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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7828 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 15, 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
Surendra Question by Surendra on Jul 01, 2024Hindi
Money

My age is 59. I am retiring soon. I will get a pension of around 40,000/- per month. I will get a total corpse of around 90 Lakh from the employer. My present monthly expenditure is around 50,000/-. How can this fund be managed to survive in a better way in the future?

Ans: At 59 years old, retirement is just around the corner for you. You will receive a pension of Rs. 40,000 per month and a lump sum of Rs. 90 lakhs from your employer. Your current monthly expenditure is Rs. 50,000. The goal is to manage these funds efficiently to ensure a comfortable and secure retirement.

Investment Objective
You aim to invest a lump sum to build a corpus of Rs. 5 crores over 10 years. This is an ambitious yet achievable goal. It requires careful planning and strategic investments.

Advantages of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds can potentially deliver higher returns. The fund manager actively selects stocks to outperform the market. This is crucial for achieving your investment goals.

ICICI Funds: A Reliable Choice
ICICI Mutual Funds are known for their robust performance and strong track record. They offer a variety of schemes suitable for long-term investment. Their expertise and active management can help achieve your corpus goal.

How Much to Invest?
To reach a corpus of Rs. 5 crores in 10 years, a substantial initial investment is needed. This depends on the expected rate of return. Historically, actively managed equity funds have delivered 12-15% annual returns.

Diversifying Your Portfolio
Diversification is key to managing risk and enhancing returns. Investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and sectoral funds can provide a balanced portfolio. ICICI offers a range of funds across these categories.

Large-Cap Funds
Large-cap funds invest in established companies with stable performance. They offer relatively lower risk and steady returns. This should form a core part of your portfolio.

Mid-Cap Funds
Mid-cap funds invest in medium-sized companies with high growth potential. These funds can deliver higher returns, albeit with higher risk. Including mid-cap funds can enhance your portfolio's growth prospects.

Sectoral and Thematic Funds
Sectoral funds focus on specific industries like technology, healthcare, or finance. Thematic funds invest based on themes like consumption or innovation. These funds can provide high returns if the sector or theme performs well.

Benefits of Regular Funds Through a Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional guidance. Regular funds come with expert advice, helping you navigate market complexities. This personalized approach can optimize your investment strategy.

Importance of Asset Allocation
Proper asset allocation balances risk and return. A mix of equity and debt investments is essential. While equity funds drive growth, debt funds provide stability and income.

Role of Debt Funds
Debt funds invest in fixed-income securities like bonds and treasury bills. They offer stable returns and lower risk. Including debt funds can safeguard your portfolio during market volatility.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
An SWP allows you to withdraw a fixed amount regularly from your investment. This can supplement your pension and cover monthly expenses. It ensures a steady cash flow without depleting your capital.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This provides a financial cushion for unexpected situations. It should be invested in liquid or short-term debt funds for easy access.

Tax Planning
Investments in mutual funds offer tax benefits. Long-term capital gains from equity funds are taxed at 10% above Rs. 1 lakh. Debt funds are taxed at 20% with indexation benefits. Proper tax planning can enhance your net returns.

Reviewing Your Investments
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Monitor fund performance and make adjustments as needed. This ensures your investments stay aligned with your goals.

Complementary Investments
While mutual funds are a primary investment, consider other options. Public Provident Fund (PPF) and National Pension System (NPS) offer tax benefits and secure returns. They can complement your mutual fund investments.

Managing Post-Retirement Funds
Your Rs. 90 lakh corpus should be managed to generate regular income. A mix of mutual funds, fixed deposits, and government schemes can provide stability and growth.

Fixed Deposits (FDs)
FDs offer assured returns and capital protection. They can provide a steady income stream. However, returns are generally lower than mutual funds.

Government Schemes
Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) and Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) offer attractive interest rates. They provide secure and regular income for retirees.

Health Insurance
Ensure adequate health insurance coverage. Medical expenses can significantly impact your finances. A comprehensive health insurance policy can protect you and your family.

Estate Planning
Plan your estate to ensure your assets are distributed as per your wishes. This includes making a will and considering other estate planning tools.


Your foresight in planning for retirement is commendable. It's wise to consider professional guidance to manage your investments effectively.


Retirement planning can be overwhelming. It's important to feel secure about your financial future. A well-structured plan can provide peace of mind and financial stability.

Final Insights
Achieving a corpus of Rs. 5 crores in 10 years is feasible with strategic planning. Investing in a diversified portfolio of ICICI mutual funds can help you reach this goal. Regular reviews and adjustments ensure your investments stay on track. Your upcoming retirement needs careful management of the Rs. 90 lakh corpus and pension. Balancing growth and income is crucial for a comfortable retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7828 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 01, 2024Hindi
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Hello Sir I have NPS 25 Lakhs EPF 23 Lakhs. I will get Gratuity 12 lakhs and Leave encashment 15 lakhs. No FD No PPF no mutual fund. I need atleast 60 k pension. I will be retiring on 2026. How to manage this ?
Ans: You’re planning to retire in 2026 and need Rs. 60,000 monthly as a pension. Let's assess your situation and build a robust retirement strategy.

Current Financial Standing
NPS (National Pension System): Rs. 25 lakhs

EPF (Employees' Provident Fund): Rs. 23 lakhs

Gratuity: Rs. 12 lakhs

Leave Encashment: Rs. 15 lakhs

These assets are solid building blocks for your retirement. However, you have no Fixed Deposits, PPF, or mutual funds, which limits your portfolio’s diversity. Let’s explore how to efficiently utilize these funds to meet your pension needs.

Assessing Your Pension Requirement
You aim for a Rs. 60,000 monthly pension post-retirement. This amount should cover your living expenses, healthcare, and any other financial commitments you might have. Considering inflation, this pension needs to last for at least 20-25 years or more.

Structuring Your Retirement Portfolio
Diversification is crucial to managing risk and ensuring stable returns. Here’s how you can structure your portfolio:

1. NPS and EPF Utilization
NPS Corpus: At retirement, you can withdraw up to 60% of the NPS corpus as a lump sum and the remaining 40% must be used to purchase an annuity.

EPF Corpus: You can withdraw the entire EPF corpus as a lump sum at retirement. This corpus can act as your base for creating a stable income stream.

2. Gratuity and Leave Encashment Deployment
Your gratuity and leave encashment together amount to Rs. 27 lakhs. These can be strategically invested in instruments that offer both growth and stability.

3. Invest in Monthly Income Plans (MIPs)
MIPs are mutual funds designed to provide regular monthly income. You can allocate a portion of your gratuity and leave encashment towards these. MIPs usually have a balanced mix of equity and debt, offering both growth and periodic payouts.

4. Create a Fixed Income Stream
Consider investing in Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) or Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS) once you retire. These instruments provide regular monthly income with relatively lower risk.

Managing the Inflation Impact
Inflation will erode the purchasing power of your Rs. 60,000 pension over time. To combat this, you need to ensure that a portion of your investments is in growth-oriented assets.

1. Balanced Mutual Funds
Balanced mutual funds offer a mix of equity and debt, providing growth potential while managing risk. They can help you beat inflation over the long term. Consider systematic withdrawals from these funds to supplement your pension.

2. Step-Up SIPs for Growth
If you start investing now in equity mutual funds through SIPs, you can accumulate a corpus that will help increase your pension in later years. Step-up SIPs, where you increase your investment amount annually, can be particularly beneficial.

3. Dynamic Asset Allocation
Adopt a dynamic asset allocation strategy. This involves shifting between equity and debt based on market conditions and your financial goals. It helps in optimizing returns while managing risks.

Emergency Fund Maintenance
Retirement can bring unexpected expenses. Ensure you have an emergency fund equivalent to at least 6-12 months of living expenses. This should be kept in liquid assets like a savings account or liquid mutual funds.

Health Insurance Planning
Health expenses can be a major financial burden post-retirement. Ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage. Since you’ll be retiring soon, check if you can increase your health cover. Additionally, you can consider a super top-up plan for added coverage.

Estate Planning and Nomination
It’s essential to have a clear estate plan to ensure your assets are transferred smoothly to your beneficiaries. Nominate your family members on all financial instruments and consider writing a will.

Regular Review and Monitoring
Retirement planning is not a one-time task. Regularly review your portfolio and financial plan to ensure it’s on track to meet your goals. Adjust your investments based on market conditions and life changes.

Best Practices for a Secure Retirement
Start Early: The sooner you begin investing, the more time your money has to grow.

Diversify: Don’t rely on a single investment type. Diversification reduces risk.

Stay Informed: Keep up with changes in financial regulations, tax benefits, and market trends.

Managing Debt and Expenses
You didn’t mention any current debts, which is positive. However, ensure that you don’t take on new loans close to retirement. Plan your expenses meticulously, focusing on essential spending.

Balancing Risk and Returns
As you approach retirement, it’s wise to gradually shift from high-risk investments to more stable ones. However, don’t avoid equities entirely, as they help in combating inflation.

Finally
You’re on the right track with your NPS, EPF, and other savings. To achieve a Rs. 60,000 monthly pension, diversify your investments and focus on both income generation and growth. Regularly review your financial plan and stay informed about market trends.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7828 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 11, 2024Hindi
Money
I m 38 female. Earning 50k. Monthly expenses 25k including sip of 5k . Axis focused fund 3k, Nippon India value fund 2k. I expect to get 50k every month after retirement at the age of 58. My salary is not on time, not every month, in a year 6 months regular 6 months irregular with the gap of 4 months. How do I plan my finances
Ans: It’s great to see that you’re actively planning for your future. Managing finances with an irregular income can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can achieve your goals. Let's dive into how you can plan your finances effectively.

Current Financial Overview
You have a steady income of Rs 50,000 when paid, with monthly expenses of Rs 25,000. Your SIP investments are in place with Rs 5,000 allocated to Axis Focused Fund and Nippon India Value Fund. Your goal is to have Rs 50,000 monthly after retirement at age 58. Given the irregularity of your income, planning becomes even more crucial.

Understanding Mutual Funds
Mutual funds pool money from many investors to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, or other securities. They are managed by professionals and offer a range of benefits.

Categories of Mutual Funds:

Equity Funds: These invest in stocks. They offer higher returns but come with higher risks.
Debt Funds: These invest in fixed-income securities like bonds. They are safer but provide lower returns.
Hybrid Funds: These mix stocks and bonds, offering a balance of risk and return.
ELSS Funds: These are equity funds offering tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
Advantages of Mutual Funds:

Diversification: Spreads risk by investing in various securities.
Professional Management: Expert fund managers handle investments.
Liquidity: Easy to buy and sell.
Tax Benefits: Certain funds offer tax deductions.
Risks of Mutual Funds:

Market Risk: Investment value can fluctuate with market conditions.
Interest Rate Risk: Affects debt funds when interest rates change.
Credit Risk: Risk of bond issuers defaulting.
Power of Compounding
Compounding is when your earnings generate more earnings. This process, over time, can significantly boost your wealth. By investing regularly, you can harness the power of compounding to meet your financial goals.

Regular Funds vs. Direct Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Lack of Guidance: Missing out on professional advice from a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
Time-Consuming: Requires constant monitoring.
Risk of Mistakes: Higher chance of poor investment decisions without expert guidance.
Benefits of Regular Funds:

Professional Advice: Access to expert financial planners.
Convenience: Less time and effort required from you.
Better Risk Management: Expert guidance helps in managing risks effectively.
Planning for Financial Goals
Monthly Budget and Expense Management:

You have monthly expenses of Rs 25,000, including Rs 5,000 in SIPs. It's essential to manage your budget carefully, especially during months when your income is irregular.

Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund to cover at least six months of expenses. This ensures you have a financial cushion during the months when your salary is irregular.

Expense Tracking: Track your expenses diligently. Identify areas where you can cut costs and save more.

Investment Strategy:

Your current SIPs in Axis Focused Fund and Nippon India Value Fund are a good start. However, given your goal and irregular income, diversification is key.

Increase SIPs: Whenever your salary is regular, consider increasing your SIPs. Even small increments can have a significant impact over time.

Diversify Investments: Consider adding a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds to your portfolio. This helps balance risk and return.

Regular Review: Regularly review your portfolio with a CFP to ensure it aligns with your goals and market conditions.

Retirement Planning
Target Corpus:

You aim to get Rs 50,000 per month after retirement at age 58. This requires careful planning and disciplined investing.

Retirement Corpus Calculation: Work with a CFP to calculate the exact corpus needed to generate Rs 50,000 monthly. This will consider inflation and expected returns.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP): Post-retirement, you can set up an SWP from your mutual funds to get a regular income. This ensures a steady cash flow while keeping your investments growing.

Health Insurance:

Ensure you have adequate health insurance. Medical expenses can be a significant burden post-retirement, and having good health coverage can protect your savings.

Addressing Income Irregularity
Managing Irregular Income:

Since your income is irregular, financial discipline is crucial.

Save During Good Months: During months when you receive your salary, save a higher percentage to cover the months when your income is irregular.

Flexible Investments: Consider investing in liquid funds or short-term debt funds. These offer better returns than a savings account and can be easily liquidated when needed.

Budget Adjustments: Adjust your budget during lean months. Focus on essential expenses and cut back on non-essentials.

Side Income:

Consider exploring ways to generate a side income. This could be through freelancing, part-time work, or monetizing a hobby. A side income can help bridge the gap during months when your salary is delayed.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Real Estate:

Avoid investing in real estate for now. It’s illiquid and involves high transaction costs, which can strain your finances.

High-Risk Investments:

Avoid high-risk investments like direct stocks or volatile schemes. Stick to diversified mutual funds for steady growth.

Debt Management:

Ensure you have minimal debt. High-interest debts can erode your savings and impact your financial stability.

Final Insights
You've made commendable progress with your SIPs and managing expenses. Continue to focus on disciplined investing, diversify your portfolio, and consult with a CFP regularly. Your goal of achieving Rs 50,000 monthly post-retirement is achievable with careful planning and consistent efforts. Stay proactive and adapt your strategy as needed to navigate your income irregularities.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  |971 Answers  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 28, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 22, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello sir. I am 46 have plan to retire in 6 months. Current expenditure 90k including child education two kids with 13 years and 7 years. I have 1 cr fund fd+ 1 cr epf + 30lakh in ppf + 70 lakh in mf. I am expecting every year 3 to 4 lakh as travel additional expense. I need to take care my parents both 70 and 80 age. I have 2 cr asset house. Let me know how much more fund required and how to manage this fund till next 35 years.
Ans: Hello;

You should have a minimum corpus of 5 Cr. in a moderate risk equity savings type mutual fund for eg Kotak equity savings fund.

Then you can begin SWP at the rate of 3% leading to monthly income of around 1.25 L(pre-tax).

Assuming 9% return from the scheme, despite the 3% SWP, the corpus will grow in line with inflation (6%) so as to protect against the same for a long tenure of 35 years. Of course the returns on an average are assumed to be 9% but in reality they could be 12% or even 5% some year.

Your kids will need funds for their higher education in 5 and 10 years timeframe from now which you need to account for, as well.

Get your parents enrolled for Aayushman Bharat scheme as it is now applicable to all senior citizens above 70.

Plus also ensure good term life cover for yourself and family health care policy for all family members including parents.

Ensure 6 months of expense coverage as emergency fund in liquid assets.

Happy Investing;

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

..Read more

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |525 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 27, 2025Hindi
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Unable to figure out what to do. Shouls i proceed for divorce? And if yes how? Here is my story: This is a long post. But i might have still missed few small instances in between. So I got married on October 3, 2022. Our conversation started through the Jeevansathi app, but the actual conversation began in July 2022 when her father contacted me. The first contact was from their side. At that time, I was returning to Chennai from Ongole by train when I received her father's call. He asked about my job and other details, to which I mentioned that I work for SBI in Tamil Nadu. After that, our conversation started. In the early days, the conversation was really good, and she spoke very well. Later, I visited their house with my mother. During the conversation there, she mentioned that many proposals had come before, but she hadn't been able to decide. One proposal was from a guy with a package of 30 lakh, but she clearly said that money doesn’t matter to her; she wanted a good person. During that meeting, I mentioned that I am a simple person, and my family consists of only my mother and me. I also clarified that due to my job, I could be transferred. After that meeting, we did the formal engagement. Later, we brought sweets from Haldiram, and that was when our engagement was officially recognized. After that, our conversations continued regularly. For a while, everything was fine, but then we started arguing over small things. Once, I told her that I meditate, and she said, "Meditation is something foolish people do, it doesn’t help." This led to an argument. I also mentioned that if we have children, we should send them to good universities like Harvard or Oxford, and this too led to an argument, as she felt we shouldn't put pressure on children to earn money. Then came the topic of money. I shared my salary slip and explained how both working and saving money are important because expenses are high. However, she said, "Saving money is foolish, everyone lives paycheck to paycheck nowadays." I tried to explain the importance of savings, but our discussions continued to be challenging. At one point, she said she wouldn’t wear sindoor or the mangalsutra. I told her that there was no need to wear it every day, just on special occasions. I agreed with this. As the arguments increased, I spoke to her father and mentioned that maybe she didn’t want to marry me. But her father reassured me that it wasn’t true, and they would talk to her. After that, things seemed normal for a while, but small arguments kept happening. In August 2022, I visited her again. I thought we could spend some time together and understand each other better. We went to Aerocity, where we had pizza and roamed around. After that, we went to Radisson Hotel on 27th July 2022, and our engagement was finalized. Over these two months, our communication continued, and eventually, on October 2, 2022, we had our engagement ceremony, and on October 3, 2022, we got married. After the wedding, we planned a honeymoon. Initially, she wanted to go to Vaishno Devi, so I took her there by Vande Bharat Express. Her uncle arranged VIP darshan. We walked up, but on the way back, her legs started hurting, so we rode a horse. After sitting on the horse for a long time, she had back pain. I reached the hotel, tried to soothe her pain by soaking her legs in hot water, and then we slept. After that, we planned to go to Udaipur. We took a SpiceJet flight there and booked a hotel near Fatehpur Sagar Lake. She wanted a lake-view room, but it wasn’t available. She argued with the staff, and we had to move to another hotel at night. The environment there wasn’t great, but she chose it. During our visit to Udaipur Fort, she suddenly said she wouldn’t go to the restaurant with me and would go home alone. I still don’t understand the reason behind this. From that point, my behavior towards her changed. After Udaipur, we planned to go to Agra. There, she suddenly accused me of having an affair with another girl and threatened to teach me a lesson. I asked her where this thought came from, but she didn’t answer. In July and August 2022, I visited her again. We traveled together and tried to understand each other better, but she never told me much about herself. After the wedding, I visited her during Diwali. She was happy initially, but gradually she became distant and stopped talking much. She wasn’t involved in decorating the house or participating in the Diwali puja. She remained absorbed in her own world, talking to her parents or I don’t know who else, while distancing herself from me. She needed reasons to fight, while I tried to stay calm, as it was a new marriage. On October 25, 2022, I returned to Chennai, and she came to Chennai a few days later. My mother also arrived in Chennai on October 26, and she stayed with us in Chennai until December. During this time, she started fighting over every little thing. She complained about who would do the housework and kept accusing me of not having enough money. She suggested hiring someone for cleaning, even though my mother and I managed it well. Then she refused to sleep with me, and we didn’t have any physical intimacy. Whenever she fought with me, she tried to belittle me. In January, she went back to Delhi, and I went to convince her to come back in January. During Lohri, I gave her a sari and gifts, but she still didn’t talk to me properly. She treated me very badly and didn’t want to stay with us. She fought with me several times and went back to her house. In February 2023, she came to Chennai again, but things were still not right between us. In April 2024, she came back to stay with me, but the very next day, the fights started again. She accused me of having an affair with another girl and threatened me. She destroyed things in the house, broke dishes and glasses, and created a mess. When I told her mother about this, she advised me to send her back. I booked her flight, and on April 7, 2024, she left. Since then, she has not been living with me. After that, I worked hard to bring her back. It was September when I managed to convince her to come. I tried to make her stay with me, but she stayed only for 4-5 days. On the 5th day, she started fighting again and decided to leave. She went to the railway station and sat there, saying, "I cannot live with you." We argued that night, and she left the house, shouting abuses at me and went back to her home. She thought everything would be fine, but when I tried talking to her, she started blaming me for not wanting her to stay with me.
Ans: It sounds like you've tried very hard to make this marriage work, but your wife has been emotionally distant, hostile, and unwilling to engage in a meaningful relationship. From what you’ve shared, there have been continuous conflicts, false accusations, and a lack of physical and emotional connection. It seems like she is not interested in making the relationship work, and her behavior—leaving multiple times, refusing intimacy, and fighting constantly—suggests deep incompatibility.

Before making a final decision, ask yourself: Is there anything left to salvage? Do you still love her and believe this marriage has hope if both of you genuinely try? Or do you feel exhausted and trapped in a cycle of disappointment and rejection? If you feel there is nothing left, then divorce may be the healthiest option for your peace of mind and future happiness.

If you decide to proceed with divorce, start by seeking legal counsel. In India, divorce can be mutual or contested. If she agrees, a mutual consent divorce is the easiest way. If she does not, you may need to file on grounds of cruelty or irretrievable breakdown of marriage. Gather evidence of her behavior—messages, incidents, and anything that proves your case.

This is not an easy decision, but your mental health and self-respect matter. If she is unwilling to change or make efforts, you should not have to live in constant conflict. Do you think she would agree to a mutual separation, or would she fight it?

...Read more

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Kanchan Rai  |525 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 29, 2025
Relationship
Hello Ma'am, I've a crush on a girl from my in laws. Inspite of avoiding etc I go specifically in that gathering where she's likely to be. I've not told it to anyone, neither does she know about it. I keep on masturbating imagining her. I know I'll never do any silly thing or let anyone know about it. Im married happily and 20 years elder to her.
Ans: It’s good that you are self-aware and acknowledging your feelings rather than acting on them impulsively. Having a crush, even in a committed relationship, is something that happens to many people—it’s human nature. However, since this involves someone from your in-laws and is significantly younger, it’s important to address these emotions in a way that aligns with your values and the commitments you’ve made to your marriage.

Right now, your mind is reinforcing this attraction by seeking out opportunities to be around her and fantasizing about her. The more you indulge in these thoughts, the stronger the emotional pull becomes. Avoiding her entirely may not be realistic, but reducing intentional exposure—such as seeking out gatherings just to be near her—can help weaken the attachment over time.

Instead of suppressing your feelings, redirect that energy into your marriage. What is it about her that attracts you? Is it youthfulness, attention, admiration, or just the thrill of something new? Whatever it is, find ways to bring those qualities into your relationship with your wife. Sometimes, an outside attraction is just a signal that something in your own life needs attention or excitement.

You’ve already made it clear to yourself that you won’t act on this, which shows maturity and self-control. The next step is breaking the mental cycle that feeds into the attraction. Engage in hobbies, meaningful conversations with your spouse, and self-reflection to understand what this infatuation represents. Over time, these feelings will lose their intensity as you shift your focus.

Do you think this crush is filling a certain emotional gap in your life, or is it purely an infatuation with no deeper meaning?

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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |525 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Listen
Relationship
Me and my wife don't get along well...She thinks my family members are not good enough, so she has no relationship with them. Earlier I was not in good shape due to my friend's circle and did not give quality time to my wife when we got married. A few years back there was a misunderstanding between both families. Mistakes were from both sides. Now my in-laws and wife do speak to any member of our family and have broken all relationships. This is for the past several years since they have stopped talking. My father is a cancer patient and wants to come and stay with me. He is 80 now but my wife is deadly against this though I have not discussed this yet with her. I need your guidance as to how to handle this situation and restore a good relationship between both families. My mother-in-law had fought with me in the past as well and held me responsible for her daughter's plight. My wife is very secretive and does not reveal anything be it about her salary/job etc. I am fed up and now I have started to think of separating if she does not allow my father to stay with me. Our marriage is almost 24 years now. I am 50 and she is in her late 40's....I want to get these things right and maintain a good relationship between both families. Kindly advise
Ans: Dear Trilok,
From what you’ve shared, it sounds like past misunderstandings between both families have turned into a long-standing rift. It’s understandable that you want to fix things and create harmony, but the resistance from your wife and in-laws makes it complicated. Before addressing the larger family conflict, the first step is to work on communication with your wife. You mentioned that earlier in the marriage, you weren’t able to give her enough quality time due to personal struggles. Do you think she still holds on to resentment from that time? If so, addressing those unresolved emotions could be a starting point for rebuilding some connection.

Since she is very secretive, it’s possible that she also feels disconnected from you in some way. Instead of making the father-staying discussion an immediate confrontation, try to understand her underlying fears. Is she worried about responsibilities, space, or past issues with your family? Bringing this up as a conversation about caregiving rather than a demand might help.

If her resistance is absolute and she refuses to even consider it, you’ll have to decide how much compromise you’re willing to make for the sake of your marriage. If you feel separation is a real possibility, ask yourself whether the relationship still has a foundation worth saving or if both of you have simply grown too far apart.

Would she be open to counseling or mediation? Sometimes a third party can help break the cycle of blame and secrecy. Do you feel that she still values this marriage, or has she emotionally distanced herself completely?

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |525 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7828 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 28, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
I want to retire by 2026. Current financials - MF 2cr value, equity- 5cr, 2 own homes, bank FD - 20L, Savings a/c - 90L, no loans, 2 vehicles, 2 daughters employed, marriageable age. Current expenses - 1.5lacs/month. How do I plan to retire by March 2026.
Ans: Your financial position is strong. Planning for retirement in March 2026 is realistic.

Assessing Your Retirement Readiness
Your total investments and savings exceed Rs 8 crore.
You have no loans, ensuring financial stability.
Your monthly expenses are Rs 1.5 lakh, which requires proper planning.
Creating a Secure Retirement Corpus
Maintain Rs 90 lakh in a savings account only for short-term needs.
Keep Rs 20 lakh in FD for emergency expenses.
Use a mix of mutual funds and equities for long-term wealth growth.
Managing Monthly Expenses Post-Retirement
Use Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) from mutual funds for a regular income.
Keep a portion of your corpus in debt investments to ensure stability.
Adjust your investment strategy based on inflation and expenses.
Planning for Major Future Expenses
Daughters' weddings need a dedicated investment plan.
Allocate a portion of low-risk investments for this goal.
Avoid withdrawing from equity investments unnecessarily.
Final Insights
Your financial standing supports early retirement.
Ensure liquidity while keeping long-term investments intact.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner for detailed execution.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7828 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 04, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 29, 2025Hindi
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Hi sir i am 29 years old, with monthly income of 20k, follow are my investment 1)Quant Small Cap Mutual Fund -1000 2) Sbi pSu fund -1000, 3) Aditya Birla psu -500 and 4) motilal Oswal midcap( started this month). Also i have taken Tata Aia ulip - Rs. 2200 per month.(65 lakh Sum Assured with rider 50 lakh each for Accidental Death & Disability). Till now my total investment is Rs.60000(in sip). Ulip is 2 years old. Please advise me further for my future. Thank You,
Ans: You are taking early steps towards wealth creation. Investing at 29 gives you a strong advantage. Below is a detailed 360-degree approach to improve your financial planning.

Current Financial Position
Monthly Income – Rs.20,000
Mutual Fund SIPs – Rs.3,500
ULIP Premium – Rs.2,200 per month
Total SIP Investment Till Now – Rs.60,000
ULIP Policy – 2 years completed
ULIP Coverage – Rs.65 lakh sum assured
Rider Benefits – Rs.50 lakh each for accidental death & disability
Your savings habit is good, but your investment choices need optimisation.

Key Financial Goals
Build a strong emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
Increase investments while maintaining lifestyle stability.
Secure adequate insurance coverage with the right products.
Plan for long-term wealth creation with a structured approach.
Issues with Your Current Investments
1. Overexposure to Sectoral Funds
You have two PSU funds in your portfolio.
Sectoral funds carry higher risk due to limited diversification.
These funds may underperform for extended periods.
2. Small & Midcap Focus Without Balance
Your small-cap and mid-cap funds offer high growth but are volatile.
They should be balanced with large-cap or flexi-cap funds.
A well-diversified portfolio gives consistent and stable returns.
3. ULIP Is Not an Ideal Investment
ULIPs combine insurance and investment, which reduces overall returns.
Charges such as premium allocation, mortality, and admin fees lower investment growth.
Investment options in ULIP are limited compared to mutual funds.
A pure term plan + mutual fund SIP is a better alternative.
Since your ULIP is only 2 years old, consider surrendering it and reallocating funds.

Steps to Improve Your Investment Plan
1. Build an Emergency Fund First
Save at least 6 months' expenses in a separate bank account or liquid fund.
Avoid investing everything into market-based instruments.
This will protect you from financial stress during emergencies.
2. Increase SIP Contributions Gradually
Your current SIP is less than 20% of your income.
Increase SIPs as your income grows.
Aim for at least 30-40% investment allocation over time.
3. Diversify Your Mutual Fund Portfolio
Avoid excess exposure to PSU and sectoral funds.
Add large-cap or flexi-cap funds for balance.
Continue small-cap and mid-cap investments, but with controlled allocation.
Invest through Certified Financial Planner (CFP) & MFD for expert guidance.
4. Replace ULIP with a Pure Term Plan
A Rs.1 crore term plan will provide better coverage at a lower cost.
Redirect the ULIP premium into mutual funds for higher growth.
You will get better life protection and wealth accumulation separately.
5. Set Clear Long-Term Goals
Decide on major financial milestones like home purchase, retirement, etc.
Align investments with each goal's time horizon.
Follow a disciplined long-term investment strategy.
Final Insights
Increase your SIPs systematically as income grows.
Maintain a diversified portfolio instead of sector-heavy funds.
Surrender the ULIP and switch to a term plan + mutual fund strategy.
Secure an emergency fund before increasing risk exposure.
By following these steps, you will achieve financial stability and long-term wealth creation.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...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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