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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 12, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2024Hindi
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1., Retired 2. Investment corpus available Rs 70 lacs 3. No liabilities 4. All medical exp insured 5. Own house 6. Need a monthly income of Rs 50000

Ans: With a retirement corpus of Rs 70 lakhs and a monthly income requirement of Rs 50,000, let's devise a sustainable income strategy. Given your situation with no liabilities, medical expenses insured, and owning a house, we can focus on generating a steady stream of income from your investments.

Considering the need for a monthly income of Rs 50,000, it's essential to strike a balance between generating sufficient income and preserving capital for the long term.

One option is to allocate a portion of your corpus to conservative fixed-income instruments such as fixed deposits, bonds, or debt mutual funds. These can provide stable returns while safeguarding your capital. Additionally, consider investing in dividend-paying stocks or mutual funds with a history of consistent dividends to supplement your income.

Another approach is to allocate a portion of your corpus to equity investments, which have the potential to generate higher returns over the long term. However, this comes with higher volatility, so it's crucial to assess your risk tolerance and invest accordingly.

A combination of these strategies, tailored to your risk profile and income needs, can help you achieve your goal of generating a monthly income of Rs 50,000 while ensuring the sustainability of your retirement corpus.

Regular reviews with a certified financial planner can help you adjust your investment strategy as needed and ensure that your income needs are met throughout your retirement years.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 27, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 11, 2024Hindi
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I have post office deposit of Rs 50 lacs, FD : Rs 25 lacs, PPF : 40 lacs, MF : 40 lacs, NPS : 7 lacs & an extra flat current valuation : 40 lacs... I am 54..& want to retire. I need a monthly income of 1 lac... Pl suggest
Ans: Evaluating Your Current Financial Position
Assets Overview
Post Office Deposit: Rs. 50 lakhs
Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs. 25 lakhs
Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs. 40 lakhs
Mutual Funds (MF): Rs. 40 lakhs
National Pension System (NPS): Rs. 7 lakhs
Extra Flat: Rs. 40 lakhs
Total Assets
Total Value: Rs. 202 lakhs (excluding flat)
Monthly Income Requirement
Required: Rs. 1 lakh per month
Income Generation Strategies
Fixed Income from Deposits
Post Office Deposit: Generate regular interest income.
Fixed Deposit (FD): Provides stable interest income.
Utilising PPF
PPF can provide tax-free returns but has withdrawal restrictions.
Consider partial withdrawals after maturity for supplementary income.
Systematic Withdrawal from Mutual Funds
Set up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for a regular income stream.
Choose funds with a stable return history.
Utilizing NPS
Annuity purchase with 40% of NPS at retirement.
The remaining 60% can be withdrawn lump-sum.
Evaluating Additional Sources
Rental Income from Extra Flat
Consider renting out the flat for additional income.
Expected rental income could be Rs. 15,000 - Rs. 20,000 per month.
Diversification and Rebalancing
Diversify investments to mitigate risks.
Rebalance portfolio regularly for optimal returns.
Suggested Financial Plan
Fixed Income Sources
Post Office Deposit: Approx. Rs. 25,000 - Rs. 30,000 monthly.
FD: Approx. Rs. 10,000 - Rs. 15,000 monthly.
Income from PPF
Withdrawals to be used as supplementary income.
Plan for withdrawals to align with monthly needs.
Mutual Funds SWP
Generate Rs. 30,000 - Rs. 35,000 monthly through SWP.
Select funds with consistent performance.
Rental Income
Expected Rs. 15,000 - Rs. 20,000 monthly.
Use this for regular expenses.
Annuity from NPS
Approx. Rs. 10,000 monthly post-retirement.
Lump-sum withdrawal to cover unexpected expenses.
Monitoring and Adjusting
Review financial plan annually with a certified financial planner.
Adjust withdrawals and investments based on market conditions and needs.
Final Insights
Ensure all income sources cover your monthly needs.
Keep a contingency fund for emergencies.
Regularly consult with a certified financial planner to stay on track.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 17, 2024Hindi
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have mutual fund of 1cr and equity of 60 lacs Fd of 35 lacs, PF 18.5 LACS , ppf 1lac , amount income of amount 1lacs per month my age 40.At 50 age I need 5 cr.please suggest
Ans: Current Financial Overview
You are 40 years old.

You have mutual funds worth Rs. 1 crore.

You have equity worth Rs. 60 lakhs.

You have fixed deposits worth Rs. 35 lakhs.

Your PF is Rs. 18.5 lakhs.

Your PPF is Rs. 1 lakh.

Your monthly income is Rs. 1 lakh.

You need Rs. 5 crores by age 50.

Appreciating Your Progress
You have a solid financial base.

Your investments are well-diversified.

You have shown discipline in saving and investing.

Setting the Right Strategy
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a great choice.

They provide diversification.

Actively managed funds can outperform.

Continue with your current investments.

Consider increasing your SIPs.

This will accelerate your growth.

Equity Investments
Equity offers high returns.

It also carries higher risk.

Review your equity portfolio.

Ensure it aligns with your goals.

Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner.

They can help optimize your equity investments.

Fixed Deposits
Fixed deposits are safe.

But they offer lower returns.

Consider moving some funds to mutual funds.

This can give you better growth.

Provident Fund (PF)
PF is a stable investment.

It offers good returns and tax benefits.

Continue contributing to your PF.

It will help secure your retirement.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
PPF is also a safe investment.

But your current balance is low.

Consider increasing your contributions.

PPF offers tax-free returns.

Goal-Based Investing
Identify your specific goals.

Break them into short, medium, and long-term.

Align your investments with these goals.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Review your portfolio regularly.

Ensure it aligns with your goals.

Rebalance if necessary.

This helps maintain your investment strategy.

Tax Planning
Use tax-saving instruments.

They reduce your taxable income.

Consider ELSS funds.

They offer tax benefits and good returns.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund.

It should cover 6 months of expenses.

Keep it in a liquid account.

Health and Life Insurance
Ensure you have adequate health insurance.

Cover at least Rs. 10 lakhs.

Consider term life insurance.

Cover at least 10 times your annual income.

This means Rs. 1.2 crores.

Consulting a Certified Financial Planner
Consult a Certified Financial Planner.

They provide expert advice.

They help in making informed decisions.

They ensure your investments are on track.

Final Insights
You have a strong financial foundation.

Focus on increasing your investments.

Review and rebalance your portfolio regularly.

Ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner.

This will help you achieve your Rs. 5 crore goal by age 50.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 24, 2024Hindi
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I have retired at 55, funds available 1.7 cross, monthly expenses 1.5 lacs per month. 1.00 dr required after 5 years for daughters marriage. PLease advise additional corpus required.
Ans: You have retired at 55 with Rs. 1.7 crores corpus. Your monthly expenses are Rs. 1.5 lakhs. Additionally, Rs. 1 crore is needed in five years for your daughter's marriage. Let us determine the adequacy of your current corpus and the additional amount required for long-term financial stability.

Financial Observations
Monthly Expenses

Your current monthly expenses are Rs. 1.5 lakhs.
This translates to Rs. 18 lakhs annually.
Marriage Fund Requirement

Rs. 1 crore is required in five years.
Allocating a portion of the corpus now can ensure it grows to Rs. 1 crore.
Corpus Sustainability

The existing corpus of Rs. 1.7 crores is insufficient to sustain Rs. 1.5 lakhs monthly.
The gap between income and expenses will drain the corpus quickly.
Inflation Impact

Inflation will increase your expenses over the next 20–30 years.
Adequate planning is essential to preserve purchasing power.
Recommendations to Address the Corpus Gap
Marriage Fund Planning

Invest Rs. 70-75 lakhs in debt mutual funds or fixed-income instruments.
These options can grow steadily to Rs. 1 crore in five years.
Monthly Expense Management

Create a systematic withdrawal plan from the remaining corpus.
Focus on balanced or hybrid funds to sustain monthly cash flow.
Estimate Additional Corpus Required

Considering inflation and long-term expenses, an additional Rs. 4-5 crores is needed.
Start building this corpus through systematic investments.
Invest Additional Corpus for Growth

Invest new funds in equity-heavy portfolios for higher returns.
Diversify into large-cap, flexi-cap, and balanced funds.
Portfolio Allocation Strategy
Debt Allocation for Stability

Allocate 40–50% of the corpus to debt instruments.
Focus on short-term debt funds or fixed-income securities.
Equity Allocation for Growth

Invest 50–60% of the corpus in equity mutual funds.
Choose actively managed funds with consistent long-term performance.
Hybrid Funds for Balanced Growth

Allocate a portion to balanced advantage funds.
These provide stability and reduce volatility.
Emergency Fund

Maintain six months’ expenses in a liquid fund.
This ensures liquidity for emergencies.
ESOP or Stock Diversification

Avoid high concentration in single-company ESOPs.
Diversify into broader markets or mutual funds.
Tax Planning for Withdrawals
Minimise LTCG Tax on Mutual Funds

Long-term capital gains over Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Time withdrawals to reduce taxable gains.
STCG Tax Consideration

Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.
Avoid premature redemptions to save on taxes.
Debt Fund Taxation

Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Plan redemptions strategically to reduce tax outgo.
Steps to Build the Additional Corpus
Increase Investment Allocation

Contribute Rs. 1.5–2 lakhs monthly to new investments.
Use systematic investment plans for disciplined investing.
Focus on Long-Term Equity Growth

Allocate a significant portion to equity for compounding growth.
Include international equity for diversification.
Review and Adjust Portfolio Regularly

Conduct half-yearly reviews to align with goals.
Rebalance the portfolio to manage risks.
Seek Professional Guidance

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a tailored plan.
Regular monitoring ensures you stay on track.
Final Insights
Your current corpus and monthly expenses require careful management. An additional Rs. 4-5 crores is necessary to ensure long-term financial stability. Focus on strategic investments and tax-efficient withdrawals. Plan proactively for the marriage fund and sustain your lifestyle comfortably.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

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

..Read more

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Ravi Mittal  |518 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 22, 2025Hindi
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I’m 36M, I met a girl in my office, who works in the same department. It was love at first site for me, but I was scared to tell her that. As time passed, I used to strike some casual conversations with her or her team to connect with her and there were some clear signs that she liked me, for example, she would call me or text me why I’m not talking to her if I didn’t message her for some time (a week) or she would ask me if I was coming to office as we were working Hybrid if not she would also not come to office. But she always refused to come out with me for a movie or date/meet saying she had a very strict family and cannot come out other than office. I used to think that this was a real thing. But all this went on until her birthday arrived. I got some gift to give her on her birthday only to know that she suddenly stopped talking to me, no replies to my messages, calls or anything. At first, I was bit concerned if there was any problem or if she was in any trouble. But little did I know it was not the case at this time. After few (many) attempts trying to reach her. I though maybe she could be busy or something and I understood may be if I did not disturb her, she might call back. Time went on I again met her after 4 or 5 months in Office with no contact. By this time, I had already realised there was something wrong and she had already lost interest in me. But still I felt like I wanted to have a closure on this and I went on and gave the gift and proposed her, that is when she told me that she was in a relationship with some other person for 4 years. This blew my mind to pieces, as I was thinking why would someone shows any sort of interest on someone when they are already in relationship with some other person. I tried to move away from her after this incident, but fate we still are working in the same department and that I have to see her more often than not. I still have strong feelings for her, but I cannot show this to her and worst act normal. Whenever I see her, I want to talk to her and If I talk to her, I fall for her again and again. But she is happy and casual about all this as if there was not casualty in whole of this thing. Even now she asks me if I’m coming to office so that she could meet me. So, through all this, I have some questions 1. Why does a women show any sort of Interest on someone else when she is already in a relationship, so she can use me as a options and throw away when done 2. How do I move on, as I did not love her for some superficial features, rather I really liked her character, and that is the worst as I feel like I’ll never be able to find anyone like her in my life. Feeling down for a long time now. I’m already 36, feels like all the doors have closed for me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand that you are hurt and upset, and rightfully so. You thought she liked you but turns out, she is with someone else. It's a good enough ground to be upset. But I want you to understand one thing- you thought; she never gave you verbal confirmation. You assumed it all. So to answer your first question- all of her interest in you might have been friendly. It is difficult for me to say it with confidence because I have not seen any of this while it happened; I am only hearing your version of it. But my guess is that she thought of you as a friend or maybe, for a while there, she might have had feelings for you, but then realized that she was committed and pulled herself back. Again, all of these are my assumptions. We do not know the truth. Only she does. The next time, whenever you think someone likes you, get verbal confirmation before you act on it.

I understand that whether she showed friendly interest and you mistook it for romantic interest or she actually showed romantic interest and ghosted you, your pain remains the same because everything was real and romantic from your end. I suggest that you focus on yourself. It's unfortunate that you have to see her every day, but so be it. Take it one day at a time. Stick with your friends in your office. Find some hobby that makes you happy and when you are ready to move on, be open to finding love. I understand that this experience was bad, but it won't be the same way every time.

Best wishes.

...Read more

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Ravi Mittal  |518 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 25, 2025
Relationship
Hi..., I feel in love with a muslim girl. I wasn't planned, it just happened I love her exactly the way she is, unconditionally, deeply, endlessly. For the last six years, Six years of loving her without expecting anything in return, without asking for anything but the chance to admire her from a distance. Every smile, every word, every little thing about her has been etched into my heart like poetry. I never saw her religion or background—only her beautiful soul. My love for her has always been pure, unconditional, and endless. It’s not about possessing her, it’s about cherishing her, even if it means keeping my feelings hidden all this time. But six years is a long time, and my heart is heavy with this love that I’ve kept inside. Should I finally tell her what I feel? Should I risk everything to let her know how much she means to me, even if it changes everything? Love knows no boundaries, no religion, no rules—it just is. But society doesn’t think the same way. What would you do if you were in my place? After six years of love, how do you decide what’s right for the person you love?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It does not matter what anyone else would do in your place or what society thinks. All that matters is what you think and want to do. If you have genuine feelings for her, what's stopping you from expressing them to her? If you don't tell her, how would you know if everything is going to change for the good or bad? Do as your heart wants. After all, you are not harming anyone.

Best wishes.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 31, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am a 36 years old man, father of 2 (5y & 2y), Our income is 40Lacs pa post tax addition to that we have a rental income of 50K pm, our monthly expense is around 40K which is taken care by rents. Doing a SIP of 2.5 lac with total investment of 28L , have a RD of 25 L, ULIP -10L, Gold- 50L, I want to be financially independent in next 10 years. No loan , no credit cards., Has a medical policy of 25L. Emergency fund of 10L. Please advice how i can achieve financial independence in next 10 years.
Ans: 1. Understanding Your Financial Position
You are 36 years old with a goal of financial independence in 10 years.

Your annual post-tax income is Rs 40 lakh, with an additional rental income of Rs 50,000 per month.

Your monthly expenses are Rs 40,000, which are fully covered by rental income.

Your current investments include:

Rs 2.5 lakh SIP per month
Rs 28 lakh in mutual funds
Rs 25 lakh in RD
Rs 10 lakh in ULIP
Rs 50 lakh in gold
Rs 10 lakh emergency fund
You have no loans or credit cards, which is a strong financial position.

Your health insurance is Rs 25 lakh, which is good but may need a review later.

2. Defining Financial Independence
Financial independence means having passive income that covers all expenses.

You need enough wealth to generate returns that sustain your lifestyle.

Your target should be to build a portfolio that provides stable income after 10 years.

3. Optimising Your Current Investments
Mutual Funds – Increase Allocation
Your Rs 2.5 lakh SIP is excellent, but it needs active management.

Actively managed funds provide better returns than index funds.

Direct mutual funds lack professional management. Investing through an MFD with CFP credential helps maximise returns.

Maintain a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and hybrid funds for stability and growth.

Recurring Deposit (RD) – Shift to Growth Assets
Rs 25 lakh in RD earns lower returns compared to equity.

Consider shifting RD funds gradually into mutual funds for better compounding.

Keep only a portion in fixed-income instruments for stability.

ULIP – Consider Surrendering
ULIPs mix insurance with investment, which reduces returns.

Surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds can improve returns significantly.

Keep insurance separate from investments for better wealth creation.

Gold – Maintain a Balanced Allocation
Rs 50 lakh in gold is a significant portion of your portfolio.

Gold is good for diversification but does not generate passive income.

Consider reducing gold exposure and reallocating to growth-oriented assets.

4. Asset Allocation for Financial Independence
A well-diversified portfolio ensures long-term stability and wealth growth.

Your asset allocation can be:

60% in equity mutual funds
20% in debt funds and bonds
10% in gold and other assets
10% in liquid funds for short-term needs
Adjust allocation every year based on market performance.

5. Passive Income Strategy
Your goal is to generate passive income through investments.

SIPs will build a strong equity base over the next 10 years.

A mix of mutual funds and debt instruments will provide steady cash flow.

Rental income already covers monthly expenses, which is an advantage.

After 10 years, your investments should generate returns covering all financial needs.

6. Emergency Fund and Insurance Review
Emergency Fund
Your Rs 10 lakh emergency fund is good.

Keep this amount in liquid funds or fixed deposits for easy access.

Maintain at least six months of expenses as a backup.

Health Insurance
Your Rs 25 lakh health cover is decent, but medical costs rise over time.

Consider increasing coverage to Rs 50 lakh if affordable.

Ensure it covers critical illness and long-term care needs.

7. Retirement and Children’s Education Planning
Retirement Planning
Financial independence should include a secure retirement plan.

Your investments will continue growing even after achieving independence.

Keep investing to ensure financial security beyond the next 10 years.

Children’s Education
Education costs will rise significantly over time.

Start a dedicated investment plan for your children’s higher education.

Equity mutual funds with a long-term horizon will help meet this goal.

8. Tax Efficiency and Wealth Preservation
Efficient tax planning ensures you maximise post-tax returns.

Long-term capital gains tax is lower on equity investments.


Regularly review your tax liability to optimise investment returns.

9. Monitoring and Adjusting the Plan
Review your portfolio every six months.

Rebalance investments if market conditions change.

Keep track of financial independence progress based on wealth accumulation.

10. Final Insights
Your financial position is strong, and your goal is achievable.

Shifting from low-return assets to equity will help in long-term wealth creation.

Active management of investments will ensure better returns and financial security.

Keep insurance separate from investments to avoid lower returns.

A disciplined approach to investing and spending will lead to financial independence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Harsh

Harsh Bharwani  |73 Answers  |Ask -

Entrepreneurship Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

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Career
Hi what business can I start with 20000rs?
Ans: Hello Mr. Anuj,
Starting a business in India with a budget of ?20,000 is entirely possible with strategic planning, local market research, and minimal infrastructure. Whether you prefer a home-based model, freelancing, or product-based business, several viable options can generate steady income. Here’s a detailed guide to ten promising business ideas tailored for the Indian market.

Online Reselling via Dropshipping
Dropshipping allows you to sell products without holding inventory. Popular categories include eco-friendly products, ethnic jewellery, and mobile accessories. Profit margins range from 30–50%, but success depends on social media marketing and supplier reliability.

Freelancing Services
If you have skills in content writing, graphic design, or video editing, freelancing can be a lucrative option. A laptop and internet connection are the only real requirements. Building a strong online presence on LinkedIn or Fiverr can help secure consistent clients.

Home Tutoring/Coaching
With increasing competition in academics, home tutoring is a stable business. Charging ?1,000–2,000 per student per month ensures recurring income. The demand peaks during exam seasons, making it a great long-term option.

Event Decoration
Event decoration, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, is a creative and profitable business. Specializing in birthday parties, anniversaries, and wedding decor can help build a niche. However, the business is seasonal.

Customized Printing
Selling custom-printed T-shirts, mugs, and gifts online is a trendy business. With social media marketing, you can attract college students and young professionals who love personalized products. However, printer maintenance costs should be considered.

Key Tips for Success
Legal Compliance: Register as a sole proprietorship for hassle-free operations.
Smart Marketing: Use WhatsApp Business, Instagram Reels, and Google My Business for cost-effective promotions.
Cost Control: Rent equipment (e.g., cloud kitchens) instead of buying to minimize overheads.
Customer Feedback: Focus on refining offerings based on customer preferences.
Start Small, Scale Later: Test your business model before making large investments.
With careful planning, minimal investment, and the right strategy, starting a business with ?20,000 in India is not only possible but also profitable. Choose a business aligned with your skills and local market demand, and take the first step toward entrepreneurship today!

...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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