I need advice on : As i have age of 75 year, can i investment in Shares & Mutual Funds? Any suitable plan of action please

Ans: Hello;

Their are no shortcuts for loan repayment.

You will have keep 6-8 month worth of expense coverage amount separately as emergency fund.

Then you may liquidate FD and gold to partially repay the loan.

Obviously EMI burden will get reduced.

Thus you can direct this saving towards your investments meant for retirement and other financial goals.

Hope you both have sufficient term life insurance. Home loan insurance is preferable,if possible.

Explore the option of porting the loan to other lender who may offer better interest rate.

Best wishes;

Ans: Ahad, Currently, Physics is marked as an additional subject due to the retest (RT) status, with Physical Education as a main subject.

After passing the Physics compartment exam in July, Physics will be restored as a main subject, and Physical Education will become additional.

Clearing the Physics compartment makes you eligible for JEE, as passing Physics, Chemistry, and Maths as main subjects is mandatory. I suggest you, immediately approach your school authorities for further clarification. It is also advisable to keep multiple backup options after completing your RT/12th Grade. Apply to 7–8 other entrance exams and register with private colleges that consider your 12th-grade marks, rather than relying solely on JEE. This approach increases your chances of securing admission and provides more opportunities to choose from. All the best for your bright future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know more on 'Careers | Health | Money | Relationships'.

Ans: Hello;

Please fill composite claim form and submit it to EPFO.

Best wishes

Ans: MIT Manipal (Main Campus): Unlikely to get CSE, IT, or ECE with 94 marks; you may get lower-demand branches if your rank is within their closing cutoffs. Other Campuses: You have a higher chance of getting core branches at Jaipur or Sikkim campuses.
Eligibility: Your 75% in 12th boards is sufficient for eligibility. Recommendation: Wait for your official MET rank and participate in counseling, where you can fill in branch and campus preferences based on your actual rank. It is advisable to have other back-ups too, instead of relying only on MIT. All the best for your admissions!

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Ans: JEE Mains ke through NIT admission ke liye minimum eligibility:
General/OBC/EWS category: Class 12th me 75% marks chahiye (ya phir JEE Main me Top 20 percentile rank apne board me)
SC/ST/PWD category: Minimum 65% marks chahiye 12th me

Aapke 60% hain, to:
Agar aap SC/ST/PWD category se hain, to aap eligible hain


Agar aap General/OBC/EWS category se hain, to aap tabhi eligible honge agar aap Top 20 percentile me hain apne board ke

Ans: Hello Vanshika
B.Sc nursing is in huge demand abroad.

Ans: Hi Naveen
it can be around somewhere 420-250 marks

Ans: You have asked a very important question.

It is good that you are comparing different products before investing.

You are thinking long-term and planning in advance. That is a great habit.

Let us now look at the facts from all angles.

You mentioned HDFC FMP and C2i insurance. Let’s compare these with mutual funds clearly.

Let’s go step by step.

Understanding the Structure of Insurance-Linked Investment Plans
These insurance investment plans combine life insurance with investment.

They may promise tax-free maturity under Section 10(10D).

These plans also usually have guaranteed maturity values or bonus additions.

But the returns are fixed and capped. They mostly fall between 5% to 6%.

There is very low liquidity. You cannot exit before 5 years easily.

If you surrender early, penalties are very high.

You already have a term insurance. So, life cover in these plans is not needed.

Paying Rs. 7.5 lakhs per year for 5 years is a huge commitment.

Once you start, you must continue for full 5 years, else you lose benefits.

These policies are marketed as safe and tax-free.

But inflation can easily beat these kinds of returns over long term.

Even if maturity is tax-free, low growth means less real wealth in hand.

Evaluating Mutual Fund Investment Option (With Tax Impact)
Mutual funds, especially equity-oriented, are linked to the market.

They are not guaranteed. But historically they gave better returns over 10-15 years.

Even after tax, mutual funds can give you more real returns than insurance plans.

The new tax rule says LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakhs is taxed at 12.5%.

Even then, if a mutual fund gives 11% to 13% CAGR, net returns are much better.

You also get liquidity in mutual funds. You can stop, start or withdraw any time.

You can also step up the SIP amount based on your income.

No lock-in, no surrender charges, and no hidden costs.

You already have term insurance. That gives you pure life cover at low cost.

Mutual funds are only for investment. No mixing of life cover and wealth building.

When life cover and investment are separated, both work efficiently.

Comparing C2i + FMP Plan with Mutual Funds
In C2i plan, you will invest total Rs. 37.5 lakhs (7.5 lakhs x 5 years).

You are promised maturity of around Rs. 1.20 crores after 15 years.

This is like 6% return yearly, assuming tax-free payout.

In mutual funds, even if you invest the same Rs. 7.5 lakhs/year for 5 years,

And you stop fresh investment after 5 years, but stay invested till 15 years,

You can expect Rs. 1.80 crore or even more, depending on performance.

Even after tax, net wealth is much higher than insurance plans.

The flexibility and higher wealth creation makes mutual funds the better option.

Do not just look at tax-free maturity. Look at total wealth creation also.

Insurance is not meant to build wealth. Its only role is to protect life.

You already have term cover. So no extra cover is needed.

Your insurance should protect your family, not your investment goals.

Tax Confusion Should Not Cloud Long-Term Returns
Many people choose insurance plans just to avoid tax.

But they ignore the very low returns of these plans.

A mutual fund taxed at 12.5% can still beat insurance maturity.

For example, if you gain Rs. 10 lakhs in MF, tax is Rs. 1.25 lakh only.

But the remaining Rs. 8.75 lakhs is still more than what insurance plans give.

Long term compounding in mutual funds creates much more wealth.

Tax saving should never be the only reason for investment.

A Certified Financial Planner will always prioritise post-tax, real returns.

That helps you achieve your goals without compromise.

Key Gaps in Insurance-Linked Plans for Long-Term Wealth
Liquidity is poor. Your money is locked.

Returns are low. Real wealth does not grow fast.

Cannot stop premiums mid-way. You lose if you do.

Surrender charges are heavy.

Product structure is complex. Not fully transparent.

Sales people pitch it as tax-free, but ignore inflation impact.

No flexibility to change based on goals.

Policy benefits may not match future needs.

It is one-size-fits-all plan. No customisation is possible.

Why Mutual Funds Remain Most Efficient and Flexible
You can build a portfolio of large cap, mid cap, small cap and multi-cap.

You can change funds if performance drops.

You can pause SIP or withdraw if needed.

You can invest regularly, lumpsum or both.

You can align investments with your goals like retirement, child education, etc.

You can start with lower amount and increase later.

You can also reduce risk slowly as you get older.

Goal-based planning is possible only with mutual funds.

You can track performance any time online.

Regular funds through Certified Financial Planner give personalised service also.

Why Direct Funds Are Not Recommended
Many investors try to save commission by going direct.

But they miss out on review, correction, and expert help.

Wrong fund selection can hurt your goal badly.

Regular funds via Certified Financial Planner ensure you get continuous guidance.

Emotional decisions can ruin returns. Regular plan helps avoid this.

Review, rebalancing and advice is more important than small saving in cost.

Direct fund cost saving is small. But loss due to wrong move can be big.

Certified Financial Planner will guide you in every stage.

That service adds much more value than the small cost of regular funds.

Insurance Policies Like C2i Are Not Designed for Wealth Creation
Their focus is on death benefit, not high returns.

They mix investment with insurance. That reduces both benefits.

The cost structure is complex and opaque.

Once you invest, you lose control for many years.

Exit before maturity brings penalties.

You are forced to stay even if performance is poor.

Sales pitch focuses on tax saving and maturity amount.

But rarely show comparison with mutual funds.

Your long-term financial goals need better growth and flexibility.

What You Should Do
Continue your existing term insurance policy. That is important.

Avoid any new insurance-linked investment. It adds burden, not benefit.

Start or increase investment in mutual funds instead.

Use a mix of multicap, midcap and small cap for long term.

Do goal-based planning – for retirement, child education and emergencies.

Avoid being trapped by tax-free maturity or fixed return offers.

Always ask – is this helping my goal? Or just giving peace of mind?

Tax can be managed. But loss in wealth due to low returns can’t be recovered.

Invest with flexibility, liquidity and guidance.

Final Insights
Your instincts are correct. Mutual funds have more long-term wealth potential.

Do not mix investment and insurance. Keep them separate always.

C2i and FMP look attractive now. But they limit future opportunities.

Tax-free is good. But only when returns are also strong.

Mutual funds, with help from Certified Financial Planner, give clarity and control.

Flexibility, better returns and goal-based investing always win in the long run.

Make your money work harder for your child’s future and your retirement.

Avoid locking large money in rigid, fixed return products.

Mutual funds give you the power to grow, adapt and win financially.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

Ans: You have shown good intent by selling gold and clearing your debts.

Still, this new flat purchase needs careful review from all angles.

Let us assess your full situation and suggest a balanced, long-term approach.

This answer looks at every part of your current financial life.

Current Home and Existing Loan
Your current flat was bought for Rs.67 lakhs four years back.

Out of that, you took a loan of Rs.50 lakhs.

The current rental income is around Rs.20,000 per month.

This rent gives about Rs.2.4 lakh per year.

Rental yield is quite low in comparison to your loan EMI.

Real estate often gives rental returns of only 2–3% per year.

But your home loan interest is around 8%–9% yearly.

This gap creates a burden on your cash flow.

Keeping this flat only for rent may not be financially helpful.

Your Salary and Existing Loan Burden
Your total salary is Rs.1.6 lakh per month.

That is good, but needs proper budget management.

You already have one home loan and one car loan.

A second home loan of Rs.80 lakh will be a big load.

Two home loans and one car loan will stretch your EMI ratio.

Your EMI commitment may cross 60% of salary.

This makes day-to-day life stressful and risky.

Banks also limit eligibility if EMIs cross 50–60% of salary.

New Flat Plan – Is It Suitable Now?
You are planning a flat of Rs.95 lakh with Rs.80 lakh loan.

This is a big jump from your earlier flat price.

Loan EMI alone may be around Rs.65,000 to Rs.70,000 per month.

Managing this EMI along with old loan EMI and car EMI is difficult.

Plus, other expenses, bills, and savings will also need cash.

Property tax, maintenance, and interiors will need extra funds.

With your current salary, this may cause heavy strain.

And if job loss or emergency happens, the risk is high.

It is better to delay this second flat unless cash flow improves.

Keeping or Selling Existing Flat – What Is Better?
The rental income of Rs.20,000 is very low against the cost.

EMI, maintenance, and tax on that flat reduce actual returns.

Also, resale value after 4 years may not be very high now.

Selling the flat can help reduce your home loan burden.

You can use the sale amount to reduce new flat loan or invest.

Or, if you cancel new flat purchase, use funds for better financial goals.

Think about whether you need two flats at this stage.

A second flat gives low returns and blocks your liquidity.

Instead, one good home and mutual fund investments give better results.

Alternative to Property – What You Can Do Instead
With your surplus from salary, start investing in mutual funds.

Mutual funds are flexible, tax-efficient, and transparent.

Returns from mutual funds over long term are higher than rent.

You can start SIPs as per your risk level and goal duration.

Equity mutual funds help in wealth building.

Hybrid and debt mutual funds support safe and steady growth.

Please use regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid direct mutual funds. They give no review or correction support.

Direct funds also cause wrong asset mix and poor fund selection.

Gold Sale and Use of Funds – Was It Wise?
You sold gold worth Rs.25 lakh and cleared debts.

That was a good step. You have reduced bad loans smartly.

But don’t use all your assets for property again.

It is important to keep a balance across asset classes.

Use some gold money for liquid funds or emergency corpus.

Use part for mutual fund investments based on future goals.

Avoid repeating same mistake of taking high loan again.

Emergency Reserve and Liquidity Planning
Every family must keep 6–9 months of expenses as emergency fund.

This must be in liquid mutual funds or bank deposits.

If all money is in property, you can't access during emergency.

So, avoid locking all savings into the second flat.

Liquidity is safety. Not having cash causes problems even with assets.

Build an emergency fund of Rs.3–4 lakh minimum.

Car Loan – Should You Clear or Continue?
You also have a car loan now.

This is a depreciating asset. It does not grow in value.

Try to close this loan early if possible.

Paying high interest for car EMI reduces your savings.

Don't upgrade car or take new loan unless income rises.

Family and Future Needs – Are They Covered?
Property alone cannot secure your future.

You need to plan for child’s education, retirement, and emergencies.

Insurance protection is also needed for your family.

Take proper health insurance and term insurance.

Don’t rely only on property as financial backup.

Mutual fund SIPs and debt funds give support for long-term goals.

Important Financial Ratios to Watch
EMI to salary ratio should be under 40%.

Loan to asset value should not cross 60%.

Your current plan crosses both these limits.

Two home loans and a car loan may block your growth.

Keep your fixed obligations flexible and manageable.

What You Can Do Now – Practical Steps
Postpone the second flat purchase for now.

Recheck your actual need and affordability.

Consider selling the first flat if it has poor rental yield.

Reduce loan burden and improve monthly cash flow.

Build strong SIPs and liquid investments.

Don’t lock all assets in property and loans.

Close car loan if funds allow.

Keep emergency cash ready in liquid funds.

Do not buy any more real estate unless income doubles.

Finally
You are financially aware and want to grow smartly.

But growth should not come with pressure and debt risk.

A second flat may look attractive but may block your liquidity.

Wealth creation should focus on balance, not just ownership.

Mutual funds give better flexibility and higher long-term returns.

Keep reviewing your goals with a Certified Financial Planner.

Stay invested, stay liquid, and stay peaceful.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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