Sir I draw a salary of 36,000 and recently took a loan of 958000 without closing the previous personal loan of 8,03,000 and the total amount of EMI is now 34,400. How do I get put of this debt trap?

Ans: Managing a high EMI burden of Rs. 34,400 on a Rs. 36,000 salary is challenging. Immediate steps are necessary to reduce financial stress. Let’s address this comprehensively.

Understanding Your Debt Load
1. Evaluate Debt Composition

Review the interest rates for both loans.
Understand the remaining tenure and total outstanding amounts.
2. Identify High-Interest Debt

Personal loans typically have high-interest rates.
Focus on prioritising repayment of high-cost loans.
3. Assess EMI-to-Income Ratio

Your EMI-to-income ratio is nearly 95%.
Ideally, this should be under 40%.
Short-Term Solutions
1. Increase Monthly Cash Flow

Look for part-time work or freelance opportunities.
Generate additional income to cover living expenses.
2. Reduce Monthly Expenses

Cut non-essential spending immediately.
Focus on basic necessities until your situation stabilises.
3. Restructure Existing Loans

Approach your lender for restructuring options.
Extend tenure to lower monthly EMI.
4. Consolidate Loans

Consider consolidating both loans into one with a lower interest rate.
This can simplify repayment and reduce EMI.
Medium-Term Strategies
1. Create a Budget

Track all income and expenses diligently.
Allocate every rupee to ensure repayment is on track.
2. Negotiate with Lenders

Explain your financial situation to the bank.
Request reduced interest rates or temporary relief.
3. Use Emergency Savings (If Any)

Utilise existing savings to repay a portion of the debt.
Focus on high-interest loans for maximum benefit.
4. Avoid New Debt

Do not take additional loans or credit cards.
Focus solely on repayment.
Long-Term Steps for Financial Stability
1. Build an Emergency Fund

Start saving once debt reduces.
Aim for at least 3–6 months of expenses as a buffer.
2. Learn Financial Discipline

Avoid unnecessary borrowing in the future.
Plan major expenses well in advance.
3. Seek Professional Help

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for tailored advice.
Create a roadmap for debt elimination and wealth creation.
4. Focus on Income Growth

Invest in skill development to increase earning potential.
A higher salary can ease debt repayment significantly.
Risks of Default
1. Impact on Credit Score

Defaulting on EMIs can severely damage your credit score.
A poor credit score affects future loan eligibility.
2. Legal Consequences

Lenders may initiate recovery actions if EMIs are missed.
Avoid default by restructuring loans or seeking assistance.
Final Insights
Your current financial situation requires immediate and structured action. Start by increasing cash flow, reducing expenses, and restructuring your loans. Over time, focus on financial discipline and income growth. A Certified Financial Planner can help you create a personalised debt repayment strategy and guide you towards a stable financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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