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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 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
mohd Question by mohd on May 04, 2024Hindi
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Hi I Am A business man.age 35,with 3kids. Following are my assets : - 1 Commercial Building(Not rented out yet, expected rent 2L/month) - 70L in Indian Equity.(50L wealth management company +20L my demat) - 25L in US equity - 20L in crypto -25L in fractional real state. Currently I may earn aprox 1L/month through my business advisories. Is is good time to retire? Are my investments diversified properly?suggest better options if any. I Am more afraid of my capital security. I Am not fancy about earning more & more.I indeed do business to provide employees with salary.

Ans: At 35, contemplating retirement is a significant decision, especially with a family to support. Let's evaluate your current assets, income, and investment diversification to determine if it's the right time to retire and suggest potential improvements.

Retirement Readiness Assessment
Current Assets and Income
Commercial Building: Expected rental income of ?2 lakhs/month.
Equity Investments: Total of ?70 lakhs in Indian and US equities.
Crypto and Fractional Real Estate: Investments totaling ?45 lakhs.
Business Advisory Income: Approximately ?1 lakh/month.
Considerations for Retirement
Age: At 35, you have a long retirement horizon ahead.
Family: With three kids, ensuring their financial security is crucial.
Income: Your current income from business advisories provides stability.
Investment Diversification Analysis
Asset Allocation
Real Estate: Concentrated in a commercial building with potential rental income.
Equity: Significant exposure to Indian and US equities, providing growth potential but subject to market volatility.
Crypto and Fractional Real Estate: High-risk investments with uncertain regulatory status and legal complexities.
Risk Assessment
Commercial Building: Potential rental income provides stability, but tenant vacancy or market fluctuations could impact returns.
Equity Investments: Diversified across Indian and US markets, offering growth opportunities but susceptible to market volatility.
Crypto and Fractional Real Estate: Lack of regulation and legal complications pose significant risks. Blind risk-taking may not align with your capital security concerns.
Suggestions for Improvement
Diversification Strategy
Reduce Concentration Risk: Consider diversifying real estate holdings by renting out the commercial building or investing in residential properties.
Review Crypto and Fractional Real Estate: Assess the risk-return profile and consider reallocating funds to more regulated and established asset classes.
Retirement Planning
Financial Independence Goal: Aim for financial independence rather than immediate retirement. Continue building your investment portfolio to ensure long-term financial security.
Emergency Fund: Maintain a robust emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of living expenses to cover unforeseen expenses or income fluctuations.
Professional Advice: Consult a Certified Financial Planner to develop a comprehensive retirement plan tailored to your goals and risk tolerance.
Conclusion
While your current assets and income provide a solid foundation, it's essential to ensure proper diversification and risk management for long-term financial security. Addressing concentration risks and reassessing high-risk investments can enhance your capital security while continuing to provide for your family's well-being.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 06, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 02, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi I Am A business man.age 35,with 3kids. Following are my assets : - 1 Commercial Building(Not rented out yet, expected rent 2L/month) - 70L in Indian Equity.(50L wealth management company +20L my demat) - 25L in US equity - 20L in crypto -25L in fractional real state. Currently I may earn aprox 1L/month through my business advisories. Is is good time to retire? Are my investments diversified properly?suggest better options if any. I Am more afraid of my capital security. I Am not fancy about earning more & more.I indeed do business to provide employees with salary.
Ans: It's great to see that you're taking a proactive approach to your financial planning, especially considering your responsibilities as a business owner and parent. Here are some insights and recommendations based on your assets and goals:

• Firstly, congratulations on your diverse asset portfolio! You've made significant investments across various asset classes, which is commendable.

• Given your commercial building, equity holdings, cryptocurrency, and fractional real estate investments, it seems like you've diversified your portfolio reasonably well.

• However, it's essential to assess the risk associated with each asset class and ensure that your investments align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

• As you mentioned that you're more concerned about capital security, it's crucial to review the risk-return profile of each investment and make adjustments if necessary.

• For instance, while equities and cryptocurrencies offer the potential for higher returns, they also come with higher volatility and risk. You may consider rebalancing your portfolio to allocate a larger portion towards more stable assets like real estate or fixed-income instruments.

• Additionally, since your commercial building is not rented out yet, it's essential to evaluate the potential rental income and factor in any ongoing expenses associated with the property.

• Regarding retirement, it's essential to consider factors such as your desired lifestyle post-retirement, expected expenses, and income sources.

• While your current income from business advisories may cover your monthly expenses, it's crucial to assess whether it will be sufficient to maintain your desired standard of living in retirement.

• Given that you have three kids to support, it's essential to ensure that your retirement planning accounts for their future education and other financial needs.

• Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals.

• A CFP can help you develop a comprehensive retirement plan, review your existing investments, and suggest suitable adjustments to ensure long-term financial security.

Remember, retirement planning is a long-term process, and it's essential to regularly review and adjust your strategy as your circumstances and goals evolve. With careful planning and prudent decision-making, you can achieve financial independence and enjoy a comfortable retirement while continuing to support your employees and family.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 20, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi I am 44yrs old with wife and a 13yr old kid.My networth is around 7.5cr.This includes 2 loan free houses,1 is approx 1.3cr which is giving me a rental income of 25k per month and other is 2cr in which we stay.I have approx 3.5cr investments in MF and Stocks.Around 10L in PPF.Around 60L in high risk lending which gives me 1lac p.m.Out of the MF investments i have put 1cr in SWP for a monthly 30k rest in equity.I have covered my family with health insurance aswell. Can I retire?
Ans: Assessing Your Retirement Readiness
Firstly, congratulations on building a strong financial foundation. Your net worth of ?7.5 crores and diversified investments show careful planning and diligence. Let’s evaluate if you can retire comfortably and maintain your lifestyle.

Current Financial Position
Real Estate
You own two loan-free houses valued at ?1.3 crores and ?2 crores. The rental income from one house is ?25,000 per month. This provides a steady and reliable income stream. The other house, where you reside, adds to your asset base but does not generate income.

Mutual Funds and Stocks
Your investments in mutual funds and stocks total approximately ?3.5 crores. This significant investment can provide both growth and income. Additionally, ?1 crore is in a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) generating ?30,000 per month.

PPF and High-Risk Lending
You have ?10 lakhs in PPF, a safe and tax-efficient investment. Additionally, you earn ?1 lakh per month from ?60 lakhs in high-risk lending. This income contributes substantially to your monthly cash flow.

Health Insurance
You have covered your family with health insurance, ensuring financial protection against medical emergencies.

Monthly Income Analysis
Your current monthly income includes:

?25,000 from rental income
?30,000 from SWP
?1 lakh from high-risk lending
This totals ?1.55 lakhs per month.

Estimating Monthly Expenses
To determine if you can retire, compare your monthly income to your expenses. Assume your monthly expenses, including living costs, education, and lifestyle, are around ?1.5 lakhs.

Income vs. Expenses
Your current passive income matches your estimated expenses, suggesting you can maintain your lifestyle without additional income. However, consider future expenses, inflation, and potential risks.

Future Financial Needs
Children’s Education
Your 13-year-old child will need funds for higher education. Set aside a portion of your investments specifically for this goal. Consider the rising costs of education and plan accordingly.

Inflation Adjustment
Inflation reduces the purchasing power of money over time. Ensure your investments grow faster than inflation. Diversify into growth-oriented assets like equity mutual funds.

Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs increase with age. Ensure your health insurance covers potential future medical expenses. Consider adding a super top-up plan for additional coverage.

Optimising Your Investment Portfolio
Diversify Mutual Funds
Your current investments in mutual funds should be reviewed and optimised. Actively managed funds can potentially provide better returns than index funds. Professional fund managers can navigate market conditions and seek higher returns.

Reduce High-Risk Lending Exposure
High-risk lending provides substantial income but carries significant risk. Gradually reduce your exposure and reinvest in more stable assets like mutual funds or bonds. This reduces risk while maintaining income.

Continue Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Your SWP provides regular income. Ensure the remaining mutual fund investments are diversified and growth-oriented. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio.

Professional Management
Benefits of Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
A CFP can provide professional guidance, helping you navigate market conditions and adjust your investments. They ensure your portfolio aligns with your retirement goals.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds have lower expense ratios but require self-management. Without professional guidance, you might miss crucial market insights. Investing through a CFP ensures professional management and strategic adjustments.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund covering at least six months of expenses. This ensures you don’t need to liquidate investments during market downturns or emergencies.

Estate Planning
Plan your estate to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. This includes writing a will and considering trusts for asset protection and efficient transfer to heirs.

Conclusion
Based on your current financial situation, you are on track to retire comfortably. Your diversified investments and steady income streams support your lifestyle. However, consider potential future expenses, inflation, and healthcare costs. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio with the help of a Certified Financial Planner to ensure long-term financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 09, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir I'm 27 years old with monthly income 65k after all tax deductions. I am investing in MFs monthly 18k diversifying around 2 ELSS, 1 Index fund, 3 Small cap, 1 Thematic fund. 1 LIC with 3L sum assured paying 16788 annually. Investing 15k in gold scheme in gold shops. NPS 6000 monthly. Corporate Medical insurance. 20k monthly expense as I am bachelor. I want to buy a house. When can I retire? Please let me know any change do I need to make in my investments. Thank you for your time.
Ans: Your financial journey is commendable. Investing Rs 18,000 monthly in mutual funds and Rs 15,000 in a gold scheme shows your dedication. You have a balanced approach towards saving and spending. Your monthly income of Rs 65,000 after taxes is well-utilized. Let’s dive into the details of your current investments and explore how you can achieve your goals of buying a house and planning for retirement.

Mutual Funds: A Deep Dive
Your mutual fund portfolio is diverse, covering various segments like ELSS, small caps, and thematic funds. However, the inclusion of an index fund may need reconsideration. Index funds, while low-cost, often underperform compared to actively managed funds, especially in the Indian market. Active funds, managed by skilled professionals, can navigate market complexities better, potentially offering higher returns.

ELSS Funds
ELSS funds are a great choice for tax saving and wealth creation. They have a lock-in period of three years, which encourages long-term investment. However, ensure you’re choosing funds with a consistent track record and reliable management.

Small Cap Funds
Small cap funds can offer high returns but come with high volatility. Investing in three small cap funds may be over-diversification within a volatile segment. Consider reducing this to two well-performing small cap funds and reallocating the freed-up capital to other diversified equity funds.

Thematic Funds
Thematic funds are focused on specific sectors. They can be rewarding but are also risky due to their concentration in a particular theme. Ensure the theme aligns with long-term economic growth and not just a short-term trend.

Life Insurance: Review and Recommendations
You have an LIC policy with a sum assured of Rs 3 lakhs, paying Rs 16,788 annually. LIC policies often come with lower returns compared to pure investment products. Consider if the primary purpose of your LIC policy is insurance or investment.

If it’s primarily for investment, think about redirecting these funds into mutual funds. Pure term insurance can offer higher coverage at a lower premium, providing better financial security.

Gold Investment: A Balanced Approach
Investing Rs 15,000 monthly in a gold scheme is substantial. Gold is a good hedge against inflation but lacks the potential for high returns like equity. Consider balancing your gold investment with other asset classes to enhance overall portfolio growth.

NPS: A Solid Retirement Plan
Your monthly contribution of Rs 6,000 to the NPS is wise. NPS offers tax benefits and a disciplined retirement savings plan. Ensure you choose an appropriate mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities within the NPS to optimize growth and stability.

Corporate Medical Insurance: Safety Net
Having corporate medical insurance is a plus. However, ensure you have a personal health insurance plan as well. Corporate insurance policies can change with employment status, and personal health insurance offers continued coverage.

Monthly Expenses: Efficient Management
Your monthly expenses of Rs 20,000 as a bachelor show disciplined spending. Maintaining this habit will help you save and invest more, speeding up your journey towards buying a house and retiring early.

Buying a House: Planning Ahead
Buying a house is a significant financial goal. Given your current savings and investments, start by saving for the down payment. Assess your EMI affordability based on your current income and expenses. Typically, EMIs should not exceed 40% of your monthly income to ensure financial stability.

Retirement Planning: The Road Ahead
Retiring early is a dream for many. To achieve this, calculate your retirement corpus based on expected expenses post-retirement. Factor in inflation and healthcare costs. Aim to build a diversified portfolio of equity, debt, and other instruments to generate a sustainable retirement income.

Investment Adjustments: Recommendations
Review and Adjust Mutual Funds
Reduce the number of small cap funds to two.

Reallocate funds from the index fund to actively managed diversified equity funds.

Ensure ELSS and thematic funds have a solid track record.

Life Insurance Optimization
Evaluate the purpose of your LIC policy. If it’s for investment, consider surrendering it and redirecting funds to mutual funds.

Opt for a term insurance plan for better coverage.

Gold Investment Balance
Consider reducing monthly gold investments slightly and redirecting to mutual funds or other high-return instruments.

Maintain a balanced portfolio to mitigate risks.

Additional Health Insurance
Secure a personal health insurance policy for comprehensive coverage.
Focused Saving for House Purchase
Open a separate savings account or invest in short-term debt funds for your house down payment.

Regularly review and adjust savings based on real estate market trends and personal financial growth.

Enhanced Retirement Savings
Increase NPS contributions gradually as your income grows.

Diversify retirement investments across mutual funds, PPF, and other long-term instruments.

Your proactive approach towards saving and investing is admirable. Balancing various investment avenues while managing monthly expenses efficiently is commendable. Your dedication to securing a house and planning for early retirement shows foresight and responsibility.

Final Insights
Your current financial plan is robust, but with a few adjustments, it can be optimized further. Reassessing your mutual fund portfolio, balancing gold investments, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage are key steps. Saving diligently for a house and enhancing retirement contributions will help achieve your goals.

Continue your disciplined approach, regularly review your investments, and stay informed about market trends. This will ensure your financial journey remains on track, leading to a secure and fulfilling future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 28, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi I Am 36Y.Male. Children : 3 daughters (eldest 8Y) Position : Self Made Businessman .Sold business. Assets & Earnings : 1.Commercial real state :4.5Cr - lease 9Y starting April 25, Rent :3L, Yearly escalation :3%. 2.Commercial Fractional investment:25L - Lease 9Y starting August 22, rent :15K. 3.commercial land :Value 25L. 4.Business advisory :monthly :50K. Other investments : 1.Crypto :20L 2.HDFC Ulip equity fund :12L Monthly expense :2L No Debts I stay in my own flat. I also run a small business.,that is only to ensure salaries to employees & be engaged, no profits from it. So is it like I Am retired? I Am Godly person.,My goal is to Go around the world ,explore & pray at all holy places ,help needy wherever possible.So is it right time to do it.
Ans: Your financial standing reflects thoughtful planning and stability. Let’s evaluate your situation and align it with your goals for travel, exploration, and charity.

Assets and Income Assessment
1. Commercial Real Estate
Value: Rs. 4.5 crore, with a lease tenure of 9 years.
Current rent: Rs. 3 lakh per month, escalating 3% annually.
This provides a reliable and growing passive income stream.
2. Fractional Commercial Investment
Value: Rs. 25 lakh with Rs. 15,000 monthly rent.
Lease tenure ensures steady returns for the next 7 years.
3. Commercial Land
Value: Rs. 25 lakh.
This land could appreciate significantly over time.
4. Business Advisory
Monthly earnings: Rs. 50,000.
This adds a supplemental income stream while keeping you professionally active.
5. Crypto Investments
Value: Rs. 20 lakh.
High volatility in crypto requires monitoring and diversification.
6. HDFC ULIP Equity Fund
Value: Rs. 12 lakh.
ULIPs are costly due to insurance components. Consider surrendering and reinvesting.
Monthly Expenses
Your Rs. 2 lakh monthly expense is well-supported by rental and advisory income.
Current passive income of Rs. 3.65 lakh exceeds expenses comfortably.
Evaluating Your Retirement Status
Technically, you are financially independent, with income streams covering expenses.
Maintaining your small business provides engagement but isn’t financially necessary.
Your retirement depends on your readiness to shift focus from business to life goals.
Aligning Financial Goals with Aspirations
1. Travelling and Exploring
Your income supports world travel without depleting assets.
Passive income ensures lifestyle continuity even while travelling.
2. Charity and Helping the Needy
Allocate a percentage of passive income (e.g., 10%) for charitable activities.
Establish a charitable trust for tax benefits and structured giving.
Recommendations for Financial Efficiency
1. Reevaluate ULIP Investment
ULIPs combine insurance and investment, often leading to lower returns.
Surrender the policy and reinvest Rs. 12 lakh into mutual funds for better growth.
2. Diversify Crypto Holdings
Cryptocurrencies are speculative and volatile.
Limit exposure to 5-10% of your portfolio.
Consider reallocating to stable equity or debt investments.
3. Strategic Investment of Commercial Land
Commercial land offers potential for appreciation but generates no current income.
Explore development or joint ventures to create an additional revenue stream.
4. Review Rental Investments
Commercial real estate offers stable income, but diversification is essential.
Consider investments in equity mutual funds to balance liquidity and growth.
Travel and Charity Execution Plan
1. Travel Goals
Start by identifying the places you want to visit and the estimated costs.
Allocate a portion of your passive income for these expenses.
2. Charity and Philanthropy
Regular contributions from rental income ensure sustained charity.
Establishing a trust or foundation allows you to channel efforts systematically.
Financial Sustainability Analysis
You are in a strong financial position to retire and pursue life goals.
Rental income escalation provides inflation-adjusted returns.
Diversification into mutual funds enhances growth potential and liquidity.
Final Insights
You have achieved financial freedom and can comfortably focus on travel, spirituality, and charity. Streamline your investments for efficiency and growth while ensuring stability. This is an excellent time to pursue your passions while securing your family’s future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 24, 2025Hindi
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Money
I am 47 yrs with wife and two daughters ( 20y & 16y). Expected education & marriage exp approx 1.5cr We have Residing my own home which enough for life time. No need to buy new house. 3cr property ( patronage three home, shop) 60L ppf 3 crore in equity + mf + nps. 1cr : Savings account + fd 2cr : Gold + silver My business income approx 40L per annum. My yearly expense 8L per annum. How & when should I retire.
Ans: Assessing Your Financial Goals and Needs
Your current assets, income, and expenses indicate strong financial stability.

You aim to manage Rs 1.5 crore for education and marriage for your daughters.

You have no additional housing requirements, simplifying your retirement planning.

Your business income and existing investments provide a robust foundation for financial independence.

Analysing Your Current Financial Position
Net Worth Overview:

Rs 3 crore in property holdings (excluding residence).
Rs 60 lakh in PPF, ensuring stable long-term growth.
Rs 3 crore in equity, mutual funds, and NPS for wealth creation.
Rs 1 crore in savings accounts and FDs for liquidity.
Rs 2 crore in gold and silver, acting as a hedge against inflation.
Total net worth: Rs 9.6 crore, with Rs 40 lakh yearly income.

Evaluating Your Retirement Readiness
Expenses vs. Income:

Yearly expenses: Rs 8 lakh, leaving significant surplus from business income.
This surplus allows you to continue wealth accumulation before retirement.
Future Liabilities:

Rs 1.5 crore is earmarked for daughters' education and marriage.
You can comfortably fund these liabilities with current assets.
Current Lifestyle:

Your lifestyle expenses are well within manageable limits.

Assuming post-retirement expenses are 70-80% of current expenses, Rs 6-7 lakh annually would suffice.

Strategic Recommendations for Retirement Planning
Retirement Corpus Estimation:

Assuming Rs 7 lakh annual expenses post-retirement and inflation at 6%, your corpus should last 35+ years.
Allocate Rs 3.5 crore for retirement needs.
Streamline Investments:

Review and balance equity and mutual funds for active fund management.
Consider reducing exposure to direct stocks if risks seem high.
Avoid direct mutual fund investing to benefit from MFDs and CFP expertise.
Property Utilisation:

Your real estate holdings could generate passive rental income.
Estimate rental potential from the three homes and shop for steady cash flow.
PPF and Gold Investments:

Continue holding PPF to secure risk-free returns.

Retain gold and silver as they hedge against inflation and currency risk.

When Should You Retire?
Current Age: 47 years.

Business Income Dependency: Your business generates Rs 40 lakh annually, far exceeding your expenses.

If you wish to retire early, you could consider stepping back at 55 years, provided your assets grow sufficiently.

Flexibility: The choice to retire can depend on personal preferences or business health.

Post-Retirement Income: Passive income sources, including rental and dividends, can sustain your retirement.

Actionable Steps Before Retirement
Daughters' Education and Marriage:

Allocate Rs 1.5 crore in short- to medium-term funds.

Actively manage this amount to align with timelines.

Portfolio Diversification:

Ensure a mix of equity, debt, and gold for stable returns.

Reduce reliance on direct equity; opt for well-managed mutual funds.

Tax Optimisation:

Review tax implications for equity and debt mutual funds.

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh in equity mutual funds is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG is taxed at 20%. Adjust withdrawals accordingly to minimise tax outflow.

Health and Life Insurance:

Ensure adequate health coverage for the family.

Consider term insurance if liabilities exist or as a safety net for dependents.

Create Passive Income Sources:

Explore rental income potential.

Invest in funds offering dividends for post-retirement cash flow.

Emergency Fund:

Maintain Rs 20-30 lakh as an emergency fund in liquid form.

Estate Planning:

Draft a will to ensure a smooth transfer of assets to heirs.

Include clear instructions regarding properties and investments.

Final Insights
Your financial health is exemplary, and you are well-positioned for retirement. With thoughtful planning and execution, you could retire comfortably even before 55. Aligning investments with goals and managing risks will ensure financial independence for life.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

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

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1841 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

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

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

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

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

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

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

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

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

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