34 Year Old IT Professional: ULIP or Mutual Funds for Retirement & Kids' Education?

Ans: Your 100 shares of Jindal Vijaynagar Steels Ltd. (issued in 1995) have undergone significant changes due to mergers and corporate actions over the years. Here's a breakdown:

- Merger with JSW Steel: Jindal Vijaynagar Steels Ltd. merged with Jindal South West (JSW) to form JSW Steel Ltd. The conversion ratio during the merger was 1:16, meaning for every 1 share of Jindal Vijaynagar Steels Ltd., you received 16 shares of JSW Steel Ltd.. So, your 100 shares became 1,600 shares of JSW Steel.
- Stock Split in 2017: JSW Steel underwent a stock split in the ratio of 1:10. This means your 1,600 shares were further split into 16,000 shares.

As of today, 27 April 2025, you would hold 16,000 shares of JSW Steel Ltd., assuming no other corporate actions (like buybacks or additional splits) have occurred since then.
To ensure these shares are credited to your Demat account, you may need to contact the company's registrar and transfer agent (RTA) or your broker. They can guide you on the process of dematerializing your physical shares.

Ans: You have rightly thought about growing your wealth.

Investing with careful assessment is always a smart and disciplined move.

You are trying to create an extra income source, which is a wonderful financial habit.

However, your current investment plan needs careful re-evaluation.

Your concern about EMI being higher than rent is very valid.

You are already spotting possible cash flow risks at an early stage.

That shows your awareness and maturity towards financial planning.

Three cheers for this clarity at the beginning itself.

Analysis of Your Commercial Property Plan

Property near a new airport can seem attractive to many investors.

However, real estate investments have hidden risks and complexities.

Your rental yield expected is Rs. 15,000 per month.

But your EMI for Rs. 15 lakh loan will be higher than Rs. 15,000.

Thus, there will be a cash shortfall every month.

Also, maintenance charges, property taxes, brokerage fees will further eat into returns.

Finding a tenant immediately after purchase is also not guaranteed.

There could be long vacancy periods with no rent income.

Repairs, legal paperwork, society charges will cause unexpected additional expenses.

If tenant defaults, the recovery process is complicated and stressful.

Selling commercial property in future can also take a lot of time.

Real estate resale value depends on market cycles, which are not predictable.

Commercial spaces sometimes stay unsold or unrented for many months.

Hence, your investment capital will be locked and liquidity will become poor.

You will not be able to exit easily during an emergency.

Further, real estate price growth is slow and sometimes stagnant.

Even in prime locations, commercial properties carry such risks.

Thus, it is not ideal for generating safe monthly income.

Assessing Your Monthly Cash Flow Stability

You are a salaried person without any loan burden now.

Taking a new loan when EMI exceeds income from asset is risky.

It can cause high financial stress if job loss or salary cut happens.

Debt without guaranteed cash inflow weakens your financial strength.

Financial freedom comes by reducing liabilities, not by increasing EMIs unnecessarily.

Right now, you should focus on strengthening your cash flow safety.

Ensure your investments earn stable and predictable income for you.

Avoid entering into investments where outflows are bigger than inflows.

A mismatch in cash flow can derail your future financial goals.

Alternative and Safer Investment Strategy

You have a wonderful opportunity to invest Rs. 40 lakh wisely.

Instead of commercial property, choose safer and smarter options.

Invest in a diversified portfolio of debt mutual funds and hybrid mutual funds.

Opt for regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner for guided support.

Debt mutual funds provide stable returns and monthly income through SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan).

Hybrid mutual funds (Balanced Advantage Funds) can protect against inflation better.

Actively managed funds perform better than index funds in tough markets.

In index funds, you are tied to market ups and downs with no professional edge.

Hence, actively managed funds through a CFP offer better risk-managed growth.

Debt mutual funds taxation is reasonable under the new rules from April 2024.

Long-term capital gains are taxed as per income slab in debt funds.

For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5% now.

Overall, the post-tax returns in mutual funds are attractive compared to property rentals.

Also, mutual fund portfolios are far more liquid than real estate.

You can sell or redeem easily whenever needed without heavy expenses.

Emergency Fund Creation Should be Priority

Before thinking about monthly income investments, secure an emergency fund.

Park 6 to 12 months of your expenses in liquid mutual funds.

Liquid funds are safe, low-risk, and can be withdrawn anytime within 1-2 days.

Never depend only on salary or investment income without a backup emergency fund.

Emergency funds give huge mental peace and financial confidence.

Health and Life Insurance Check

Ensure you have adequate health insurance cover for you and your family.

Minimum Rs. 10-15 lakh health cover is recommended individually.

Without health cover, one hospitalization can destroy your savings.

Also, take a pure term life insurance cover if dependents exist.

Avoid ULIP and endowment policies for insurance, they are not cost effective.

Pure term plan provides large cover at low premium, ensuring financial protection.

Retirement Planning Should Also Be Balanced

While creating monthly income now, plan for future retirement too.

Allocate some portion to long-term equity mutual funds through SIP.

This ensures you beat inflation and create a good retirement corpus.

Today’s Rs. 15,000 monthly expenses will be Rs. 50,000 after 20 years.

Hence, balancing current income needs and future corpus building is very important.

Important Risks If You Invest in Property Now

Cash flow mismatch (EMI greater than rent)

Long periods of vacancy

High transaction cost in buying and selling property

Maintenance cost, repairs, tenant-related legal issues

Property market volatility and slow appreciation

Difficulty in exiting when urgently needed funds

Poor liquidity compared to mutual funds

Simple Action Plan for You Now

Do not invest in commercial property at this stage

Invest in diversified mutual funds portfolio (Debt + Hybrid funds)

Start SWP for monthly income after proper fund selection with CFP guidance

Build emergency fund in liquid mutual funds (Rs. 4 to 6 lakh)

Take health insurance and term insurance cover without delay

Keep small allocation for long-term SIPs for retirement corpus

Review portfolio every 6-12 months with a Certified Financial Planner

Finally

Your goal of building a stable monthly income is very good.

However, investing in commercial property near airport is risky and unsuitable now.

Focus on low-risk, liquid and inflation-beating mutual funds for regular income.

Have a well-rounded 360-degree financial plan covering income, emergency, insurance, and retirement.

Your financial journey will be much safer, stronger, and stress-free.

Right strategy today will help you achieve real financial freedom tomorrow.

You are already thinking smartly, now just align execution with a structured plan.

If you wish to reach out personally, you can connect through my website mentioned below.

This platform restricts direct personal contact sharing. Hope you understand.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hi,

The examining authority is a national body, and the level of the examination is at the national scale. The NTA has stated that they will adhere to the guidelines set by the Government of India. I have included relevant information for your reference.

6.2.3 For Candidates Claiming SC or ST Status
Candidates must possess a valid SC/ST certificate in accordance with the latest guidelines from the Government of India to be eligible for seats reserved for the SC/ST category.

It’s advisable to obtain a central government certificate to avoid any last-minute issues.

ALL THE BEST.
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

Ans: Hi Vijay,
I have already answered this query. However, for clarity, I am providing the same details again.

The examining authority is a national body, and the level of the examination is at the national scale. The NTA has stated that they will adhere to the guidelines set by the Government of India. I have included relevant information for your reference.

6.2.3 For Candidates Claiming SC or ST Status
Candidates must possess a valid SC/ST certificate in accordance with the latest guidelines from the Government of India to be eligible for seats reserved for the SC/ST category.

It’s advisable to obtain a central government certificate to avoid any last-minute issues.

Ans: Hi,

The examining authority is a national body, and the level of the examination is at the national scale. The NTA has stated that they will adhere to the guidelines set by the Government of India. I have included relevant information for your reference.

6.2.3 For Candidates Claiming SC or ST Status
Candidates must possess a valid SC/ST certificate in accordance with the latest guidelines from the Government of India to be eligible for seats reserved for the SC/ST category.

It’s advisable to obtain a central government certificate to avoid any last-minute issues.

ALL THE BEST.

POOCHO.LIFE CHANGE KARO.

Ans: You want to build Rs 10 crore in 10 years.

You plan to invest Rs 20 lakh per year.

Your target is very inspiring and focused.

You assume 15% growth per year from investments.

This ambition is achievable but needs careful planning and right execution.

At 40 years, you still have time, but need to be very disciplined.

It is good that you are thinking seriously about long-term wealth creation.

However, we need to assess the investment choices deeply.

Evaluation of Your Current Selection
You have selected 5 direct mutual fund schemes.

You selected flexi cap, mid cap, small cap and technology sector funds.

Your selection shows you are willing to take higher equity risk.

Still, few important points must be considered before proceeding.

I will explain the strengths and risks clearly below.

Problems with Direct Mutual Funds
Direct mutual funds are cheaper but not automatically better.

Without Certified Financial Planner guidance, wrong direct fund choices can happen.

Direct funds need constant monitoring and periodic rebalancing.

If you miss reviewing, risk will increase over years.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner + MFD gives full 360-degree service.

A regular plan managed through MFD with CFP ensures disciplined monitoring.

Professional rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy against market ups and downs.

Saving 1% expense ratio is not useful if you lose 20% capital by wrong strategy.

Thus, direct funds are not recommended for serious wealth building goals like yours.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Although you have not mentioned Index funds, still important to highlight here.

Index funds blindly follow the market, they do not aim to beat it.

They invest even in poor companies just because they are in index.

No active decision-making to protect during market fall.

In India, actively managed funds have consistently outperformed index funds.

Index funds are good only in developed countries, not in India yet.

Thus, actively managed mutual funds are better for your 10 crore goal.

Analysis of Your Selected Categories
Now let's look at each category you have selected.

Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds are very versatile and flexible.

They invest across large, mid, and small cap companies.

They are core funds and suitable for long term investing.

Having two different flexi cap funds is slightly overlapping.

One good flexi cap fund is enough.

Select based on strong consistent performance under Certified Financial Planner guidance.

Mid Cap Fund
Mid caps offer higher growth potential compared to large caps.

They also carry higher volatility risk.

Mid cap exposure must be limited to 20-25% of portfolio.

Selection of quality midcap fund is critical.

Blind selection can backfire badly during market corrections.

Small Cap Fund
Small caps are even more volatile than mid caps.

They give high returns only when market is extremely strong.

In down markets, they can fall 60-70%.

Small cap exposure should not exceed 10-15% of total portfolio.

Handling small caps requires experienced monitoring.

Not suitable for very aggressive allocation unless monitored monthly by CFP.

Technology Sector Fund
Sector funds like technology funds are very risky.

If sector performs, gains will be big.

If sector underperforms, losses will be severe.

Sector exposure should be maximum 5-10% of your portfolio.

Technology sector is very cyclical and policy dependent.

Too much sector allocation can derail your 10 crore goal.

Ideal Structure for You
Now, based on your inputs, here is a better structure for you.

Again, no scheme names are suggested, as per your instruction.

Core Portfolio (65% to 70%)
One strong Flexi Cap fund (managed by good fund manager).

One Large and Mid Cap fund (balanced approach towards large caps and midcaps).

One Conservative Hybrid Equity Fund (for stability during market volatility).

Satellite Portfolio (30% to 35%)
One focused Mid Cap fund with proven track record.

One selected Small Cap fund but with strict monitoring.

Minimal sector exposure like Technology, not more than 5%.

Regular review of sector allocation every quarter.

Important Points to Consider
Maintain proper diversification across sectors and market caps.

Avoid duplication of same category funds.

Choose only consistent long-term performers.

Annual rebalancing is a must.

Review fund performance once in 6 months minimum.

Align investments based on market valuations with CFP guidance.

Managing Risk and Returns
When aiming for Rs 10 crore, managing risk is as important as earning returns.

Never keep 100% equity exposure throughout 10 years.

Move part of profits to safer instruments as you near 10 years.

Create an asset allocation roadmap now itself.

Follow the roadmap strictly under Certified Financial Planner supervision.

Use Systematic Transfer Plans (STPs) whenever shifting money between categories.

Inflation and Taxes
Inflation is your biggest enemy, bigger than taxes.

At 6% inflation, Rs 10 crore after 10 years will feel like Rs 5.5 crore today.

Thus, you must keep wealth creation target a little higher than 10 crore.

New MF Capital Gain Tax rules must be kept in mind:

Equity fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains taxed at 20%.

Debt funds fully taxed as per your income slab.

Plan withdrawals carefully to minimise tax impact.

Importance of Certified Financial Planner Support
Since you are serious about wealth creation, professional support is very important.

A Certified Financial Planner will give you:

Proper asset allocation based on your risk capacity.

Right fund selection based on 360-degree analysis.

Regular portfolio review and timely rebalancing.

Tax efficient withdrawal planning.

Contingency planning in case of emergencies.

Alignment of investments with your long term goals.

Emotional discipline during market volatility.

Peace of mind that your future is well protected.

Final Insights
You have shown excellent clarity and commitment towards your financial goals.

However, building Rs 10 crore is a serious, full-time task needing expert care.

Your fund selection direction is good but needs fine-tuning for stability and efficiency.

Direct mutual funds without professional guidance can expose you to unnecessary risks.

Active management, regular reviews, dynamic rebalancing will increase your success chances.

Focus on wealth preservation as much as on wealth creation over next 10 years.

Please make sure your family is also aware of your plans and investments.

I sincerely appreciate your proactive and visionary thinking for your future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hi,

Your goal is to become a doctor and serve others, right?

You have achieved a very good score of 630 out of 720. Can you break down how you scored in each section? How did you perform on your first attempt? Is there an improvement in your marks from the first to the second attempt? If so, it shows you are making progress, but there is still room for improvement.

I suspect that due to pressure from family or friends, you may have enrolled in another course, which you haven't mentioned in your inquiry. If you had chosen subjects more closely related to NEET, it might have been easier for you to reach your goal. Why? By focusing on one specific subject each day, you could clarify your doubts as they arise and concentrate on only two main subjects, which would lighten your workload.

Now, you need to analyze your strengths and weaknesses. Based on that, you can create a plan for improvement. If you believe you can succeed, just go ahead with proper preparation.
BEST WISHES.
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

Ans: Hi Santosh
yes, you can take the improvement exam as a private candidate.

Ans: Hi
Not at all! Joining MBBS at 22 is not too old, whether male or female. Many students join MBBS later — because of NEET re-attempts, drop years, career shifts, or even personal reasons.

In MBBS, once you start, nobody cares about your age. Everyone is focused on the same things: studying, passing exams, learning clinical skills. And in medicine, what matters most is your skill, empathy, and dedication — not when you started.

Being a little older can even be an advantage:
You might be more mature and better at handling pressure.
You probably have a stronger reason for choosing medicine, which helps you stay motivated.
Patients often respect a doctor who seems a little older/mature.

Other fields are always an option, of course — but don't change just because of age. Only change if you've lost interest in medicine or found something you truly love more.

All the best.