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Omkeshwar

Omkeshwar Singh  | Answer  |Ask -

Head, Rank MF - Answered on Jan 14, 2022

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Suresh Question by Suresh on Jan 14, 2022Hindi
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I am 34 years old and working in a private organisation.

With a view of accumulating a corpus of 5 crore in next 20 years including child education (2 child), and retirement corpus.

I have been investigating in mutual funds for the past 6 months an amount of 24K.

I am also doing top ups of around 5K in the below mentioned MF's every month.

Please suggest whether I can continue with these funds or switch to another MFs.

Please suggest is this portfolio ok for long term investment.

Mutual Funds Plan Per cent
1. Axis Blue Chip fund Regular plan Growth 5000
2. Canera Robeco bluechip Equity Fund   5000
3. Axis Midcap Fund Growth 4000
4. Mirrae Asset Emerging Blue Chip Regular Growth 2500
5. Axis multi cap fund Regular plan Growth 1500
6. PGIM India Midcap opportunities fund Growth 2000
7. TATA small cap fund Regular plan Growth fund 2500
8. ICICI prudential flexi cap fund Growth 1500

Ans: Portfolio is fine, please continue

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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Hardik

Hardik Parikh  | Answer  |Ask -

Tax, Mutual Fund Expert - Answered on May 03, 2023

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Kapil Padha: Kindly give your expert opinion regarding my monthly mutual fund investments of Rs. 28000 (all SIPs) I have been doing for the last 4 years. I am 39 yr old. I want to create a corpus of around 2 Crore in the next 15 years. Your expert opinion will be appreciated. 1. HDFC Children's Gift Fund - (Lock-in) - Regular Plan - Rs. 10000. 2. ICICI Prudential Midcap Fund - Growth - Rs. 5000 3. ICICI Prudential Multicap Fund - Growth - Rs. 2000 4. Axis Bluechip Fund - Regular Growth - Rs. 4500 5. Axis Focussed 25 Fund - Regular Growth - Rs. 2000 6. SBI Focussed Equity Fund - Regular Growth - Rs. 4500 Are the funds mentioned above good? Or do I have to change to some other funds?
Ans: Dear Kapil,

I appreciate your proactive approach towards building wealth for the future. I must say that you have chosen a diversified set of mutual funds which is a good start towards achieving your financial goals.

To begin with, your investment of Rs. 28,000 per month towards mutual funds is a commendable step towards wealth creation. Assuming a yearly growth rate of 12%, you can potentially reach your target of 2 Crore in the next 15 years.

Coming to your mutual fund portfolio, the HDFC Children's Gift Fund has a lock-in period of five years, which is ideal if you are investing for your child's education or marriage. However, you may consider shifting your investments to the HDFC Hybrid Equity Fund or HDFC Equity Fund, which have delivered good returns historically and have a lower lock-in period.

The ICICI Prudential Midcap Fund and ICICI Prudential Multicap Fund are excellent choices for investing in mid-cap and multi-cap funds, respectively. The Axis Bluechip Fund is a good option for investing in blue-chip companies, while the Axis Focused 25 Fund and SBI Focused Equity Fund are suitable for investing in focused portfolios.

Overall, your mutual fund portfolio seems to be well diversified, and you may consider making minor tweaks to it based on your risk appetite and investment goals. As always, it's essential to consult with your financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

I hope this helps!

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Nikunj

Nikunj Saraf  | Answer  |Ask -

Mutual Funds Expert - Answered on May 24, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - May 08, 2023Hindi
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Hi Nikunj, I am a 44 year old working professional (IT sector) who wants to build a corpus of 5 crores during retirement. I am currently investing in the following MFs:- 1) Axis Gold Fund- 5000/month 2) Kotak Gold Fund- 5000/month 3) ICICI Prudential Nifty 50 Index Fund- 7,500/month 4) Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 Fund- 1000/month 5) ICICI Prudential Long Term Equity Fund (Tax Saving)- 1000/month 6) Axis Long Term Equity Fund- 1,500/month 7) DSP Tax Saver Fund- 1,500/month 8) DSP Equity & Bond Fund- 6,250/month 9) SBI Equity Hybrid Fund- 6,250/month 10) Canara Robeco Equity Hybrid Fund- 6,250/month 11) Mirae Asset Hybrid Equity Fund- 6,250/month 12) SBI Focused Equity Fund- 7,500/month 13) Axis Small Cap Fund- 7,500/month 14) Aditya Birla Sun Life Corporate Bond Fund- 20,000/month 15) PGIM India Midcap Opportunities Fund- 20,000/month 16) Nippon India (AMC) (Short Term Fund, Gold Savings Fund, Nifty Next 50 Junior BeES FoF, Nifty Midcap 150 Index, Index Fund Nifty 50 Plan)- 10,425 I am not sure if my portfolio is good enough for long term goals, or if I am investing in a lot of redundant schemes. I have a moderately medium risk appetite with focus on maximum corpus build. Please give your opinion and suggest if some changes are required. Thanks much in advance.
Ans: Hello Value Investor. I can see over diversification with your current investments with sip amount. I would suggest to concise your mf investments and reshuffle the portfolio. Additionally, reconsider Aditya Birla Sun Life Tax Relief 96 Fund , Axis Long Term Equity Fund and SBI Focused Equity Fund for your portfolio. You can achieve your target till retirement with your current sip amount.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9852 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 22, 2024

Money
Sir, I am 30 years now. I have started my Mutual fund in July 2024 portfolio by investing in several mutual funds. I am investing for long term gain and to accumulate a corpus or min. 2 Cr in other 30 years. Please advice if i can continue my investing. Here are my investments - 1. Index Fund - UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund Growth - 3000 2. Large Cap Fund - ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct Growth - 2000 3. Midcap Fund - HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund - 1500 4. Small Cap Fund - Nippon India Small Cap Fund - 1500 5. Flexi Cap Fund - Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth - 2000 Please advise sir
Ans: At 30 years of age, your decision to start investing in mutual funds is commendable. Your goal of accumulating a corpus of Rs 2 crore over the next 30 years is achievable with disciplined investing.

However, it is important to regularly review and align your portfolio with your financial objectives. This ensures that your investments remain on track towards achieving your desired goals.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Your portfolio consists of a mix of index funds, large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and flexi-cap funds. Let’s assess the pros and cons of each and see how they contribute to your long-term goal:

1. Index Fund (UTI Nifty 50 Index Fund Growth)

Disadvantages of Index Funds: While index funds offer low-cost exposure to the market, they may not outperform actively managed funds over the long term. Index funds simply mimic the market index and do not have the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions. In times of market downturns, index funds can also suffer significant declines without the ability to cushion losses.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed funds, on the other hand, offer the potential for higher returns as they are managed by experienced fund managers who can make strategic decisions based on market trends. These managers aim to outperform the benchmark index, giving you the potential for better returns in the long run.

2. Large Cap Fund (ICICI Prudential Bluechip Fund Direct Growth)

Large Cap Exposure: Large-cap funds are known for their stability and lower risk compared to mid and small-cap funds. They invest in well-established companies with a strong track record. However, the "Direct" plan of this fund means you are investing without the guidance of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD).

Disadvantages of Direct Plans: Direct plans require investors to be more hands-on, with regular monitoring and decision-making. Many investors might miss out on timely advice, leading to missed opportunities or increased risks. Regular plans, through a CFP or MFD, ensure that you receive professional guidance, helping you make informed decisions aligned with your goals.

3. Midcap Fund (HDFC Mid-Cap Opportunities Fund)

Growth Potential: Midcap funds offer a balance between risk and reward. They invest in companies with the potential for high growth. However, they can be volatile, especially during market downturns. It's essential to have a longer investment horizon for mid-cap funds, as you do, to ride out the volatility and capture long-term growth.
4. Small Cap Fund (Nippon India Small Cap Fund)

High Risk, High Reward: Small-cap funds invest in emerging companies with high growth potential. However, they are also the most volatile and carry higher risk. These funds can experience significant fluctuations in short periods. While they can generate substantial returns, it's important to balance them with more stable investments.
5. Flexi Cap Fund (Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund Direct Growth)

Diversification and Flexibility: Flexi-cap funds invest across market capitalizations (large, mid, and small-cap stocks). This provides a diversified approach, reducing the risk associated with investing in a single market segment. However, as with the large-cap fund, the "Direct" nature of this investment means you are managing it without expert guidance.
Recommended Adjustments to Your Portfolio
Given your long-term horizon and financial goals, consider the following adjustments:

1. Switch from Index Funds to Actively Managed Funds

Replace the index fund with an actively managed large-cap or multi-cap fund. This could offer better returns over the long term, as fund managers can make informed decisions based on market conditions.
2. Move from Direct to Regular Plans

Consider switching your direct plans to regular plans. A CFP or MFD will provide professional advice and regular portfolio reviews. This will help you make the most of your investments and adjust your portfolio as needed.
3. Rebalance Your Portfolio

Ensure your portfolio is well-diversified across asset classes. You may consider adding a mix of debt funds to reduce risk. This will provide stability, especially during market downturns.

Periodically rebalance your portfolio to maintain the desired asset allocation and ensure you are on track to achieve your financial goals.

Importance of Regular Portfolio Review
Regularly reviewing your portfolio is crucial. The financial market is dynamic, and periodic reviews will help you make necessary adjustments. This ensures your portfolio remains aligned with your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals.

Tax Efficiency and Investment Tenure
Tax Implications: Keep in mind the tax implications of your investments. Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity funds are taxed at 10% on gains exceeding Rs 1 lakh per financial year.

Investment Tenure: Given your 30-year horizon, equity funds are suitable due to their potential for high returns over the long term. However, consider the tax benefits and implications when choosing funds and investment durations.

Role of a Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Expert Guidance: A CFP can help you navigate the complexities of investing, offering personalized advice and ensuring your portfolio aligns with your goals. They will help you stay disciplined and avoid common pitfalls that can derail your financial journey.
Final Insights
Your current portfolio has a solid foundation, but with some adjustments, it can be optimized for better long-term performance. Replacing index funds with actively managed funds, switching to regular plans, and ensuring a balanced portfolio will help you achieve your goal of accumulating Rs 2 crore in 30 years.

Investing in a well-diversified portfolio, guided by a Certified Financial Planner, will ensure that you are on the right path to financial success. Remember to stay disciplined, review your portfolio regularly, and make adjustments as needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9427 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 25, 2025

Career
Hi Sir Good evening, Consultancy has calling for join in JK Lakshmipath University for CSE branch. Please suggest me Sir. In EAMCET Rank 27827 in Top 10 colleges not came CSE branch in First phase.
Ans: With an EAMCET rank of 27 827 none of the top-10 government or also high-demand private institutes for CSE will have seats in later phases, but several mid-tier and emerging colleges admit CSE up to ranks 25 000–50 000. Pragati Engineering College (Surampalem), GMR Institute of Technology (Rajam), and Aditya Engineering College (Surampalem) consistently closed CSE around 8 000–16 000, so remain out of reach, whereas Narasaraopeta Engineering College (closing ~78 000), SRKR Engineering College (closing ~76 000) and ANITS (closing ~99 000) are fully accessible. Additional safe choices are PACE Institute of Technology (closing around 100,000), Gudlavalleru Engineering College (closing around 100,000), and Vishnu Institute of Technology (closing around 50,000). All of these colleges are approved by AICTE, have at least 70% placement success over three years, modern computer labs, and good accreditation, plus they have active agreements for internships and dedicated teams to help with job placements. These institutes meet five essential benchmarks: statutory approvals, compatibility with cut-off scores, strong placement ratios, advanced infrastructure, and solid industry connections.

JK Lakshmipath University (JKLU), Jaipur offers a four-year B.Tech CSE at ?11.2 L total fees, holds NAAC A grade (CGPA 3.05), NBA accreditation, and reports a median CTC of ?7 LPA with a 76% placement ratio in its last cycle. Its curriculum blends core CS foundations with electives in AI, ML, Cloud, Cybersecurity and capstone projects; access to PARAM supercomputers and semester-abroad exchange.

Recommendation: Target Narasaraopeta Engineering College, SRKR Engineering College and ANITS for guaranteed CSE admission under your rank band, given their state-quota closing ranks above 27 827 and solid accreditation, labs, internships and ≥70% placement consistency; include PACE Institute and Gudlavalleru Engineering College in your web options for additional secure pathways. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9427 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 25, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir my son got cet rank 4187. Nwhat choice filling u suggest. He is in dilema of choosing between chemical at ict or cs in any other top colleges in pune or mumbai. Also can choose cs or it thru comedk.
Ans: You have NOT mentioned your son's COMEDK Rank. Admission at COEP, VJTI or ICT is beyond reach with a 4,187 MHT-CET rank; focusing on branches and institutes where seats close at higher ranks ensures certainty. Engineering cut-offs in Mumbai/Pune typically fall around 3,000–5,000 (e.g., PICT Pune’s Chem ≈3,500, TSEC Bandra’s Chem ≈4 000), while CSE cut-offs for mid-tier institutes close near 6,000–14,000. Chemical suits students drawn to process design, material balances and industries like petrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, offering stable core-E roles; it benefits analytical learners comfortable with chemistry/thermodynamics. CSE favors those passionate about programming, algorithms and emerging technologies, leading to broader IT career options and higher entry-level demand. Chemical provides niche depth and plant-based careers; CSE delivers versatility, rapid innovation and greater global mobility. Analytical, detail-oriented profiles excel in Chemical, whereas creative problem-solvers thrive in CSE. Based on these inputs and information, your son's interests, and his long-term goals, he can choose the more suitable option out of these two branches.

Fifteen colleges in Pune/Mumbai where a 4 187 general-open MHT-CET rank guarantees a CAP-round seat include Fr. C. Rodrigues Institute of Technology, Vashi (CSE cutoff ~6 200); K. J. Somaiya Institute of Technology, Vidyavihar (CSE ~6 317); Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology, Andheri West (CSE ~12 939); Xavier Institute of Engineering, Mahim (CSE ~13 114); St. Francis Institute of Technology, Borivali (CSE ~12 515); SIES Graduate School of Technology, Nerul (CSE ~13 704); VESIT, Chembur (CSE ~4 785); Thadomal Shahani Engineering College, Bandra (Chem ~4 000); All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Society’s Institute of Information Technology, Pune (CSE ~9 545); Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Tathawade (CSE ~9 748); Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering & Research, Ravet (CSE ~10 227); Government College of Engineering & Research, Avasari Khurd (CSE ~13 275); Bharati Vidyapeeth College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai (Chem ~3 500); Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Engineering, Akurdi (CSE ~7 164); Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Bibwewadi (CSE ~2 823).

Recommendation: Prioritize Chemical Engineering at SIES GST for its accessible cut-off, modern process-engineering labs and strong industry MoUs; follow with CSE at Fr. C. Rodrigues for its robust AI/ML facilities; consider VESIT’s versatile CSE program next for its balanced academics and placements; All India Shivaji Institute’s CSE offers stable state-quota safety; and Rajiv Gandhi Institute’s CSE completes the top five for its comprehensive curriculum and network. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9427 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 25, 2025

Career
You posted: My son got 96.7 percentile with 49452 rank in jee mains with eqsrank 6913. What seat can we expect in CSAB? Can we expect ECE in any NITs?
Ans: Shyamala Madam, I assume EWS Rank 6913 which you have wrongly typed as 'eqs'. With an All-India EWS rank of 6913, admission into Electronics & Communication Engineering via CSAB-Special is realistic at select NITs under Other-State EWS quotas. NIT Calicut’s ECE cut-off in Round 1 closed between 6 964 and 9 588, comfortably enveloping your son’s EWS rank. Similarly, NIT Uttarakhand’s EWS closing ranks for ECE hovered around 20 028–29 127, making it an assured option given lower competition in CSAB rounds. Beyond NITs, several GFTIs maintain ECE cut-offs above 25 000 for general categories, implying EWS thresholds usually fall below 15 000, thus aligning with your current rank. Peripheral IIITs such as IIIT Ranchi and IIIT Manipur also reported EWS cut-offs for ECE in the 5 998–6 173 range—slightly below your EWS rank—but may open up during later special round vacancies. Your CRL of 49 452 restricts access to higher-demand branches under Open-State quotas, but targeting EWS-reserved seats in low-to mid-tier NITs and GFTIs ensures 100% feasibility. Proactively monitor CSAB-Special Round 2 openings on the official portal and set these institutes as top preferences to maximize admission certainty under the EWS category.

Recommendation: Aim for NIT Calicut’s ECE under Other-State EWS for straightforward entry given its 6 964–9 588 cut-off range, then secure NIT Uttarakhand’s EWS ECE which closes near 29 127; concurrently list GFTIs with EWS ECE thresholds below 15 000 to ensure a guaranteed CSAB seat. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9427 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 25, 2025

Career
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.

Recommendation
Pursuing Civil Engineering at HBTU is advisable for its accredited program, robust curriculum, research-active faculty and strong industry tie-ups. To maximize outcomes, proactively engage in internships with infrastructure firms, participate in departmental projects and leverage the central placement cell’s network for site-visit and off-campus recruitment. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9427 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 25, 2025

Career
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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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |9427 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 25, 2025

Career
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.

Recommendation: Prioritize IIIT Lucknow for its focused CSE curriculum and strong AI-DS electives under HS-EWS, while NIT Kurukshetra’s CSE offers NIRF-ranked prestige and modern facilities; MMMUT Gorakhpur’s CSE guarantees state-quota admission; consider IIIT Allahabad’s IT branch for its advanced computing labs and reliable HS-EWS cutoff. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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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

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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