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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 26, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Mar 31, 2024Hindi
Money

I am in deep debt about ten crores. My business right now has a topline of one cr with 30% gross margins. I have lost hopes of living... Please help. How can i come out of this mess?

Ans: I'm truly sorry to hear about your financial difficulties. It's important to stay hopeful and remember that there are ways to overcome this situation. Let's explore a detailed plan to help you navigate out of debt and rebuild your financial stability.

Understanding Your Current Situation
Business Overview

Your business has a topline of Rs. 1 crore with a 30% gross margin. This means you have a gross profit of Rs. 30 lakhs annually. While this is a positive aspect, it may not be sufficient to service a debt of Rs. 10 crores.

Debt Details

A debt of Rs. 10 crores is substantial. Understanding the nature of this debt (secured, unsecured, interest rates, repayment terms) is crucial for creating a repayment strategy.

Immediate Steps to Manage Debt
Prioritize Debt Payments

Identify and prioritize debts based on interest rates and repayment terms. Focus on high-interest debt first to reduce the overall interest burden.

Negotiate with Creditors

Open communication with your creditors can lead to better repayment terms. Creditors might be willing to restructure your debt, offer lower interest rates, or extend repayment periods.

Expense Management

Review and cut non-essential expenses. Every rupee saved can help in debt repayment. Streamline operations to reduce costs without compromising business quality.

Increasing Business Revenue
Boost Sales

Focus on strategies to increase sales. Enhance marketing efforts, explore new markets, or introduce new products or services to attract more customers.

Improve Profit Margins

Find ways to improve your profit margins. Negotiate better terms with suppliers, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency.

Diversify Income Streams

Consider diversifying your income streams. Look for additional revenue opportunities within your industry or related fields.

Financial Planning and Budgeting
Create a Budget

Develop a detailed budget outlining your income, expenses, and debt repayments. Stick to this budget to ensure you are on track with your financial goals.

Emergency Fund

Although debt repayment is a priority, maintaining a small emergency fund is essential. This prevents additional debt in case of unexpected expenses.

Professional Guidance
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Engage a CFP for personalized financial advice. A CFP can help you create a comprehensive debt repayment and financial recovery plan tailored to your situation.

Debt Counseling

Consider professional debt counseling services. They provide advice on managing debt, negotiating with creditors, and creating repayment plans.

Long-term Strategies for Financial Stability
Increase Capital Efficiency

Use your existing capital more efficiently. Reinvest profits back into the business to spur growth and improve financial health.

Seek Additional Funding

Explore funding options such as business loans, grants, or investors. Ensure that any additional funding obtained is used strategically to improve business profitability.

Asset Liquidation

If you have non-essential assets, consider liquidating them to reduce debt. This can provide immediate cash flow to address pressing financial obligations.

Mental Health and Emotional Support
Seek Support

Dealing with financial stress can be overwhelming. Seek support from friends, family, or professional counselors. Emotional and mental health is crucial during challenging times.

Stay Positive

Maintain a positive outlook. Financial difficulties can be temporary. With a structured plan and consistent effort, you can overcome these challenges.

Practical Steps for Implementation
Monthly Review

Conduct monthly reviews of your financial situation. Assess your progress in debt repayment, business performance, and adherence to the budget.

Adjust Strategies

Be flexible and willing to adjust your strategies as needed. Monitor market trends, business performance, and financial health regularly.

Document Progress

Keep detailed records of your financial transactions, debt repayments, and business growth. This documentation helps in tracking progress and making informed decisions.

Building a Financial Cushion
Savings Plan

Once the immediate debt pressure eases, start building a financial cushion. Regular savings can provide security and buffer against future financial challenges.

Investment Strategy

Develop a long-term investment strategy. Investing in diversified portfolios can help grow your wealth and provide financial stability.

Conclusion
Overcoming a Rs. 10 crore debt with a Rs. 1 crore business turnover is challenging but achievable. Focus on increasing revenue, improving profit margins, and negotiating with creditors. A Certified Financial Planner can provide the professional guidance needed to create and implement an effective plan.

Stay committed to your financial goals, remain positive, and seek support when needed. With persistence and strategic planning, you can navigate through this challenging phase and achieve financial stability.

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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 04, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 04, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Dear Sir, I am a 31 year old married man.I am in a huge debt trap of multiple loans plus credit card mounting around 9 lakhs. I work in MNC company earning 70k per month. Please advise or suggest if I can come out of this.
Ans: I understand your concern about being in a debt trap, but there are steps you can take to address the situation and work towards financial stability:

Assess Your Debt: Start by listing out all your debts, including the outstanding amounts, interest rates, and minimum monthly payments. This will give you a clear picture of your financial situation.
Create a Budget: Develop a detailed budget that outlines your monthly income and expenses. Identify areas where you can cut back on spending to free up more money to put towards debt repayment.
Prioritize Debt Repayment: Focus on paying off high-interest debt first, such as credit card debt. Consider using the debt avalanche or debt snowball method to systematically tackle your debts.
Negotiate with Creditors: Reach out to your creditors to discuss repayment options. They may be willing to negotiate lower interest rates, waive fees, or offer a repayment plan that fits your budget.
Explore Debt Consolidation: Consolidating your debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate can make it easier to manage and potentially reduce your overall interest costs. However, be cautious and carefully evaluate the terms and fees associated with any consolidation offer.
Increase Your Income: Look for opportunities to increase your income, such as taking on a part-time job, freelancing, or seeking a higher-paying position within your company.
Seek Professional Help: If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking assistance from a financial counselor or debt relief agency. They can provide guidance and support tailored to your specific situation.
Avoid Taking on New Debt: While you're working to pay off your existing debt, avoid taking on any new debt if possible. Stick to your budget and focus on living within your means.
It may take time and discipline, but with a solid plan and commitment to debt repayment, you can overcome your debt challenges and regain control of your finances. Remember to be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello sir, I am 31 year old unmarried individual. I have debt of about 10 lacs. My monthly expenses including bills and household expenses come upto 9k per month. My debt is at 40k per month. I earn 50k in hand each month. I have no savings, no mutual funds, no pf money even. I have exhausted all of them in clearing my debt. (I had debt of 12 lacs). Since last 3 years, I have been taking money from credit card, NBFCs, etc to manage my expenses and debt. But over the last 3 months, things are getting out of hand. I am now 60k in debt expenses excluded. My salary is the same. No other means of income. My credit score is hit, my dues are pending for more than 2 months. I need to come out of this very badly. I am not getting any loans (thought of consolidating all of them into one). How do I come out of this, sir?
Ans: I understand the stress you are under and appreciate your honesty. Managing debt can be overwhelming. Let's work on a plan to help you regain financial stability.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
You're earning Rs 50,000 monthly. Your debt repayment is Rs 40,000 per month. Additionally, your monthly expenses are Rs 9,000. This leaves you with no savings and a deficit of Rs 9,000 monthly. Your debt has increased to Rs 60,000 in recent months, and your credit score has been negatively impacted.

Immediate Steps to Manage Your Situation
1. Assess and Prioritize Debts
List all your debts, including credit card and NBFC loans. Note their interest rates and monthly payments. Prioritize debts with higher interest rates. Paying them off first will reduce the amount you pay in interest over time.

2. Negotiate with Creditors
Contact your creditors and explain your situation. Many creditors will work with you to create a more manageable payment plan. They might offer lower interest rates or extended payment terms. This can provide temporary relief and make your monthly payments more manageable.

3. Cut Unnecessary Expenses
Examine your monthly expenses. Look for areas where you can cut costs. Even small savings can add up over time. Focus on essentials and eliminate any non-essential spending. Every rupee saved can help reduce your debt.

4. Increase Income
Consider part-time work or freelance opportunities to boost your income. Every additional rupee can go towards paying off your debt. Look for gigs that match your skills and can be done in your spare time. This can help bridge the gap between your income and expenses.

Creating a Sustainable Financial Plan
1. Budgeting
Create a strict budget. Allocate funds for your essential expenses and debt repayments first. Stick to this budget rigorously. This will ensure that every rupee is accounted for and used effectively. Use budgeting apps or tools to track your expenses and stay on top of your financial situation.

2. Emergency Fund
Once your debt is under control, start building an emergency fund. Aim for at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses. This fund will act as a safety net in case of unexpected expenses. It will prevent you from relying on credit cards or loans in the future.

3. Debt Snowball Method
After negotiating lower payments, focus on paying off the smallest debts first. This is known as the debt snowball method. Once the smallest debt is paid off, move to the next smallest. This method provides quick wins and keeps you motivated.

Long-Term Financial Health
1. Rebuild Credit Score
Make timely payments on all your debts. Avoid missing any payments. Over time, this will improve your credit score. A good credit score will give you better options for loans in the future, with lower interest rates.

2. Savings and Investments
Once your debts are manageable, start focusing on savings and investments. Begin with small, regular savings. Consider investing in mutual funds through a certified financial planner. They can provide professional advice and help you choose the right funds.

3. Avoid High-Interest Loans
Avoid taking new loans or using credit cards for non-essential purchases. High-interest loans can quickly become unmanageable. Focus on living within your means and saving for future expenses.

Seeking Professional Help
1. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Consider consulting a certified financial planner. They can provide personalized advice and help you create a long-term financial plan. A CFP will help you navigate complex financial situations and provide guidance tailored to your needs.

2. Debt Counselling
Look into debt counselling services. They can provide support and advice on managing your debt. These services often offer educational resources and tools to help you stay on track.

Mental and Emotional Well-being
1. Stress Management
Financial stress can take a toll on your mental health. Practice stress management techniques like meditation, exercise, or talking to a friend. Taking care of your mental health is crucial during this challenging time.

2. Support System
Lean on your support system. Friends and family can provide emotional support and sometimes even financial advice. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance.

Final Insights
Your current financial situation is challenging but not insurmountable. By taking immediate steps to manage your debts, cutting unnecessary expenses, and potentially increasing your income, you can start to regain control. Creating a strict budget and sticking to it will help ensure that your money is used effectively.

Rebuilding your credit score will take time, but making consistent payments and avoiding new high-interest loans will help. Seeking professional advice from a certified financial planner can provide the personalized guidance you need to navigate this situation.

Remember, every small step counts. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small. You're not alone, and with determination and the right strategies, you can overcome this financial hurdle.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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