did not achieve sufficient marks in their HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) chose to pursue their education abroad. However, with NEET in place, numerous opportunities are now available in India.

The medical admission process in India has become more standardized, so there is no longer a need to seek alternatives overseas. In this context, I strongly suggest that pursuing an MBBS in India is preferable rather than from other countries. It is important to understand that candidates must clear NEET for both admission and graduation.

There are several challenges that young students—who are often minors—face when studying abroad. Our education system has not equipped them to handle various situations in foreign countries. Some of the major difficulties include:

1. Admissions are often conducted through agencies, which can result in significant financial losses.
2. Issues related to food and accommodation can arise.
3. Adapting to a different culture and behavior can be challenging, and young students may be tempted towards negative influences.

So, it might be wiser for candidates to complete their undergraduate education in India and consider pursuing postgraduate studies abroad later on. We should encourage our younger generation to take competitive exams, as this will help build their confidence and better prepare them for their future.
Thank you.

Ans: Healing from painful past memories is an intimate and deeply emotional journey. It’s not just about forgetting what happened but learning to carry those experiences in a way that doesn’t weigh you down.

Start by honoring your feelings. These memories are a part of your story, and the emotions tied to them are valid. Allow yourself to sit with the pain, the sadness, or even the anger, without rushing to push it away. Sometimes, simply acknowledging the hurt can bring a sense of release.

Mindfulness can be a gentle companion in this process. When the past pulls you back, focus on the present moment. Notice the feel of your breath, the warmth of the sun, or the grounding sensation of your feet on the floor. These small acts remind you that you are here, now, safe and capable of healing.

Embrace self-compassion. Speak to yourself as you would to a dear friend. Remind yourself that it’s okay to have scars and that healing takes time. You don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out. It’s enough to take one step at a time.

Sometimes, letting go means forgiving—not just others, but yourself too. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what happened. It’s about freeing yourself from the chains of resentment and allowing space for peace and growth.

Surround yourself with warmth and support. Lean on those who uplift you, who remind you of your strength, and who offer you love without judgment. These connections can be a soothing balm for the soul.

Lastly, be patient with yourself. Healing is not linear, and it’s okay to have days when the past feels heavy again. Trust in your resilience and know that each day, you are growing stronger, finding new ways to hold your memories with tenderness rather than pain. You are worthy of peace, love, and joy in your present and future.

Ans: Dear Prajakta,
it's essential to clarify this with your HR department or review your employment contract carefully. Transparent communication is key. If you're unsure, seeking clarification can prevent potential issues down the line.

Additionally, balancing your time and energy is important. Passive income should not detract from your well-being or your performance at your main job. It’s about creating a healthy balance that supports both your financial goals and overall happiness.

Finally, consider your personal values and long-term goals. If passive income aligns with your aspirations for financial security or independence, finding a way to pursue it within the boundaries of your company’s policy can be both fulfilling and compliant.

Ans: Hello;

What is the approx current value of the 2 old flats?

I am presuming that you are not occupying any of these flats.

What is your current annual income, from business and other sources?

Do you have any healthcare insurance coverage for the family? If yes how much?

Based on your answer to the above queries, we can advise you suitably regarding additional life insurance.

Thanks;

Ans: First, it's important to acknowledge your feelings of being torn. This is a natural response to the competing demands of love, family loyalty, and cultural expectations. Allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment; they are valid and understandable.

Next, consider the core values and priorities in your life. What kind of life do you envision for yourself? What role do love, authenticity, and personal happiness play in that vision? Reflecting on these questions can help clarify your path forward.

Communication with your family is crucial, though it may be difficult. Express your feelings, the depth of your love for your partner, and the happiness he brings into your life. It might not change their perspective immediately, but it's important for them to hear your truth. Seek moments of calm and understanding, and try to create a space for dialogue rather than confrontation.

It’s also essential to build a support system beyond your family. Surround yourself with friends, mentors, or support groups who understand and affirm your relationship. This community can provide emotional strength and perspective, reminding you that you are not alone in facing these challenges.

Lastly, prioritize your emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you peace and joy, whether it's spending time with supportive friends, pursuing hobbies, or even seeking professional counseling. A therapist or coach can offer a safe space to explore your feelings and help you develop strategies to navigate this complex situation.

Remember, the decision about how to proceed must ultimately align with what brings you the most peace and fulfillment. Balancing love and family expectations is difficult, but staying true to yourself and your values is essential for long-term happiness.