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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 27, 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 - Apr 26, 2024Hindi
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I am 55 year old with no job. I am currently living with my parents and have another flat whose current value is around 65 Lac and saving of 20 Lac. I have two daughters , one i doing final year BBA and other is in 12th. I want to sell my flat due to financial problem but my parents are not ready. My father retired from government service and is getting good pension. please suggest

Ans: It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation, balancing financial concerns with family dynamics. Selling your flat could offer a solution to alleviate financial stress, but it's essential to consider the implications for your parents and daughters.

Firstly, have an open and honest conversation with your parents about your financial situation and the reasons behind your decision to sell the flat. Express your concerns and listen to their perspectives with empathy. Understandably, they may have emotional attachments to the property, but they might also prioritize your well-being once they understand your predicament.

Consider exploring alternative options to address your financial needs without selling the flat immediately. Are there other sources of income or financial assistance available to you, such as part-time work, freelancing, or government support programs? Additionally, you could explore the possibility of renting out a portion of the flat to generate rental income while retaining ownership.

Given that your daughters are still pursuing their education, prioritize their needs and well-being in your decision-making process. Selling the flat could potentially impact their future plans, so ensure they are involved in the discussion and their concerns are addressed.

Ultimately, the decision to sell the flat should be made after careful consideration of all factors, including your financial needs, family dynamics, and future aspirations. Consulting with a financial advisor or counselor could provide valuable insights and assistance in navigating this situation delicately and responsibly. Remember, prioritizing open communication, empathy, and mutual understanding is key in resolving family-related financial matters.
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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 04, 2025Hindi
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i need guidance. i am 63 yrs with housing loan of 70lakh. Only asset is a house with market value 2 crore. i have 2 daughters to be married. I need to retire and start my practice as doctor. Guie me to a investment to live with 30000 monthly and to buy a house 0f 8 lakhs after disposing the property/ Presently earning 1.5L per month. pl suggest. shud i sell the property
Ans: Your situation requires a well-thought-out financial strategy. You have a housing loan of Rs 70 lakh, a house worth Rs 2 crore, and a need for Rs 30,000 per month after retirement. Additionally, you plan to buy a house worth Rs 8 lakh and have two daughters to be married. Below is a structured approach to help you achieve financial stability.

Selling the Property – A Necessary Step?
Selling your house is a practical option. Your outstanding loan is Rs 70 lakh, and the house is worth Rs 2 crore.

After repaying the loan, you will have Rs 1.3 crore. This can be used for investments and future expenses.

If you continue living in this house, EMIs will be a burden. Selling will free you from debt and give you financial stability.

Consider renting a home instead of buying again. This will keep more money available for investments.

Buying a House for Rs 8 Lakh
If you want to buy a smaller house for Rs 8 lakh, use only a small portion of your funds.

Avoid taking another loan. Pay for the house in full from the sale proceeds.

Ensure the house is in a location with good facilities, medical access, and safety.

Creating an Investment Plan for Rs 1.3 Crore
After selling your house and clearing the loan, you will need an investment plan.

Keep Rs 10-15 lakh in a bank FD or liquid mutual funds. This will act as an emergency fund.

Invest Rs 30-40 lakh in debt mutual funds. These provide stability and liquidity.

Invest Rs 50 lakh in equity mutual funds for long-term wealth growth. Use regular plans with a Certified Financial Planner.

Keep Rs 10-15 lakh in a balanced fund for moderate returns with lower risk.

Generating Rs 30,000 Monthly Income
Debt mutual funds can provide a stable withdrawal option. Withdraw systematically for monthly expenses.

Use a mix of dividend and growth options. This ensures you get both regular income and capital appreciation.

Equity funds will provide growth, helping you sustain your money for 20-25 years.

Managing Daughters’ Marriage Expenses
If you need Rs 20-30 lakh for each daughter’s wedding, set aside Rs 40-60 lakh from the sale proceeds.

Invest this amount in a mix of debt and equity funds. This will help you reach your goal in a few years.

Avoid withdrawing from your retirement corpus for wedding expenses.

Starting Your Medical Practice
If you plan to start a medical practice, keep Rs 10-20 lakh for setting it up.

Avoid heavy investments in infrastructure initially. Work from an existing clinic or shared space.

Ensure you have medical indemnity insurance to protect yourself.

Final Insights
Selling your house will give you financial freedom and remove loan pressure.

Invest wisely to generate a steady monthly income and secure your daughters' futures.

Do not invest in real estate again. Keep your funds liquid and flexible.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to review your investments regularly.

Focus on financial security rather than high-risk investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Money
We are senior citizens nearing 70. I have 3 daughters educated and working and self supporting.i have a home which I want to sell . It's 5 cr. but 80% cash where I live. So holding it till govt increases circle rate which is just 15 percent. I spent a huge fortune on my daughters for education. Now I want to live comfortably with some standard of a well of man. I retired with 30000 income monthly. No stocks share,etc. Spent on daughters not expecting or wanting reciprocity. Advise.
Ans: You’ve shown deep care and strength in supporting your daughters through their education. Now, as senior citizens near age?70, planning your next phase with dignity and comfort is vital. You own a home valued at around Rs?5?crore, but due to circle rate, excess property transaction tax is high. Your only income is a Rs?30,000 monthly pension. Let’s build a structured 360?degree financial plan to ensure you live comfortably in your well?earned standard of life.

? Clarify your goals and mindset
– You want peace, dignity, and financial independence for the rest of life
– You are not relying on children, and that is emotionally empowering
– Your primary concern is to fund living expenses, healthcare, and lifestyle
– You may want small travel, family visits, social activities—plan around that

? Income and expense snapshot
– Pension provides Rs?30,000 every month
– Likely insurance payouts or other income sources may exist—check them
– Living expenses may include food, utilities, medicines, personal upkeep
– Estimate monthly lifestyle cost—does Rs 30,000 cover it or shortfall exists?
– If expenses exceed pension by even Rs 5–10 thousand, gap must be covered

? Strategic options for the house asset
– Home is estimated at Rs?5?crore
– Property is nearly fully paid with 80% cash invested in house
– Circle rate undervalues property, leading to high tax on sale profit
– But moving to smaller home or loan cover may still net better buying power
– Alternatively, consider partial sale (e.g., share or portion) or lease to family
– Or delay sale until circle rate improves—but weigh opportunity cost of locked capital

? Immediate?term action: estimate expense vs income
– Track your monthly spend for two to three months
– Determine if pension alone suffices or you need Rs?5–10?thousand buffer
– If there’s shortfall, plan either sell portion of asset or start safe investment

? Option to monetize asset gradually
– If circle rate remains low, big sale triggers high tax—but partial sale may minimize tax
– Consider partitioning property into smaller plot or portion to sell at lower ? gains
– Use proceeds to build fixed income portfolio or safe debt instruments
– Keep rest property for emotional attachment or long-term hold

? Building a stable income roadmap
– You could sell partial property say 1–2 crore worth
– Invest in low-risk avenues like liquid funds, short-duration debt, senior citizen fund
– Monthly yield could be reinvested or drawn as systematic withdrawal
– Maintain some capital in immediate-access fund for liquidity

? Health cost and insurance considerations
– At age near 70, medical expenses become central concern
– Do you hold health insurance? If yes, review coverage adequacy and renewal terms
– If not insured, attempt to purchase senior citizen health policy with decent sum assured
– But premiums may be high due to age, so evaluate return?on?investment
– Set aside dedicated corpus—say Rs?20?30?lakh—for unforeseen medical needs

? Lifestyle funding and legacy planning
– Plan for travel, occasional gifting, personal hobbies—allocate monthly budget
– Consider making a living will or nominee instructions if you want to keep control
– If property is to be passed to daughters later, document your intention clearly

? How to invest the sale proceeds or savings
– Equity funds risk too high for elderly investors
– Also, index funds mirror market volatility without manager intervention
– Best approach: allocate primarily to debt, liquid, low-duration funds
– Small allocation (max 10–15%) to balanced/hybrid funds may provide slightly higher yield
– Use regular plans via a certified CFP?led MFD, not direct plans—guidance matters now more

? Example allocation of Rs 2 crore partial proceeds
– Liquid or ultra-short debt fund: Rs 50?lakh for emergencies
– Short-duration debt funds: Rs?50?lakh for yield buffer
– Senior citizen long-term deposit or debt fund: Rs?50?lakh for monthly interest payout
– Hybrid fund (conservative equity mix): Rs?20?lakh for slightly higher growth
– Remaining Rs?30?lakh in fixed deposit or recurring deposit for predictable income

? Generating monthly income and buffer
– Systematic withdrawal from debt/hybrid fund or interest from deposits may provide Rs?20–25k/month
– Combined with Rs?30k pension, you can have Rs?50–55k monthly income
– This covers present lifestyle and hedges health costs
– Keep extra liquidity separate for medical emergencies

? Balance between inflation protection and capital protection
– Most of your capital should remain safe and low volatility
– Too much equity exposes you to market risk, inappropriate at senior age
– A small hybrid allocation preserves purchasing power in the long?term
– Annual review ensures your asset allocation matches risk appetite

? Tax planning after selling property
– Capital gains tax may apply based on sale proceeds
– If you invest in specified bonds or long-term instruments, you may claim exemptions
– Also, fixed deposit or debt fund interest is taxed as per your bracket
– Plan withdrawals smartly with help from CFP to minimize tax impact

? Emergency fund remains essential
– Keep liquid fund of at least 6 months’ living expenses
– Use it before touching capital during medical or urgent crisis
– Don’t run down all reserves in one go

? Insurance and legal clarity
– If any investment?cum?insurance policies (ULIP/LIC) exist, review performance
– If underperforming, surrender and reinvest money in mutual funds or safe deposits
– Keep life cover minimal at your age; health cover is priority
– Ensure legal will and nomination papers are updated

? Longevity and lifestyle provisions
– You may live past age 75–80; plan corpus for 10–15 more years of living
– Include provisions for assisted living or caretaker help if needed
– Healthcare inflation rises faster than general inflation—build buffer accordingly

? Emotional well?being and independence
– Maintaining some capital independence gives dignity and self?respect
– Avoid total financial dependency on daughters, though they may support willingly
– Keep property or income sources in your control to the extent possible

? Annual review and professional guidance
– Set annual review with Certified Financial Planner
– Assess fund performance, expense trends, and tax changes
– Rebalance allocation as capital ages or income drops
– Increase conservative yield allocation if capital diminishes

? Final insights
– You have strong asset in form of property and steady pension
– Partial sale of house when circle rate improves gives liquidity without stress
– Invest proceeds in low?risk instruments for steady monthly income
– Build a buffer for healthcare and emergencies before lifestyle spending
– Avoid equity risk and index/direct funds at your life stage
– Opt for regular plan mutual funds with CFP?led support if you choose hybrid component
– Prioritize cash flow, protection, and dignity over aggressive growth
– With strategic planning and regular review, you can live comfortably and independently
– Your legacy stays with daughters without burden or worry

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 18, 2025

Money
Hello sir, I am 50yeara old working in a software company and senior manager. I would like to seek your guidance on how to utilise 50lakhs I am going to get after selling my house. Current status of my family Me - working as senior manager ina. Software company Wife - working in software 2 girl children aged 18 and 13 both are studying Financial status - getting handover of 2 flats in January 2026( need money for interiors 30lakhs approximately) Another villa home loan is running 75lakhs with hdfc bank. Future plan- my elder daughter is in engineering 1st year, we are planning her marriage after 7 to 8 years Second girl is in 8th standard As software is not good and many people are loosing jobs I want to know how to keep this money in case of job loss and for my retirement.
Ans: You have built a good financial base with discipline. Selling the house and having Rs 50 lakh gives you flexibility. You are also balancing children’s education, property commitments, and a running loan. Many people at 50 still struggle with clarity. You already have a structured thought process. That is a big strength.

» Understanding Your Current Situation

– You and your wife both are working in software. This gives dual income security.
– You will receive handover of two flats in 2026. Interiors will need Rs 30 lakh.
– You also have a villa loan of Rs 75 lakh. Loan repayment is an ongoing obligation.
– Elder daughter is in engineering. Her marriage is planned in 7 to 8 years.
– Younger daughter is in 8th standard. Education and marriage are long-term responsibilities.
– Job uncertainty in software industry is a real concern. You want safety for retirement.

This background shows you have multiple responsibilities over the next 10 to 15 years.

» Priorities for the Rs 50 Lakh

– Immediate safety: Keep a part as emergency reserve. This will help in job loss.
– Medium-term needs: Interior cost of flats must be earmarked.
– Long-term needs: Retirement and daughters’ marriages must be funded.
– Loan impact: High loan reduces cash flow. You must balance repayment with investing.

So, Rs 50 lakh cannot be used in one direction only. It must be split for safety, growth, and obligations.

» Creating an Emergency Fund

Software sector has risk of job loss. You must prepare. Out of Rs 50 lakh, at least 12 to 15 lakh should be parked in a very safe instrument. This money should be in liquid mutual funds or short-term bank deposits. Do not expose this to risk. This will give peace of mind if there is sudden job loss.

Emergency fund avoids breaking long-term investments at wrong time.

» Setting Aside for Interiors

You already know Rs 30 lakh will be required in 2026. That is less than two years away. So this portion must not go into risky assets. Equity is not suitable for such short horizon.

Keep Rs 30 lakh in safe debt-oriented mutual funds or bank deposits. This ensures money is available when flats are handed over.

By keeping this money aside, you avoid tension later.

» Handling the Villa Loan

Your villa loan is Rs 75 lakh. Loan EMI is a burden. But paying off entire loan now will block liquidity. Instead, continue regular EMI. Focus on timely payments.

Once your interiors are done in 2026, you can slowly accelerate prepayment. If your cash flow improves or bonus comes, you can part-prepay. But do not use full Rs 50 lakh now for prepayment. That will leave you with no liquidity for job loss or children’s goals.

Loan repayment must be balanced with wealth building.

» Planning for Elder Daughter

She is in first year engineering. Education cost for next three years will be manageable from your salaries. But her marriage after 7 to 8 years will need big money.

This goal requires equity exposure. At least 8-year horizon allows equity to work. You can invest Rs 7 to 8 lakh from the Rs 50 lakh for this goal. Systematic withdrawal can be planned after 7 years.

Keeping this in equity-oriented mutual funds with professional guidance will grow it well.

» Planning for Younger Daughter

She is in 8th standard. Her higher education will need funds in 5 years. Marriage will be after 12 to 15 years. Education cost is sooner, so for this you need moderate risk. A mix of equity and debt funds can be used. Marriage corpus has long horizon, so more equity is possible.

You can allocate Rs 5 to 7 lakh now into such a mix. Over 10 to 12 years, this grows into a sizeable corpus. This way, both children’s future is secured.

» Protecting Your Retirement

At 50, retirement planning cannot be delayed. You and your wife may work for 10 more years, but industry risk remains. So a portion of Rs 50 lakh must be parked for retirement.

Even if interiors and children’s goals consume large part, try to allocate at least Rs 10 to 12 lakh for retirement growth. This must be invested in equity-oriented mutual funds for compounding.

Over 10 to 15 years, this can add meaningful strength to your retirement fund.

» Tax Considerations

When you invest this Rs 50 lakh, keep taxation in mind.
– Equity mutual fund long-term gains above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual fund gains are taxed as per your income slab. Since you are salaried, you may fall in higher slab.
– Hence, tax planning through combination of debt and equity is important.

For near-term needs like interiors, taxation is secondary. Safety matters more. For long-term needs like retirement, tax efficiency and growth matter more.

» Why Active Funds Are Better

Some may suggest index funds or ETFs for your goals. But these only copy the market. They cannot generate higher returns. They also fall fully when the market falls. For retirement and children’s future, you need better protection and better growth.

Actively managed funds give opportunity for outperformance. Professional managers can manage risk better. With Certified Financial Planner monitoring, active funds are safer and more productive for your situation.

» Why Regular Plans Through CFP Are Right

Direct mutual funds may look cheaper. But most investors struggle with decisions. Wrong timing, switching mistakes, and tax errors cost more than saved expenses.

Regular plans through a trusted MFD with CFP credential give you continuous guidance. They review, rebalance, and align portfolio with your goals. At 50, you cannot afford mistakes. Regular plans with professional review will save you stress.

» Insurance and Risk Cover

Job risk is only one danger. Medical risk is another. At this stage, ensure you and your wife have adequate health insurance. A base policy plus top-up cover is recommended.

Also, ensure you have term insurance cover until children are settled. This will protect their future in case of any uncertainty. Insurance is a foundation for financial planning.

» Final Insights

You have Rs 50 lakh. You also have responsibilities, a loan, and job risk. If you split the money smartly, you can cover all areas. Keep Rs 12 to 15 lakh for emergency. Reserve Rs 30 lakh for interiors in 2026. Allocate Rs 12 to 15 lakh for children and retirement.

Do not use the whole money for loan closure. Keep liquidity. Balance equity and debt based on timelines. Use actively managed funds through a Certified Financial Planner for long-term goals.

This structured plan will protect you against job loss, secure your daughters’ futures, and strengthen your retirement. You are already disciplined. With the right allocations, you can move forward with confidence.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Sep 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 14, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 63 and retired. I have two flats , one is 25 year old and worth 90 lakh , where as the other is 6 year old and worth 2.5 cr. My monthly expenses are 1.2 lakh and I have a housing loan of Rs 15 lakh . I have no other liability . have almost exhausted all my funds in the bank after job loss during pandemic. Pls suggest which flat to sell and how to invest so that my funds last very long .
Ans: You have shown great strength by managing life even after pandemic struggles. Owning two valuable flats gives you flexibility. Many at your stage worry due to lack of assets. But your properties can be converted into strong retirement support. Let us review step by step.

» Current Situation

– You are 63 and already retired.
– Your monthly expenses are Rs. 1.2 lakh.
– You own two flats.
– One flat is 25 years old, worth Rs. 90 lakh.
– The other is 6 years old, worth Rs. 2.5 crore.
– You have Rs. 15 lakh housing loan left.
– Your bank savings are almost exhausted.
– You have no other liabilities.

This shows you are rich in assets but low in liquidity.

» Monthly Expense Requirement

– Rs. 1.2 lakh per month means Rs. 14.4 lakh per year.
– This is your minimum need today.
– Inflation will push this number higher every few years.
– Without financial income, depending only on rent or sale is risky.

You need a structured way to generate monthly income.

» Which Flat to Sell

– The 25-year-old flat worth Rs. 90 lakh is old.
– Older flats face more repair, maintenance, and lower rental demand.
– Price appreciation is usually slow for very old flats.
– The 6-year-old flat worth Rs. 2.5 crore is newer.
– Newer flats attract better rental income and maintain value longer.
– Liquidity is also higher for newer properties.

So, it is safer to sell the older 25-year-old flat first.

» Why Not Sell the Newer Flat

– Selling the 2.5 crore flat will give you bigger cash.
– But then you will lose a long-term strong asset.
– This property can fetch higher rent in future.
– It can also be useful for family inheritance.
– Keeping the newer property preserves value.
– Selling the smaller flat gives you funds without losing main wealth.

So, keeping the 2.5 crore flat is wise.

» Handling the Housing Loan

– You have Rs. 15 lakh housing loan.
– Interest will eat into your peace if not cleared.
– From sale proceeds of the 90 lakh flat, first clear this loan.
– This gives you a debt-free life.
– Balance funds can then be fully invested for income.

Clearing loan first reduces monthly pressure.

» How to Deploy Sale Proceeds

From Rs. 90 lakh flat sale:

– Rs. 15 lakh for loan closure.
– Balance Rs. 75 lakh available for investment.

Now, this Rs. 75 lakh must give you monthly income plus growth.

» Importance of Balanced Investment

– Do not keep everything in bank deposits.
– Bank interest alone will not beat inflation.
– Do not keep everything in equity either.
– Equity volatility can disturb your monthly income.
– A balanced allocation is needed.

Mixing debt, balanced, and equity mutual funds is safest.

» Mutual Fund Allocation

– Keep a part in debt-oriented funds for steady income.
– Keep a part in balanced funds for growth plus stability.
– Keep a smaller portion in pure equity funds for long-term inflation cover.
– Withdraw monthly from debt or balanced portion.
– Leave equity portion untouched for minimum 8–10 years.

This gives you both cash flow and growth.

» Why Not Index Funds

Some may suggest index funds. But index funds just copy the market.

– They cannot protect you when markets fall.
– They do not have active manager strategy.
– They cannot adjust to sector changes.
– They give average return, not superior return.
– Retirement needs safety and superior growth, not average outcome.

Actively managed funds handled by professionals give better balance. They aim to reduce downside risk.

» Why Not Direct Funds

Direct funds look cheap. But retirement money is not about saving small cost.

– Direct funds give no guidance.
– You may choose wrong funds.
– You may redeem at wrong time.
– Mistakes cost more than saved commission.
– Regular plans through Certified Financial Planner give ongoing support.
– You get right asset mix, withdrawal advice, and tax efficiency.

So, regular route with CFP is safer for retired investors.

» Building Monthly Income Flow

– Keep 12–18 months of expenses in ultra-safe liquid options.
– Use systematic withdrawal from debt-oriented funds for regular income.
– Keep equity untouched for growth.
– Rebalance every year with CFP help.
– This avoids sudden shortage and protects long-term wealth.

Your Rs. 75 lakh can thus support rising monthly needs.

» Tax Planning Angle

– Property sale attracts capital gains tax.
– You can use exemptions if you reinvest in another property.
– But since you already own two, exemption may not suit.
– Better accept tax, pay it, and invest balance smartly.
– Mutual fund withdrawal will attract tax as per new rules.
– Equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt fund gains are taxed as per your slab.

Plan withdrawals carefully to reduce tax impact.

» Rental Income Possibility

– The 2.5 crore flat can earn good rent.
– Rent can support part of your monthly expenses.
– Even if vacant sometimes, your investment income will cover the gap.
– Do not depend fully on rent.
– Treat rent as support, not main source.

This gives you dual income security.

» Emergency Fund

– Keep at least Rs. 8–10 lakh aside in safe account.
– This should not be touched for monthly needs.
– Use only for sudden health or family emergency.
– This avoids breaking long-term investments.

Emergency fund is key in retired life.

» Health and Insurance Needs

– Health cost is biggest risk after 60.
– Ensure you have valid health insurance cover.
– Pay premiums regularly.
– Keep some extra buffer for medical beyond insurance.
– Do not compromise on health-related financial safety.

This protects both wealth and peace of mind.

» Estate Planning

– You have significant property assets.
– Make a proper Will now.
– Assign nominees for all bank and investment accounts.
– Clearly divide your property wishes.
– This avoids disputes for family later.

Proper estate planning is part of complete financial safety.

» Psychological Side of Retirement

– Retirement is not just money.
– You must keep busy with meaningful work.
– Engage in part-time consulting, teaching, or volunteering.
– This reduces mental stress and gives extra income.
– Keep social connections strong.

Peace in retirement is half money, half purpose.

» Finally

Your situation is secure if handled properly. Sell the older 90 lakh flat. Clear your Rs. 15 lakh loan. Invest balance in a mix of debt, balanced, and equity funds through regular plan with CFP guidance. Keep emergency and health cover strong. Use systematic withdrawals to fund Rs. 1.2 lakh expenses. Keep the 2.5 crore flat as your long-term asset and rental support. With this, your money can last for decades and your retirement can remain stress-free.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

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