Need Expert Advice?Our Gurus Can Help
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 10, 2025

Reetika Sharma is a certified financial planner and CEO of F-Secure Solutions.
She advises clients about investments, insurance, tax and estate planning and manages high net-worth individual’s portfolios.
Reetika has an MBA in finance from the Institute of Chartered Financial Analysts of India (ICFAI) and an engineer degree from NIT, Jalandhar.
She also holds certifications from the Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB), Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) and Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).... more
Thirunahari Question by Thirunahari on Aug 18, 2025Hindi
Money

I am 35 years old single had dependents parents and younger brother of 31 years single earing Rs95000 per month. I lost job due to health illness. Had health insurance covered for Rs 10L on risk last month, accumulated Rs 500000 on shares and mutual funds Rs 900000 with sip of Rs 5000 very month and stopped it last two months ago due to financial stress, had emergency fund Rs 400000. And had Tata AIA life insurance covered with monthly income plan of premium Rs 60000 yearly and covered to Rs 600000, LIC plan of Rs 27000 premium yearly covered for 15 years. How could I move further...I had no hope on life just wanna my parents covered

Ans: Hi Thirunahari,

I am so sorry to hear about the health and financial issues you are facing. Even in these tough times you are thinking about your parent's security. Commendable!
Wish things get sorted out at your end medically and you get well soon.

For now, it's good you have saved good amount in stocks and mutual funds. This type of investments always come handy in case of emergencies. Let 5 lakhs in stocks and 9 lakhs in mutual funds remain as is and let them grow.
Keep your emergency fund as is.

Tata AIA Life Insurance is good and it will be very helpful for your parents security in future.
But LIC is not of any use. Share more details of your LIC policy so that I can guide you more accurately for that. But usually, LIC's do not give much return, so there is no point. If you share the start date and duration, will be able to guide you better.

Try and have your parents' health covered with your younger brothers policy. He can take one policy and add his parents as well. This way their health can be taken care of.

If you want to know how your current holdings of stocks and mutual funds look, kindly consult a Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your personal profile and risk profile.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/
Asked on - Sep 10, 2025 | Answered on Sep 16, 2025
Hi Sir, this the plan I took. I am in critical condition with no job and can't help parents,all negative thoughts and could not control any.... To, Mr/Mrs/Ms : santosh Plan : LIC's Jeevan Labh (836) Age :28 Term :21 P.P.T. :15 Death Sum Assured :500000 Basic Sum Assured :500000 1st year Premium With TAX 4.5% : Yearly : 27407 (26227 + 1180) Halfly : 13847 (13251 + 596) Quarterly : 6995 (6694 + 301) Monthly(ECS) : 2331 (2231 + 100) YLY Mode Average Prem/Day : 75 After 1st year Premium With TAX 2.25% : Yearly : 26817 (26227 + 590) Halfly : 13549 (13251 + 298) Quarterly : 6845 (6694 + 151) Monthly(ECS) : 2281 (2231 + 50) YLY Mode Average Prem/Day : 73 Total Approximate Paid Premium : 402845 Approximate Return at Maturity Time : S.A. : 500000 Bonus : 493500 F.A.B. : 50000 Total Approximate Return : 1043500
Ans: Hi,

The LIC policy details shared by you is a participating, non-linked endowment plan. It offers a mix of investment and insurance and in practical world, good for neither.
But as you already mentioned that you are in some critical condition and currently not working, surrendering this plan will not be a good idea. As I can see you have accumulated a good amount of bonus for now, continue with this policy for now.
And as suggested earlier, do try and get your parents covered with your brother's medical policy. It will secure their future health in case anything happens.
Let me know in case you need clarity with something else as well. Would be happy to help.
And I wish things get better at you end.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/
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.
Money

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11481 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 07, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 07, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello Sir, I have total net worth of 3.5 crores., breakup is my flat 80 laks realestate 50 laks rest all in liquid FD Bank RD equities MF etc. I have tow kids study king 11th and 4th ...Health insurance term plan is there but Life insurance is only 15 laks ... Can i retiere and how can i survive ob this funds and take care of my kids education as well..
Ans: Your net worth of Rs 3.5 crores is significant. Let’s assess your financial readiness and strategy for retirement.

Asset Allocation Analysis
Your primary residence is worth Rs 80 lakhs.
Real estate investments add Rs 50 lakhs to your portfolio.
Liquid investments include FDs, RDs, equities, and mutual funds.
Insights:

Real estate lacks liquidity and should not be relied on for regular expenses.
Liquid assets are crucial for sustaining retirement and funding children’s education.
Health Insurance and Term Plan Assessment
You already have health insurance and a term plan.
Life insurance coverage of Rs 15 lakhs is insufficient for your dependents.
Suggestions:

Enhance your term plan to at least 10–15 times your annual expenses.
Ensure your health insurance includes adequate family floater coverage.
Children’s Education Funding
Your elder child is in 11th standard, and expenses for higher education are near.
Your younger child in 4th standard will need long-term planning.
Action Plan:

Set aside dedicated funds for both children’s education.
Use liquid or debt funds for your elder child’s education.
Use balanced funds or equity-based investments for the younger child’s needs.
Retirement Corpus Assessment
Your total corpus, excluding real estate, needs detailed assessment.
Calculate annual living expenses post-retirement, including inflation.
Planning Suggestions:

Ensure your corpus is large enough to generate inflation-adjusted monthly income.
Keep emergency funds in liquid assets to cover six months of expenses.
Investing for Long-Term Stability
Avoid direct investments unless you can monitor markets regularly.
Opt for regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner for professional management.
Actively managed funds offer better scope for wealth creation compared to index funds.
Tax-Efficient Withdrawal Planning
Gains from equity mutual funds above Rs 1.25 lakh attract 12.5% tax.
Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Suggestions:

Plan withdrawals to minimise tax outflow.
Use systematic withdrawal plans for a steady income.
Should You Retire Now?
Retirement is possible if your corpus covers living and education expenses.
Evaluate income from current investments and potential monthly expenses.
Key Considerations:

Delay retirement if your corpus falls short.
Continue earning to strengthen your retirement fund.
Action Plan for Financial Security
Increase life insurance coverage to secure your children’s future.
Reassess your asset allocation for higher liquidity.
Create a retirement income strategy with debt and balanced funds.
Build an emergency fund before you stop working.
Surrender LIC or ULIP Policies If Any
LIC or ULIP policies often provide sub-optimal returns.
Surrender such policies and reinvest in mutual funds or other suitable instruments.
Emergency and Contingency Planning
Keep 6–12 months’ expenses in highly liquid funds.
This ensures financial stability during unforeseen circumstances.
Steps to Optimise Investments
Diversify investments across equity, debt, and liquid funds.
Regularly review the portfolio to match your goals and risk tolerance.
Avoid real estate for additional investment due to low liquidity.
Finally
Retirement is achievable with proper financial planning and disciplined execution. Secure your children’s education with dedicated funds. Strengthen your health and life insurance coverage. Partner with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure a stable and stress-free retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11481 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 01, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 31, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
Hi, I am 22 year old, lost all my savings and earning, I earn 33k/month, Have cronic disease of ULCERATIVE COLITIS IBD, IN 2021, I lost 40k in option trading then I stopped last year in 2023 I started working and lost 2.8 lakh including interest on loan, Took 2 High interest top up loan. I don't know what happened to me I took another loan of 228000 from HDFC which I lost in one day, now I have EMI of 19068 every month, no body in family know about this and my father earns only 18 k per month, losing 4.4 lakh total. Now lost and direction less.
Ans: You are going through a tough time. First, take a deep breath. Mistakes happen, and financial losses can be recovered. Your situation can be improved step by step. Below is a detailed plan to help you get back on track.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
You earn Rs 33,000 per month.

You have a total debt of Rs 4.4 lakh.

Your current EMI is Rs 19,068 per month.

Your father earns Rs 18,000 per month.

You lost money in options trading and high-interest loans.

You have ulcerative colitis, which requires medical attention.

Immediate Actions to Stop Further Damage
Completely stop all trading activities. Options trading is highly risky. You have already lost a large amount. Avoid any form of trading or gambling.

Do not take any more loans. Your current debt burden is already high. Additional loans will worsen your situation.

Reduce unnecessary expenses. Your priority is survival and debt repayment. Cut down on luxury, entertainment, and eating out.

Inform the bank about your situation. If you struggle with EMI payments, request a lower EMI or restructuring. Some banks offer relief options.

Avoid using credit cards. Credit card debt carries high interest. If you have outstanding dues, pay only the minimum amount for now.

Debt Management Strategy
List all loans with interest rates and tenures. Prioritize clearing high-interest loans first.

Consider a personal loan balance transfer. If you find a lower-interest option, transferring your loan can reduce your EMI burden.

Increase EMI payment when possible. Paying more than the minimum EMI will reduce your overall interest burden.

Try negotiating with lenders. Some banks may offer lower interest rates or waive penalties for good borrowers.

Building a Stable Financial Foundation
Create a monthly budget. Allocate funds for rent, food, medical expenses, EMI, and savings. Stick to it strictly.

Start a small emergency fund. Save at least Rs 5,000 per month in a separate account. Do not touch this money.

Look for additional income sources. Try freelance work, part-time jobs, or skill-based gigs to increase earnings.

Seek medical financial assistance. Check if your employer provides health insurance. If not, explore government or private schemes.

Emotional and Mental Health Support
Talk to a trusted friend or family member. Keeping everything inside can cause stress. Seek support from someone you trust.

Consult a financial counselor. A professional can help you restructure your debts and plan better.

Practice stress management techniques. Exercise, meditation, and proper sleep will help you stay mentally strong.

Long-Term Financial Recovery Plan
Avoid any high-risk investments. Focus on stable investments once you are financially stable.

Enhance your skills for better career growth. Upskilling can increase your income over time.

Build a long-term savings habit. Even Rs 1,000 per month in a safe investment will help you grow wealth.

Final Insights
Your financial problems are serious but not impossible to solve.

Your priority is debt repayment and stability, not investment or quick money-making methods.

Take control, follow a strict financial plan, and be patient. Improvement will take time, but you can recover.

Seek professional financial and medical advice where needed.

You are young, and you have time to rebuild. Stay strong and focused.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Krishna

Krishna Kumar  |427 Answers  |Ask -

Workplace Expert - Answered on Oct 06, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 06, 2026
Career
What should an employee do if the person they are supposed to report harassment or discrimination to is actually the same person involved in the problem? For example, suppose a senior manager regularly makes inappropriate comments about an employee’s appearance or background, and the employee wants to complain, but the company’s usual process says that concerns should first be reported to that manager. In such a situation, the employee may feel stuck because going directly to the same person doesn’t feel safe or comfortable. What alternative channels should an employee look for, such as HR, a higher-level manager, an internal complaints committee or an ethics helpline? Also, how can someone raise the concern professionally while protecting themselves from possible retaliation or further workplace problems?
Ans: Dear

I am sorry to hear that you are going through a tough time. Nonetheless there is a way to handle this.

If you have ethics helpline use that, these are supposed to be anonymous and managed by third party who are independent company.

You can also approach the complaints committee but before escalating to the committee please talk to your managers manager along with the HR and take them in confidence.

Maintain your calm, structure your conversation on issues and backed with evidence (what was said when) and most important of all avoid personal attacks or name calling.

Hope this helps. All the best.

Warm Regards
KK

Ps: if you like the answer please follow me. Thanks.

...Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |747 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Oct 06, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 01, 2026
Relationship
My wife's sister's husband has become very friendly with me over the last few years. We meet often at family functions and sometimes talk separately about our personal lives. In the beginning, I was comfortable sharing things with him because I thought we had a good understanding. But slowly, I feel he has started asking too many questions about my marriage and my relationship with my wife. He sometimes asks about our arguments, our private matters and how we handle things at home. At the same time, he also shares many personal details about his own marriage with me, including problems and things that I feel are too private. Sometimes I don’t know how to respond, because I don’t want to encourage him to discuss such personal matters, but I also don’t want him to feel that I am avoiding him or judging him. Because we are family, I am worried that if I suddenly create distance or tell him directly to stop asking personal questions, it could create awkwardness between both families. I also don’t want my wife to feel that I am hiding something from her or that there is some problem between us.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand your concerns. You don't have to directly confront him about sharing too many personal details or asking you questions, nor do you need to create distance. The sweet spot is to build a gentle boundary. For instance, when he asks you something personal, instead of avoiding the question, just answer vaguely, like, "yes, things are going good" or "Nothing major. You know, routine married life stuff." This way, he will soon lose interest. And when he shares personal information with you, you can simply listen without offering any advice or asking follow-up questions. The conversation will die down on its own. This way, he will neither feel like you are avoiding a conversation with him nor believe that you are encouraging him to get up close and personal with you.

Most importantly, do not hide this friendship from your wife. It's okay. Friends do share things with each other at times and sometimes one person might feel burdened with too many information after a while. These are natural courses of a friendship. The important thing is that you are being considerate of your marriage and want to create a boundary. You can do that without being misunderstood or losing a friend.

Hope this helps.

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11481 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 06, 2026

Money
Dear Sir/ Mam, My son is 28 years old. Should I buy a Term Insurance Policy for him? If so, suggest me name of Good policy and the suitable amount to be invested . rgds,
Ans: At age 28, taking term insurance can be considered, especially if your son has started earning and has financial responsibilities.

However, the policy should ideally be taken by your son himself. The need depends on his income, liabilities and dependants.

– If he has a home loan or other liabilities, adequate cover becomes more important.

– If parents, spouse or children depend on his income, insurance becomes even more relevant.

– If he is unmarried and has no financial dependants, the immediate need may be lower, but taking cover at a younger age can still be cost-effective.

» How much cover?

Do not decide the cover only based on his age.

Consider:

– Current annual income.

– Existing loans and liabilities.

– Financial support required by dependants.

– Future family responsibilities.

– Existing life insurance, if any.

A broad starting point can be around 10–15 times annual income, but the final cover should be based on his actual financial situation.

» Who should pay the premium?

Ideally, your son should own the policy and pay the premium.

This keeps the policy connected with his income and financial responsibilities.

You can certainly help him with the premium if required.

» Which policy?

I would not suggest a particular insurance company or policy without knowing his income, liabilities, health, smoking status and existing insurance.

Instead, compare established insurers on:

– Claim settlement record.

– Solvency and financial strength.

– Policy exclusions and conditions.

– Premium for the required tenure.

– Claim servicing quality.

Avoid buying an insurance policy merely because somebody promises investment returns or other benefits along with the insurance.

For a pure protection requirement, a simple term insurance policy is generally easier to understand.

» Final Insights

At 28, your son has a good opportunity to put proper protection in place before his financial responsibilities increase.

The important point is to decide the required cover first and then compare suitable policies.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
AMFI-Registered MFD – ARN 4188
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |12579 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Oct 06, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 25, 2026
Career
Hi experts I am raising the query on behalf of my son:- My son is doing his Final BCom(F&A)with Christ Bangalore- Also completed CA-Inter and undergoing internship at Bangalore. My query is:- a.With B.Com-CA-Inter- what is the job scope in India? b.Any chance to get Overseas placements- If yes- which country is preferable and how to proceed for job search. c.Any further courses needs to be completed along with B.Com-CA-? Submitted for your kind perusal and advice please. Thanks Srikanth
Ans: With B.Com + CA-Inter, there are good opportunities in India in audit, taxation, financial reporting, FP&A, internal audit and finance/shared-services roles. For overseas opportunities, it is better to focus on completing CA first. UAE can be a good starting option, while Singapore offers opportunities with MNCs; the UK, Canada and Australia can also be explored based on qualification and work-visa requirements. The ideal strategy would be to complete CA, gain 2–3 years of relevant experience with a Big 4 firm or reputed company, and then explore overseas opportunities through ICAI, LinkedIn, company career pages and internal transfers within MNCs. After CA, he can consider ACCA for international accounting, CFA for investment/finance roles, US CPA for US-focused accounting/MNCs, or shorter courses in IFRS, Advanced Excel, Power BI and SAP, depending on his career goals. If CA Final gets delayed, he can take up a suitable private-sector role in audit, taxation or financial analysis while continuing CA. ACCA, CMA or CS can also be considered after checking exemptions. If he prefers government employment, exams such as SSC CGL/AAO and RBI Grade B can be explored. Maintaining an active LinkedIn profile and setting relevant job alerts will also help him understand current hiring trends, skill requirements and opportunities and make informed short- and long-term career decisions. All The Best for Your Son's Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.
Asked on - Oct 06, 2026 | Answered on Oct 06, 2026
Thank you very much sir for your valuable guidance.
Ans: Welcome Sir.

...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.

Close  

You haven't logged in yet. To ask a question, Please Log in below
Login

A verification OTP will be sent to this
Mobile Number / Email

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to

Resend OTP in120seconds

Dear User, You have not registered yet. Please register by filling the fields below to get expert answers from our Gurus
Sign up

By signing up, you agree to our
Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Already have an account?

Enter OTP
A 6 digit code has been sent to Mobile

Resend OTP in120seconds

x