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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |3763 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 24, 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 24, 2024Hindi
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Money

I am a 45 year old housewife. I have been married for 23-24 years and I have children who have grown up. I have had a lot of life experiences in my life. I was mentally abused, because of that i lost self confidence. As I am not financially independent so i can't take any wise decision for me . I feel like illiterate and i dont have any work experience. Now a i feel weak by mentally and physically. today I feel that it is very important to be financial independent. In this all situations i don't understand what to do become financially independent. Please suggest.

Ans: Path to Financial Independence for Housewives
Your situation is complex, but achievable goals exist. You can achieve financial independence with the right approach.

Acknowledging Your Strengths
Recognize your life experiences as strengths.

Your journey has equipped you with unique skills and resilience.

This foundation is crucial for building financial independence.

Your dedication to your family shows strong organizational and management skills.

These skills are valuable in many professional settings.

Assessing Your Current Situation
Evaluate your financial status.

List all income sources and expenses.

Understand your financial position clearly.

This will help identify areas for improvement.

Assess your skills and interests.

Identify what you enjoy and where you excel.

This can guide you towards suitable job opportunities.

Enhancing Your Education and Skills
Consider further education or skill development.

Many online courses are affordable and flexible.

They allow you to learn at your own pace.

Focus on skills that can lead to employment.

Computer skills, communication, and project management are in demand.

Exploring Employment Opportunities
Start by looking for part-time or freelance work.

This allows you to gain experience without overwhelming yourself.

Jobs like virtual assistant, content writing, or tutoring can be good starts.

These roles often require skills you already possess.

Starting a Home-Based Business
Consider starting a home-based business.

This can be an excellent way to use your skills.

For example, cooking, crafting, or tutoring can be monetized.

A home-based business offers flexibility and control over your time.

Building a Support Network
Seek support from friends, family, or online communities.

A strong support network can provide encouragement and advice.

Connecting with others in similar situations can be empowering.

Financial Planning and Management
Work with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

A CFP can help you create a financial plan tailored to your needs.

They will guide you in budgeting, saving, and investing wisely.

Regular funds investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credential is beneficial.

They provide professional management and expertise.

Creating a Budget
Develop a budget to track your income and expenses.

This helps in identifying areas where you can save money.

A budget is a vital tool for managing your finances.

Saving and Investing
Start saving a portion of your income.

Even small amounts can grow over time.

Consider investing in actively managed funds.

These funds have professional managers who strive to outperform the market.

Avoiding Debt
Be cautious about taking on new debt.

Focus on paying off existing debts.

This will improve your financial stability.

Health and Well-being
Take care of your physical and mental health.

Exercise regularly and maintain a balanced diet.

Seek professional help if you struggle with mental health issues.

A healthy body and mind are crucial for achieving financial independence.

Continuous Learning
Stay updated with the latest trends in your field of interest.

Continuous learning will enhance your skills and employability.

Setting Realistic Goals
Set short-term and long-term financial goals.

These goals will give you direction and motivation.

Review and adjust your goals regularly.

Conclusion
You have the strength and resilience to achieve financial independence.

Take small steps towards your goals every day.

Seek support and guidance when needed.

Your journey is unique, and every step forward is a 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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Maam sir good morn.I m K.S .i am.the sole bread earner of my.family .i m 52 and do.not have a job. I m not a spend thrift but due to lot of loans i have taken for education etc i m totally stressed up. I.get depressed and do not have the motivation to move ahead in life. I want to clear up all my dues and i fight day in and day out to find a job but to.no success. Finance are getting.lesser.. I m on the verge of breakdown. Plz help.
Ans: Dear KS,
First things first. A lot of decisions have gone wrong. It cannot be erased, but certainly you must find a way of recovering from it.
Yes, it is highly disheartening, but once you decide that you want to be in a better place, you have to take certain actions to reach that better place.
So, time to quit being upset and taking firm actions on what to do next to get out of this situation that you are in.
Seek the help of someone within your family or friends circle who is strong with their finances and managing their monies well. Of course, they must be someone you trust as well. Share everything with them (you need the help, so kindly be truthful and honest with them).
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |3763 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello Sir! Myself Madeswaran and I am 33 yrs old. I have worked for 10 years and I have no savings and saved nothing. I had 6 Lakhs in my savings 4 years back. Purchased gold for 1 lakh. Purchased car in 2 nd had for 3.5 Lakhs and Lost 3 Lakhs in forex an year back.I am having debt of 1 Lakh now and cleared Rs.50,000. Now my monthly income is only Rs.45,000. I have house expenses of Rs. Rs.30,000 and Loan emi of Rs. 5,000. I give. I am not able to find how the rest of Rs.10,000 money gets drained away. Now I want my financial freedom at the age of 50. What shall I do amd how shall I start. I am also looking for secondary income to get some financial buffer.
Ans: Hello Madeswaran! It's commendable that you're seeking to take control of your finances and work towards financial freedom. Let's assess your current situation and explore steps to get you back on track.

At 33, with a monthly income of Rs. 45,000 and monthly expenses of Rs. 35,000, it's essential to understand where the remaining Rs. 10,000 is being spent. Tracking your expenses diligently can help identify areas where you can cut back and redirect funds towards savings and debt repayment.

Given your previous financial setbacks, it's crucial to prioritize building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses and avoid going into further debt. Aim to set aside at least 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses in a separate savings account as a safety net.

Addressing your existing debt of Rs. 1 lakh should be a priority. Focus on clearing this debt as soon as possible by allocating a portion of your monthly income towards repayment. Cutting back on non-essential expenses can free up additional funds for debt reduction.

Considering your goal of achieving financial freedom by the age of 50, it's important to establish a long-term financial plan. Start by setting specific, achievable goals and creating a budget to track your income and expenses.

Explore opportunities to increase your income through additional sources such as freelance work, part-time jobs, or starting a side business. Generating a secondary income can provide a financial buffer and accelerate your journey towards financial freedom.

Investing in yourself through education, acquiring new skills, or pursuing career advancement opportunities can also enhance your earning potential over the long term.

Finally, seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals. They can help you create a roadmap for achieving financial freedom and offer support and guidance along the way.

Remember, financial freedom is achievable with determination, discipline, and strategic planning. By taking proactive steps now, you can pave the way for a brighter financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Hello sir My son is in 12th class this year and preparing for JEE exam. Kindly suggest in addition to JEE any other entrance exam for engineering
Ans: Virendra Sir. I hope your son has joined Coaching Center for his JEE. As you prefer to have back-ups apart from JEE (NITs, IITS, GFTI & IIITs), here are some other suggested Entrance Exams along with JEE: (1) State Entrance Exams and / or Top-3 Private Colleges' Entrance Exams in your / nearby States (2) If you prefer to apply in South also, COMEDK (of Karnataka) is another better option as it is open to Students all over India. (3) IAT Exam for admission into IISER if your daughter is interested in Research (4) PESSAT (of PES University) in Bengaluru (4) CUET for Central Universities all over India. It is advisable for her to appear in, minimum 5-Entrance Exams. This will enable your daughter to have a lot of options to choose the best & most suitable College along with the Stream she prefers. Give importance to Location of the College Also. And, please AVOID forcing her to join the College / Stream which you prefer. All The BEST for your Daughter's Bright Future, Sir. To know more on ‘ Careers | Education | Jobs | Resume Writing | Profile Building | Salary Negotiation Skills | Building Professional LinkedIn Profile | Choosing Right School Board (State | Matriculation | CBSE | ICSE |International Board) | Student Psychological Counselling | Exam Preparation Techniques (Board | Entrance & Competitive)| Strategies to Attempt Exams | Job Interview Skills | Skill Upgrading | Parenting & Child Upbringing Skills | Career Transition | Abroad Education | Education Loan (India | Abroad) | Scholarship (India | Abroad) | SOP Writing Tips’, please FOLLOW me in RediffGURU here.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |3763 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 17, 2024

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Is it safe to invest in gold through Gullak app
Ans: While Gullak offers a seemingly convenient way to invest in gold, there are some potential risks to consider:

Unregulated "Gold+" Program: The "Gold+" program's guaranteed 5% extra gold is a unique feature, but it's not entirely clear how Gullak achieves this. Since this program is unregulated, there's less oversight compared to SEBI-regulated mutual funds.
Counterparty Risk: Gullak mentions a 100% bank guarantee on your gold investment. However, the details of this guarantee and the specific bank involved are crucial. In case of any issue with the bank, there's a chance your investment might be impacted.
Limited Transparency: Compared to mutual funds, Gullak might not be as transparent about their fees and overall investment structure. This can make it difficult to fully understand the associated costs and risks.
Potential Hidden Costs: While Gullak might advertise low fees, there could be hidden costs associated with storage, insurance, or selling your gold holdings. Make sure you understand all the fees involved before investing.

Mutual Fund Gold:

Safety: Mutual funds are regulated by SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) which adds a layer of security. Your investment represents units in the fund, not physical gold, but the underlying gold is typically stored in secure vaults.
Returns: Gold Mutual Funds invest in physical gold, reflecting the market price. You won't get a guaranteed bonus like with Gullak Gold+, but your returns are tied directly to the gold price's performance.
Liquidity: Gold Mutual Funds are generally quite liquid, allowing you to redeem your units on exchange platforms.
Here's why Mutual Fund Gold might be a better choice:

Transparency: Mutual Funds are more transparent in their holdings and fees compared to Gullak's "Gold+" program.
Flexibility: Mutual Funds offer various gold investment options with different expense ratios. You can choose a fund that suits your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
Market Exposure: Mutual Funds can offer exposure to gold along with diversification within the gold sector (e.g., international gold).

Why Consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) is Wise:
A CFP is a financial professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific financial situation and goals. Here's why consulting a CFP can be beneficial:

Risk Assessment: A CFP can help you assess your risk tolerance and determine if Gullak or Mutual Fund Gold is a suitable investment for you.
Portfolio Diversification: A CFP can advise you on how to incorporate gold into a diversified portfolio to manage risk and meet your long-term goals.
Understanding Gullak's "Gold+" Program: A CFP can help you analyze the details and potential risks associated with Gullak's "Gold+" program.
Comparison with Mutual Funds: A CFP can compare Gullak with various gold mutual fund options, considering factors like fees, expense ratios, and historical performance.
Remember: Financial planning is personal. Consulting a CFP can empower you to make informed investment decisions aligned with your unique circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

...Read more

Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |417 Answers  |Ask -

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Sir I have taken admission in a private college with branch cse ..pls could you guide me what to do from 1st year..
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Hi Sir, My daughter got 3058 Rank in Comedk 2024 and 8954 Rank in Telangana Eamcet. Getting CSC and it's associated branches is little difficult in Telangana top colleges,we may get VNR/CBIT for ECE. She may get CSE in Dayanand Sagar College of engineering, Bangalore and Bangalore Institute of Technology. Are they good colleges? Can we prefer these two colleges for CSE or chose ECE in MSRIT/BMSCE or VNR/CBIT colleges. She is interested in both CSE and ECE branches. Should we choose Hyd/Banglore? We are from Hyd Please help
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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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