Hi, I have 200 shres of Gammon india and 100 shres of Core Education in my Demat account for last ten years and both are not traded on BSE / NSE. The long term loss of above stocks is Rs. 30,000/-. Can I show above loss in ITR and setoff loss against long term profit in the coming assessment years ? Thanks. Mounesh

Ans: Given your risk profile and investment horizon, investing in international funds like the ones you've mentioned can offer diversification and potential for higher returns. However, it's essential to consider a few factors:

Performance: Assess the historical performance of the funds and compare them with relevant benchmarks and peers. Ensure they have consistently outperformed over the long term.
Fund Objectives: Understand the investment objectives and strategies of each fund. Ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
Risk Management: International funds, especially those investing in the US market, can be subject to currency risk, geopolitical events, and regulatory changes. Be prepared for higher volatility compared to domestic funds.
Diversification: Review your overall investment portfolio to ensure proper diversification across asset classes and geographical regions. Don't overly concentrate your investments in international funds.
Regular Review: Continuously monitor the performance of your investments and periodically review your portfolio to make adjustments as needed based on changing market conditions and your financial goals.
Considering these factors, if the international funds you've chosen have a strong track record and align with your risk profile and investment objectives, continuing to invest in them can be a viable option. However, it's always prudent to consult with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure your investment strategy is well-suited to your individual circumstances and goals.

Ans: It's fantastic to see your proactive approach towards mutual fund investments! As you delve deeper into the world of mutual funds, it's crucial to select funds that align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. When considering funds for your portfolio, focus on factors like fund track record, consistency of performance, fund manager expertise, expense ratio, and risk-adjusted returns.

Diversification across different categories like large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds can help mitigate risk and optimize returns. However, always remember that past performance is not indicative of future results, so it's essential to conduct thorough research and consult with a Certified Financial Planner before making investment decisions.

By diversifying your portfolio and staying disciplined in your investment approach, you're well-positioned to achieve your financial goals over the long term. Keep learning, stay informed, and adapt your strategy as needed to navigate the dynamic investment landscape with confidence and resilience.

Ans: Invest in a Balanced Fund

Ans: Starting SIPs for your child's higher education and retirement at 35 is a proactive step towards securing your family's financial future. Here's a suggested approach for selecting suitable mutual funds:

Diversified Equity Funds: Begin with diversified equity funds that offer exposure to a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks. These funds provide growth potential over the long term while spreading out the risk.
Large-Cap Funds: Invest a portion of your SIP amount in large-cap funds, which invest in established companies with stable growth prospects. These funds offer relatively lower risk compared to mid and small-cap funds.
Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds: Allocate a portion of your SIP amount to mid-cap and small-cap funds to capitalize on their potential for higher growth. These funds can generate significant returns over a longer investment horizon but come with higher volatility.
Balanced Funds: Consider allocating some portion of your SIP amount to balanced funds, which invest in a mix of equity and debt instruments. Balanced funds offer a more conservative approach while still providing exposure to equity markets.
Index Funds: Include index funds in your portfolio for cost-effective exposure to broader market indices like Nifty 50 or Sensex. These funds have lower expense ratios and can serve as a core holding in your portfolio.
Review and Adjust: Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed based on changes in your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions.
When selecting specific funds, consider factors like fund track record, consistency of performance, fund manager expertise, expense ratio, and risk-adjusted returns. It's also essential to diversify your investments across different fund houses to mitigate concentration risk.

Remember, investing for the long term requires discipline, patience, and periodic review. Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor your investment strategy to your specific goals and risk profile.

Ans: Given your age and goal to accumulate Rs. 2 crore over the next 10 years, it's important to strategize effectively to achieve this target. Consider the following steps:

Assess Current Financial Situation: Evaluate your current assets, liabilities, and investments to understand where you stand financially.
Set Realistic Savings Target: Determine how much you need to save each month to reach your goal of Rs. 2 crore in 10 years, considering factors like expected returns and inflation.
Invest Wisely: Allocate your savings into a diversified portfolio of investments such as mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and other financial instruments based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon.
Regular Review and Adjustments: Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals and risk appetite. Make adjustments as necessary to stay on track.
Consider Professional Advice: Consult with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized guidance and develop a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your specific circumstances and goals.
By following these steps and staying disciplined in your savings and investment approach, you can work towards achieving your target of Rs. 2 crore over the next decade. Remember, consistency, patience, and prudent financial management are key to success in long-term financial planning.

Ans: It sounds like you've already made significant strides towards securing your financial future. Your disciplined approach to investing in mutual funds and accumulating a substantial corpus in PPF is commendable. To achieve your retirement goal of a monthly income of Rs. 2.5 lakhs at today's value, it's essential to assess your current investments and projected returns. A Certified Financial Planner can help you analyze your investment portfolio, factor in inflation, and determine the additional investment required to bridge any potential income gap during retirement. Remember, retirement planning is not just about accumulating wealth but also ensuring it lasts throughout your retired years. With your proactive approach and the guidance of a financial expert, you're well-positioned to achieve your retirement goals and enjoy a financially secure future.

Ans: Anant, it's great to see you're diligently investing through SIPs for your future financial needs. Let's discuss the potential returns and corpus you can expect from your investments based on historical performance and assuming a growth rate.

HDFC Midcap Opportunities Fund: This fund primarily invests in mid-cap stocks, which tend to offer higher growth potential but also come with increased volatility. Historically, mid-cap funds have delivered average returns of around 12-15% per annum over the long term.
Nippon India Small Cap Fund: Small-cap funds like this one have the potential to provide significant growth over the long term, but they also carry higher risk. Historically, small-cap funds have delivered average returns of around 15-18% per annum over the long term.
Motilal Oswal Microcap Index Fund: This fund aims to replicate the performance of the Nifty Microcap 250 Index. Historically, index funds have delivered returns similar to the underlying index, which typically ranges from 12-15% per annum over the long term.
UTI Transport & Logistics Fund: This sectoral fund focuses on companies in the transport and logistics sector. Sectoral funds can be more volatile and carry higher risk. Historically, sectoral funds have delivered returns ranging from 10-15% per annum over the long term, depending on the sector's performance.
UTI Small Cap Fund: Similar to Nippon India Small Cap Fund, this fund primarily invests in small-cap stocks. Historically, small-cap funds have delivered returns similar to Nippon India Small Cap Fund.
Mirae Asset Emerging Bluechip Fund: This fund invests in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks with a focus on growth-oriented companies. Historically, such diversified equity funds have delivered average returns of around 12-15% per annum over the long term.
Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund: Flexi-cap funds like this one offer flexibility to invest across market capitalizations based on market conditions. Historically, flexi-cap funds have delivered average returns of around 12-15% per annum over the long term.
Please note that these are historical returns and future performance may vary. Also, the final corpus depends on various factors like the actual returns achieved, the duration of investment, and the consistency of your SIPs. For a more accurate projection, consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice based on your specific financial goals and risk tolerance.

Ans: Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are an increasingly popular investment option in India, offering opportunities to invest in income-generating real estate assets. Here's an overview of REITs in India and their taxation aspects:

Types of REITs: In India, there are primarily two types of REITs: Equity REITs and Mortgage REITs. Equity REITs own and operate income-generating real estate properties, while Mortgage REITs provide financing for real estate investments.
Listed REITs: Currently, there are a few listed REITs in India, including Embassy Office Parks REIT and Mindspace Business Parks REIT. These REITs own commercial properties such as office spaces and lease them out to tenants, generating rental income for investors.
Taxation Aspects:
Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT): REITs are required to distribute at least 90% of their net distributable income to investors as dividends. This income is exempt from DDT at the REIT level.
Taxation at Investor Level: Dividends received from REITs are taxable in the hands of investors as per their applicable income tax slab rates.
Capital Gains Tax: Any capital gains arising from the sale of REIT units are taxed as per the capital gains tax regime. If units are held for more than 3 years, they qualify for long-term capital gains tax with indexation benefits. Otherwise, they are subject to short-term capital gains tax as per the investor's income tax slab rates.
Tax Deductions: Investors can also avail tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act for investments made in REIT units, subject to certain conditions.
Risks and Considerations: While REITs offer the potential for regular income and capital appreciation, investors should be mindful of risks such as fluctuations in real estate prices, tenant occupancy, and interest rate changes.
Before investing in REITs, it's essential to conduct thorough research, assess your risk tolerance, and consult with a Certified Financial Planner or tax advisor to understand the taxation implications and suitability of REIT investments based on your financial goals and circumstances.

Ans: I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you faced during the pandemic, but I'm glad to hear that you've taken steps to address your financial situation. Rebuilding your credit score after experiencing defaults can take time, but it's certainly achievable with patience and dedication. Here are some steps you can take to begin the process:

Check Your Credit Report: Start by obtaining a copy of your credit report from all major credit bureaus (CIBIL, Equifax, Experian). Review the report carefully to understand the factors contributing to your low score and identify any errors or discrepancies that need to be corrected.
Pay Bills on Time: Moving forward, ensure that you pay all your bills, including credit card bills, loans, and utility bills, on time. Timely payments are one of the most crucial factors in rebuilding your credit score.
Reduce Credit Card Balances: Aim to keep your credit card balances low relative to your credit limit. High credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score, so focus on paying down your credit card balances as much as possible.
Limit New Credit Applications: Avoid applying for multiple new credit cards or loans within a short period as it can indicate financial distress to lenders. Instead, focus on managing your existing credit responsibly.
Diversify Your Credit Portfolio: Having a mix of credit accounts, such as credit cards, installment loans, and a mortgage, can positively impact your credit score. If feasible, consider diversifying your credit portfolio over time.
Use Secured Credit Cards: If you're struggling to qualify for traditional credit cards, consider applying for a secured credit card. Secured cards require a security deposit, making them easier to obtain for individuals with damaged credit.
Monitor Your Progress: Regularly monitor your credit score and credit report to track your progress. Many credit monitoring services offer free credit score tracking, making it easier to stay updated on your credit health.
Remember, rebuilding your credit score is a gradual process that requires consistency and responsible financial behavior. By following these steps and demonstrating responsible credit management over time, you can steadily improve your creditworthiness and regain financial stability. If you need further assistance, consider consulting with a financial advisor or credit counselor for personalized guidance.