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50-Year-Old With 23 Lakh Savings: How Much to Invest in PPF or NSC?

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Nov 02, 2024

Milind Vadjikar is an independent MF distributor registered with Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and a retirement financial planning advisor registered with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
He has a mechanical engineering degree from Government Engineering College, Sambhajinagar, and an MBA in international business from the Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune.
With over 16 years of experience in stock investments, and over six year experience in investment guidance and support, he believes that balanced asset allocation and goal-focused disciplined investing is the key to achieving investor goals.... more
Pramod Question by Pramod on Oct 31, 2024Hindi
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I'am 50 years old and have a total cash saving of 23 lakh out of which 6 lakh is in FD. Out of the remaining 17 lakh, how much should i put in PPF or NSC as a lumpsum?

Ans: Hello;

You may invest your corpus in NSC and expect it to grow into a sum of 24.63 L after 5 years, at current interest rate of 7.7%.

Happy Investing;
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 05, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir, I am 44 years of age and retiring at the age of 60.I would like to know say i have an amount of Rs1 crore and would like to invest all of it in nifty 50 for 15years.can i invest it as lumpsum or doing SIP is wiser? My fund allocation would be 50c/o large cap, 30c/o mid cap, 20c/o small cap. I want to play safe with minimum risk. Am i planning well? Please advice.
Ans: At 44 years old, planning for retirement at 60 is wise. You’ve shown foresight by considering long-term investments. However, it's crucial to assess your current plan and explore better strategies to align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

Lumpsum Investment vs. SIP
You’re considering investing Rs 1 crore into the Nifty 50 over 15 years. You’re also weighing between a lumpsum investment and a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP).

Lumpsum Investment:
Investing the entire amount at once can be risky. Markets are volatile, and timing is crucial. If the market is high when you invest, you might face significant losses if there’s a downturn. However, a lumpsum investment can also offer higher returns if the market performs well consistently. But this approach requires a strong risk appetite and confidence in market timing.

SIP Investment:
SIP allows you to spread out your investment over time. This strategy helps to average out the purchase price of units, reducing the impact of market volatility. SIP is particularly beneficial in fluctuating markets. It offers peace of mind, as you don’t have to worry about timing the market perfectly. SIP also encourages disciplined investing, which is key to long-term wealth creation.

Recommendation:
Considering your desire for minimum risk, a SIP might be a wiser choice. It allows you to invest steadily over time, reducing the impact of market volatility. This method aligns better with your objective of playing safe.

Reconsidering Nifty 50 Investment
You’re planning to invest Rs 1 crore in Nifty 50. However, let’s explore if this is the best option for your goals.

Disadvantages of Index Funds:
Investing in Nifty 50, an index fund, has limitations. Index funds track a specific market index and offer returns that mirror the index. They lack flexibility and cannot adjust to market changes. If the market is down, index funds typically follow suit, offering no protection. Furthermore, index funds don’t capitalize on the potential for outperformance, as they merely mimic the market.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds:
Actively managed funds offer flexibility and have the potential to outperform the market. Fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions, protecting your investment during downturns. These funds also provide opportunities to tap into underperforming sectors that might have high growth potential. By choosing actively managed funds, you can benefit from professional expertise, strategic adjustments, and potentially higher returns.

Recommendation:
Given your risk aversion, consider diversifying into actively managed funds rather than focusing solely on the Nifty 50. These funds offer a better balance between risk and reward, especially over a 15-year period.

Assessing Your Asset Allocation Strategy
Your proposed fund allocation is 50% in large-cap, 30% in mid-cap, and 20% in small-cap. This allocation shows a clear intention to balance risk and reward.

Large-Cap Funds (50% Allocation):
Large-cap funds invest in established companies with stable performance. They offer moderate growth and lower risk. This allocation aligns with your desire for safety. Large-cap funds provide stability, making them a solid foundation for your portfolio.

Mid-Cap Funds (30% Allocation):
Mid-cap funds invest in companies that are growing but not yet established. They offer higher growth potential but also come with higher risk. Your 30% allocation here is reasonable, as it balances growth with risk. However, keep in mind that mid-cap stocks can be more volatile.

Small-Cap Funds (20% Allocation):
Small-cap funds target smaller companies with the potential for high growth. However, they are also the most volatile and risky. Your 20% allocation in small caps is aggressive but offers significant upside. This portion of your portfolio should be monitored closely, as small-cap stocks can fluctuate significantly.

Recommendation:
Your asset allocation is generally sound. However, given your preference for minimal risk, you might want to slightly reduce your small-cap exposure. Consider increasing your allocation in large-cap or adding a balanced fund to mitigate risk further.

The Importance of Diversification
Diversification is crucial to managing risk. While your allocation across market capitalizations is good, consider diversifying across sectors and asset classes as well.

Sector Diversification:
Ensure your investments are spread across various sectors, such as technology, healthcare, and consumer goods. This reduces the impact of poor performance in any single sector.

Asset Class Diversification:
In addition to equities, consider adding debt funds or hybrid funds to your portfolio. Debt funds provide stability and regular income, balancing the higher risk associated with equity funds. Hybrid funds, which invest in both equity and debt, offer balanced growth and reduced risk.

Recommendation:
Enhance your portfolio diversification by considering sector and asset class diversification. This will further reduce risk and provide a more stable growth path.

Managing Risk and Market Volatility
Given your goal of minimizing risk, it’s essential to implement strategies that protect your investment from market volatility.

Regular Portfolio Reviews:
Review your portfolio regularly with a Certified Financial Planner. This ensures your investments stay aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Regular reviews also allow for timely adjustments based on market conditions.

Rebalancing:
Rebalancing is the process of adjusting your portfolio to maintain your desired asset allocation. This is crucial, especially after significant market movements. Rebalancing helps manage risk and ensures that your portfolio remains aligned with your goals.

Emergency Fund:
Before investing Rs 1 crore, ensure you have an emergency fund in place. This fund should cover at least 6-12 months of living expenses. An emergency fund provides a financial cushion, allowing you to stay invested even during market downturns.

Recommendation:
Incorporate regular portfolio reviews, rebalancing, and an emergency fund into your financial plan. These steps will help manage risk and ensure your investments remain on track.

Final Insights
You have a solid foundation for your retirement planning. Your focus on long-term investment and asset allocation is commendable. However, consider the following to optimize your plan:

Opt for SIP over lumpsum investment: It aligns better with your goal of minimizing risk.

Consider actively managed funds: They offer flexibility and the potential for higher returns.

Diversify further: Look beyond Nifty 50 and consider sector and asset class diversification.

Monitor your portfolio regularly: Work with a Certified Financial Planner to review and rebalance your portfolio as needed.

Maintain an emergency fund: This will provide financial security during market downturns.

By implementing these strategies, you can achieve a safer and more rewarding investment journey, ensuring a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 14, 2024Hindi
Money
My age is 37 i have pf balance as 4 lakhs my monthly contribution is 4000 how much i have to invest in ppf i have lic policies yearly 50000 premium to acheive 1 cr what i have to invest
Ans: it's great that you've shared your current financial details. This clarity is important for making decisions. You have a PF balance of Rs 4 lakhs, and you contribute Rs 4,000 monthly to it. Additionally, you pay Rs 50,000 annually in premiums for LIC policies. You aim to build a corpus of Rs 1 crore.

To help you make an informed decision, let's look at your existing financial assets and potential future investment strategies from a 360-degree perspective.

Evaluating Your PF Contribution
The current PF contribution of Rs 4,000 per month, which adds up to Rs 48,000 per year, is a decent start. PF is a safe investment option, as the interest is compounded annually, and it's a debt instrument with guaranteed returns.

Consideration: Since PF is a long-term savings tool, its primary advantage lies in being relatively low-risk. It is also tax-efficient, with both the contributions and interest earned being tax-free.

Improvement: Increasing your monthly contribution to the EPF (if possible) can boost your retirement corpus significantly over the years. But your current contribution is already aligned with long-term goals, so the focus could shift to other investments.

Your LIC Policies: Insurance and Investment
You pay Rs 50,000 annually towards LIC policies. While LIC offers a safe insurance cover, it might not offer the best returns when it comes to investment growth. Investment-cum-insurance policies generally yield lower returns than pure investments like mutual funds. It’s important to keep insurance and investment goals separate.

Advice: Evaluate the return on your LIC policies. If they are traditional or endowment plans, the returns may be modest, usually around 4-6% per annum. This might not be sufficient to meet your Rs 1 crore goal.

Suggestion: It could be better to keep only term insurance (which offers high coverage at low premiums) and shift the rest of your investments into mutual funds or PPF for better growth potential. You could consider surrendering any traditional LIC plans and reinvesting in growth-oriented assets like mutual funds.

Your Goal of Rs 1 Crore: Investment Path
To reach Rs 1 crore, you need to plan your investments carefully. Based on your age (37), you have around 20 years until retirement, which gives you a reasonable time horizon for wealth creation.

Investment Options to Achieve Rs 1 Crore:
Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is another safe investment option, especially for risk-averse investors. It offers tax-free returns and a current interest rate of about 7.1% (subject to change). You can invest up to Rs 1.5 lakh annually in PPF.

Recommended Contribution: To build your Rs 1 crore corpus, you can start by contributing Rs 12,500 per month (Rs 1.5 lakh annually) to PPF. However, the PPF alone might not be enough due to its current interest rate.

Insight: If you solely rely on PPF, you would need to continue contributing consistently for around 20 years. Since PPF is a safe investment, it will protect your capital, but may not provide the accelerated growth needed to achieve Rs 1 crore by itself.

Equity Mutual Funds

Mutual funds, especially equity funds, offer much higher growth potential than PPF or LIC policies. Given the long-term horizon you have, you could consider investing in actively managed mutual funds that offer returns averaging around 10-12% per annum over the long term.

Suggested Approach: If you invest Rs 10,000 - 15,000 per month in mutual funds, particularly in flexi-cap funds, you will be able to generate significant wealth over time.

Benefit of Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed mutual funds outperform index funds or direct funds due to the fund manager’s expertise in balancing the portfolio. You also get professional management, which helps in beating market volatility.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIP)

If you're looking for regular, disciplined investing, a SIP in mutual funds is ideal. Even small monthly investments compound significantly over time due to the power of compounding.

Suggested SIP Amount: You could start with a SIP of Rs 15,000 - 20,000 per month. This amount, invested in equity mutual funds, could help you reach your Rs 1 crore goal within 15-20 years.

Key Insight: SIP in equity funds offers the potential to beat inflation and provide the long-term growth you need.

National Pension Scheme (NPS)

The NPS is another option that can supplement your PF. NPS offers a balanced portfolio of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities, with the option to choose the allocation based on your risk appetite.

Advice: You can increase your contributions to NPS. It’s a tax-efficient retirement tool where returns from equities could also help you meet your corpus goals.

Long-Term Growth: NPS provides a mix of equity and debt, which balances risk and reward. Over a 15-20 year period, this could be another avenue to generate long-term wealth.

Assessing the Purchase of the Car
Now, let's address the car purchase.

You plan to buy a car worth Rs 27 lakhs, with a down payment of Rs 10 lakhs. While you have the additional Rs 10 lakh for the down payment, you should carefully consider whether this purchase fits within your overall financial goals.

Car as a Depreciating Asset: A car is a depreciating asset. It loses value over time, unlike investments that grow your wealth. Paying Rs 10 lakh as a down payment will reduce your liquid assets. Additionally, you will have a loan to pay off, which might affect your cash flow and monthly budget.

Home Loan Impact: You already have a home loan for Rs 9 lakhs, with an EMI of Rs 25,000 per month. Taking on another EMI for the car might stretch your monthly finances, especially if your total outflows increase significantly.

Suggestion: Before making the car purchase, consider whether this is the right time. Focus on clearing your existing home loan first. Once your loan burden decreases, you can comfortably afford a car without affecting your future financial goals.

Balancing Liquidity and Long-Term Goals
It’s important to maintain a balance between liquidity (cash in hand) and long-term investments. If buying a car leaves you with minimal liquid assets, you might find it challenging to meet unexpected expenses or opportunities.

Emergency Fund: Ensure you have a sufficient emergency fund before making large purchases. Ideally, this fund should cover 6-12 months of expenses.

Invest the Extra Rs 10 Lakh: Instead of using the Rs 10 lakh as a down payment for a car, consider investing it in equity mutual funds or PPF. This will help you build your long-term corpus faster while keeping your finances stable.

Final Insights
To summarise, here are the key actions that can help you meet your goal of Rs 1 crore:

Increase your PPF contributions to Rs 12,500 per month for safe and tax-efficient returns.

Start a SIP in equity mutual funds with Rs 15,000 - 20,000 per month. This will give you the growth needed to reach Rs 1 crore in 15-20 years.

Reassess your LIC policies. Keep only the term plan and consider surrendering any traditional plans. Reinvest that money in high-growth options like mutual funds.

Delay the car purchase until your home loan is cleared. It will give you more financial flexibility in the future.

By taking these steps, you will be on track to build your Rs 1 crore corpus while balancing your immediate needs, such as the car purchase.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 20, 2025

Money
Hi Sir, I am 53 yrs old, working professional , and have following pointers towards my financial status : - Monthly take home - 3 lac / month (after NPS and PF etc) - investing in NPS- 27 K / month - deduction for PF - 55 K / month - NPS (so far ) accumulated - 22Lac - PF - accumulated - 51 lac - Post office saving (MIS) - 1.2 Cr (in name of wife and daughters) - Jeevan shree LIC will mature and will get around 24 lac in 2027, where shall I reinvest it, pl suggest which MF? - Have enough gold, saved for marriage of my 2 daughters, both are qualified and about to start earning...(in 1~2 yrs), even higher studies expanse is planned or done. - 7 lac in sukanya samridhi yozna - Have Floor worth 1.3 Cr in ggn, where i am staying - have land worth 60 lac - liabilities - (a) 2 of my daughters marriage, and there is no loan, (b) except me and my wife old age expanse, there is no more liability. - Currently have SIP- 2000 Rs / month, in HDFC mid cap, and this is exactly my question, which MF should i invest / add to build a sufficient corpus before i retire in next 7 yrs, Ap
Ans: You have done well in building financial security. Let’s analyse key areas of your finances to suggest the best investment strategies for your goals.

Current Investments and Assets
Income and Savings: Your monthly take-home of Rs 3 lakh is substantial.

NPS and PF Contributions: These deductions ensure long-term stability and tax benefits.

Accumulated Wealth: NPS (Rs 22 lakh) and PF (Rs 51 lakh) provide a solid foundation for retirement.

Post Office Savings: Rs 1.2 crore ensures liquidity and low-risk returns.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Rs 7 lakh secures your daughters’ financial needs.

Gold Reserves: You have adequately planned for daughters’ weddings.

Real Estate: Your home (Rs 1.3 crore) and land (Rs 60 lakh) add value to your net worth.

Jeevan Shree LIC: The maturity corpus of Rs 24 lakh in 2027 offers reinvestment opportunities.

Current SIP: Rs 2000 in HDFC Midcap Fund is a start, but needs scaling for better results.

Goals to Address
Retirement Corpus: You need a plan to accumulate funds for a comfortable retirement in 7 years.

Daughters’ Marriages: This major expense requires careful allocation of funds.

Old-Age Expenses: Ensure enough liquidity for you and your wife post-retirement.

Enhancing SIP Investments for Retirement
1. Increase SIP Contributions

Your current SIP of Rs 2000/month is insufficient.

Allocate Rs 50,000–70,000 per month towards SIPs in equity mutual funds.

Increase SIP annually by Rs 5000 to counter inflation.

2. Choose a Diversified Equity Portfolio

Invest in Large-Cap Funds for stability and steady returns.

Add Flexi-Cap Funds for balanced exposure across market capitalisation.

Continue with Mid-Cap Funds for higher growth potential.

Allocate a smaller portion to Small-Cap Funds for long-term wealth creation.

3. Tax-Efficient Funds

Select Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) to save taxes under Section 80C.

Review tax implications to optimise your net returns.

Reinvesting the LIC Maturity Amount
1. Lump Sum Investment Strategy

Invest Rs 24 lakh from LIC maturity in balanced advantage funds or hybrid equity funds.

These funds provide moderate risk and consistent returns.

Rebalance annually to maintain desired asset allocation.

2. Create a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Post-retirement, use an SWP for regular income from mutual funds.

This ensures a steady cash flow for old-age expenses.

Managing Post Office Savings
1. Diversify Beyond Fixed-Income Instruments

Redeploy part of the Rs 1.2 crore in equity mutual funds.

Use staggered investments via Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs).

2. Maintain Liquidity

Retain 30–40% of savings in fixed-income instruments for emergencies.
Investment Allocation for Long-Term Growth
1. Create an Asset Allocation Plan

Equity: 60% for high growth.

Debt: 30% for stability.

Gold and Others: 10% for diversification.

2. Review and Rebalance Regularly

Consult a Certified Financial Planner to review your portfolio annually.

Adjust allocation based on market conditions and financial goals.

Addressing Daughters’ Marriages
Adequate gold and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana funds already ensure preparedness.

Avoid liquidating long-term growth assets like equity funds prematurely.

Securing Old Age
1. Build a Retirement Corpus

Target a retirement corpus based on estimated expenses and inflation.

Use SIPs in equity and balanced funds to grow your corpus.

2. Medical and Emergency Fund

Create a separate medical corpus with 5–7% of your total assets.

Keep this in debt mutual funds or high-interest fixed deposits.

Final Insights
You are well-positioned to achieve financial independence. Scaling up SIPs in equity mutual funds will strengthen your retirement corpus. Diversifying the maturity amount from LIC into hybrid funds will enhance returns. Regular reviews with a Certified Financial Planner will ensure your investments remain aligned with goals. Continue maintaining a disciplined approach, and you’ll secure a financially stable future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 19, 2025Hindi
Money
I have a credit card written off status on my cibil . This is about 2 lakhs on 2 credit card. I made last payment in 2019 and was unable to make payments later as I lost my job.Now i have stable job and can pay off 2 lkahs, My worry is will the bank take 2 laksh or add interest on that and ask me to pay 8 or 10 lakhs for this ? can anyone advice if this situation is similar and have you heard about any solutions . I can make payment of 2 lakhs outstandng as reflecting in my cibil report
Ans: First, appreciate your honesty and responsibility.
You faced job loss and survived a difficult phase.
Now you have income and intent to close dues.
That itself is a strong and positive step.

There are solutions available.

What “written off” actually means

– “Written off” does not mean loan is forgiven.
– It means bank stopped active recovery temporarily.
– The amount is still legally payable.
– Bank or recovery agency can approach you.

– CIBIL shows this as serious default.
– But it is not a criminal case.

Your biggest worry clarified clearly
Will bank ask Rs. 8–10 lakhs now?

In most practical cases, NO.

– Banks rarely recover full inflated amounts.
– Interest technically keeps accruing.
– But banks know recovery is difficult.

– They prefer one-time settlement.
– They want closure, not long fights.

What usually happens in real life

– Outstanding shown may be Rs. 2 lakhs.
– Bank internal system may show higher amount.

– They may initially demand more.
– This is a negotiation starting point.

– Final settlement usually happens near:
– Principal amount
– Or slightly above principal

– Rs. 8–10 lakhs demand is rarely enforced.

Why your position is actually strong

– Default happened due to job loss.
– Time gap is several years.
– Account is already written off.

– You are now willing to pay.
– You can offer lump sum.

Banks respect lump sum offers.

What you should NOT do

– Do not panic and pay blindly.
– Do not accept verbal promises.
– Do not pay without written confirmation.

– Do not pay partial amounts casually.
– That weakens your negotiation position.

Correct step-by-step approach
Step 1: Contact bank recovery department

– Call customer care.
– Ask for recovery or settlement team.
– Avoid agents initially.

Step 2: Ask for settlement option

Use clear language:
– You lost job earlier.
– Situation is stable now.
– You want to close accounts fully.

Ask specifically for:
– One Time Settlement option
– Written settlement letter

Step 3: Negotiate calmly

– Start by offering Rs. 2 lakhs.
– Mention it matches CIBIL outstanding.

– Bank may counter with higher number.
– This is normal negotiation.

– Many cases close between:
– 100% to 130% of principal

Rarely more, if negotiated well.

Important: Written settlement letter

Before paying anything, ensure letter states:

– Full and final settlement
– No further dues will remain
– Account will be closed
– CIBIL status will be updated

Never rely on phone assurance.

How payment should be made

– Pay only to bank account.
– Avoid cash payments.
– Keep receipts safely.

– After payment, collect closure letter.

Impact on your CIBIL score

Be very clear on this point.

– “Written off” will not disappear immediately.
– Settlement changes status to “Settled”.

– “Settled” is better than “Written off”.
– But still considered negative initially.

– Score improves gradually over time.

What improves CIBIL after settlement

– No new defaults
– Timely payments on future credit
– Low credit utilisation
– Patience

Usually improvement seen within 12–24 months.

Should you wait or settle now?

Settling now is better because:

– Old defaults block future loans.
– Housing loan becomes difficult.
– Car loan interest becomes high.

– Emotional stress continues otherwise.

Closure brings mental relief.

Common fear: “What if they harass me?”

– Harassment has reduced significantly.
– RBI rules are stricter now.
– Written settlement protects you.

– If harassment happens, complain formally.

Have others faced this situation?

Yes, thousands.

– Many lost jobs after 2018–2020.
– Credit card defaults increased widely.

– Most cases got settled reasonably.
– You are not alone.

Things working in your favour

– Old default
– Written-off status already marked
– Willingness to pay lump sum
– Stable income now

This gives negotiation power.

After settlement: what next

– Avoid credit cards initially.
– Start with small secured products.

– Pay everything on time.
– Keep credit usage low.

– Score will heal gradually.

Final reassurance

You will not be forced to pay Rs. 8–10 lakhs suddenly.
Banks prefer realistic recovery.
Your readiness to pay Rs. 2 lakhs is valuable.

Handle this calmly and formally.
Take everything in writing.
You are doing the right thing now.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10859 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 18, 2025Hindi
Career
I am 41 year's old bp and sugar patient i completed 3years articleship for the purpose CA cource,now iam looking for paid assistant Job because still iam not clear my ipcc exams salary very low 10k per month,can I quit finance and accounting job because of my health please advise or suggest
Ans: At 41 years old with hypertension and diabetes, having completed 3 years of CA articleship but unable to clear IPCC exams while earning ?10,000 monthly, continuing in high-stress finance/accounting roles presents genuine health risks. Research confirms that sedentary, high-pressure accounting and finance jobs significantly exacerbate hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes through chronic stress, irregular routines, and poor sleep quality—particularly affecting professionals aged 35-50. Yes, quitting finance is medically justified. Rather than abandoning your accounting foundation, strategically transition to less stressful, specialized accounting/finance roles utilizing your three years of articleship experience while prioritizing health. Pursue three alternative certifications requiring 6-18 months of flexible, online study—compatible with managing your health conditions while maintaining income. These certifications leverage your existing accounting knowledge, command premium salaries (?6-12 LPA+), offer remote/flexible work options reducing stress, and require minimal additional skill upgradation beyond what you've already invested.? Option 1 – Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) / Forensic Accounting Specialist: Complete NISM Forensic Investigation Level 1&2 (100% online, 6-12 months) or Indiaforensic's Certified Forensic Accounting Professional (distance learning, flexible). Your CA articleship background is ideal for fraud detection roles. Salary: ?6-9 LPA; Stress Level: Moderate (deadline-driven analysis, not client management); Work-Life Balance: High (project-based, remote-capable); Skill Upgradation Needed: Fraud investigation techniques, financial forensics software—both taught in certification.? Option 2 – ACCA (Association of Chartered Accountants) or US CPA: More flexible than CA (study at own pace, global recognition, no lengthy articleship repeat). ACCA requires 13-15 months online study with five paper exemptions (since you've completed articleship); US CPA takes 12 months post-articleship. Salary: ?7-12 LPA (India), higher internationally; Stress Level: Lower (flexible study schedule, no rigid mentorship like CA); Work-Life Balance: Excellent (flexible learning, no daily office stress initially); Skill Upgradation: International accounting standards, tax practices, audit frameworks—all covered in coursework. Option 3 – CMA USA (Cost & Management Accounting): Specializes in management accounting and financial planning vs. auditing. Requires two exams, 200 study hours total, completable in 8-12 months. Highly preferred by MNCs, IT companies, startups for finance manager/FP&A roles. Salary: ?8-12 LPA initially, potentially ?20+ LPA as Finance Manager/CFO; Stress Level: Low (CMA roles focus on strategic planning, less client pressure); Work-Life Balance: Excellent (corporate roles often more structured than CA practice); Skill Upgradation: Management accounting principles, data analytics, financial modeling—valuable for modern finance roles.? Final Advice: Quit immediately if current role is deteriorating health. Register for ACCA or US CPA within 30 days—most flexible, globally recognized, requiring minimal additional investment. Simultaneously pursue Forensic Accounting certification (6-month concurrent track) as backup specialization. Target roles as Compliance Analyst, Forensic Accountant, or Corporate Finance Manager—all leverage your articleship, offer 40-45 hour weeks (vs. CA practice's 50-60), enable remote work, and command ?8-12 LPA within 18 months. Your health is irreplaceable; your accounting foundation is valuable enough to transition strategically rather than completely exit.? All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Money
I am 62 years of age. i have bought Max life smart wealth long term plan policy and Max life smart life advantage growth per pulse insta income fixed returns policies 2 /3 years ago. Are these policies good as i want to get benefits when i am alive. is there a way i can close " max life smart wealth long term plan policy ", as i am facing difficulty in paying up the premium. The agents don't give clear picture. please suggest.
Ans: You have shown courage by asking the right question.
Many seniors suffer silently with unsuitable policies.
Your concern about living benefits is very valid.
Your age makes clarity extremely important now.

» Your current life stage reality
– You are 62 years old.
– You are in active retirement planning phase.
– Capital protection matters more than growth.

– Cash flow comfort is critical.
– Stress-free income is more important than returns.
– Long lock-ins create anxiety now.

» Understanding the type of policies you bought
– These are investment-cum-insurance policies.
– They mix protection and investment together.

– Such products are complex by design.
– Benefits are spread over long durations.

– Charges are high in early years.
– Liquidity remains very limited initially.

» Core issue with such policies at your age
– These policies suit younger earners better.
– They need long holding periods.

– At 62, time horizon is shorter.
– You need access to money now.

– Premium commitment becomes stressful.
– Returns remain unclear for many years.

» Focus on your stated need
– You want benefits while alive.
– You want income and flexibility.

– You do not want confusion.
– You want transparency.

– This is absolutely reasonable.

» Reality check on living benefits
– Living benefits are slow in such policies.
– Early years give very little value.

– Most benefits come much later.
– This delays usefulness.

– Income promises are often misunderstood.
– Actual cash flow is usually low.

» Why agents fail to give clarity
– Products are difficult to explain honestly.
– Commissions are front-loaded.

– Explanations focus on maturity numbers.
– Risks and lock-ins get downplayed.

– This creates disappointment later.

» Premium stress is a clear warning sign
– Difficulty paying premium is serious.
– It should never be ignored.

– Forced continuation hurts retirement peace.
– This signals mismatch with your needs.

» Can such policies be closed
– Yes, they can be exited.
– Exit terms depend on policy status.

– Minimum holding period usually applies.
– After that, surrender becomes possible.

– You may receive surrender value.
– This value is often lower initially.

» Emotional barrier around surrender
– Many seniors fear losing money.
– This fear delays correct decisions.

– Continuing wrong products increases loss.
– Early correction reduces damage.

» Assessment of continuing versus exiting
– Continuing means more premium burden.
– Returns remain uncertain.

– Liquidity stays restricted.
– Stress continues every year.

– Exiting stops further premium drain.
– Money becomes usable elsewhere.

» Income needs in retirement
– Retirement needs predictable cash flow.
– Expenses do not wait for maturity.

– Medical costs rise unexpectedly.
– Family support needs flexibility.

– Locked products reduce confidence.

» Insurance versus investment separation
– Insurance should protect, not invest.
– Investment should grow or give income.

– Mixing both causes confusion.
– Separation improves clarity.

» What a Certified Financial Planner would assess
– Your regular expenses.
– Your emergency fund adequacy.

– Your health cover sufficiency.
– Your existing liquid assets.

– Your comfort with volatility.

» Action regarding investment-cum-insurance policies
– These policies are not ideal now.
– They strain cash flow.

– They do not give immediate income.
– They reduce flexibility.

– Surrender should be seriously considered.

» How to approach surrender decision calmly
– First, ask for surrender value statement.
– Ask insurer directly, not agents.

– Request written breakup.
– Include all charges.

– Compare future premiums versus surrender value.

» Important surrender-related points
– Surrender value may seem low.
– This is common in early years.

– Focus on future peace, not past loss.
– Stop throwing good money after bad.

» Tax aspect awareness
– Surrender proceeds may have tax impact.
– This depends on policy structure.

– Get clarity before final action.
– Plan withdrawal carefully.

» What to do after surrender
– Do not keep money idle.
– Reinvest based on retirement needs.

– Focus on income generation.
– Focus on capital safety.

» Suitable investment approach after exit
– Use diversified mutual fund solutions.
– Choose conservative to balanced options.

– Prefer actively managed funds.
– They adjust during market changes.

» Why index funds are unsuitable here
– Index funds mirror full market falls.
– No downside protection exists.

– Volatility can disturb sleep.
– Recovery may take time.

– Active funds aim to reduce damage.
– This suits senior investors better.

» Why regular mutual fund route helps
– Guidance is crucial at this age.
– Behaviour control matters.

– Regular reviews prevent mistakes.
– Certified Financial Planner support adds confidence.

– Cost difference is worth guidance.

» Income planning without annuities
– Avoid irreversible income products.
– Keep flexibility alive.

– Use systematic withdrawal approaches.
– Control amount and timing.

» Liquidity planning importance
– Keep enough money accessible.
– Emergencies do not announce arrival.

– Liquidity gives mental comfort.
– Avoid forced asset sales.

» Health expense preparedness
– Health costs rise sharply after sixty.
– Inflation is brutal here.

– Keep separate health contingency fund.
– Do not depend on policy maturity.

» Estate and family clarity
– Ensure nominees are updated.
– Write a clear Will.

– Avoid confusion for family.
– Simplicity matters now.

» Psychological peace as a goal
– Retirement planning is emotional.
– Stress harms health.

– Financial clarity improves wellbeing.
– Confidence comes from control.

» Red flags you should never ignore
– Premium pressure.
– Unclear benefits.

– Long lock-in periods.
– Agent-driven explanations only.

» What you should do immediately
– Ask insurer for surrender details.
– Evaluate calmly with numbers.

– Stop listening only to agents.
– Seek unbiased planning view.

» What not to do
– Do not continue blindly.
– Do not stop premiums without clarity.

– Do not delay decision endlessly.
– Delay increases loss.

» Your age-specific investment mindset
– Growth is secondary now.
– Stability is primary.

– Income visibility is essential.
– Liquidity is non-negotiable.

» Emotional reassurance
– You are not alone.
– Many seniors face similar issues.

– Correcting course is strength.
– It is never too late.

» Final Insights
– These policies are not aligned now.
– Premium stress confirms mismatch.

– Surrender option should be explored seriously.
– Protect peace over promises.

– Shift towards flexible, transparent investments.
– Focus on living benefits and comfort.

– Simplicity will serve you best now.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Money
Hi Reetika, I am 43 year old. I am currently working in private organization. Having an Investment of 8.0 Lac in NPS, 27 Lac in PF, 4 Lac in PPF and 2.5 Lac in FD. My child is in 11th Science. I have my own house and no any loan. I need to Invest around 80.0 Lac for Child Education, Marriage and Retirement.
Ans: You have taken a sensible start with disciplined savings.
Owning a house without loans is a strong advantage.
Starting early retirement assets shows responsibility.
Your goals are clear and time is still supportive.

» Life stage and responsibility review
– You are 43 years old and employed.
– Your income phase is still growing.
– Your child is in 11th Science.

– Education expenses will start very soon.
– Marriage goals are medium-term.
– Retirement is long-term but critical.

– This stage needs balance, not extremes.
– Growth and safety both are required.

» Current asset structure understanding
– Retirement-linked savings already exist.
– These assets give long-term discipline.

– Provident savings form a stable base.
– Pension-oriented savings add future comfort.

– Public savings give safety and tax efficiency.
– Fixed deposits give short-term liquidity.

– Overall structure is conservative currently.
– Growth assets need gradual strengthening.

» Liquidity and emergency readiness
– Fixed deposits cover immediate needs.
– Emergency risk appears controlled.

– Maintain at least six months expenses.
– This avoids forced investment exits.

– Do not reduce liquidity for long-term goals.

» Education goal time horizon assessment
– Child education starts within few years.
– Expenses will rise sharply during graduation.

– Foreign education may increase cost further.
– This goal needs partial safety focus.

– Avoid market-linked volatility for near-term needs.

» Marriage goal perspective
– Marriage goal is emotional and financial.
– Expenses usually occur after education.

– This allows moderate growth approach.
– Capital protection remains important.

» Retirement goal clarity
– Retirement is still twenty years away.
– Time is your biggest strength.

– Small discipline now creates big comfort later.
– Growth assets must play a key role.

» Gap understanding for Rs. 80 lacs goal
– Your current assets are lower than required.
– This gap is normal at this age.

– Regular investing will bridge the gap.
– Lump sum expectations should be realistic.

– Salary growth will support higher investments later.

» Income utilisation approach
– Salary should fund regular investments.
– Annual increments should raise contributions.

– Bonuses should be goal-based.
– Avoid lifestyle inflation.

» Asset allocation strategy direction
– Future investments must be diversified.
– Do not depend on one asset type.

– Growth-oriented funds suit long-term goals.
– Stable funds suit near-term needs.

– Balance reduces stress during volatility.

» Mutual fund role in your plan
– Mutual funds allow disciplined participation.
– They reduce direct market timing risk.

– Professional management adds value.
– Diversification improves consistency.

– They suit education and retirement goals.

» Why actively managed funds matter
– Markets are volatile and emotional.
– Index funds follow markets blindly.

– Index funds fall fully during downturns.
– There is no downside protection.

– Actively managed funds adjust exposure.
– Fund managers reduce risk during stress.

– They aim to protect capital better.
– This suits family goals.

» Regular investing discipline
– Monthly investing builds habit.
– Market ups and downs get averaged.

– This reduces regret and fear.
– Discipline matters more than timing.

» Direct versus regular fund clarity
– Direct funds need strong self-discipline.
– Monitoring becomes your responsibility.

– Wrong decisions hurt long-term goals.
– Emotional exits are common.

– Regular funds provide guidance.
– Certified Financial Planner support adds value.

– Behaviour control protects returns.

» Tax awareness for mutual funds
– Equity mutual fund long-term gains face tax.
– Gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed.

– Tax rate is 12.5 percent.
– Short-term equity gains face 20 percent tax.

– Debt fund gains follow slab rates.

– Tax planning must align with withdrawals.

» Education funding investment approach
– Use stable and balanced funds.
– Avoid aggressive exposure close to need.

– Gradually reduce risk as goal nears.
– Protect capital before usage.

» Marriage funding approach
– Balanced growth approach is suitable.
– Do not chase high returns.

– Ensure funds are available on time.

» Retirement funding approach
– Long-term horizon allows growth focus.
– Equity-oriented funds are essential.

– Volatility is acceptable now.
– Time smoothens risk.

» Review of existing retirement assets
– Provident savings ensure base security.
– Pension savings add longevity support.

– These assets should remain untouched.
– They form your safety net.

» Inflation impact awareness
– Education inflation is very high.
– Medical inflation rises faster.

– Retirement expenses increase steadily.
– Growth assets fight inflation.

» Insurance protection check
– Ensure adequate life cover.
– Family must remain protected.

– Health cover must be sufficient.
– Medical costs can derail plans.

» Estate and nomination hygiene
– Ensure nominations are updated.
– Family clarity avoids future stress.

– Consider writing a Will.
– This ensures smooth asset transfer.

» Behavioural discipline importance
– Market noise creates confusion.
– Stick to your plan.

– Avoid frequent changes.
– Consistency brings results.

» Review and tracking rhythm
– Review investments once a year.
– Avoid daily monitoring.

– Adjust based on life changes.
– Keep goals priority-based.

» Risk capacity versus risk tolerance
– Your risk capacity is moderate.
– Your responsibilities are high.

– Avoid extreme strategies.
– Balance comfort and growth.

» Psychological comfort in planning
– Your base is already strong.
– Time supports your goals.

– Discipline will do the heavy work.
– Panic is your biggest enemy.

» Finally
– Yes, achieving Rs. 80 lacs is possible.
– Time and discipline are in your favour.

– Start structured investing immediately.
– Increase contributions with income growth.

– Keep goals separated mentally.
– Stay invested during volatility.

– Your journey looks stable and hopeful.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 19, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi , I am 50 years old having wife and 1 kid. I got laid off in March 2025 and currently running my own company since July 2025 where in I had invested Rs. 2.50 lacs. At present I am not taking any money from the company but we are not making any losses either. I am having an Investment of 1) 30 lacs in Saving A/c and FDs. 2) 20 lacs in NSC maturing in year 2030. 3) 9 lacs in Mutual Funds. 4) 45 lacs in Equity which i intend to liquidate and put in Mutual Funds. 5) 75 lacs in PPF, PF & NPS. 6) Wife earning 50 lacs annually. 7) She has 40 lacs in Saving A/c and FDs. 8) 1.20 Cr. in PPF, PF & NPS. 9) We also own 2 properties with current fair market value of Rs. 5 Cr. 10) One property is giving us rent of Rs. 66K per month. 11) Apart from this we are also expecting to get ~ Rs. 2.50 Cr. over next 15 years for the insurance policies getting matured. Expenses & Liabilities: 1) Monthly expenses of Rs. 4.50 lacs which includes Rent, Insurance premium, EMI against Education loan for my kid's, Medical premium, Travel, Grocery and other miscl. expenses. 2) Car loan EMI of 40,000 per month which is included in the Rs. 4.50 lacs monthly expenses. This loan is till March 2027. 3) Education loan of Rs. 1.05 Cr. with current liability of Rs. 80 lacs as we paid Rs. 25 lacs to the Bank as prepayment. We need to spend ~ Rs. 40 lacs more to support for the kid education in USA till year 2027. 4) We intend to pay the entire Education loan by max. 2030. My question is, will this be enough for me and my wife for the retirement as my wife intends to work till 2037 if everything goes fine (when she turns 60) and I will continue running my company looking at taking Rs. 1 lacs per month from it from next FY.
Ans: You have built strong assets with discipline and patience.
Your financial journey shows clarity, courage, and long-term thinking.
Despite job loss, stability is well protected.
Your family position is better than most Indian households.

» Current life stage understanding
– You are 50 years old with working spouse.
– One child pursuing overseas education.
– You are semi-employed through your own business.
– Your wife has strong income visibility.
– This phase needs protection, not aggressive risk.

– Cash flow control matters more than returns now.
– Liquidity planning is extremely important.
– Emotional decisions must be avoided.

» Employment transition and business assessment
– Job loss was sudden but handled calmly.
– Starting your company shows confidence and skill.
– Initial investment of Rs. 2.50 lacs is reasonable.
– Zero loss position is a good sign.

– No salary draw reduces pressure on business.
– Planned Rs. 1 lac monthly draw is sensible.
– This keeps household stability intact.
– Business income should be treated as variable.

– Do not overestimate future business income.
– Use it only as a support pillar.

» Family income stability review
– Wife earning Rs. 50 lacs annually is a major strength.
– Her income anchors your retirement plan.
– Employment till 2037 gives long runway.

– Her savings discipline looks excellent.
– Large retirement corpus already exists.
– This reduces pressure on your assets.

– You should align plans jointly.
– Retirement must be treated as family goal.

» Asset allocation snapshot assessment
– You hold assets across cash, debt, equity, and retirement buckets.
– Diversification already exists.
– That shows mature planning habits.

– Savings and FDs give immediate liquidity.
– NSC gives defined maturity comfort.
– Equity exposure is meaningful.
– Retirement accounts are strong.

– Real estate is end-use, not investment.
– Rental income adds safety.

» Savings accounts and FDs analysis
– Rs. 30 lacs in savings and FDs offer flexibility.
– Wife holding Rs. 40 lacs adds cushion.

– This covers emergencies and education gaps.
– Liquidity is sufficient for next three years.

– Avoid keeping excess idle cash long-term.
– Inflation quietly erodes value.

– Use this bucket for planned withdrawals.

» NSC maturity planning
– Rs. 20 lacs maturing in 2030 is well timed.
– This aligns with education loan closure.

– This can be earmarked for debt repayment.
– Do not link this to retirement spending.

– It gives psychological comfort.

» Mutual fund exposure review
– Existing mutual fund holding is small.
– Rs. 9 lacs needs scaling gradually.

– Your plan to shift equity into funds is wise.
– This improves risk management.

– Mutual funds suit retirement phase better.
– They provide professional management.

– Avoid sudden large transfers.
– Phased movement reduces timing risk.

» Direct equity exposure evaluation
– Rs. 45 lacs in equity needs careful handling.
– Market volatility can hurt emotions.

– Concentration risk exists in direct equity.
– Monitoring requires time and skill.

– Gradual exit is sensible.
– Move funds into diversified mutual funds.

– Avoid panic selling.
– Use market strength periods for exits.

» Retirement accounts strength review
– Combined PF, PPF, and NPS is very strong.
– Your Rs. 75 lacs is meaningful.
– Wife’s Rs. 1.20 Cr is excellent.

– These assets ensure base retirement security.
– They protect longevity risk.

– Do not disturb these accounts prematurely.
– Let compounding continue.

» Real estate role clarity
– Two properties worth Rs. 5 Cr add net worth comfort.
– One property gives Rs. 66k monthly rent.

– Rental income supports expenses partially.
– This reduces portfolio withdrawal stress.

– Do not consider new property investments.
– Focus on financial assets.

» Insurance maturity inflows assessment
– Expected Rs. 2.50 Cr over 15 years is valuable.
– This gives future liquidity.

– These inflows should not be spent casually.
– They must be reinvested wisely.

– Align maturity money with retirement phase.

» Expense structure evaluation
– Monthly expense of Rs. 4.50 lacs is high.
– This includes many essential heads.

– Education, rent, insurance, travel are significant.
– EMI burden is temporary.

– Expenses will reduce after 2027.
– That improves retirement readiness.

» Car loan review
– EMI of Rs. 40,000 till March 2027 is manageable.
– This is already included in expenses.

– No action required here.
– Avoid new vehicle loans.

» Education loan strategy
– Education loan balance of Rs. 80 lacs is large.
– Overseas education requires careful funding.

– Planned additional Rs. 40 lacs till 2027 is realistic.
– Do not compromise retirement assets for education.

– Target full closure by 2030 is practical.
– Use NSC maturity and surplus income.

– Avoid using retirement accounts for repayment.

» Cash flow alignment till 2027
– Wife’s income covers majority expenses.
– Rental income adds support.

– Business draw of Rs. 1 lac helps.
– Savings bridge shortfalls.

– Cash flow mismatch risk is low.

» Retirement readiness assessment
– Combined family net worth is strong.
– Retirement corpus foundation is already built.

– Major expenses peak before 2027.
– After that, burden reduces.

– Wife working till 2037 adds security.
– This delays retirement withdrawals.

» Post-2037 retirement picture
– After wife retires, expenses will drop.
– No education costs.
– No major EMIs.

– Medical costs will rise gradually.
– Planning buffers already exist.

– Rental income continues.

» Mutual fund strategy for future
– Shift equity proceeds into diversified mutual funds.
– Use a mix of growth-oriented and balanced approaches.

– Avoid index-based investing.
– Index funds lack downside protection.

– They move fully with markets.
– No human judgement is applied.

– Actively managed funds adjust allocations.
– They protect better during volatility.

– Skilled managers add value over cycles.

» Direct funds versus regular funds clarity
– Regular funds offer guidance and discipline.
– Ongoing review is critical at this stage.

– Direct funds require self-monitoring.
– Errors can be costly near retirement.

– Behaviour management matters more than cost.
– Professional handholding reduces mistakes.

– Use mutual fund distributors with CFP credentials.

» Tax awareness on mutual funds
– Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed.
– Tax rate is 12.5 percent.

– Short-term equity gains face 20 percent tax.
– Debt mutual fund gains follow slab rates.

– Plan withdrawals tax efficiently.
– Do not churn unnecessarily.

» Withdrawal sequencing in retirement
– Start withdrawals from surplus funds first.
– Use rental income for regular expenses.

– Keep retirement accounts untouched initially.
– Delay withdrawals improves longevity.

– Insurance maturity inflows can fund later years.

» Medical and health planning
– Medical inflation is a major risk.
– Ensure adequate health cover.

– Review coverage every three years.
– Build separate medical contingency fund.

– Avoid dipping into equity during emergencies.

» Estate and succession clarity
– Assets are large and diverse.
– Proper nominations are critical.

– Draft a clear Will.
– Review beneficiaries periodically.

– Avoid family disputes later.

» Psychological comfort and risk control
– You are financially strong.
– Avoid fear-driven decisions.

– Avoid chasing returns.
– Stability matters more now.

– Keep plans simple and review yearly.

» Finally
– Yes, your assets are sufficient for retirement.
– Discipline must continue.

– Control expenses during transition years.
– Avoid large lifestyle upgrades.

– Focus on asset allocation, not market timing.
– Your retirement future looks secure.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |6751 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Career
Sir i have given 12th in 2025 and passed with 69% but not given jee exam in 2025 and not in 2026 also But i want iit anyhow sir is this possible that i give 12th in 2027 and cleared 75 criteria then give jee mains and also i am eligible for jee advanced
Ans: You have already appeared for and passed the Class 12 examination in 2025. As per the eligibility criteria, only two consecutive attempts for JEE (Advanced) are permitted—the first in 2025 and the second in 2026. Therefore, you will not be eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) in 2027. Reappearing for Class 12 does not reset or extend JEE (Advanced) eligibility.

However, you can still achieve your goal of studying at an IIT through an alternative and well-established pathway. You may take admission to an undergraduate engineering program of your choice, appear for the GATE examination in your final year, and secure a qualifying score to gain admission to a postgraduate program at a top IIT.

This is a strong and viable route to IIT. At this stage, it would be advisable to move forward by enrolling in an engineering program rather than focusing again on Class 12, JEE Main, or JEE Advanced.

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply.
Radheshyam

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |432 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 16, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Reetika Mam, I am 48 year having privet Job. I have started investment from 2017, current value of investment is 82L and having monthly 50K SIP as below. My goal to have 2.5Cr corpus at the age of 58. Please advice... 1. Nippon India small cap -Growth Rs 5,000 2. Sundaram Mid Cap fund Regular plan-Growth Rs 5,000 3. ICICI Prudential Small Cap- Growth Rs 10,000 4. ICICI Prudential Large Cap fund-Growth Rs 5,000 5. ICICI Prudential Balanced Adv. fund-Growth Rs 5,000 6. DSP Small Cap fund Regular Growth Rs 5,000 7. Nippn India Pharma Fund- Growth Rs 5,000 8. SBI focused Fund Regular plan- Growth Rs 5,000 9. SBI Dynamic Asset Allocation Active FoF-Regular-Growth Rs 5,000
Ans: Hi,

You can easily achieve your goal of 2.5 crores after 10 years. Your current investment value of 82 lakhs alone can grow to 2.5 crores assuming CAGR of 12% and monthly 50k SIP will give additional 1.1 crores, making a total corpus of 3.6 crores at 58.

But I see a problem with your current allocation. The fund selection is more aligned towards small caps of different AMCs and very concentrated and overlapped portfolio.
You need to diversify it so as to secure your current investment while getting a decent CAGR of 12% over next 10 years.
Focus on changing your current funds to large caps and BAFs and flexicaps and avoid sectoral funds.

You can also work with an advisor to get detailed analysis of your portfolio.
Hence you should consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |432 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2025

Money
Hi, I am 32 years old, married, and have a 4-year-old daughter. My monthly take-home salary is 55,000 rupees, and my wife's salary is 31,000 rupees, making our total income 86,000 rupees. I am currently in a lot of debt. Our total EMIs amount to 99,910 rupees (total loans with an average interest rate of 12.5%), and even with my father covering most of the monthly expenses, I still spend about 10,000 rupees. This leaves me with a shortage of approximately 25,000 rupees (debt) every month. My total debt across various banks is 36,50,000 rupees, and I also have a gold loan of 14 lakhs. I cannot change the EMI or loan tenure for another year. I also have a 2 lakh rupee loan from private lenders at an 18% interest rate. My total debt is over 52 lakhs. Now, with gold and silver prices rising, I'm worried that I won't be able to buy them again. I have an opportunity to get a 2 lakh rupee loan at a 12% interest rate, and I'm thinking of using that money to buy gold and silver and then pledge them at the bank again. Half of my current gold loan is from a similar situation – I took a loan from private lenders, bought gold, and then took a gold loan from the bank to repay the private loan. Given my current situation and my family's circumstances, should I buy more gold or focus on repaying my debts? What should I do? The monthly interest on my loans is approximately 50,000 rupees, meaning 50,000 rupees of my salary goes towards interest every month. What should I do in this situation? I also have an SBI Jan Nivesh SIP of 2000 rupees per month for the last four months. I have no savings left. I am thinking of taking out term insurance and health insurance, but I am hesitating because I don't have the money. I am looking for some suggestions to get out of these debts.
Ans: Hi Surya,

You are in a very complicated situation. This whole debt trapped needs to be worked on very judiciously. Let us go through all the aspects in detail.

1. Your total monthly household salary - 86000; monthly expense - 10000 contribution as of now; monthly EMI - approx. 1 lakhs.
2. Current loans - 36.5 lakhs from various banks at 12.5%; Gold Loan - 14 lakhs; private lenders - 2 lakhs at 18% >> totalling to 52 lakhs.
3. 50k interest per month payable - implies capital payment is very less leading to more problem.

- Keen on buying gold with loan. This is where more problem will began. Avoid buying gold using loan.
- Your focus should be on reducing your debt instead of increasing it.

Strategy to follow:
1. Close the loan with higher interest rate - 2 lakh personal lender. This will reduce your EMI and give you more potential to prepay other loans.
2. Try and take financial help from your family in prepaying small loans from banks. This can reduce your burden.
3. If you have any unused assets, can sell them to pay off your loans.

Points to NOTE:
> Avoid taking any more loans.
> When your EMI burden reduces, do make an emergency fund of 2-3 lakhs for yourself for any uncetain situation.
> Make sure to have a health insurance for yourself and family.
> Can stop your investments for now. They are of no use if your EMIs are more than your income. Can start investing once your EMI's reduce atleast by 20-30% for you.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...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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