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Should I retire at 53? Here's what you need to know

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 11, 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
Ramkumar Question by Ramkumar on Nov 11, 2024Hindi
Money

Hi, I am 53 years old and I have 1.5 Crores in FDs , 56L in PPF(Both me and my wife together), NPS 10 Lakhs, Sovereign Gold Bod 10Lakhs , Equity 50Lakhs, Mutual Funds 24 Lakhs. I have an apartment in Bangalore where I live and i have an apartment in Chennai with a loan of 15 Lakhs. My monthly MF SIP is 70K. My monthly expenses are 1.5 Lakhs. Can I retire in the next 1 Year?

Ans: You have a solid foundation of investments spread across various asset classes, which is commendable. Let’s break down each category of your investments and evaluate your readiness for retirement in the next year.

1. Fixed Deposits (FDs):
Your investment of Rs 1.5 crores in FDs offers safety and liquidity. While FDs provide guaranteed returns, they come with lower growth compared to other asset classes. The interest earned will be taxable as per your income tax slab.

2. Public Provident Fund (PPF):
A total of Rs 56 lakhs in PPF is a great long-term, tax-free investment. Given the long lock-in period, your PPF corpus is a secure source for retirement planning, providing you with tax-free interest and withdrawals.

3. National Pension Scheme (NPS):
Rs 10 lakhs in NPS is an excellent retirement-focused investment. NPS has the added benefit of tax advantages, especially under Section 80C and Section 80CCD. Upon retirement, you can withdraw a portion of this amount as a lump sum, with the rest generating a steady income.

4. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB):
Your Rs 10 lakhs in Sovereign Gold Bonds provides a hedge against inflation. It’s a safer alternative to physical gold and generates interest income while being tax-efficient in the long run. However, gold should not form a large portion of your retirement corpus.

5. Equity Investments:
You have Rs 50 lakhs invested in equities, which is a good strategy for long-term capital growth. While equities can provide higher returns over time, they come with higher volatility. The key to ensuring their effectiveness in retirement planning is maintaining a long-term outlook.

6. Mutual Funds (MF):
With Rs 24 lakhs in mutual funds, this is a solid and diversified asset class that can generate attractive returns. Given your monthly SIP of Rs 70,000, you are contributing consistently to your wealth creation. Active management of mutual funds can help you navigate market fluctuations better than passive investments like index funds.

Monthly Expenses and Financial Sustainability
Your monthly expenses of Rs 1.5 lakhs are on the higher side, and it is essential to assess how these expenses will be supported once you retire.

Fixed Monthly Expenses: With the current setup, including expenses and future withdrawals from your investments, your income needs will need to be met from a mix of sources, especially from mutual funds, NPS, and equity investments.

Asset Liquidity: The real challenge will be ensuring you can liquidate some of your assets when needed, particularly from the equity and mutual fund segments, without compromising on the long-term potential.

Evaluating Retirement Readiness
1. Emergency Fund and Liquidity Needs:
You need to ensure that a portion of your investments is in liquid, low-risk assets like FDs or liquid mutual funds. It’s crucial to have an emergency fund that can cover at least 6 months of your expenses. Given that your monthly expenses are Rs 1.5 lakhs, the emergency fund should ideally be around Rs 9-10 lakhs.

2. Investment Withdrawals:
Post-retirement, you will rely on withdrawals from your mutual funds, NPS, and possibly your equity investments. Here’s a breakdown of how these can work:

Mutual Funds (Equity and Debt): Your SIPs are a good strategy to continue building wealth. When you retire, you can either withdraw lump sums from your mutual funds or convert them into systematic withdrawal plans (SWPs) to provide a steady income stream.
NPS: NPS can provide you with a regular pension income after retirement. A portion of the corpus can be withdrawn tax-free, while the remaining will generate monthly pension payments.
3. Income Post-Retirement:
Based on your monthly expenses of Rs 1.5 lakhs, you’ll need a reliable source of income. It’s critical to create a structured income plan from your investments:

Mutual Funds and Equity: These investments can be strategically redeemed or SWP-ed to generate regular income.
FD and PPF: While these assets will help with stability, the returns might not be sufficient for your desired lifestyle, so they should supplement other income sources.
NPS: The pension amount from NPS should be part of your regular income post-retirement.
4. Debt Liability on Property:
You mentioned a loan of Rs 15 lakhs on your Chennai apartment. It’s crucial to assess whether you plan to continue servicing this loan post-retirement. If you want to retire soon, it may be wise to clear this debt before retirement or factor in this liability into your retirement income plans.

5. Asset Allocation and Risk:
While your assets are well-diversified, you need to evaluate the right mix of equity, debt, and tax-saving instruments that would provide income and growth in retirement. Typically, after retirement, the focus should shift to more secure and income-generating assets. A shift towards more debt or hybrid funds could be worth considering as you approach retirement.

Tax Implications
Capital Gains Tax on Mutual Funds and Equity:
When selling equity mutual funds, long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Interest Income from FDs:
The interest from FDs is fully taxable as per your tax slab, which may reduce the post-tax returns on this asset class.
Tax Planning:
Post-retirement, it’s essential to structure your withdrawals in such a way that your tax liabilities are minimized. This can include withdrawing from tax-efficient instruments like PPF and NPS, while ensuring that your withdrawals from mutual funds and equities are planned around tax thresholds.

Can You Retire in One Year?
Based on your current assets and monthly SIP contributions, retiring in one year is possible but requires careful planning:

Income Generation: The key will be ensuring you have sufficient income generation from your investments. Your existing assets, such as mutual funds, NPS, and equities, can generate a steady income post-retirement.

Debt Obligation: You need to evaluate the remaining Rs 15 lakhs loan on your Chennai apartment. If you want to retire, consider either repaying it or planning your retirement income to account for this liability.

Expense Management: With Rs 1.5 lakh in monthly expenses, you must plan a systematic withdrawal strategy from your assets. As long as your investments generate consistent returns, this is achievable.

Health Insurance: Ensure you have comprehensive health coverage for both you and your wife in place, as medical expenses can significantly impact retirement planning.

Final Insights
You have a well-diversified portfolio, which is fantastic for long-term wealth creation. However, your retirement plan must focus on:

Income Sustainability: Develop a steady income plan through systematic withdrawals from mutual funds, equity, and NPS.
Debt Liability: Address your Rs 15 lakh loan either through pre-payment or including it in your future cash flows.
Tax Efficiency: Structure your withdrawals to optimize tax efficiency.
Expense Management: With monthly expenses of Rs 1.5 lakhs, ensure that your post-retirement income plan is designed to meet these needs without depleting your principal too quickly.
Retiring in one year is achievable, provided you make a few adjustments to manage your liabilities and focus on structured income generation from your investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 01, 2024Hindi
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I want to retire next year i m 45. My current corpus 15 lac mf , 50 lac fd , 10 lac plot , 24 lac bond & ncd , own house. No liabilities. Monthly expenses 22k. Can i retire
Ans: With a comprehensive portfolio and no liabilities, you're in a favorable position to consider retirement at 45. Let's assess your financial readiness to retire next year based on your current assets and expenses:

Existing Corpus:

Mutual Funds: Rs 15 lakh
Fixed Deposits: Rs 50 lakh
Plot: Rs 10 lakh
Bonds & NCDs: Rs 24 lakh
Own House: Value not specified
Monthly Expenses:

Your monthly expenses amount to Rs 22,000.
Given these figures, let's analyze your retirement prospects:

Sustainable Income:

Calculate the annual income generated from your existing corpus (mutual funds, fixed deposits, bonds & NCDs). Consider average returns and tax implications.
Ensure that the income generated from your investments is sufficient to cover your monthly expenses of Rs 22,000 and any additional retirement expenses.
Evaluate Future Expenses:

Anticipate any changes in your expenses post-retirement. Consider factors like healthcare costs, travel, and leisure activities.
Ensure that your retirement corpus can support these potential expenses and provide a comfortable lifestyle throughout your retirement years.
Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of your living expenses. This fund should be easily accessible and set aside for unexpected expenses or emergencies.
Consideration of Inflation:

Factor in the impact of inflation on your expenses and investment returns. Ensure that your retirement corpus can keep pace with inflation to maintain your purchasing power over time.
Professional Advice:

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to evaluate your retirement readiness comprehensively.
A CFP can assess your financial situation, retirement goals, and investment strategy to determine if you're adequately prepared for retirement.
Based on the information provided, retiring at 45 appears feasible given your substantial corpus, low expenses, and lack of liabilities. However, it's essential to conduct a thorough analysis, consider potential contingencies, and seek professional advice to ensure a smooth transition into retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi, Im 36 yrs old, married with one son aged 5 yrs. I have Rs. 50,00,000 in MF (mostly small cap), Rs. 10,00,000 in shares (mostly large cap). My monthly expenditure is Rs. 35000. I own my flat and dont have any loan/ EMI. Can I retire now?
Ans: Congratulations on your diligent savings and investments, which have placed you in a promising financial position. Let's assess whether early retirement is feasible based on your current assets, expenses, and financial goals.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Your significant holdings in mutual funds and shares reflect a diversified investment portfolio, with a focus on small cap and large cap assets. Additionally, your absence of loans or EMIs and modest monthly expenditure contribute positively to your financial stability.

Retirement Readiness Assessment
To determine if early retirement is viable, we need to evaluate:

Current Assets: Your total assets amount to Rs. 60,00,000, primarily invested in mutual funds and shares.

Monthly Expenses: Your monthly expenditure is Rs. 35,000, which includes your living expenses and any discretionary spending.

Retirement Income Analysis
To sustain your lifestyle post-retirement, we need to ensure that your investment income can cover your expenses comfortably.

Investment Income: The income generated from your mutual funds and shares can serve as your primary source of retirement income.

Safety Margin: It's crucial to factor in a safety margin to accommodate unexpected expenses or fluctuations in investment returns.

Retirement Decision
While your current assets provide a solid foundation, early retirement requires careful planning and consideration of various factors:

Longevity Risk: Considering your age and potential retirement duration, it's essential to ensure your investments can sustain you throughout your retirement years.

Inflation: Factoring in inflation is crucial to maintain your purchasing power over time. Your investment returns should outpace inflation to preserve your standard of living.

Retirement Planning Recommendations
Financial Consultation: I recommend consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to assess your retirement goals comprehensively and develop a customized retirement plan.

Portfolio Diversification: Consider diversifying your investment portfolio further to reduce risk and enhance stability.

Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of living expenses to cover unexpected costs.

Conclusion
While early retirement may be enticing, it's essential to evaluate your financial readiness holistically and consider factors like longevity, inflation, and unforeseen expenses. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide invaluable guidance in navigating this significant life transition.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7201 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 04, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 45, single, no kids, own a 2 BHK in Pune, no outstanding loan, Father's Maharashtra govt. pension 50K a month, both live with me in my flat, Our total monthly expenditure is 70K including many medical bills for parents, my total corpus in MF is around 5.5 crore of which 65% is in equity and the rest in debt(including emergency funds). I have some emergency FDs. I have bought senior citizen health insurance for parents, 1 health insurance for myself and 1 accidental insurance for myself. Right now my post tax monthly salary is 2.2L, can I retire today? (I have many projects of my passion to work on in retirement)
Ans: Retiring at 45 with a secure financial plan is an exciting yet challenging goal. Given your current financial situation, let's delve into an in-depth analysis and strategy to ensure a comfortable retirement.

Current Financial Snapshot
Income and Expenditure:

Monthly post-tax salary: Rs. 2.2 lakh
Father's pension: Rs. 50,000
Total monthly income: Rs. 2.7 lakh
Monthly expenditure: Rs. 70,000 (including medical bills)
Assets:

2 BHK flat in Pune (owned, no loan)
Mutual funds corpus: Rs. 5.5 crore (65% equity, 35% debt)
Emergency FDs
Insurance:

Senior citizen health insurance for parents
Health insurance and accidental insurance for yourself
Financial Goals and Considerations
Estimating Retirement Expenses
Monthly Expenses:

Current: Rs. 70,000
Retirement expenses may increase due to inflation and additional healthcare costs. Assuming a 6% inflation rate, your expenses could double every 12 years.
Let's estimate your monthly expenses at Rs. 1 lakh for a more conservative approach to cover unforeseen expenses and inflation.
Annual Expenses:

Rs. 1 lakh * 12 = Rs. 12 lakh per year
Corpus Requirements
Life Expectancy:

Assuming you live till 85, you need to plan for 40 years of retirement.
Total Corpus Needed:

A rough estimate is Rs. 12 lakh * 40 = Rs. 4.8 crore, not accounting for inflation and healthcare cost escalation.
Evaluating Current Corpus
Mutual Funds:

Rs. 5.5 crore with 65% in equity and 35% in debt.
Equity: Rs. 3.575 crore
Debt: Rs. 1.925 crore
Potential Growth:

Equity typically grows faster than debt. Assuming a conservative annual return of 8% for equity and 6% for debt.
Over the next 40 years, this can yield substantial growth due to compounding.
Planning for Inflation and Healthcare
Inflation Impact:

Inflation will erode the purchasing power over time. A 6% inflation rate means expenses could rise significantly.
Planning for higher expenses is crucial.
Healthcare Costs:

As you age, healthcare costs will likely increase.
Ensure your health insurance covers major illnesses and long-term care.
Investment Strategy
Maintaining a Balanced Portfolio
Equity vs. Debt:

Maintain a balanced portfolio to manage risks.
Equity funds for growth and debt funds for stability.
A 60-40 or 50-50 split may be prudent as you age.
Diversification:

Diversify within equity funds across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds.
For debt, include government securities, corporate bonds, and FDs for stability.
Utilizing Mutual Funds for Retirement
Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP):

Use SWPs for regular income from mutual funds.
Plan withdrawals to cover monthly expenses without depleting the corpus quickly.
Tax Efficiency:

Equity mutual funds have tax benefits if held long-term.
Plan withdrawals to minimize tax liabilities.
Emergency and Healthcare Funds
Emergency Fund:

Keep 6-12 months of expenses in liquid assets like FDs or savings accounts.
Healthcare Fund:

Maintain a separate fund for healthcare expenses.
Ensure insurance policies cover significant health risks.
Additional Considerations
Pension and Other Income
Father's Pension:

Rs. 50,000 per month can cover part of the expenses.
Factor this into your income until it lasts.
Reviewing Insurance Coverage
Health Insurance:

Ensure comprehensive coverage for yourself and parents.
Review and increase coverage if needed to match rising healthcare costs.
Accidental Insurance:

Adequate coverage for unforeseen accidents is essential.
Ensure the sum insured is sufficient to cover significant expenses.
Monitoring and Adjusting the Plan
Regular Reviews
Portfolio Review:

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio.
Adjust asset allocation based on market conditions and changing financial goals.
Expense Tracking:

Track and manage your expenses to stay within budget.
Adjust your lifestyle if needed to ensure financial sustainability.
Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner:

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.
A CFP can help optimize your investments, manage risks, and plan withdrawals.
Understanding Mutual Funds: Categories, Advantages, and Risks
Categories of Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds:

Invest primarily in stocks.
Offer higher returns with higher risk.
Suitable for long-term growth.
Debt Mutual Funds:

Invest in fixed-income securities.
Offer stable returns with lower risk.
Suitable for preserving capital and generating regular income.
Hybrid Mutual Funds:

Combine equity and debt investments.
Balance risk and return.
Suitable for moderate risk tolerance.
Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification:

Spread risk across various securities.
Reduces impact of poor performance of a single asset.
Professional Management:

Managed by experienced fund managers.
Beneficial for those who lack time or expertise.
Liquidity:

Easy to buy and sell units.
Provides flexibility to access funds when needed.
Systematic Investment and Withdrawal Plans:

SIPs allow regular investments, promoting discipline.
SWPs provide regular income during retirement.
Risks of Mutual Funds
Market Risk:

Equity funds are subject to market fluctuations.
Can result in significant short-term losses.
Interest Rate Risk:

Affects debt funds.
Changes in interest rates impact returns.
Credit Risk:

Risk of default by issuers in debt funds.
Can lead to loss of principal or interest.
Power of Compounding
Compounding grows investments by reinvesting earnings.
Longer investment duration amplifies the compounding effect.
Start early and stay invested for maximum benefits.
Final Insights
Retiring at 45 is possible with careful planning and disciplined investing. Your current corpus of Rs. 5.5 crore, with a balanced mix of equity and debt, is a strong foundation. To ensure a comfortable retirement, focus on maintaining a diversified portfolio, regularly reviewing and rebalancing your investments, and planning for inflation and healthcare costs. Utilize systematic withdrawal plans for a steady income and consult with a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice. By following this comprehensive strategy, you can confidently pursue your passions in retirement while maintaining financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |741 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Dec 03, 2024

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What happens when a Mutual Fund company shuts down / gets sold off?
Ans: Hello;

If a mutual fund company gets sold or fails, the process is prescribed by SEBI:

In case MF company is Sold,
The new fund house may:
1. Continue the scheme with a new name and management.

2. Merge the scheme with similar funds and offer investors the option to exit without any exit load.

In case MF company shuts down,
The fund house will:
1. Pay out investors based on the fund's last recorded Net Asset Value (NAV) and the number of units the investor holds, after deducting expenses.

2. If the company is not in a position to do so then SEBI may liquidate the funds assets and distribute the proceeds to unit holders.

It is also pertinent to note that mutual fund regulation in India is one of the most stringent and hence best, from investor's point of view, globally.

This is not just in theory. We have seen how the Franklin Templeton abrupt closure of debt funds was handled with surgical precision, by SEBI, with no loss to unitholders.


Skin in the game regulation mandates that 20% salary of key mutual fund personnel and fund managers is paid in terms of units of their funds with a 3 year lock-in.

The stocks and bonds purchased by the AMC for the fund are held by a custodian, appointed by the trust that administers the fund.

The trust engages into a investment management agreement with the AMC for managing the fund as per their mandate and within regulatory guidelines.

Registrar and Transfer Agents handle the investor registration,kyc, maintaining records, providing account and tax statements etc.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 03, 2024Hindi
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Hello, my wife is Ugandan and I’m of English national, 30 years old and she’s 26, we met nearly a year ago and got married in uk with some of her friends and small family. We haven’t done kuchala (not sure if that’s correct spelling) yet and I’m feeling anxious for when the time comes. She said her family will kneel when they greet me and being white this is already stinging my moral (due to history). I also talked about moving in together before the meet the parents happen however she says she’s rather move in after? Currently this could take two years before going to Uganda, how should I proceed without overstepping her cultural beliefs as after all we are married and by my culture we should already be living together
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It is very nice of you to be so considerate and sensitive while handling these cultural nuances. Let's discuss the kneeling tradition. It's a sign of respect and it's deeply rooted in Ugandan culture. While I understand your point of view, you also have to remember that it can have significant meaning to her and her family. I suggest you politely express your feelings and let her know why it is uncomfortable for you to see her family kneel. When you explain, mention how much her culture means to you as well. I am sure both of you can communicate and come to a compromise that makes you both happy. Just in case, they persist in following the ritual, just look at it as a gesture of love and respect and not submission.

About the moving in together part, in certain parts of the world, couples living together before the traditional wedding is not considered respectful. But since you are already married, you can try explaining to your wife how the living situation does not go against her cultural expectations. But if it is a really big deal for her and her family, consider seeing it from her perspective.

Communication is everything here. Look at every problem as a team; it's not your problem vs her problem. It's both of you vs the problems.

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1088 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 03, 2024

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I have received a job offer from Siecorp ,a Singapore based company though my posting would be at my hometown . They have asked me to submit all credentials related to education & job experiences which is quite normal but they have asked the following documents also which they said would help me to arrange through some agent by payment & the same would be reimbursed during first month of employment . Earlier also another overseas company asked for the same & I denied to make payment before having the job in hand . 1. Construction Health and Safety Technician (CHST) – Compulsory 2. OSHA Safety Certificate – Compulsory 3. Safety Trained Supervisor (STS) – Non-Compulsory Kindly advise whether these certificates are really required to be submitted to join any foreign company or any sort of cheating business regards,
Ans: Hello Bipradas.
From your query, it is clear that you have offered by job by a Singapore-based company and they are giving you a posting in your home town. You did not mention anything about the work culture of the company. It simply indicates that you are supposed to work from home which is always related to computers. I think there is no harm in producing the required documents through an agent if they are offering you a handsome salary. The requirement for documents differs from company to company. There is no harm in submitting the mentioned documents. If have fear in your mind, then please go through the profile of the company in detail before submitting the documents. There are many ways to check the authenticity of the company. There are some chances of cheating, but everybody is not indulged in the same category. But take the steps with utmost precaution.

If satisfied, please like and follow me.
If dissatisfied with the reply, please ask again without hesitation.
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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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