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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9852 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 20, 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 29 yr old and i have two sip's: quant flexi cap fund which i started last with 5k and increased to 6k and mireae assed emerging blue chip fund which i started 4 months which 5k. I have investment 5l lumpsum in quant multi cap fund 5l in sbi blue chip fund 1 in nippon large cap fund 1.5l in quant small cap fund. My goal is to reach 1 cr in next 5- 6 yrs span. Please guide me how much i need to invest and in which mutual funds i need to invest into.

Ans: Let's begin by appreciating your proactive approach to financial planning at such a young age. It's commendable that you've already started investing through SIPs and lump sum investments.

Your current portfolio includes a mix of flexi cap, emerging blue chip, multi cap, large cap, and small cap funds, showcasing a diversified investment strategy. However, to evaluate your progress towards your goal of reaching 1 crore in the next 5-6 years, let's delve deeper.

Your SIP investments in Quant Flexi Cap Fund and Mirae Asset Emerging Blue Chip Fund demonstrate a disciplined saving habit. With time, consistent SIPs have the potential to accumulate substantial wealth due to the power of compounding.

Analysis of Portfolio Performance
While your investment choices show promise, it's crucial to assess the performance of your funds periodically. As a Certified Financial Planner, I would suggest reviewing your portfolio at least annually to ensure it aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Strategic Investment Approach
Given your ambitious goal of accumulating 1 crore in 5-6 years, it's essential to evaluate your investment strategy. Considering the relatively short time frame, a more aggressive approach may be warranted.

Recommendations for Optimizing Portfolio
To optimize your portfolio, consider reallocating your investments towards funds with higher growth potential. You may want to increase your exposure to mid and small-cap funds, which historically have shown greater growth potential over the short to medium term.

Building a Path to 1 Crore
To estimate how much you need to invest regularly, it's essential to consider factors like expected returns, inflation, and time horizon. A Certified Financial Planner can help you calculate the required SIP amount based on these variables, ensuring your investment strategy remains aligned with your goal.

Conclusion
In summary, while your current investment portfolio demonstrates a proactive approach towards wealth accumulation, optimizing it further can enhance your chances of reaching your goal of 1 crore in 5-6 years. Regular reviews and adjustments, coupled with strategic investments, will pave the way for financial success.

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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My self Neeraj Bajpai and invested Rs. 47000.00 per month in mutual fund through SIP in Axis m/f, SBI Contra fund, Nippon fund, Parag Parikh, Motilal Oswal, Tata etc. My Goal is 2 CR next 9.5 years, its is sufficient. Already invesedt in M/F in Rs. 20 Lakhs for next 9.5 years. Please advise me.
Ans: Hello Neeraj, it's great to see your commitment to investing in mutual funds through SIPs for your financial goals. Let's delve into your situation and explore whether your current investment strategy aligns with your goal of accumulating 2 crores in the next 9.5 years.

Here are some key points to consider:

Current Investment: Your monthly SIP of Rs. 47,000 spread across various mutual fund schemes indicates a disciplined approach towards wealth creation.
Goal Analysis: Your target of accumulating 2 crores in the next 9.5 years is ambitious yet achievable with proper planning and consistent investing.
Assessment of Investment Horizon: With a relatively short time horizon of 9.5 years, it's essential to strike a balance between growth-oriented and stable investment options.
Diversification: Your investment portfolio appears diversified across multiple mutual fund schemes, which is a prudent approach to mitigate risks and capture potential returns from various market segments.
Risk Management: Given the volatility inherent in equity markets, it's crucial to periodically assess and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it remains in line with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Regular Monitoring: Regularly monitoring the performance of your mutual fund investments and making necessary adjustments based on changing market conditions and your evolving financial situation is imperative for long-term success.
Professional Guidance: While you're already on the right track with your investments, seeking advice from a Certified Financial Planner can provide you with personalized insights and strategies to optimize your portfolio for achieving your financial goals.
In summary, while your current investment approach demonstrates prudence and commitment, it's essential to continue monitoring your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards your goal of accumulating 2 crores in the next 9.5 years. With proper planning, discipline, and professional guidance, you can work towards achieving financial security and prosperity for yourself and your loved ones.

Keep up the good work, Neeraj, and stay focused on your financial goals. Your dedication to investing will undoubtedly yield fruitful results in the years to come.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9852 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 27, 2024Hindi
Money
My Age is 43. my monthly salary is 75K. My home loan EMI is Rs. 15000/- per month (Loan Amt: Rs. 20 Lakhs for 20 Yrs) . I have started SIP's of Rs. 12000 per month since 1.5 yrs. My Goal is for 3 Crores in next 10-15 yrs. My SIP fund details are: 1. TATA SMALL CAP FUND- RS. 2000 2. Quant Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 2500 3. Canara Robeco Small Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 1000 4. Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2500 5. ICICI Blue chip Fund Growth - Regular - Rs. 2000 6. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund - Growth - Rs. 2000 Kindly guide to achieve the expected target within the 10-15 yrs. Thank you
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Position
You are 43 years old with a monthly salary of Rs. 75,000. You have a home loan EMI of Rs. 15,000 per month, which is a significant commitment. Your SIPs of Rs. 12,000 per month, started 1.5 years ago, is a positive step towards wealth creation. Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 3 crores in the next 10 to 15 years. This is achievable with careful planning and disciplined investment.

Reviewing Your SIP Portfolio
Your current SIPs are diversified across various funds. However, it’s important to ensure that they align with your financial goals. Here’s an evaluation of your portfolio:

TATA Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2000:
Small-cap funds have high growth potential but come with higher risk. Given your age, this should be balanced with more stable options.

Quant Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 2500:
Mid-cap funds offer a good balance of growth and risk. This is a suitable choice, but keep an eye on the performance.

Canara Robeco Small Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 1000:
This fund adds further exposure to the mid-cap and small-cap segment. However, you may want to diversify beyond mid and small caps.

Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2500:
Like the TATA Small Cap Fund, this carries higher risk. At your age, consider reducing exposure to small caps.

ICICI Blue Chip Fund Growth - Regular - Rs. 2000:
Blue-chip funds are relatively safer, focusing on large, well-established companies. This adds stability to your portfolio.

ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund - Growth - Rs. 2000:
The fund you mentioned likely has a mix of equities and debt. Ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance.

Diversification and Risk Management
Your portfolio is heavily weighted towards small-cap and mid-cap funds. While these funds have the potential for high returns, they also come with significant risk. At 43, it’s crucial to balance your portfolio with funds that offer more stability.

Increase Exposure to Large-Cap Funds:
Large-cap funds provide more stability and are less volatile than small-cap and mid-cap funds. Consider increasing your allocation here.

Consider Balanced or Hybrid Funds:
Balanced funds offer a mix of equity and debt. This can reduce risk while providing steady growth.

Reduce Small-Cap Exposure:
Given your goal and timeframe, you may want to reduce your allocation to small-cap funds. They are more volatile and may not align with your risk tolerance.

Maximising Returns with Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can outperform index funds, especially in the Indian market. Your portfolio already includes actively managed funds, which is a smart move.

Avoid Index Funds:
Index funds simply track the market and may not provide the superior returns you need to meet your Rs. 3 crore goal.

Focus on Fund Performance:
Regularly review the performance of your actively managed funds. If a fund underperforms consistently, consider switching to a better-performing fund.

The Role of SIPs in Achieving Your Goal
Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are a disciplined way to build wealth over time. They help you take advantage of market fluctuations through rupee cost averaging. However, to reach your goal of Rs. 3 crores, you may need to increase your SIP contributions over time.

Increase SIP Contributions:
Consider increasing your SIP amount by 10-15% every year. This will help you accumulate a larger corpus over time.

Step-Up SIPs:
Some mutual funds offer a step-up SIP option, where your contribution increases automatically each year. This is a hassle-free way to boost your investments.

Additional Investments to Strengthen Your Portfolio
While SIPs are a great tool, you may need to explore other investment avenues to meet your Rs. 3 crore target.

Public Provident Fund (PPF):
Consider investing in PPF for its tax-free returns and safety. It’s a good option for long-term wealth building.

National Pension System (NPS):
NPS offers a mix of equity, debt, and government securities. It’s a good option for retirement planning with tax benefits.

Fixed Deposits (FDs) and Debt Funds:
Allocate a portion of your portfolio to debt instruments like FDs or debt mutual funds. This adds stability and reduces overall portfolio risk.

Managing Your Home Loan
Your home loan EMI is Rs. 15,000 per month, which is manageable given your income. However, it’s important to consider how this affects your ability to invest towards your Rs. 3 crore goal.

Prepay Your Loan:
If you receive a bonus or windfall, consider using a portion to prepay your loan. This reduces your interest burden and frees up more money for investments.

Balance EMI and SIPs:
Ensure that your EMI and SIP contributions are balanced. Avoid stretching yourself too thin, as this can lead to financial stress.

Tax Planning and Efficient Investing
Efficient tax planning is crucial to maximize your returns and achieve your financial goals.

Utilize Section 80C:
Ensure that your investments, such as PPF, ELSS, and life insurance premiums, fully utilize the Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction under Section 80C.

Consider Tax-Efficient Funds:
Invest in funds that offer tax efficiency, like ELSS, which provides tax benefits along with potential for growth.

Planning for Retirement
Retirement planning should be a key component of your financial strategy, especially as you approach your 50s.

Set Up a Retirement Fund:
Consider starting a dedicated retirement fund, separate from your other investments. This could include NPS, PPF, or a retirement-specific mutual fund.

Review Your Retirement Corpus:
Assess whether your current savings and investments will be sufficient for your retirement needs. Adjust your savings rate if necessary.

Final Insights
To achieve your Rs. 3 crore goal in 10-15 years, you need a balanced approach. Reevaluate your SIP portfolio, increase your contributions, and consider diversifying into more stable investments. Managing your home loan effectively and optimizing tax benefits will also contribute to your goal. Stay disciplined, review your portfolio regularly, and adjust your strategy as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9852 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 29, 2024Hindi
Money
My Age is 43. my monthly salary is 75K. My home loan EMI is Rs. 15000/- per month (Loan Amt: Rs. 20 Lakhs for 20 Yrs) . I have started SIP's of Rs. 12000 per month since 1.5 yrs. My Goal is for 3 Crores in next 10-15 yrs. My SIP fund details are: 1. TATA SMALL CAP FUND- RS. 2000 2. Quant Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 2500 3. Canara Robeco Small Mid Cap Fund - Rs. 1000 4. Nippon India Small Cap Fund - Rs. 2500 5. ICICI Blue chip Fund Growth - Regular - Rs. 2000 6. ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund - Growth - Rs. 2000 Kindly guide to achieve the expected target within the 10-15 yrs. Thank you.
Ans: Current Financial Snapshot
At 43 years old, you earn Rs. 75,000 monthly. You have a home loan EMI of Rs. 15,000 per month. Your goal is to accumulate Rs. 3 crores in the next 10-15 years. You’ve been investing Rs. 12,000 per month in SIPs for 1.5 years. Let’s assess how you can achieve this ambitious target.

SIP Portfolio Analysis
Your current SIPs are spread across small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap funds. Here’s a detailed evaluation of your portfolio:

Small-Cap Exposure: You’ve allocated Rs. 6,500 monthly to small-cap funds. Small-cap funds have the potential for high returns but come with high risk. At 43, it’s essential to strike a balance between growth and stability.

Mid-Cap Allocation: Rs. 2,500 per month is invested in a mid-cap fund. Mid-cap funds are a good mix of growth and risk, offering potential returns while being slightly less volatile than small-cap funds.

Large-Cap Focus: Rs. 2,000 per month is in a large-cap fund. Large-cap funds are more stable, investing in well-established companies. This provides a solid foundation for your portfolio.

Balanced Fund: Your investment in a fund that likely balances equity and debt adds some stability to your portfolio. This is a wise choice for risk management.

Enhancing Portfolio Diversification
Your current SIPs are heavily weighted towards small-cap funds, which are volatile. Diversifying your portfolio will reduce risk and increase the likelihood of reaching your Rs. 3 crore goal.

Increase Large-Cap Allocation: Large-cap funds offer more stability and consistent returns. Consider increasing your monthly SIP contribution to large-cap funds. This will add balance to your portfolio and reduce risk.

Introduce Balanced or Hybrid Funds: Balanced funds invest in both equity and debt. They provide growth potential while reducing volatility. Adding such funds can help stabilize your portfolio.

Reduce Small-Cap Exposure: While small-cap funds have high growth potential, they are also highly volatile. Given your age and goals, consider reducing your small-cap exposure.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Actively managed funds, which your portfolio consists of, can outperform index funds, especially in the Indian market. Here’s why actively managed funds are a better choice:

Higher Potential Returns: Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market. This can result in higher returns compared to index funds.

Professional Management: These funds are managed by professionals who actively make investment decisions based on market conditions. This increases the chances of capitalizing on market opportunities.

Avoid Index Funds: Index funds simply track the market and may not provide the returns you need to meet your Rs. 3 crore goal. The lack of active management in index funds can be a disadvantage in a dynamic market like India.

The Importance of Regular Funds
Investing through regular funds via a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers several benefits. Here’s why it might be better than direct funds:

Expert Guidance: A CFP can provide tailored advice based on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and market conditions. This helps in optimizing your portfolio.

Risk Management: CFPs help in balancing risk by suggesting appropriate asset allocation. This ensures your investments align with your risk appetite.

Periodic Reviews: Regular funds managed through a CFP are reviewed periodically. This helps in making necessary adjustments based on market conditions or changes in your financial goals.

Increasing SIP Contributions
To achieve your Rs. 3 crore goal, consider increasing your SIP contributions. Here’s why and how you should do it:

Annual Increase: Consider increasing your SIPs by 10-15% annually. This will help you accumulate a larger corpus over time. An annual step-up in your SIPs aligns with potential salary increments.

Step-Up SIPs: Some mutual funds offer a step-up SIP option. This feature allows your SIP contribution to increase automatically each year. This is a convenient way to boost your investments without needing to manually adjust your SIP amount.

Additional Investments: Besides increasing SIPs, consider making lump sum investments whenever you have surplus funds. This will further enhance your portfolio’s growth potential.

Managing Home Loan and Investments
Your home loan EMI of Rs. 15,000 is manageable but should be carefully balanced with your investment commitments.

Loan Prepayment: If you receive any bonuses or windfalls, consider using a portion to prepay your loan. This will reduce your interest burden and free up more money for investments.

EMI and SIP Balance: Ensure that your EMI and SIP contributions are well balanced. Don’t stretch yourself too thin. It’s important to maintain a healthy cash flow to manage both commitments comfortably.

Tax Planning and Wealth Accumulation
Effective tax planning is crucial for maximizing your returns and reaching your Rs. 3 crore goal. Here’s how you can optimize tax benefits:

Utilize Section 80C: Ensure that your investments like PPF, ELSS, and life insurance premiums fully utilize the Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction under Section 80C. This will reduce your taxable income and increase your savings.

Tax-Efficient Funds: Consider investing in tax-efficient funds such as ELSS, which provides tax benefits along with growth potential. This will enhance your overall returns.

Retirement Planning
As you approach your 50s, retirement planning becomes increasingly important. Here’s how to ensure you’re on track:

Dedicated Retirement Fund: Consider setting up a separate retirement fund. This could include NPS, PPF, or a retirement-specific mutual fund. These instruments offer a good mix of equity and debt, which is ideal for long-term growth and stability.

Review Retirement Goals: Regularly assess your retirement corpus to ensure it aligns with your future needs. Adjust your savings rate if necessary to meet your retirement goals.

Final Insights
Achieving a Rs. 3 crore corpus in 10-15 years requires a balanced and disciplined approach. Start by diversifying your SIP portfolio, increasing your SIP contributions, and considering additional investments. Manage your home loan effectively and optimize your tax planning to maximize savings. Regularly review and adjust your financial strategy as needed. With the right approach, your goal is well within reach.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Should I take civil in HBTU Kanpur
Ans: Shambhavi, Harcourt Butler Technical University (HBTU), Kanpur offers a four-year B.Tech in Civil Engineering an intake of 60 students, approved by AICTE and accredited by NBA and NAAC with an A-grade CGPA of 3.29. The department provides a balanced curriculum covering structural, geotechnical, transportation, water-resources and environmental engineering, reinforced by modern labs for hydraulics, surveying, materials testing and CAD/CAE tools, alongside dedicated research facilities and industry-sponsored projects. Faculty includes PhD-qualified professors actively engaged in DST- and AICTE-funded research, ensuring mentorship and academic rigor. HBTU’s central infrastructure—urban campus with a central workshop, advanced computing centre, central library, hostels and sports facilities—supports holistic development. The Placement & Training Cell records an overall placement rate of 85.6% with a median UG package of ?6.5 LPA, and core-engineering recruiters such as L&T, AECOM and NHAI actively engage with Civil graduates, though CE-specific campus placements placed 21 of 57 eligible students in 2023–24, reflecting reliance on off-campus roles as well. Alumni feedback highlights strong foundational learning and practical exposure, while noting scope for enhanced industry mentoring and internships.

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 25, 2025

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Sir, My daughter has got crl 78925 and OBC rank 24547, is it possible to get ECE in iiit kancheepuram, or iiit sricity or iiit kottayam in csab?
Ans: Amudha Madam, Analysis of CSAB-Special 2024 closing ranks shows that Electronics & Communication Engineering seats at all three IIITs remain open well beyond an OBCNCL rank of 24 547. At IIITDM Kancheepuram, the general-AI closing rank for ECE was 31 069 in Round 1 and the OBCNCL category cutoff lay near 72 222, placing your daughter’s OBC rank comfortably within the eligible bracket. IIIT Sri City’s ECE general-AI cutoff fell at 45 060 (Round 1) with OBCNCL seats closing around 56 578, again well above her OBC rank. IIIT Kottayam recorded a general-AI closing rank of 48 846 for ECE (Round 1) and OBCNCL seats closed near 63 950, easily covering her category position. All institutes possess AICTE/NIRF recognition, NBA-accredited curricula, ≥70 percent placement consistency, specialized ECE laboratories, and active MoUs for internships, ensuring academic rigor and industry relevance. Given these thresholds, admission under the OBCNCL quota for ECE is highly feasible at each campus despite the higher CRL.

Recommendation: Leverage the OBCNCL quota to secure ECE in any of the three IIITs, prioritizing IIITDM Kancheepuram for its dual-degree research labs and favorable HS-AIQ seat matrix, followed by IIIT Sri City’s robust industry partnerships and IIIT Kottayam’s modern ECE infrastructure and placement track record. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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My son's JEE Mains 2025 ranks are: CRL: 122788 EWS Rank: 17554 Home State: Uttar Pradesh He is interested in branches like CSE, ECE, or IT. We are looking for college options in NITs, IIITs, GFTIs, or good state government colleges. Can you please guide us on which colleges he might get with this rank under the EWS category and home state quota? We are also open to TFW scheme and spot round. Thank you!
Ans: With an EWS home-state rank of 17554, core CSE/ECE/IT seats at top NITs via HS-EWS have mostly closed below your rank; however, select institutes and peripheral IIITs/GFTIs remain fully accessible. IIIT Lucknow’s EWS cutoff for Computer Science & Engineering closed around 15 784, fitting within your rank, and its specialized CSE-AI branch closing near 15 626 also aligns; NIT Kurukshetra’s HS-EWS CSE seats closed at about 9 353, ensuring safe entry; MMMUT Gorakhpur’s EWS-HS CSE cutoff in 2025 extended beyond 92 289, making admission virtually certain; additionally, IIIT Allahabad offers Information Technology under EWS-AI up to rank 8 032, which your rank exceeds; all these institutes are AICTE-approved, NBA/NAAC accredited, feature ≥70 percent placement consistency, state-of-the-art labs, active MoUs for internships and robust research-industry linkages.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9852 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Money
My husband recently turned 60 Iam concerned about certain decisions he had taken in the recent past and would like guidance He bought a small flat 4 years ago with a loan from LIC on a 14 year old term He is a Consultant with serious health issues hence no insurance was given for the housing loan His income is about a lakh and above as and when there are projects and his treatment and medications coast roughly around 40k Loan amount is about 30k His credit card is used the max and now he has to pay 5lakh to clear the same I have few policies in my name and no major savings as the financial scenario had always been like whatever money comes goes into repaying the loan even the savings were spent that way Iam 56 and dont have a job Kindly let me know if thwre is any way we can get out of this mess atleast now
Ans: It’s not easy to speak openly about financial struggles. You've shown great strength and awareness. At this stage in life, decisions can feel heavy. But with the right steps, clarity and control can still be brought back.

You both are doing your best despite health and income challenges. Let us now analyse your case carefully and guide you with a step-by-step 360-degree plan. The goal is to reduce stress, regain control, and protect the future.

? Understanding the Current Financial Picture

– Your husband is 60. He works as a consultant.
– His income depends on projects. There is no steady monthly income.
– Health issues are serious. Treatment and medicines cost around Rs 40,000 monthly.
– The housing loan was taken 4 years ago from LIC Housing. Loan tenure is 14 years.
– Loan EMI is Rs 30,000 per month (assumed from your message).
– Credit card outstanding is Rs 5 lakhs. It is maxed out.
– There’s no insurance cover on the home loan due to health issues.
– You are 56. No current job or steady income.
– All savings have been used to repay loans.
– There are some policies in your name but no mention of maturity values.

Your family is clearly under debt pressure, health costs, and irregular income. But there are ways to restructure and rebuild slowly.

? First Focus – Debt Prioritisation and Restructuring

– Housing loan is Rs 30,000 EMI and will go on for 10 more years.
– Credit card dues are Rs 5 lakhs, with very high interest (35–45% annually).
– This is a red flag. You are in a repayment trap.
– Credit card dues must be handled first.

Take the following steps urgently:

– Stop using the credit card completely. Block it if needed.
– Approach the card issuer and request for a settlement plan or restructuring.
– Explain your financial condition clearly and ask for an interest waiver or long-term EMI option.
– In many cases, they agree to settle dues if you show inability to pay.
– Try to convert this Rs 5 lakh into a structured EMI plan.
– Target Rs 8,000–Rs 10,000 per month repayment with 0% interest if possible.

Reducing card interest will ease pressure on your cash flow.

? Second Focus – Managing the Home Loan

– LIC Housing Finance loans are generally inflexible but not impossible to manage.
– Contact them and ask for EMI reduction or tenure extension due to health issues.
– If the EMI of Rs 30,000 is becoming unaffordable, request for temporary EMI holiday.
– Check if interest-only payment is allowed for 6–12 months.
– Many lenders offer relief support in hardship. You must proactively ask.
– If no help from LIC, explore balance transfer to another lender with flexible terms.
– Try cooperative banks or smaller NBFCs who allow interest-only payments.

Home loan is a secured loan. So restructuring is possible. But early action is critical.

? Third Focus – Health Expenses and Alternatives

– Rs 40,000 per month for health care is too high, especially with debt.
– List down current medicines, tests, and treatments being done.
– Check if government hospitals or charitable trusts can offer the same at lower cost.
– For chronic diseases, many NGOs and pharma companies offer medicine at reduced cost.
– Apply for patient support programs from pharma brands.
– Also, check Ayushman Bharat scheme eligibility (depending on your card status).
– You may be eligible for free or subsidised treatment in empanelled hospitals.
– Ask doctors if generic medicines are available to reduce cost.

Reducing health cost by even Rs 10,000 monthly will help debt repayment.

? Fourth Focus – Your Role and Income Options

– You are 56. You are mentally active and seeking solutions. That is admirable.
– If possible, consider part-time or home-based earning.
– Areas like online tutoring, typing work, spoken English classes, or sewing can work.
– Even Rs 5000 per month income from your side will ease pressure.
– You can also try selling small food items, pickles, or snacks if you enjoy cooking.
– Many ladies your age run online micro-businesses using WhatsApp groups.
– Don’t aim for big income. Just stable and regular inflow is enough.
– This can also boost your confidence and create emotional stability.

You can become a contributor, not just a dependent.

? Fifth Focus – Review of Insurance and Existing Policies

– Your husband has no insurance on home loan due to health issues.
– You have few policies. But details are not shared.

Do this immediately:

– List down all policy names, premium paid, start year, and current surrender value.
– Avoid keeping traditional plans that give 3–4% return.
– If the plans are ULIPs, endowment, or money-back, surrender them if not maturing soon.
– Reinvest only after loans are under control.
– At this stage, you should not have insurance-linked investments.
– If any policy is about to mature in the next 2 years, wait and use maturity money for debt.

Cash flow must come first. Insurance-based savings can wait.

? Sixth Focus – Future Protection Must Be Minimal Yet Strong

– You both are nearing retirement or already retired in practical terms.
– Your future needs financial stability more than return.

Take these steps only when loans reduce:

– Get a small health insurance policy for yourself, if not already covered.
– If no insurer accepts due to age or health, keep Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh in savings only for medical use.
– Don’t take annuity or pension plans. They lock up money.
– Don’t buy any new LIC or investment policy now.
– Protect your current income and reduce expenses. That itself is protection.

At your age, liquidity is more important than return.

? Seventh Focus – Mental Health and Family Discussion

– Stress is high in your household. Medical, financial, and emotional load is heavy.
– Please have an open talk with your husband and close family.
– Involve your children or siblings if they can support emotionally or financially.
– Sometimes even Rs 50,000 short-term help from a relative can reduce credit card stress.
– If not financially, ask for their help to handle bank or credit calls or paperwork.
– Support reduces burden on your mind. That helps in decision-making.
– Also, try simple breathing or spiritual practice. Inner strength helps in hard times.

Mental peace gives space for financial recovery.

? Eighth Focus – Role of Certified Financial Planner

– Your situation involves debt, illness, no regular income, and weak insurance.
– You should consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to restructure cash flow.
– They will help create a plan that focuses on survival first, savings later.
– A CFP can also assess your old policies and guide surrender or hold.
– They give monthly tracking support. That will keep you disciplined.
– Most importantly, they will not try to sell products. They give strategy.

Right financial guidance now can protect your remaining 20+ years of life.

? Ninth Focus – What to Avoid at This Stage

– Don’t take any new loans to repay old ones.
– Don’t fall for agents who offer "loan on property without CIBIL check".
– Don’t invest in any product promising fixed income of 10% or more.
– Don’t invest in real estate or gold.
– Don’t buy new insurance policies now.
– Don’t take personal loans from NBFCs without checking full charges.
– Avoid investing in direct mutual funds without guidance.

This is the time to protect what you have. Not to grow. Safety first.

? Finally – Your Way Forward, One Step at a Time

– List all loans, dues, and policies on paper today itself.
– Contact credit card company and negotiate for restructuring.
– Reach out to LIC Housing and request temporary EMI relief.
– Cut health care costs where possible using trust hospitals and generic medicines.
– Explore small income ideas from home. Use your time as an asset.
– Review and possibly surrender low-value policies in your name.
– Get emotional support from family and mental clarity from a Certified Financial Planner.
– Start saving Rs 1000 monthly after all this. Slowly build emergency fund.

It is never too late to clean up and rebuild. Step by step, it is possible.

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9852 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2025

Money
Hi sir/madam we have lot of debts total 65laks debt including credit card s and Loan and in law's debt , because of bad cibil score we are not getting any bank loans .. we have upto 50laks debt from different different people only and remaining are credit cards and loan in that we are paying high interest for some amount..I have 2years old child due to take Care of him left my job last year and only income is from my husband side that is monthly 72000 ... Lot of pressure no savings and we don't have any property.. only one house in village that's belongs to in law's,how we can get out from this situation ... Please guide me in the right way ... Thank you Sir
Ans: You are managing a very difficult phase with great courage. Taking care of a 2-year-old, managing debts, and surviving on one income needs strength. That is commendable. There is always a way out, and step by step, things can be brought under control. Let us assess your situation and guide you with a 360-degree plan.

Let us start with each area.

? Current Debt Situation – Assessment and Analysis

– Your total debt is around Rs 65 lakhs.
– Out of this, Rs 50 lakhs is from private sources like friends, relatives, and others.
– The remaining includes credit card dues and loans from banks or NBFCs.
– Credit cards usually charge very high interest. Sometimes it goes above 40% annually.
– Loans from informal sources may also have high interest, and may not offer flexibility.
– Your family income is Rs 72,000 per month.
– No savings are left. You are paying EMIs and interests mostly.

This is a high debt-to-income ratio. Your first goal should be reducing the financial stress.

? Your Current Life Priorities

– Your child is 2 years old and needs full-time care.
– You are currently not working. That limits income inflow.
– You stay in a house which is in your in-laws' name.
– There is no other property or asset for liquidation.
– You are not eligible for formal loans due to poor CIBIL score.

You are in a repayment trap. So planning cash flow is the first step. Let us go ahead.

? Immediate Steps to Reduce Monthly Pressure

– Prepare a simple monthly budget with basic needs only.
– Cut all non-essential expenses like OTT subscriptions, outings, or extra phone plans.
– Set aside a fixed monthly amount only for basic household needs.
– Whatever remains should go for EMI and loan interest.
– Check if some credit card EMIs can be converted into longer-term EMIs at lower rate.
– Talk to credit card companies. Request them to restructure dues based on your situation.
– In some cases, they may reduce interest or give longer repayment time.
– Prioritise repayment of highest-interest loans first. Credit cards are usually on top.

Even Rs 3000 saved monthly can make a difference in this cycle over time.

? Family and Social Debt – A Special Strategy Needed

– You mentioned Rs 50 lakhs is taken from different individuals.
– These are often friends, relatives, or informal contacts.
– Arrange all these borrowings on paper.
– Write down names, total borrowed, repayment timeline, and interest agreed.
– Some of them may have flexible repayment expectations.
– Be honest and explain your situation to them openly.
– Request for time, restructuring, or even a temporary pause.
– You may be surprised. Many people value honesty and will support.
– Try to combine these into 3-4 groups based on urgency.
– Prioritise those who are putting more pressure or charging high interest.

Consolidating this data is emotionally hard but will reduce stress later.

? Improving Your Credit Health Gradually

– Bad CIBIL score can be improved. But it takes time and method.
– Keep paying minimum dues on credit cards on time.
– Avoid new missed payments at all cost.
– Do not apply for any more loans now. That will reduce your credit score further.
– Keep only 1 or 2 cards active, close or block others to reduce temptation.
– Use those cards for basic needs only, if needed.
– Repay small loans or cards first and get them closed.
– One closed loan improves your credit history.
– Within 12 to 18 months, you can start seeing better credit score trends.

Your CIBIL score is not permanent. It is only temporary and can be corrected.

? Exploring Income Opportunities – Even If Small

– Your husband is earning Rs 72,000. That is a good base income.
– Any small income from your side will help boost cash flow.
– Since you are at home with a child, try online work options.
– Content writing, tutoring, transcription, or simple data entry are good starts.
– You can teach basic classes to 1-2 kids from home, if possible.
– Try homemade food orders, tiffin services, or simple snacks selling.
– Even if you earn Rs 5000 to Rs 8000 monthly, it will help.
– Focus on work that doesn’t affect child care but gives steady income.

When income grows, debt pressure automatically reduces. Even small income is useful.

? Financial Habits – A Strong Foundation Needed

– Start a habit of noting down expenses daily in a diary or app.
– Encourage your husband also to track and review monthly spending.
– Build a monthly review routine on 1st of every month.
– Mark which debts you are closing slowly.
– Celebrate small wins. It will keep you both motivated.
– Avoid cash spending. Use digital modes to track better.
– Avoid lending money to anyone during this phase.
– Focus only on your financial health and goals.

Discipline is more powerful than income in managing financial stress.

? Insurance – Protection Must Be Revisited

– Check if your husband has term insurance. If not, take one urgently.
– It should cover 10-15 times of his annual income.
– Avoid ULIPs, traditional endowment, or money-back plans.
– Those are expensive and give low return.
– Just go for pure term life cover. Premium is low.
– Health insurance must be active. That should cover you, your husband and child.
– Hospital expenses can break your budget and create more loans.
– If you don’t have cover, take a family floater with minimum Rs 5 lakhs.
– Don’t depend on employer insurance alone.

Protection gives peace of mind when income is limited and loans are high.

? Investment Planning – Not Now, But Keep This in Mind

– Right now, investment is not your priority.
– Your focus should be only on loan reduction and cash flow improvement.
– Once you start saving at least Rs 5000 monthly, then think of investing.
– When you are ready, start investing via regular funds with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.
– Don’t go for direct funds. Those require expertise and time, which you may not have now.
– Regular plans through an expert will help with proper review, rebalancing and risk reduction.
– Start with low-risk balanced or hybrid funds when ready.
– Don’t go for index funds. They work without active decision-making.
– In your situation, you need strategy, not passive management.

First fix your financial house. Then slowly move to investments with guidance.

? Role of Certified Financial Planner – Not Optional in Your Case

– Your situation is complex and emotional.
– A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can guide with full planning.
– They will not only suggest mutual funds.
– They help in budgeting, debt reduction, insurance, investments, and long-term financial goals.
– They will track your debt movement and coach you through recovery.
– You can also ask them to talk to creditors if needed.
– Having a professional removes pressure from your mind.
– It creates direction, accountability and hope.

You are not alone. Support from a planner is like having a coach for your money.

? Emotional and Family Support – Use It Well

– Please share your situation with close family members.
– Ask if any of them can give interest-free loans or support.
– Even a short-term pause in debt collection will help you breathe.
– Encourage your husband to take care of his mental health too.
– Managing pressure daily affects relationships.
– Talk regularly. Plan together. Review every week.
– Avoid blame games or finger-pointing. That delays recovery.

Staying united as a family is your biggest strength right now.

? Legal Angle – Keep This in Mind

– If any creditor is harassing or threatening illegally, take legal help.
– Credit card companies cannot visit home or threaten physically.
– You can file a police complaint if anyone behaves violently.
– Keep written communication for all deals. Avoid oral agreements.
– In extreme cases, you can explore legal debt relief options.
– These include debt settlement, restructuring, or insolvency code (if no way out).
– But that should be last option after all other steps.

Use law as support, not a first step. Prevention is better than conflict.

? Finally – Hope and Direction Are Both Possible

– You are already brave to face this head-on.
– You have taken a wise first step by seeking guidance.
– Now break your goals into 3 parts: reduce debt, increase income, protect future.
– Step by step, reduce one high-interest debt.
– Stay consistent with your tracking and discipline.
– Your situation can change within 2-3 years with small steady actions.
– Don’t lose hope. Your child will grow. Your income will grow.
– Start now. Stay focused. Keep building small wins every month.

We believe in your recovery and future progress.

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

...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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