29-year-old investing 30k/month, seeking portfolio advice: What changes should I make?

Ans: Section 234B of I.T.Act deals with payment of Interest for delay in payment of Advance Tax, if applicable.
Please check your ITR to confirm, if you have paid the Tax & Advance Tax, in time. If not you are liable to pay Interest on it.
If Department has correctly raised the demand, then it is better to pay the same & settle the issue. If it is not correct, then wait for response to your reply & then take action.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: Hello Mr. Panna . Thank you for your query. I understand that dealing with knee pain for the past two years can be challenging, especially in a hectic lifestyle. It is important to get a proper assessment to determine the root cause of your pain. I recommend consulting a physiotherapist near you who can evaluate your condition and design a personalized treatment plan. They will assess your movement, strength, and any underlying issues before planning further management, which may include exercises, manual therapy, or lifestyle modifications.
Meanwhile, you can try gentle strengthening and stretching exercises, maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee, and apply ice or heat for pain relief. Avoid excessive strain and ensure proper footwear to support your joints. A physiotherapist will provide you with the best guidance to help you recover effectively. I wish you quick recovery

Ans: Hello
NDA exam is the clear option for career in Defence Services after 10+2. NDA exam is conducted twice a year by UPSC (notified in Jan and June in leading papers). Age limit is 16 to 19. For application in Air Force and Navy, physics, chemistry, maths is needed at 10+2 level. NDA exam involves a written exam followed by SSB interview.

Ans: Dear Mr. Panna,
Thank you for your query. As a physiotherapist, I recommend focusing on workout recovery and strength-building strategies to address post-workout weakness, along with proper nutrition. Ensuring a well-balanced diet with adequate protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates is essential for sustained energy and muscle repair. Staying hydrated and maintaining electrolyte balance is also crucial to prevent fatigue and enhance performance.

To build strength effectively, focus on **progressive overload**, gradually increasing weights or repetitions to challenge your muscles. Incorporate **compound movements** such as squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and rows, which engage multiple muscle groups and enhance overall strength. Maintain proper form and controlled movements to prevent injury and maximize gains. Additionally, allow sufficient recovery time between workouts, ensuring each muscle group gets adequate rest. Prioritizing quality sleep and stress management will further support muscle repair and performance.
By combining these strategies, you can improve strength, reduce fatigue, and enhance overall workout performance. Let me know if you need further guidance!

Ans: Your income for the year 2025-26 seems to be as under :
Pension - Rs.6,25,000.00.
Interest FDRs (Estimated @ 8%) - Rs.2,64,000.00.
Income from MFs - Nil
TOTAL Rs.8,89,000.00.
Since you are not selling your MFs, so no Income would be there from MFs.
If we file your ITR under New Tax Regime, there will not be any tax payable, as it will be covered under Tax Rebate (u/s 87-A).
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: No I.Tax is payable on FDRs. Its Interest Earned on these FDRs, which is subject to tax.
If this is your only income, then no Tax would be payable on its interest, since it would be less than the basic exemption limit under the income tax act.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: Tax Implications on Transfer of Shares to Your Wife
No tax on the transfer:
Transferring shares to your wife is treated as a gift.
Under Indian tax laws, gifts between spouses are tax-free.
There is no gift tax for you or your wife on this transfer.

No capital gains tax at the time of transfer:
Since you are not selling the shares, there is no capital gain.
Hence, no capital gains tax applies to you.

Tax Implications When Your Wife Sells the Shares
Clubbing of Income Rules Apply:
Even though the shares are in your wife’s name, the capital gains will be taxed in your hands.
This is due to the clubbing provisions under Section 64 of the Income Tax Act.
The income from the gifted asset is added to the income of the person who gifted it.

Capital Gains Calculation:
The original cost of acquisition and the holding period will be based on when you bought the shares.
This means:

Short-term or long-term capital gain will depend on your holding period.
Indexed cost (for long-term gains) will be based on your purchase date.
Tax Rate:

Short-term capital gains (STCG): Taxed at 15% if held for less than 1 year.
Long-term capital gains (LTCG): Gains above Rs 1 lakh taxed at 10% (without indexation) if held for more than 1 year.
Key Points to Remember
The capital gain will be added to your taxable income, not your wife’s.
If your wife reinvests the proceeds, income from that reinvestment will be taxed in her name.
This clubbing rule applies only to the first level of income (capital gains in this case).
How to Reduce Tax Liability (Legally)
If your wife invests the sale proceeds into new assets, the future income from those assets will be taxed in her name.
This helps in tax planning for future earnings.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: If you do not have a GST number, you cannot claim GST input tax credit (ITC) or get a refund of GST paid on purchases. However, depending on your situation, there are some ways to manage taxes:

1. If You Are a Salaried Employee
You don’t need a GST number to file income tax returns.
You can claim deductions under Section 80C, 80D, HRA, and other sections to reduce taxable income.
If TDS is deducted, file ITR to claim excess tax refund.
2. If You Are a Business Owner or Freelancer (Without GST Number)
If your turnover is below Rs 20 lakh (service) or Rs 40 lakh (goods), GST registration is not mandatory.
You cannot charge GST on invoices or claim input tax credit on business expenses.
Instead, show expenses as deductions under income tax rules.
3. If You Paid GST but Do Not Have a GST Number
If you have paid GST on any purchase, but you don’t have a GSTIN, you cannot claim ITC.
However, you can include those expenses as business costs to reduce income tax.
4. If You Are Eligible for GST Registration
If your business turnover exceeds the GST threshold, register for GST to claim ITC.
If you voluntarily register for GST, you can claim ITC on future purchases.
5. If You Want a GST Refund Without a GST Number
GST refunds are usually only for registered businesses.
If you are an exporter or have made a zero-rated supply, you need a GST number to claim refunds.
If you were wrongly charged GST, you can request the seller for a refund or avoid paying GST on exempted items.
Final Insights
Without a GST number, you cannot claim GST input tax credit.
For salaried employees, claim deductions under income tax laws.
For businesses, show expenses to reduce taxable income.
If eligible, register for GST to claim ITC and get refunds.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: You have a strong financial foundation with a good salary, no loans, and multiple properties. Since you are new to stocks and mutual funds, a structured approach will help secure your family's future. Below is a complete financial plan considering your goals.

1. Emergency Fund
Keep at least 6 to 12 months of expenses in a separate account.
Since your monthly expenses (India + abroad) are around Rs 60,000, maintain Rs 5-7 lakhs in a liquid fund or fixed deposit.
This will protect you from unexpected job loss or medical emergencies.
2. Health Insurance
Since you and your family don’t have health insurance, getting coverage is important.
Opt for a Rs 10-20 lakh family floater health insurance plan.
Choose a separate policy for your parents if they are dependent on you.
A good insurance policy will reduce the risk of medical expenses affecting your savings.
3. Investments for Children’s Education & Marriage
For Son 1 (Age: 3) & Son 2 (Age: 6 months)
Higher education costs in India and abroad are rising.
You need at least Rs 50-80 lakhs per child for higher education after 15 years.
Marriage expenses may require Rs 20-30 lakhs per child after 25 years.
Investment Plan:

Invest Rs 25,000 per month in a mix of equity mutual funds.
Split between large-cap, mid-cap, and flexi-cap funds.
Increase investment by 10% every year to match inflation.
Invest in regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for expert guidance.
4. Future Property Purchase (Every 5 Years)
Buying a property every 5 years requires structured saving.
You should accumulate at least Rs 50-80 lakhs in 5 years for the next property.
Investment Plan:

Set aside Rs 40,000 per month in a combination of debt and equity funds.
For short-term (5 years), invest 60% in debt funds and 40% in equity funds.
This ensures capital safety while still getting growth.
5. Building Future Passive Income (Rs 75,000 to Rs 1 Lakh per Month)
To generate Rs 1 lakh per month, you need a corpus of Rs 2-3 crore.
Since you are just starting, a mix of growth and income-based investments is necessary.
Investment Plan:

Allocate Rs 50,000 per month to mutual funds with dividend options.
Invest in a mix of high-quality debt and equity funds for steady returns.
Increase investment as your salary grows.
6. Retirement Planning
You haven’t planned for early retirement, but financial freedom is important.
You need Rs 5-7 crore to retire comfortably by 55-60 years.
Investment Plan:

Invest Rs 50,000 per month in equity mutual funds.
Increase SIP amount as your income increases.
Later, shift investments to safer options like senior citizen schemes and annuities for retirement income.
7. Buying a Car (2nd Hand Car Soon)
If planning to buy in the next 6-12 months, keep the amount in a fixed deposit or liquid fund.
For a Rs 10 lakh car, set aside Rs 1 lakh per month for the next 10 months.
Avoid car loans since you have good savings potential.
8. Life Insurance Protection
If you don’t have term insurance, buy a Rs 2-3 crore term plan immediately.
This ensures your family is financially protected.
9. Investment Strategy for Beginners
Since you are new to stocks and mutual funds, start SIP investments in regular mutual funds.
Avoid index funds and direct plans, as actively managed funds provide better risk-adjusted returns.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to select the best funds.
10. Reviewing & Monitoring Investments
Review investments every 6 months with a Certified Financial Planner.
Rebalance asset allocation based on market conditions.
Increase SIP amounts as income grows.
Final Insights
Your current financial position is strong, and you have the potential to create long-term wealth.
A structured investment plan in mutual funds will secure your family’s future.
Protect your family with health and life insurance immediately.
Set clear financial goals and invest consistently.
Avoid unnecessary loans and focus on building assets.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner for better financial security.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,

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