42 year old PSU employee with 23k monthly SIPs seeks portfolio optimization advice

Ans: It depends on the financial situation and other factors. It is not worth discussing fee or payment issues on this open platform. If someone can afford it, they will proceed; if not, they will look for other options.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Sourindra, engineering colleges start July-September. You only have a 1-year gap (mention in gap certificate) since you started IIT-J online UG in Sep 2025. Write clearly: '1-year gap after Class 12 (2024-25) for NEET preparation; enrolled in IIT Jodhpur BSc from Sep 2025. ALL the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Dear Jayakiran,
I understand this is a tricky situation and something like this can take a toll on the relationship. I suggest you open up to your partner and express how the lack of intimacy makes you feel. And along with that, I also suggest taking a look at your marriage; see if there’s something bothering your partner, whether it is a lack of emotional intimacy or effort from your end or your partner is just tired by the end of the day. A clear and honest discussion can fix a lot of things.

Hope this helps

Ans: Can do graduation by correspondence. Keep doing short term certificate courses relevant to the field you are working especially once involving AI so that you can get a chance for better job.

Ans: At 57, your metabolism and hydration needs are different from someone in their 20s. Fasting with exercise and protein supplements can stress the system if done too aggressively. If your body isn’t used to protein supplements, the sudden increase can cause bloating, gas, back discomfort, digestive stress. During a 16?hour fast, many people unintentionally drink less water. Whey increases protein load so your kidneys need more water to process urea. Generally, whey is safe for healthy kidneys.

Ans: At 57, your metabolism and hydration needs are different from someone in their 20s. Fasting with exercise and protein supplements can stress the system if done too aggressively. If your body isn’t used to protein supplements, the sudden increase can cause bloating, gas, back discomfort, digestive stress. During a 16?hour fast, many people unintentionally drink less water. Whey increases protein load so your kidneys need more water to process urea. Generally, whey is safe for healthy kidneys.
But it must be used correctly.

Ans: Your effort to maintain a high-value health insurance cover of Rs.12 lakh is very good. Many people realise the importance of medical insurance only during a hospitalisation. Because you already have a strong cover with The Oriental Insurance Company Limited, you have created an important financial protection layer for your family.

However, when it comes to cataract surgery and lens cost, health insurance policies usually have specific limits. It is important to understand these limits clearly.

» Understanding Cataract Surgery Coverage

– Cataract surgery is normally covered under mediclaim policies.
– The policy usually pays for hospitalisation, surgeon fee, OT charges, medicines, and intra-ocular lens (IOL).
– But most policies keep a limit on cataract treatment, even if the total sum insured is higher.

This means even if your policy cover is Rs.12 lakh, the cataract claim may be restricted to a smaller amount.

» Typical Cataract Limits in Health Insurance

In many mediclaim policies in India:

– Cataract surgery may be limited to around Rs.25,000 to Rs.40,000 per eye, depending on policy terms.
– Some upgraded plans allow up to Rs.50,000 or slightly higher per eye.
– Premium imported lenses, laser techniques, or advanced multifocal lenses may cost more and the extra amount has to be paid by the patient.

So the lens cost alone may range from Rs.8,000 to Rs.60,000 or more depending on the type selected. Insurance will usually reimburse only within the cataract limit mentioned in the policy

» How Lens Charges Are Treated

– Standard mono-focal lenses are generally covered within the cataract limit.
– Advanced lenses such as multifocal or toric lenses are treated as upgraded choices.
– The difference between the hospital bill and the policy limit becomes out-of-pocket payment.

Because hospitals sometimes suggest premium lenses, it is important to check the insurance approval amount before surgery.

» Practical Steps Before Surgery

– Ask the hospital to send a pre-authorisation request to the insurer.
– Confirm the maximum cataract limit per eye under your policy.
– Ask the hospital for a detailed estimate showing lens cost separately.
– Check whether the surgery will be cashless or reimbursement.

This small step avoids confusion during discharge.

» Financial Planning Perspective

From a Certified Financial Planner’s view, you have already taken a wise step by maintaining a large medical insurance cover. Cataract surgery is a common age-related treatment, and insurance helps reduce the financial burden.

Still, remember:

– Health insurance works with sub-limits for certain treatments.
– The sum insured does not always mean the entire bill will be paid.
– Understanding these limits in advance helps you plan your medical expenses calmly.

» Finally

Your Rs.12 lakh mediclaim cover is a strong safety net. For cataract surgery, the insurance company will normally pay only up to the cataract treatment limit mentioned in your policy, and any premium lens upgrade may need personal payment.

So the best action is to check the exact cataract limit in your policy schedule or call the insurer’s customer care before the surgery.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ans: Please mention your state. It is not worth searching for colleges across PAN India. Choose a reputed private college from your state to apply to. Before that, focus more on your second attempt and try to score 95+ %tile to secure a seat in one of the NITs.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: You should mention a one-year gap (May 2024–Aug/Sept 2025) for NEET preparation because from September 2025 onward, you are already enrolled as a bona fide student at IIT Jodhpur in the B.Sc./B.S. in Applied AI & Data Science, so the gap ends when you start that program.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam