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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2025

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
Bharath Question by Bharath on May 12, 2025
Money

Hi sir I have 9 lakhs personal lone give me some tips to close the personal lone

Ans: A personal loan of Rs. 9 lakh can feel stressful.
But with proper steps, it can be closed faster.

Here are smart, simple tips to help you close it early.

Know Your Loan Details Clearly
Check interest rate, EMI, and tenure.

Know the outstanding principal amount.

Note if any prepayment charges apply.

This gives clarity for planning the next steps.

Create a Short-Term Goal
Set a clear target to close the loan.

Aim for closure in 18 to 24 months.

Keep the goal visible. This builds focus.

Start a Loan Prepayment Fund
Open a separate savings account.

Put any bonus, gift, or windfall here.

Add Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000 every month.

This fund helps you part-pay regularly.

Cut Down on Unnecessary Expenses
Review monthly spending habits.

Cut online shopping, dining out, and gadgets.

Save and use the extra for prepayment.

This sacrifice is temporary but powerful.

Increase EMI If Possible
Speak with your bank to revise EMI.

Even Rs. 2,000 extra can reduce tenure.

Small increase now means big savings later.

Prepay Every Quarter
Don’t wait for large amounts.

Prepay even Rs. 20,000 each quarter.

It reduces principal and interest burden.

Consistency is more important than size.

Use Extra Income Wisely
Use bonuses, incentives, or gifts to repay.

Don’t spend them on lifestyle upgrades.

Focus on freedom from debt first.

Avoid Taking Any New Loan
Don't apply for credit cards or loans.

Keep your financial focus sharp.

New loans will delay your current closure.

Sell Idle Assets If Needed
If you have gold, old electronics, or bike, sell.

Use the money to pay down the loan.

Debt-free life is more peaceful than unused things.

Avoid Just Paying EMI Alone
EMI only keeps you going.

Prepayments are what end the loan.

Make it your top priority.

Stay Motivated and Track Progress
Write down your loan goal in your room.

Track how much you reduced each month.

Celebrate small wins. They boost confidence.

Finally
A personal loan is high-cost debt.
Closing it early gives peace and savings.

Use every extra rupee wisely.
Avoid lifestyle inflation and temptations.

Be focused, consistent, and disciplined.
You will soon be free from this Rs. 9 lakh loan.

Once free, start building your future wealth.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 28, 2024

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Money
I am having 25 lakh loan for 18 years and want to close it as early as possible
Ans: Strategies to Close Your Loan Early
Congratulations on your decision to close your loan early. Reducing debt quickly can save you a significant amount of money in interest and improve your financial flexibility. Here’s a structured plan to help you achieve this goal.

1. Understanding Your Loan Details
First, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of your loan:

Principal Amount: Rs 25 lakh
Loan Tenure: 18 years
Interest Rate: (Assumed at your current rate)
Knowing these details will help you calculate the total interest you would pay over the loan term and the benefits of prepayment.

2. Assess Your Financial Situation
Evaluate your current financial position to determine how much extra you can allocate towards loan repayment:

Monthly Income
Monthly Expenses
Savings and Investments
Emergency Fund
Ensuring you have an adequate emergency fund is crucial before diverting extra funds towards loan repayment.

3. Create a Budget
Develop a budget that prioritizes loan repayment. Identify discretionary expenses that can be reduced or eliminated to free up additional funds.

4. Increase EMI Payments
One of the most effective ways to reduce your loan tenure is by increasing your Equated Monthly Installments (EMIs). Even a small increase can significantly shorten the loan term and reduce the total interest paid.

5. Make Lump Sum Payments
Whenever you receive extra funds, such as bonuses, tax refunds, or other windfalls, consider making lump sum payments towards your loan principal. This can drastically reduce your outstanding loan balance and interest burden.

6. Prepayment Options
Check with your lender regarding prepayment options and any associated penalties. Most home loans allow partial prepayments without penalties. Regular partial prepayments can significantly reduce your loan tenure.

7. Consider Refinancing
If your current loan has a high interest rate, consider refinancing to a loan with a lower interest rate. This can reduce your monthly EMIs and overall interest payments, allowing you to close the loan faster.

8. Utilize Savings Wisely
Consider using a portion of your low-yield savings or investments to make prepayments on your loan. However, ensure you do not deplete your emergency fund or disrupt long-term investment goals.

9. Track Your Progress
Regularly track your loan repayment progress. Use online loan calculators to see the impact of extra payments on your loan tenure and interest savings.

10. Stay Disciplined
Staying disciplined with your budget and repayment plan is crucial. Avoid taking on new debt and prioritize loan repayment to achieve your goal of closing the loan early.

Conclusion
By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce your loan tenure and interest burden, achieving financial freedom sooner. Early loan repayment requires discipline, planning, and prioritizing your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 17, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, Im 25 years old working in IT having salary around 1 Lac per month, O have started my retirement planning thorough PPF,NPS and having safety of health emergency by term and health plans (self and parents). However I have debt of 10 Lacs personal loan which iam planning to repay in 2 years with combination of chit fund (5L)and mutual fund not sure how much to keep every month for closing it in 2 years. Kindly guide me sir
Ans: Understanding Your Financial Position
Firstly, congratulations on starting your retirement planning early. At 25, you have a significant advantage by investing in PPF and NPS. These investments will compound over time, providing a robust retirement corpus. Additionally, having health and term insurance for yourself and your parents is a prudent step towards ensuring financial safety during emergencies.

However, the personal loan of Rs 10 lakh is a considerable debt burden. Planning to repay it in two years is ambitious but achievable with disciplined financial management.

Current Financial Setup
Let's break down your current financial situation:

Monthly Salary: Rs 1 lakh
Personal Loan: Rs 10 lakh
Retirement Investments: PPF, NPS
Insurance: Health and term plans
Debt Repayment Plan: Using chit funds (Rs 5 lakh) and mutual funds
Your goal is to repay the personal loan within two years while maintaining your existing financial commitments. This requires a strategic approach to budgeting, saving, and investing.

Debt Repayment Strategy
Repaying Rs 10 lakh in two years means you need to repay approximately Rs 5 lakh per year. This translates to around Rs 41,666 per month.

Step-by-Step Debt Repayment Plan
1. Create a Detailed Budget

Start by creating a detailed monthly budget. List all your income sources and expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can cut costs and allocate more towards loan repayment.

2. Allocate Monthly Savings

Set aside a specific amount each month exclusively for debt repayment. Aim for Rs 41,666, but adjust based on your monthly budget.

3. Use Chit Fund Wisely

Chit funds can be useful, but they come with risks. Ensure the chit fund you invest in is reliable and well-managed. Use the chit fund to generate a lump sum for loan repayment. However, don't rely solely on this; complement it with other savings and investments.

4. Invest in Mutual Funds

Invest in mutual funds to generate returns that can aid in repaying the loan. Choose actively managed funds, which offer the potential for higher returns compared to index funds. Invest through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for expert guidance and regular portfolio management.

Balancing Investments and Debt Repayment
While repaying debt, it’s crucial not to neglect your other financial goals. Here's how to balance between investments and debt repayment:

1. Prioritize High-Interest Debt

Focus on repaying high-interest debt first. Personal loans usually come with high-interest rates, so prioritize them over other lower-interest obligations.

2. Continue Retirement Investments

Don’t stop your PPF and NPS contributions. These long-term investments are crucial for your retirement planning. Allocate a smaller portion of your salary towards these while prioritizing debt repayment.

3. Emergency Fund

Ensure you maintain an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least six months of living expenses. It provides financial security during unexpected situations without the need to dip into your investments.

Detailed Monthly Plan
Here’s a suggested breakdown of your monthly salary:

1. Debt Repayment: Rs 41,666

This is the primary allocation towards repaying your personal loan within two years.

2. Retirement Investments: Rs 10,000

Continue contributing to your PPF and NPS. This will ensure your long-term financial goals stay on track.

3. Emergency Fund: Rs 5,000

Allocate a small amount each month to build or maintain your emergency fund.

4. Living Expenses: Rs 30,000

Budget your monthly living expenses carefully. Cut unnecessary costs to allocate more towards debt repayment.

5. Mutual Fund Investment: Rs 10,000

Invest in mutual funds through a CFP. Choose funds that align with your risk profile and financial goals.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Actively managed funds are handled by professional fund managers who aim to outperform the market. These managers make strategic investment decisions based on market conditions and opportunities. This can potentially provide higher returns compared to index funds, which merely replicate the market index.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct mutual funds have lower expense ratios but require significant financial knowledge and time commitment. Managing these funds without professional guidance can lead to suboptimal investment decisions. Investing through a CFP ensures professional management and alignment with your financial goals.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Regularly review your financial plan. Market conditions and personal circumstances can change, necessitating adjustments. A CFP can help with ongoing portfolio management and ensure your investments are on track to meet your goals.

Financial Discipline
Maintaining financial discipline is key. Stick to your budget, avoid unnecessary expenses, and ensure timely debt repayments. This will help you achieve your goal of repaying the personal loan within two years while continuing to invest for the future.

Risk Management
Manage risks by diversifying your investments. Don’t put all your money into high-risk investments. Balance between debt, equity, and other asset classes to safeguard your principal amount and achieve steady returns.

Tax Efficiency
Consider the tax implications of your investments. Short-term capital gains on equity investments held for less than one year are taxed at 15%. Debt fund returns are taxed based on your income tax slab if held for less than three years. A CFP can help you optimize your investments for tax efficiency.

Final Insights
Repaying a Rs 10 lakh personal loan in two years while maintaining your investments is challenging but achievable. Create a detailed budget, prioritize high-interest debt, and allocate monthly savings towards repayment. Use chit funds and mutual funds strategically, and continue your retirement contributions. Maintain an emergency fund and manage risks through diversification. Regularly review and adjust your financial plan with the help of a Certified Financial Planner. By following these strategies, you can achieve your financial goals without compromising on long-term investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 31, 2024

Listen
Money
My name is mushataq ahmad 47 years of age having solitary daughter aged around 15 years .I have my own ancestral home I have monthly income of 25 thousand rupees and further having a liability of 13 lakh of banks how to get rid of that
Ans: You are 47 years old, with a 15-year-old daughter. You have an ancestral home and a monthly income of Rs 25,000. You also have a bank liability of Rs 13 lakhs.

Evaluating Your Financial Situation
Income Analysis: Your monthly income is Rs 25,000. We need to allocate this wisely.

Debt Concern: The bank liability of Rs 13 lakhs is significant. Reducing this should be a priority.

Future Planning: Planning for your daughter’s education and your retirement is essential.

Steps to Reduce Debt
Budgeting: Create a monthly budget. Track all your expenses and identify areas to cut costs.

Debt Repayment Plan: Allocate a fixed amount each month towards loan repayment. Consistency is key.

Prioritise High-Interest Loans: Focus on repaying loans with the highest interest first. This reduces the overall interest burden.

Boosting Income
Additional Income Sources: Look for additional income opportunities. Part-time jobs or freelancing can help.

Skills Upgrade: Consider learning new skills. This can lead to better job opportunities and higher income.

Investment Strategy
Emergency Fund: Maintain an emergency fund. This should cover 6 months of expenses for unforeseen circumstances.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Start SIPs in actively managed equity mutual funds. These offer potential for higher returns.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Invest in PPF for long-term savings. It offers tax benefits and guaranteed returns.

Avoiding Index and Direct Funds
Actively Managed Funds: These funds have professional managers. They make strategic decisions to maximise returns.

Regular Funds Through CFP: Investing through a Certified Financial Planner ensures expert advice and better fund selection.

Education Planning for Daughter
Child Education Plan: Start a dedicated fund for your daughter’s education. Regular contributions will grow over time.

Scholarship Opportunities: Explore scholarship options for your daughter. This can reduce future education expenses.

Retirement Planning
Retirement Fund: Start a retirement fund with long-term growth investments. SIPs in equity mutual funds can be effective.

Review Existing Policies: If you have LIC or ULIP policies, evaluate their performance. Consider surrendering underperforming policies and reinvesting in mutual funds.

Managing Expenses
Frugal Living: Adopt a frugal lifestyle. Prioritise needs over wants.

Avoid Unnecessary Debt: Avoid taking on new loans. Focus on clearing existing liabilities first.

Closing Remarks
Reducing debt, increasing income, and strategic investments will improve your financial health. Regular reviews and adjustments are key to staying on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |602 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jun 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2025
Relationship
Why do men ghost after sex? I met this amazing guy on Hinge. He was 27, well-mannered, and worked in a data firm in Mumbai. We spoke daily for three months and had amazing chemistry. From music to food, we discussed everything under the sun. We went on a couple of dates to get to know each other. When we got comfortable, we got intimate and eventually had consensual s** at his friend's house party. One week after we got intimate, he just vanished. No replies, no calls. It was my first time, so I kept wondering if I had done something wrong to upset him. My friend says it could be post-intimacy guilt. But I feel embarrassed, ashamed. I can't shake off the shame. Did I move too fast? Is this how dating works now? How can I go back to feeling normal again?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am really sorry you are going through this. What happened is just as confusing as it is hurtful. Let’s get one thing straight, you did nothing wrong. You are not at fault here. Nothing you could’ve done or said should or could cause this reaction.
Coming to your first question, it is very difficult to answer it without generalizing all men. But some of the most reasons for this could be:
He got what he wanted. It sounds crass but in most cases, this is the truth. He had no intentions of being more than just that.
He might be avoiding responsibility. He didn’t want more, and the mature thing would have been to sit down and have that discussion with you. But, maturity isn’t easy and he chose the easy route, that is to ghost. His decision to disappear is a reflection of his nature, not yours.
Coming to what your friend said, it could be that too, but the chances are slim. Some men do feel overwhelmed but disappearing for over a week is a stretch. Again, it’s his unreadiness to feel so many emotions, not yours.
Now, I want to gently nudge you towards one thing: you said you feel ashamed. Shame creeps in when you hold yourself accountable for someone else’s actions. And also due to societal prejudice. Keep both aside, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. Did you move too fast? To be honest, there is no fast or slow in these things. There’s no set timeline. You did what you felt was right in the moment. And you were ready to step up, but he went MIA. The entire unfortunate turnout is not because of your pace but his lack of respect. Even if he comes up with a good enough reason for this disappearing act, I still want you to remember that not even for a second, you had anything to create this situation.


I hope this helps.

...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.

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