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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 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 04, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am 25 years old with monthly salary of 50000. I want to buy a home in 3 to 4 years and also want to create wealth. How and where to invest please suggest. As of now no savings.

Ans: It's great that you're thinking about your financial future at such a young age. Saving for a home and building wealth is wise.

Budgeting: Create a simple spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to track your income and expenses. This will help you understand where your money is going each month.

Emergency Fund: This fund acts as a safety net in case of unexpected expenses like medical emergencies or job loss. Aim to save enough to cover three to six months of your living expenses.

Investments for Wealth Creation: Mutual funds and Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are popular options for long-term wealth creation. They pool money from multiple investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities.

Saving for a Home: Fixed deposits (FDs) or recurring deposits (RDs) are low-risk options for saving towards your home purchase. They offer guaranteed returns over a fixed period, making them suitable for short-term goals like a down payment.

Risk Management: Since your goal is to buy a home in 3 to 4 years, it's crucial to avoid high-risk investments like individual stocks or cryptocurrencies. These investments can be volatile and may not align with your short-term goals.

Diversification: Spread your investments across different asset classes to reduce risk. For example, you could invest in a combination of FDs, mutual funds, and SIPs to achieve a balanced portfolio.

Consultation: While these are general suggestions, it's essential to seek personalized advice from a Certified Financial Planner. They can assess your financial situation and provide tailored recommendations based on your goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

By following these steps and staying disciplined in your savings and investment approach, you can work towards achieving your goals of homeownership and wealth creation.
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 May 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 11, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir am 40 as of now no savings but want to save to get a good house with out any home loan am looking to get an amount of 50 to 75 lacks ,please suggest with in 2 years how should I invest and where should I invest
Ans: It's admirable that you're setting a goal to save for a house within a relatively short timeframe of two years. Let's explore a strategic approach to help you achieve your target of accumulating 50 to 75 lakhs:

Establish a Budget: Begin by assessing your current financial situation and creating a realistic budget. Identify areas where you can reduce expenses and allocate more towards your savings goal.

Set Clear Savings Targets: Determine the specific amount you need to save each month to reach your target within two years. Having a clear savings target will help you stay focused and motivated.

Explore High-Return Investments: Given your short investment horizon, focus on investments that offer the potential for higher returns while managing risk. Consider a mix of equity and debt investments to balance growth potential with stability.

Avoid High-Risk Options: While high-risk investments may offer the potential for higher returns, they also come with increased volatility and uncertainty. Avoid speculative investments that could jeopardize your savings goal.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustment: Continuously monitor the performance of your investments and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your savings target. Rebalance your portfolio periodically to maintain the desired asset allocation.

Consider Tax-Efficient Options: Explore tax-efficient investment options such as Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) or tax-saving fixed deposits to minimize tax liability and maximize returns.

Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial goals and risk tolerance. A CFP can help you develop a customized investment strategy aligned with your savings target.

With careful planning, disciplined savings, and strategic investments, you can work towards achieving your goal of saving for a house within the next two years.

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 May 08, 2024

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Hi I'm 29 yrs old man with salary of 60k month, I wish to built a house by 2-3yrs from now and create a wealth for my retirement by 40 yrs of age, plz help me through it how should I be able to do that?
Ans: It's fantastic that you're thinking ahead and planning for your future. Building a house and creating wealth for retirement are significant goals, and with careful planning, you can achieve them. Here's some guidance to help you along the way:

Firstly, consider starting by creating a detailed financial plan outlining your current financial situation, your goals, and a roadmap to achieve them. This will help you stay organized and focused on your objectives.

To save up for your house in 2-3 years, you'll need to start setting aside a portion of your monthly income. Calculate how much you'll need for the down payment and closing costs, and then work out how much you need to save each month to reach that goal.

Consider investing your savings in low-risk, liquid instruments like fixed deposits or short-term debt funds to ensure that your money is easily accessible when you're ready to buy your house.

For your retirement goal, starting early is key. Since you're aiming to retire by 40, you'll need to prioritize saving and investing aggressively. Maximize contributions to retirement accounts like the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) or the National Pension System (NPS) to take advantage of tax benefits and long-term growth potential.

Additionally, consider investing in a diversified portfolio of equity mutual funds or stocks to build wealth over the long term. While the stock market can be volatile, historically, it has provided higher returns compared to other asset classes over extended periods.

Regularly review and adjust your financial plan as needed to stay on track towards your goals. Remember, consistency and discipline are crucial when it comes to achieving financial success.

Keep up the great work, and don't hesitate to seek advice from a Certified Financial Planner if you need assistance in fine-tuning your financial strategy.

Best of luck on your journey to homeownership and retirement!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7742 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 14, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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I am 25 years old. Joined an IT company and earning 50k per month. I am a bachelor with monthly expenses of 15k.No liability or asset currently but I want to buy a house in future (in 3 to 4 years possibly taking loan of 30L to 40L) .How much to invest and where to build wealth and save for future & retirement please suggest. Also what else to consider for emergency fund or recession.
Ans: Congratulations on starting your career! That's a great first step towards financial security. You're earning well and have a good savings potential. Let's discuss how to manage your money effectively for your future goals:

1. Building a Strong Foundation:

Save for the Future! With a monthly salary of Rs. 50,000 and expenses of Rs. 15,000, you have a significant amount to save and invest. This is a great opportunity to build wealth for your future.

Emergency Fund! Life throws unexpected curveballs. Set aside 3-6 months' worth of living expenses in an easily accessible savings account like a Liquid Fund. This acts as a safety net in case of emergencies.

2. Investing for Your Goals:

Short Term vs. Long Term: You have both short-term (house purchase in 3-4 years) and long-term (retirement) goals. A good strategy allocates funds for each.

Actively Managed Funds: Consider investing in actively managed Debt and Equity Mutual Funds (MFs) through SIPs (Systematic Investment Plans). Actively managed funds have fund managers who try to outperform the market by picking stocks or bonds they believe will grow.

3. Planning for Your House:

Down Payment Ready? For your house purchase, aim to save a good down payment (ideally 20% or more) to minimize your loan amount and interest payments. Debt Funds or Recurring Deposits (RDs) can be suitable for this goal.

Loan Management: Taking a home loan is a big decision. Carefully research interest rates and terms. Remember, a home loan is a long-term commitment, so factor in potential EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) impact on your budget.

4. Retirement Planning:

Start Early! You're young, which is a huge advantage for retirement planning. Starting early allows time for compounding to work its magic. Invest in Equity MFs for long-term wealth creation for retirement.

Review and Rebalance: The market keeps changing. A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can help you periodically review your portfolio, rebalance if needed, and ensure your investment strategy remains on track for your retirement goals.

5. Recession proofing:

Diversification is Key! Investing across different asset classes like Equity and Debt MFs helps spread risk. This can help you weather economic downturns like recessions.

Discipline is Important! Stick to your SIP contributions and avoid impulsive decisions based on market volatility. A CFP can help you stay disciplined and focused on your long-term goals.

Remember, financial planning is a journey, not a destination. Consulting a CFP can create a personalized plan that considers your goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. This will help you achieve your dreams of homeownership, a secure retirement, and overall financial well-being.

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 25, 2024

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Hi I am 33 years old female i currently not having any savings but i want to start i hva 60lcs worth house no emis no loans.. salary 91k per month.. expenses most of 25k - 30K per month. Let me know how i can i plan where to invest i have 2years old daughter i am looking to first buy a property in next 5 years and to save for my child education. Thanks kindly help me tostart my journey
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
Age: 33 years
Salary: Rs. 91,000 per month
Expenses: Rs. 25,000 - 30,000 per month
Assets: Rs. 60 lakh house (no EMIs or loans)
Goals: Buy a property in 5 years, save for child's education
Dependents: 2-year-old daughter
Creating an Emergency Fund
Importance of an Emergency Fund
Security: Protects against unforeseen expenses
Peace of Mind: Ensures financial stability
Recommendation
Target Amount: 6 months of expenses, around Rs. 1.5 lakh
Investment Option: Liquid funds for easy access and better returns than savings accounts
Starting Systematic Investments
Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Benefit: Rupee cost averaging and disciplined investing
Initial Amount: Start with Rs. 15,000 per month
Diversification
Equity Funds: High growth potential, long-term gains
Debt Funds: Stability, lower risk
Saving for Child's Education
Education Planning
Estimate Costs: Account for inflation in education expenses
Investment Options: Child-specific mutual funds and PPF
SIPs for Education
Dedicated SIP: Start a dedicated SIP of Rs. 10,000 per month for your child’s education
Equity Exposure: Focus on equity funds for long-term growth
Planning for Property Purchase
Property Investment
Timeline: Plan to buy property in the next 5 years
Down Payment: Save at least 20% of the property cost
Monthly Savings
Dedicated Savings: Save Rs. 20,000 per month for down payment
Investment Vehicle: Use recurring deposits or short-term debt funds for stability
Insurance Coverage
Life Insurance
Recommendation: Purchase a term insurance plan
Coverage: Sum assured should be at least 10 times your annual income
Health Insurance
Recommendation: Get a comprehensive health insurance policy
Coverage: Include family floater plan to cover your daughter as well
Retirement Planning
Long-Term Goal
Start Early: Begin investing for retirement now for compounding benefits
Investment Options: NPS and diversified equity funds
Monthly Contribution
Recommendation: Allocate Rs. 10,000 per month towards retirement
Additional Recommendations
Regular Reviews
Financial Check-Ups: Review your financial plan every 6 months
Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments based on changing circumstances
Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner: Consult a CFP for personalized advice
Regular Funds: Invest through a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP credential for better support and guidance
Final Insights
Build an emergency fund first.
Start SIPs for disciplined investing.
Save specifically for child’s education.
Plan for property purchase within 5 years.
Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
Begin retirement planning early.
Regularly review and adjust your financial plan.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |518 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 22, 2025Hindi
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Relationship
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

Ravi

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.

...Read more

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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