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Jinal

Jinal Mehta  |105 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Mar 13, 2026

Jinal Mehta is a qualified certified financial professional certified by FPSB India. She has 10 years of experience in the field of personal finance.
She is the founder of Beyond Learning Finance, an authorised education provider for the CFP certification programme in India.
In addition, she manages a family office organisation, where she handles investment planning, tax planning, insurance planning and estate planning.
Jinal has a bachelor's degree in management studies. She also has a diploma in in financial management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
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SANJAY Question by SANJAY on Mar 10, 2026Hindi
Money

I HAVE BORROWED A SUM OF RS. 7.50 LACS FROM MY FRIEND AS LOAN ON INTEREST @ 7% PA, I AM GETTING A MUTURITY OF NSC AMOUNTING TO RS, 9.00 VERY SOON. SHOULD I RETURN THE LOAN AMOUNT OR SHOULD I CONTINUE WITH LOAN AND REINVEST MY MATURITY TO MUTUAL FUNDS ETC. PLEASE ADVICE.

Ans: Hi. It largely depends on your financial goals. While it is always advisable to aim to be debt-free, if you require liquidity for other investments, you may consider repaying a portion of the loan and reinvesting the remaining amount.

For instance, you could repay half the loan and deploy the balance into investments aligned with your goals. Also, keep in mind that if you repay the loan to your friend, they may be able to utilise those funds to meet their own financial goals.
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  |11136 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 29, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello ,I have got into addmission in nit durgapur in mtech. My financial condition is not to strong so I have decided to take a loan in 8.5% interest rate .I am going to get 12,400/- and my loan is 3 times 83100 /- (food and stay covered ) in 6 month gap.if I am going to pay the installment within my study period I got 1% concession. What to do with the money I got monthly.investing in sip/Rd/paying interest or loan
Ans: Congratulations on getting admission to NIT Durgapur for MTech! It's a great achievement. I understand that managing finances during this period is crucial, and I'm here to help you make informed decisions. Let's explore your options thoroughly and devise a strategy that ensures your financial stability and growth.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
You have decided to take a loan at an 8.5% interest rate. The loan amount is Rs. 83,100, with installments spread over six months. Your monthly stipend is Rs. 12,400, which needs to cover your expenses and possibly save or invest wisely. Let's analyze your options in detail.

Option 1: Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
Investing in a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) can be a smart choice. SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This method helps in averaging the purchase cost and compounding returns over time.

Advantages of SIP:
Disciplined Investment: SIPs instill a disciplined approach to investing. You commit to investing regularly, which helps in building a substantial corpus over time.
Rupee Cost Averaging: By investing regularly, you buy more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high. This averaging effect can reduce the impact of market volatility.
Power of Compounding: The longer you stay invested, the more you benefit from compounding returns. Even small amounts can grow significantly over time.
Risk Assessment:
Market Risk: Mutual funds are subject to market risks. The value of your investments can fluctuate based on market conditions. However, investing for the long term can mitigate these risks.
Option 2: Recurring Deposit (RD)
A Recurring Deposit (RD) is a safe and secure investment option offered by banks. It allows you to deposit a fixed amount regularly and earn interest on it.

Advantages of RD:
Safety: RDs are considered low-risk investments. Your principal amount is secure, and you earn a fixed interest rate.
Regular Savings: Like SIPs, RDs encourage regular savings. You commit to depositing a fixed amount each month, which helps in accumulating a significant sum over time.
Risk Assessment:
Lower Returns: RDs offer lower returns compared to mutual funds. The interest rates are fixed and may not keep pace with inflation.
Liquidity: RDs have a fixed tenure, and premature withdrawal may result in penalties. This can affect your liquidity in case of emergencies.
Option 3: Paying Off Loan Interest
Paying off the loan interest regularly can be a prudent choice. Since you get a 1% concession if you pay the installment within your study period, this option can save you money in the long run.

Advantages of Paying Off Loan Interest:
Reduced Interest Burden: Paying off the interest regularly can reduce the overall interest burden. This can help you save money over the loan tenure.
Credit Score: Timely repayment of loans can positively impact your credit score. A good credit score is essential for future financial needs.
Risk Assessment:
Opportunity Cost: By paying off the loan interest, you might miss out on potential returns from investments. However, the certainty of reduced interest payments can be a strong motivator.
Evaluating Your Options
Let's evaluate each option in the context of your financial situation and goals.

Investing in SIP:
Pros: Potential for higher returns, disciplined investment approach, benefits of rupee cost averaging, and compounding.
Cons: Subject to market risks, requires a long-term investment horizon.
Investing in RD:
Pros: Safe and secure investment, regular savings, fixed returns.
Cons: Lower returns compared to mutual funds, potential penalties for premature withdrawal.
Paying Off Loan Interest:
Pros: Reduced interest burden, potential savings, positive impact on credit score.
Cons: Missed opportunity for potential higher returns from investments.
Recommended Strategy
Considering your situation, a balanced approach might be the most effective. Here's a recommended strategy:

Emergency Fund: First, set aside a portion of your stipend for an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least three to six months of your expenses. It provides a safety net in case of unexpected financial needs.

Pay Off Loan Interest: Given the 1% concession on timely payments, prioritize paying off your loan interest. This will reduce your overall interest burden and help you save money in the long run.

Invest in SIP: Allocate a portion of your stipend to a SIP in mutual funds. This will help you build a corpus over time and take advantage of compounding returns. Choose funds based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Recurring Deposit: If you prefer a safer investment option, consider opening an RD with a smaller portion of your stipend. This will provide fixed returns and ensure regular savings.

Power of Compounding
Investing in SIPs can harness the power of compounding. Even small amounts, when invested regularly, can grow significantly over time. For example, investing Rs. 3,000 per month in a mutual fund with an average annual return of 12% can grow substantially over 10 years. The power of compounding can help you achieve your financial goals.

Mutual Funds: Categories and Advantages
Mutual funds come in various categories, each with its advantages and risk profiles. Here's a brief overview:

Equity Funds: Invest in stocks, offering higher returns with higher risk. Suitable for long-term goals.
Debt Funds: Invest in fixed-income securities, offering stable returns with lower risk. Suitable for short to medium-term goals.
Hybrid Funds: Invest in a mix of equity and debt, offering balanced returns with moderate risk. Suitable for medium-term goals.
Final Insights
Balancing your financial goals with current needs is key to effective planning. By setting aside an emergency fund, paying off loan interest, and investing in SIPs and RDs, you can create a robust financial plan. Remember, the power of compounding and disciplined investments can significantly enhance your financial stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11136 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 01, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 01, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir , i got admission in NIT durgapur in mtech.I am thinking of taking education loan of 83,100 /- (food and staying cover) 3 sem ( from 2nd sem) gap of six months 8.5 interest rate. I will get 12400 /- monthly . Where should I invest this to pay back in 2 years without momenterium period.
Ans: Let's dive into your financial planning for paying back your education loan while making the most of your monthly stipend.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Congratulations on securing admission to NIT Durgapur for your MTech! This is a significant milestone and a great achievement. You've mentioned considering an education loan of Rs. 83,100 at an interest rate of 8.5% to cover your food and staying expenses for three semesters starting from the second semester, with a six-month gap. Additionally, you will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 12,400. Let's discuss how to invest this stipend wisely to pay back your loan within two years without a moratorium period.

Setting Clear Financial Goals
It's essential to set clear financial goals to streamline your investment strategy. Your primary goal is to repay the education loan of Rs. 83,100 within two years. Given your stipend of Rs. 12,400 per month, we can break down the strategy into manageable steps to achieve this goal.

Building an Investment Strategy
Diversifying Your Investments
Diversification is the key to balancing risk and returns. You should invest your stipend in a mix of financial instruments to ensure steady growth and mitigate risks. Here are some options to consider:

Mutual Funds
Investing in mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can provide you with a diversified portfolio managed by experts. Actively managed funds often outperform index funds due to the expertise of fund managers. Look for funds with a good track record and consistent performance.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
SIPs allow you to invest a fixed amount regularly in mutual funds. This approach helps in averaging out the cost of investments over time. Given your monthly stipend, you can allocate a portion to SIPs, ensuring a disciplined investment habit.

Debt Funds
Debt funds are relatively safer and provide moderate returns. These funds invest in government securities, corporate bonds, and other fixed-income instruments. They are less volatile than equity funds, making them suitable for short-term goals like your loan repayment.

Assessing Risk Tolerance
Understanding your risk tolerance is crucial in selecting the right investment mix. Since your goal is short-term (two years), a conservative to moderate risk approach is advisable. Avoid highly volatile investments that could jeopardize your loan repayment plan.

Creating an Investment Plan
Monthly Budget Allocation
To repay the loan within two years, you need to invest your stipend effectively. Here’s a suggested allocation:

SIPs in Mutual Funds: Allocate Rs. 6,000 per month to SIPs in actively managed mutual funds. This ensures exposure to equity markets with professional management.

Debt Funds: Allocate Rs. 4,000 per month to debt funds. These funds provide stability and moderate returns, ensuring a balanced portfolio.

Emergency Fund: Set aside Rs. 2,400 per month for any unforeseen expenses. Having an emergency fund is essential to avoid dipping into your investments.

Reviewing and Adjusting
Regularly review your investment portfolio to ensure it aligns with your repayment goal. Market conditions change, and so should your investment strategy. Consult your CFP to make necessary adjustments based on performance and market trends.

Benefits of Professional Guidance
Expertise and Knowledge
A Certified Financial Planner brings expertise and knowledge to the table. They can guide you in selecting the right mutual funds and debt instruments, considering your financial goals and risk tolerance.

Personalized Advice
CFPs provide personalized advice tailored to your unique financial situation. They consider factors like your income, expenses, financial goals, and risk appetite to create a customized investment plan.

Long-Term Financial Planning
Beyond repaying your education loan, a CFP can assist in long-term financial planning. They can help you set and achieve other financial goals, such as building a corpus for higher studies, buying a home, or planning for retirement.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
High-Risk Investments
Avoid high-risk investments like direct equities or speculative ventures. These can offer high returns but also come with significant risks, which are not suitable for short-term goals like loan repayment.

Index Funds
While index funds are popular, actively managed funds can provide better returns through expert management. Index funds simply mimic the market index, lacking the potential for higher gains through strategic investments.

Direct Funds
Direct mutual funds may seem appealing due to lower costs, but investing through a CFP provides professional guidance. This ensures your investments are aligned with your financial goals and risk profile, maximizing your returns.

Benefits of SIPs and Mutual Funds
Compounding Returns
SIPs leverage the power of compounding, where the returns earned are reinvested to generate further returns. This can significantly boost your investment growth over time.

Rupee Cost Averaging
SIPs help in averaging out the cost of investments by purchasing more units when prices are low and fewer units when prices are high. This reduces the impact of market volatility.

Flexibility
SIPs offer flexibility in terms of investment amount and duration. You can start with a small amount and increase it as your financial situation improves.

Managing Debt Responsibly
Timely Repayments
Ensure timely repayment of your education loan to avoid accumulating interest. Late payments can lead to penalties and increased financial burden.

Prepayment Options
Consider prepaying your loan whenever possible. Prepayment reduces the principal amount, subsequently lowering the interest burden. Check with your lender for prepayment terms and conditions.

Financial Discipline
Budgeting
Create a monthly budget to track your income and expenses. This helps in identifying areas where you can cut costs and allocate more towards investments.

Avoiding Unnecessary Expenses
Limit unnecessary expenses and focus on essential spending. This ensures more funds are available for investments, accelerating your loan repayment plan.

Emergency Fund
Building an emergency fund is crucial for financial stability. It provides a safety net for unexpected expenses, preventing you from dipping into your investment corpus.

Staying Informed
Regular Updates
Stay informed about your investments by regularly checking their performance. Use financial news, market analysis, and updates from your CFP to make informed decisions.

Continuous Learning
Educate yourself about different investment options and market trends. Continuous learning helps in making better investment choices and understanding the financial landscape.

Feedback from CFP
Regularly seek feedback from your CFP regarding your investment strategy. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on market conditions and your financial goals.

Final Insights
Repaying your education loan within two years is achievable with disciplined investing and financial planning. By diversifying your investments, assessing your risk tolerance, and seeking professional guidance, you can effectively manage your stipend and achieve your goal. Remember to stay informed, maintain financial discipline, and regularly review your investment portfolio.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11136 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 15, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 28 years old , I have 5 lacs savings .I have kept it in FD. What should I do . Also I have study loan of 40 Lacs for masters .out of which 10 lacs is disbursed
Ans: Your current situation presents a few important areas to address: managing your education loan, optimising your savings, and creating a long-term investment plan. Let’s explore each aspect carefully to set you on the right financial path.

Evaluating Your Financial Situation
Age: At 28 years, you have a good time horizon for wealth accumulation.

Savings: You have Rs. 5 lakh in savings, currently placed in a Fixed Deposit (FD).

Education Loan: You have a Rs. 40 lakh education loan, of which Rs. 10 lakh is already disbursed.

Given your age and the fact that you are in the early stages of repaying a significant loan, focusing on a balanced approach between debt repayment and investment is critical.

Managing Your Education Loan
Interest Rates: Education loans typically come with an interest rate between 8% to 12%. This means your loan will grow quickly if not managed effectively. Start by understanding the exact interest rate on your loan.

Loan Repayment Strategy: Since only Rs. 10 lakh has been disbursed so far, you can create a repayment plan to reduce future interest burdens. Pay the interest on the disbursed loan while studying. This will reduce the compounding effect once repayment starts.

Part Payments: Once you begin earning, try to make part-payments on your loan whenever possible. This will significantly reduce your overall interest payments in the long run. Prioritising loan repayment over high-risk investments is prudent, especially with a large amount of debt.

Tax Benefit: Under Section 80E of the Income Tax Act, the interest paid on education loans is tax-deductible for up to 8 years. Take advantage of this once repayment starts.

Optimising Your Rs. 5 Lakh Savings
The current placement of your Rs. 5 lakh in an FD may not be the best use of funds, given that FDs offer lower post-tax returns compared to other investment options. Here’s what you can do:

Shift to More Efficient Investments: Consider moving your funds from FD to more growth-oriented options. Keeping them in FD, especially with inflation, can erode the purchasing power of your savings over time. A better approach would be to look at a combination of debt and equity mutual funds.

Debt Funds for Stability: You can allocate a portion to debt mutual funds. These funds offer better post-tax returns compared to FDs and still provide a low-risk avenue. Keep in mind that debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab for both short-term and long-term capital gains.

Equity Funds for Growth: Since you are young, you can consider placing a part of the Rs. 5 lakh into equity mutual funds. This will give your savings an opportunity to grow over time. However, since you have an education loan, limit your exposure to equity for now and increase it gradually as your financial situation improves.

Investment Strategy Moving Forward
As you start earning, setting a systematic investment plan (SIP) is a smart way to build wealth gradually while managing risk.

Start with Small SIPs
Equity Mutual Funds: Over the long-term, equity mutual funds offer better returns than most other asset classes. Begin SIPs with a smaller amount to build the habit. Allocate a higher percentage of your portfolio to large-cap and flexi-cap funds for stability with growth.

Debt Mutual Funds: A portion of your investments should go into debt mutual funds for security and liquidity. These funds can act as an emergency buffer and reduce your overall risk.

Balanced Asset Allocation
Since you have a loan burden and are in the early stages of your career, a balanced approach is essential. You could look at a 70:30 equity-to-debt ratio to optimise growth while managing risk.

Emergency Fund: Use part of the Rs. 5 lakh to create an emergency fund. You should keep at least 6 months' worth of living expenses in a liquid fund or savings account for emergencies.
Addressing the Study Loan vs Investment Dilemma
The priority between investing and repaying your education loan will depend on the interest rate of your loan and your expected investment returns.

Higher Loan Interest: If your loan interest rate is higher than 10%, it’s wise to focus on paying down your loan faster. This is because investments in equity and debt funds may not consistently deliver returns higher than the cost of your loan.

Balance Strategy: If your loan interest is manageable, you can adopt a dual strategy. Continue making regular loan payments while investing small amounts in equity and debt funds to keep your money growing.

Tax Efficiency of Investments
Equity Mutual Funds: Equity mutual funds are taxed at 12.5% on LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh. Therefore, with proper planning, you can manage taxes efficiently when withdrawing your money in the future.

Debt Mutual Funds: Gains from debt funds are taxed according to your income tax slab for both short-term and long-term capital gains. Ensure you invest in them keeping in mind your tax bracket and future income levels.

Insurance and Risk Coverage
Health Insurance: While managing your loan and investments, don’t forget to have adequate health insurance in place. It’s essential to avoid any unexpected medical expenses that could derail your financial plan.

Term Insurance: Once you begin earning, consider taking term insurance. This will secure your family’s future in case of any unfortunate events and will also provide a cost-effective risk cover.

Regular Portfolio Review and Financial Planning
Periodic Review: Review your financial plan every six months to ensure it aligns with your changing financial goals and income. This will help you stay on track for your loan repayment and wealth creation goals.

Certified Financial Planner: Once you begin earning, it might be helpful to consult a Certified Financial Planner to help fine-tune your investments and loan repayment strategies. A professional can offer personalised advice based on your specific situation.

Final Insights
Education Loan: Focus on managing your education loan and reducing interest costs.

Savings Optimisation: Shift your Rs. 5 lakh to better investments, including debt and equity mutual funds.

Start Investing Early: Begin SIPs in mutual funds to develop financial discipline and long-term wealth creation.

Balanced Approach: Adopt a balanced approach between loan repayment and investing to ensure financial stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11136 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 26, 2024

Money
Hello Sir I have loan of 20 Lakh for 20 Yrs and EMI and Maintenance around 21K I have 40 Lakh include Investments funds available with me also have 1 cr LIC Policy which I invest monthly 15500 for 25 yrs and and office expenses worth 30000 PM and Earning 70 to 75K PM should i keep this loan alive or i can close the loan ? ( this loan comes with some advantages like whatever balance i keep in my saving A/C it will calculated as principle and remaining amount only get interest )
Ans: You have a combination of debt, investments, and insurance. Here's an overview of your current financial situation:

Loan: Rs 20 lakh loan for 20 years, with an EMI of Rs 21,000.
Savings and Investments: Rs 40 lakh available in investments.
LIC Policy: Rs 1 crore life insurance policy, with a monthly investment of Rs 15,500 for 25 years.
Monthly Expenses: Rs 30,000 for office expenses.
Income: Monthly income between Rs 70,000 and Rs 75,000.
Key Financial Goals
Your goal is to determine whether to keep the loan alive or pay it off. Several factors need to be evaluated before making a decision:

Loan Conditions: Your loan has the benefit of reducing interest costs by considering the balance in your savings account as principal.
Current Savings: You have Rs 40 lakh in investments and Rs 1 crore life insurance policy.
Monthly EMI: Rs 21,000 is being paid towards the loan.
Insurance Contribution: Rs 15,500 is being paid monthly towards the LIC policy.
Evaluation of Keeping the Loan Alive
1. Loan Interest Advantage
Your loan offers an interesting benefit: the interest is calculated only on the remaining balance, with the savings balance reducing the principal. This could be a good opportunity to keep the loan alive, especially if you can maintain a reasonable balance in your savings account.

Savings Buffer: Keeping some savings in your account can reduce the interest burden. This could allow you to manage the loan without extra strain while earning returns from your investments elsewhere.
Interest Rates: If the loan interest rate is low, it might make more sense to keep the loan alive and use your investments for higher-return opportunities. Compare the interest rate on your loan with the returns from your investments. If the loan interest is lower, it might be more beneficial to let the loan run its course and earn more from your investments.
2. Impact on Liquidity
Liquidity Requirements: If you pay off the loan, you will reduce monthly expenses. However, you would lose access to some of your savings, which could affect your liquidity.
Emergency Fund: You need to ensure that you maintain an emergency fund, typically 6 to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, in case of unexpected events. If you use your savings to pay off the loan, make sure it doesn't affect your emergency fund.
3. Loan Repayment Flexibility
Loan Repayment Terms: If your loan comes with prepayment flexibility without heavy penalties, paying off the loan can be considered, especially if you want to free up the monthly EMI of Rs 21,000. However, assess if you will still have sufficient liquidity and investment growth potential by closing the loan early.

Prepayment Impact: If you use a significant portion of your Rs 40 lakh savings to pay off the loan, you might lose out on the growth potential of your investments. While your monthly EMI would be cleared, this could limit your long-term wealth creation.

Considering Your Investments and Insurance
1. Current Investment Status
Investment Strategy: You have Rs 40 lakh in investments, which could provide better returns than the interest savings from paying off the loan. To evaluate the best course, it’s important to assess the investment strategy—whether your investments are aligned with your risk tolerance and financial goals.
Investment Growth: If your investments are generating solid returns (more than the loan interest rate), then paying off the loan might not be the best decision. Instead, you could use the savings interest benefit to reduce loan costs while continuing to grow your investments.
2. Life Insurance Policy
LIC Policy: While life insurance is an important part of your financial plan, it is primarily for risk coverage rather than wealth accumulation. You are contributing Rs 15,500 per month for 25 years. Given that your current priority is securing income and reducing liabilities, the focus should be on maximizing investments for wealth generation rather than further increasing premiums on a policy that may not provide immediate returns.

Policy Review: It might make sense to evaluate your LIC policy’s performance. If it is an investment-cum-insurance plan, its returns may not be as high as other investment options. Consider discussing with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to review whether it’s in your best interest to continue with this policy or redirect funds into better-performing investments.

Loan Closure vs. Keeping the Loan Alive: What Makes Sense for You?
1. Focus on Income Generation
Given that your current monthly income is Rs 70,000 to Rs 75,000 and your monthly expenses are Rs 30,000 (office), you are already balancing your income and expenses relatively well. The Rs 21,000 EMI is significant but not overwhelming given your income. Here's how to approach it:

Income Needs: You need a strategy that generates enough passive income to meet your goals. Based on your current savings, investments, and assets, generating Rs 1 lakh per month in passive income should be achievable.
Investment Portfolio: A diversified portfolio with a mix of debt, equity, and other safe income-generating instruments (such as government bonds, MIPs, or dividend-paying stocks) can ensure that you have stable monthly returns without relying solely on the loan.
2. Long-Term Perspective
Wealth Creation Focus: Instead of paying off the loan immediately, focus on creating long-term wealth. The advantage of low-interest loans combined with good investments could enable you to grow your savings and generate income.
Liquidity Considerations: Keep some cash or liquid assets to ensure you can manage unexpected expenses. By not using all your savings to close the loan, you maintain liquidity while letting your investments grow.
Final Insights
Loan Payment: If the loan interest rate is low and offers flexible terms, consider keeping it alive. Use your savings for better growth through investments, which might offer higher returns than the loan’s interest savings.
Investments: Focus on investing in a diversified portfolio that generates regular income. This can help you achieve your monthly income goal of Rs 1 lakh.
Insurance: Review your LIC policy and consider reallocating some funds if the returns are not as favorable as alternative investments.
Liquidity: Keep enough liquidity for emergencies, but avoid using all savings for loan repayment if it impacts your future investment potential.
Overall, making a decision requires balancing immediate needs with long-term goals. A tailored investment plan can help you secure your future while managing the loan effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11136 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 24, 2024

Listen
Money
After a long time, we realised the poor performance of LIC Jeevan Anand ???? If we surrender we end up with loss, if we continue it will be at poor performance, So, will it be a good Idea ???? to take a loan by pledging the policy and invest the proceeds for better return, so that we can save loss and continue the policy as well as paid up policy. The interest cost will be 9.5% to 10% pa with no EMI commitment and flexible repayment with minimum of ?.50 and even if we don't pay it will be adjusted against maturity . Please post a light on this to go with.
Ans: Your intention to optimise returns while preserving your LIC policy is thoughtful. Let’s analyse your proposed approach comprehensively.

Challenges with Continuing the Policy
Low Returns: LIC Jeevan Anand traditionally delivers returns between 4%-6%. This does not match inflation-adjusted returns needed for long-term growth.

Opportunity Cost: Continuing the policy locks capital in a low-performing investment, missing higher returns elsewhere.

Surrendering the Policy
Immediate Loss: Surrendering early often results in a financial loss due to penalties and lower surrender value.

Lost Insurance Cover: Surrendering ends your life insurance, which might impact your family's financial safety.

Loan Against the Policy
Taking a loan against the policy can be a balanced approach. Let’s break it down:

Advantages of Policy Loan
Preserves Policy Benefits: The policy remains active, and you avoid surrendering it.

Low-Interest Rate: Policy loans have lower rates (around 9.5%-10%) compared to personal loans or unsecured loans.

Flexible Repayment: You can repay on your terms. If unpaid, it adjusts against the maturity or surrender value.

Access to Capital: You can reinvest the loan amount in higher-return investments, offsetting the policy’s poor performance.

Challenges with Policy Loan
Interest Burden: The interest rate of 9.5%-10% is higher than some secured investment returns, especially if the market underperforms.

Risk of Non-Repayment: Unpaid loans reduce the maturity or surrender value. This might impact the total financial benefit.

Investment Discipline Needed: Returns depend on reinvesting prudently. Poor decisions or market volatility can lead to losses.

Investment Options for Loan Amount
If you proceed with this plan, careful reinvestment is essential.

Equity Mutual Funds for Growth
Allocate a majority to actively managed equity mutual funds. These outperform inflation and generate higher long-term returns.

Avoid index funds. Actively managed funds provide better protection during market downturns.

Balanced Portfolio
Allocate 70%-80% to equity mutual funds (large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap).

Invest 20%-30% in debt mutual funds or hybrid funds for stability.

Focus on Your Goals
Align investments with specific financial goals like retirement, children’s education, or wealth creation.
Steps for Implementation
Assess the Loan Amount Needed: Borrow only what you plan to invest. Avoid over-leveraging.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner: They will guide investment choices based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Track Performance: Regularly review the performance of your investments and adjust when needed.

Plan Loan Repayment: Even if repayment is flexible, try to clear the loan systematically to reduce the interest burden.

Final Insights
Your idea of leveraging a loan against LIC Jeevan Anand is a middle ground. It allows you to continue the policy while investing for better returns. However, it requires financial discipline, monitoring, and strategic reinvestment.

Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to design a customised plan aligned with your long-term financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |11011 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 19, 2026

Career
Sir,My son got 144 in BITS and 86percentile in Jee, what will be the best availabilty/option for engineering institute for CS, Mechanical & Electrical
Ans: Rachna Madam, with a BITSAT score of 144, admission to the CSE, Electrical, or Mechanical branches at all three BITS campuses is effectively not possible. Recent official cutoffs have been much higher—for example, Hyderabad closed at CSE 284/319/270, EEE 251/262/239, and Mechanical 218/192/214 in 2023/2024/2025, respectively, with Goa and Pilani cutoffs even higher.

Through JoSAA, with an 86 percentile in JEE Main, admission to CSE in NITs/IIITs is generally unlikely, and getting Mechanical or Electrical in mainstream NITs is also difficult under the open category. Chances improve mainly with home-state quota, reserved categories, female-only seats, or in lower-demand GFTIs and self-financed institutes accepting JEE Main scores.

Please check JoSAA’s official opening and closing rank archives year-wise before filling choices. Your son can focus on mid-tier or newer NITs and IIITs and state-level colleges and should also consider 4-5 reputed private universities as backup options instead of relying solely on BITS or JoSAA. ALL the BEST for Your Son's Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |11011 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Apr 18, 2026

Career
Sir, My son has appeared in Class X ICSE Exam and results are awaited. So far , he has been an average performer academically. I believe he is capable and he can do great if he puts in the hard work. His performance in subjects like History/Geography etc has always been better than in Maths/science. I personally never wanted to force him to choose any stream for higher studies. He also is not sure about it. While discussing I suggested him to go for Commerce or humanities stream and then for MBA from a reputed institution. However, he is more concerned about job opportunities and wanted to go for science. Hence, after a lot of discussion, we have got him admitted in Science stream in Delhi and also got him enrolled in Allen for JEE Coaching. We thought if he adapts well and gets going, then may be he can achieve good result. Otherwise, we may decide to change stream after Class XII. What is your opinion? Request for your suggestion please
Ans: Shyam Sir, I have thoroughly reviewed your son’s background. You haven’t mentioned whether he is continuing with the ISC board or has enrolled in the CBSE board with Allen-JEE coaching for this 11th/12th Grade. Firstly, I recommend a psychometric test for your son to gain a rough idea of the most suitable career options for him.

Secondly, job opportunities exist across domains, but to be competitive, your son must have passion and interest in his chosen field and continuously upgrade both technical and soft skills relevant to that domain.

Thirdly, besides understanding suitable career options through the psychometric test, ask him what types of problems he is interested in solving in the future.

Fourthly, since you mentioned his performance is better in History and Geography than in Science and Maths, Allen-JEE coaching would be suitable only if he is truly interested in Maths and Science. If not, his performance may fall short of expectations, leading to demotivation.

My suggestion is to consider enrolling him in the Arts/Humanities stream with a focus on Geography-centric subjects. Later, he can pursue civil services, media, law, or management studies. Reassess his progress after about a year (by December 2026), focusing on his interest, mental health, and realistic performance rather than perceived job security alone.

Before he completes 11th grade (by February 2026), you both can collectively decide and start preparing for entrance exams in law, media, or management (CUET, CLAT, IPMAT, NPAT, SET etc.) based on his interests and future plans. ALL the BEST for Your Son's Prosperous Future!

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