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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 28, 2025

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
Bivash Question by Bivash on Apr 27, 2025
Money

Should I go for loan settlement though Laywer Panel...what is the consequenses??

Ans: Going for loan settlement through lawyer panel can harm your CIBIL score badly.

You will be marked as "settled" borrower, not "closed" borrower.

Future loans, credit cards, and even jobs may get rejected due to low credit score.

Banks may also ask for big settlement amount at once.

Use settlement only as last option, if no other way is left.

Try restructuring or consolidation first, settlement only if absolutely unavoidable.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 30, 2025Hindi
Listen
Money
Debt trap I am 29F and have 37lacs unsecured loans as followed Muthoot 12lacs Kotak 6lacs Fullerton 9lacs Truebalance 29630 Lenditt 83000 with 27000 emi Kreditbee 2lacs with 15k emi Instamoney 25000 with 12k emi Kissht 15150 with 7170 emi Phocket 15347 with 7252 emi rupeeredee 14420 with 7753 emi Ramfincorp payday loan 42880 Rupee 112 payday loan 45850 Fibe 50000 emi 9077 MoneyView 62712 emi 3484 Flexsalary 63233 emi interest 4000 I had resorted to the application loans as was scared of not being able to repay my current emis and fell into this huge debt trap.. Now am unable to keep up and really have been pleading banks to give me time so that I can resolve the payday loans first.. Am super lost don't know how to approach this Have no assets whatsoever and make like 50k a month with no support... How can I proceed and stop this? This was the first month when I defaulted on all of these loans and am still not able to find a way out.. I had spoken to lawerpanel guys but they wanted me to pay them 30k for 6 months to help with settlement and asked me to default these and I was like I don't have money for this.. pls help!
Ans: Understanding Your Situation
You have Rs. 37 lakhs in unsecured loans.

Your monthly salary is Rs. 50,000.

You have defaulted on all EMIs for the first time.

You took payday loans to manage past EMIs but fell into a deeper debt trap.

You approached a settlement agency but couldn't afford their fees.

You have no assets or external financial support.

Immediate Actions to Stop the Crisis
1. Stop Taking New Loans
Do not take another loan to pay existing EMIs.

Avoid payday loans, as their high interest worsens your situation.

2. Prioritise Loan Payments
List your loans in two categories:

High EMI & Payday Loans: (e.g., Kreditbee, Instamoney, Kissht, Phocket, Rupeeredee, Ramfincorp)
Other Personal Loans: (e.g., Muthoot, Kotak, Fullerton)
Focus on repaying payday loans first, as they have extreme interest rates.

3. Negotiate with Lenders
Contact all lenders and explain your financial situation.

Request a moratorium or restructuring to reduce EMIs.

Many lenders prefer lower EMIs over defaults.

Request waiver or reduction of penalties.

4. Avoid Settlement Agencies
Agencies demand high upfront fees, worsening your financial stress.

You can negotiate with lenders directly for better terms.

5. Increase Monthly Income
Find a side job, freelancing, or gig work for extra income.

If possible, request overtime or salary advance from your employer.

Consider renting a room or shared living to reduce expenses.

Strategic Debt Repayment Plan
1. Minimum Payments for Essential Loans
Pay minimum dues on loans that cannot be negotiated.

Keep essential personal loans active to avoid legal issues.

2. Close Payday Loans First
These have high penalties and should be cleared first.

Negotiate one-time settlements if possible.

3. Debt Snowball or Avalanche Method
Snowball: Pay the smallest loan first for quick wins.

Avalanche: Pay the highest interest loan first to save money.

Choose what suits you best.

Legal Considerations
Loan defaults affect your credit score but do not lead to jail.

Lenders may pressure you, but harassment is illegal.

File a complaint if you face threats from recovery agents.

Seek legal help if you face extreme pressure. Some lawyers help for free.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Free Up Cash
Reduce unnecessary expenses like dining out, subscriptions, and shopping.

Move to a cheaper living space if possible.

Cook meals at home instead of ordering food.

Use public transport instead of cabs or bikes.

Final Insights
Your situation is difficult, but it can be fixed with discipline.

Avoid taking new loans at any cost.

Negotiate with lenders for lower EMIs.

Close payday loans quickly to escape their high interest.

Find additional income sources to speed up repayment.

Stay mentally strong and seek free legal aid if needed.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 19, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I'm 26 now and I had debt of 15lakhs from multiple sources like personal loan from banks, credit card, loans from NBFC's. I cleared credit card by going for settlement. Currently I have two personal loan which is bank loan and one NBFC loan. Bank loan first one I have 4 months overdue by I have been paying every month to no go more than 4 months. Another loan I have 13 months overdue and I have been paying every month to no go more than 13 months. Will the banks provide restructuring? NBFC I took 1.6lakhs and I could make only 2 months EMI payment. It's been 20 months now not made payment. Few days back got a call from some guy saying he is from Police Station and he have received a case filed against me by NBFC lawyer. He gave lawyer number and added into conference call. Lawyer said with interest and overdues it's 2.2lakhs. If settlement means 70k but OTS (One Time Settlement). I said I need one month time but they are like no make payment within two days or will file FIR against me and will have to arrest me and produce me before the court. The police also said me to go to station and I went their and called the police number but no response and when I went inside and asked the police in station said there is no one with that name. Now the lawyer says will give one month time make 70k payment by then. Is this genuine?
Ans: You have shown great courage. At 26, many wouldn’t face the issue head-on. You are taking ownership. That’s the first step towards rebuilding your financial life. Let’s go step by step and address everything from a 360-degree view.

» Your Current Loan Situation

– You had a total debt of Rs. 15 lakh from banks, NBFCs, and credit cards.

– You already settled the credit card dues. That’s one relief.

– You have two personal loans: one from a bank and one from an NBFC.

– First personal loan: 4-month overdue. You are paying regularly now.

– Second personal loan: 13-month overdue. You continue monthly payments.

– NBFC loan of Rs. 1.6 lakh: Paid only 2 EMIs. No payment for 20 months.

This is a classic case of over-leveraging. But you are trying to get back. That matters.

» Are Threat Calls Genuine or Fraud?

– Calls claiming to be from police stations are often fake.

– Police don't call people and threaten arrest over loan dues.

– FIR is not filed for civil loan default unless there is fraud or cheque bounce.

– No police officer will arrange a call with a "lawyer" in a conference.

– Going to the police station was a wise step. Real police confirmed no case.

– This confirms the call was fake. It was done to scare and force payment.

– This is a collection tactic used by recovery agents, not by genuine police.

Do not panic. Stay calm. Don’t let such calls disturb your mental peace.

» About the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Offer

– NBFC says: Pay Rs. 70,000 as OTS for Rs. 2.2 lakh dues.

– OTS is a legal option. But only do it after written confirmation.

– Ask for official email or letter on NBFC letterhead with:

Total outstanding

OTS amount

Payment deadline

NOC after payment

– If they refuse to provide written letter, it is not genuine.

– Don’t pay even a single rupee without proper proof.

– Always do NEFT or UPI to NBFC’s registered account. Never to personal numbers.

Getting the settlement in writing will protect you from future harassment.

» Will Banks or NBFCs Allow Restructuring?

– RBI had announced a loan restructuring scheme during COVID.

– That window is now closed for most banks and NBFCs.

– However, lenders still offer internal restructuring options.

– It depends on your repayment history and intent.

– Since you are paying both personal loans regularly, you may qualify.

– Approach the bank branch directly. Speak to the loan officer.

– Explain your situation honestly and request restructuring.

– They may reduce EMI, extend tenure or give temporary moratorium.

NBFCs are stricter but still consider restructuring in some cases.

» What Happens if You Don’t Settle the NBFC Loan?

– NBFC can keep reporting default to credit bureaus (CIBIL, Experian, etc.).

– This affects your credit score and future loan eligibility.

– But they cannot arrest you for non-payment.

– Only legal cases can happen if there is cheque bounce or fraud.

– Civil loan default is not a criminal offense.

– However, harassment and mental pressure from collection agents may continue.

You can file police complaint if agents harass or abuse you.

» How to Verify If a Legal Case Is Filed Against You

– Ask the NBFC to provide copy of the case filed. Check case number.

– You can visit https://ecourts.gov.in/
and search with your name.

– If nothing shows, no case is filed. Just a bluff.

– If something shows, consult a lawyer for advice.

– Never rely on WhatsApp messages or phone calls from unknown numbers.

Always insist on official communication through email or post.

» What If You Want to Pay the OTS?

– If Rs. 70,000 settlement is manageable, it can give you mental peace.

– But pay only if:

You get written letter

The NBFC account number is verified

They commit to giving you NOC after payment

– Once paid, get NOC and CIBIL report showing “Settled” status.

– Note: A “settled” status is better than “default” but still affects credit.

Even better is to pay full dues over time, if you can manage.

» Impact of Settlements and Overdues on CIBIL Score

– Settled loans reduce score significantly. So does prolonged overdue.

– Your bank loans (4-month and 13-month overdue) are also damaging score.

– Consistent EMI payment for 6-12 months will help improve score slowly.

– You may take a secured credit card later (against FD) to rebuild history.

Your credit health can be rebuilt with discipline and time.

» How to Handle Such Loans and Get Out of Debt

– Prioritise loans with legal risk and highest interest.

– Try to regularise the 4-month and 13-month overdue loans.

– Negotiate for restructuring with the bank.

– For NBFC loan, push for OTS in writing or pay slowly if possible.

– Avoid taking fresh loans to repay old ones. That’s a trap.

– Don’t fall for quick-fix loans from apps or unregulated lenders.

Stability is more important than speed right now.

» How to Avoid Such Situations in Future

– Never borrow beyond 30-35% of monthly take-home income.

– Avoid credit card rollovers. Interest is too high.

– Always track EMI dates and keep auto-debit enabled.

– Maintain emergency fund equal to 6 months of expenses.

– Build credit score slowly. Aim for 750+ over time.

Small steps now will secure your future financial health.

» Need to Check Your CIBIL and Take Action

– Get your CIBIL report from www.cibil.com
or OneScore app.

– Review each loan account. Check status – active, closed, settled, written-off.

– If errors are there, raise dispute through the portal.

– Regularise overdue accounts. It will improve your future loan chances.

CIBIL repair is a long-term game, not an overnight thing.

» Handling Debt Recovery Agents Professionally

– Never argue or fight. Keep records of all calls.

– If they threaten or abuse, send written complaint to lender’s grievance cell.

– Also file complaint to RBI Ombudsman at: https://cms.rbi.org.in

– If harassment continues, visit local police station with evidence.

You have rights. Use them firmly but respectfully.

» How to Structure Your Repayment Plan Now

– List down all loans, EMI, dues, and overdue months.

– Rank them by urgency: Legal risk, interest rate, amount overdue.

– Pay minimum EMI on all, and extra on top loan.

– Avoid spending on non-essentials. Stick to strict budget.

– If possible, do a side income to close loans faster.

A written repayment roadmap keeps your focus strong and steady.

» Final Insights

– You are in a tough phase, but this is not the end.

– Take each day at a time. Don’t fall for fake threats.

– Get OTS only with written letter. Don’t pay blindly.

– Start improving credit score step by step.

– Avoid fresh borrowing. Prioritise repayments.

– Restructuring is possible. Talk to banks officially, not over phone.

– Protect yourself legally if harassment happens.

Your comeback is possible. Stay calm and take responsible actions.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Purshotam

Purshotam Lal  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Oct 25, 2025

Money
Dear Sir/Madam, I am reaching out to seek your professional advice regarding my current financial situation. I am currently trapped in debt amounting to around ₹25 lakhs, which includes 4 personal loans and 2 credit cards. My present salary is ₹55,000 per month, while my total monthly EMI obligations are approximately ₹85,000. Over the past few years, I have taken multiple loans — often over one another — mainly to manage repayments and household needs. Due to this debt cycle, I’ve been unable to maintain regular payments. For the past six months, I have stopped paying EMIs because of severe financial strain. I have already approached my creditors requesting moratoriums or loan restructuring, but unfortunately, none have agreed. As a result, I am now facing frequent recovery calls, home visits, and legal notices, which have caused me significant mental and emotional stress. I am considering loan settlement as a possible way forward — by taking a gold loan and negotiating with lenders for a 30% settlement. However, I am unsure whether this is the right decision for my long-term financial stability and credit profile. I am 32 years old, married, and have two children and dependent parents. My goal is to come out of this debt trap responsibly, without creating further financial or emotional damage for my family. I kindly request your advice and guidance on: 1. Whether going for loan settlements is advisable in my case. 2. Any better alternatives or structured options to recover from this situation. 3. How I can plan to rebuild my credit and financial stability in the long term. Your honest opinion will mean a lot to me at this stage.
Ans: There are two ways to handle this situation. Firstly endeavour to increase your income by exploring additional part time work and secondly curtail a bit your current household expenses. Putting hard work is the key for coming out of this situation. You may also consider re-paying a part of the outstanding loans by taking GOLD loan and try exploring reduced EMIs with the other creditors for the future with increased number of EMIs. You may also contact few other creditors explaining your financial position for favourable terms suiting to your position. Slowly but surely you can regain your financial stability. It is just the suggestion but decision is all yours. Good Luck.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 03, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello, I am 30 year old female and am currently suffering because of credit card and app based loans from last three months. The loans amount to 3lakh and my monthly salary is not sufficient. I have considered enrolling with lawyer panel for loan settlement as I am facing harassment from recovery people calling if I miss emi even for two days. Its causing me great distress. I dont want my parents to suffer and also my job. I earn more than 50k per month. Guide me kindly on whether i should enrol for settlement and if not how do I become debt free.
Ans: First, thank you for sharing this openly. It takes courage to talk about financial distress. You’re not alone — many good earners fall into debt traps because of high-interest credit cards and instant app-based loans. You can come out of this with structure and patience. I’ll guide you step by step.

» Understand your situation clearly

You owe around Rs. 3 lakh and earn about Rs. 50,000 per month. That means your debt is roughly six times your monthly income — manageable with proper planning, but it needs strict discipline. The main issue is not the amount, but the interest rate and harassment from unregulated lenders.

» Avoid informal “loan settlement panels” or unverified lawyer groups

It is risky to enroll in private settlement panels or so-called “lawyer panels” unless you’ve verified their legitimacy through a trusted source. Many such agencies:

Charge high upfront fees.

Promise settlement but fail to negotiate effectively.

May worsen your credit score or even lead to legal complications.

Instead, always deal directly with your bank/NBFC. If the app-based loan is from a registered NBFC, you can file a complaint with the RBI Ombudsman if harassment continues.

» Take these first actions immediately

1. Stop taking new loans.
Do not take any new app loan to pay another. This only deepens the trap.

2. Create a clear list of your debts.
Write down:

Lender name

Total due

Interest rate

EMI amount

Remaining tenure

Once it’s all on paper, clarity replaces panic.

3. Prioritise debts.
Pay highest-interest debts (credit cards or app loans) first. Keep making minimum payments on others to protect your credit score.

4. Negotiate directly with lenders.
Call your credit card customer care and ask for a one-time settlement or EMI conversion plan.

Most banks will convert dues into a lower-interest monthly plan if you explain hardship honestly.

Never ignore calls. Always request written communication.

Keep records of all calls and emails.

5. Deal with app-based recovery harassment properly.
If recovery agents threaten or harass:

Record the call.

Report it to the National Cyber Crime Portal or RBI Sachet portal.

Many instant loan apps are unregulated or even illegal — you can refuse unlawful demands and lodge a complaint.

» Build a repayment structure

Your take-home pay is Rs. 50,000. Let’s keep your plan practical.

• Basic expenses: Around Rs. 25,000–28,000 per month for living needs.
• Debt repayment: Start with Rs. 15,000–18,000 monthly.
• Emergency & family contribution: Rs. 3,000–5,000 for safety.

With Rs. 15,000–18,000 monthly repayment, you can close Rs. 3 lakh debt within 18–20 months if you secure reduced-interest restructuring.

You can:

Combine smaller loans into one personal loan at lower interest (from your salary bank) to simplify repayment.

Avoid co-signing or using family credit.

Once repaid, never borrow from credit cards or loan apps again — rebuild only with emergency funds.

» Manage your credit cards

If your debt is mainly on credit cards:

Request EMI conversion or balance transfer to a lower-interest card or bank loan.

Stop using the card until the balance is zero.

Ask the bank for temporary interest waiver if financial hardship is documented.

» Psychological and job safety

Debt stress affects sleep, health and job focus. Recovery agents try to shame people into paying faster — ignore emotional blackmail.

Block harassing numbers after noting details.

Tell them to contact you only through official email.

Never let them involve your office or parents. That’s illegal under RBI’s Fair Practices Code.

If harassment becomes severe, file a police complaint under IPC Section 506 (criminal intimidation) or approach a local Legal Services Authority (free legal aid) for guidance.

» Steps to rebuild after clearing debt

Once loans are closed, take written closure letters and update CIBIL.

Keep one credit card with very low limit and pay full amount monthly to rebuild score.

Start a small emergency fund — Rs. 1,000–2,000 monthly until you have at least 3 months of expenses.

Then slowly begin investing in safe mutual funds or recurring deposits — never in credit-like products.

» Finally

You don’t need any paid settlement service. You can recover on your own with patience and structured repayment.
Avoid app loans, avoid quick-fix “lawyer settlements”, and use official channels only.
You have income, youth, and awareness — that’s your biggest advantage. In one to two years, you can be fully debt-free and emotionally free too.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Money
I am 43 yrs old, have sip in Nifty 50 - 3500 Nifty next 50 - 3000 Nippon large cap - 3500 Hdfc midcap - 2500 Parag Flexicap - 3000 Tata small cap - 1300 Gold sip - 500 Hdfc debt fund - 700, lumsum of 10000 in motilal midcap and 20k in quant small cap. accumulated around 2.30 lakhs, started from June, 2024. But overall xirr is very less 3.11. Should I continue the above sips or which sips should be stopped?
Ans: You have started early in 2024, and you already built Rs 2.30 lakhs. This shows discipline. This shows patience. This gives you a good base for your future wealth.

Your XIRR looks low now. This is normal. You started only a few months back. SIPs show low return in the start. Markets move up and down. Early numbers look flat. They look small. They look discouraging. But they improve with time. They improve with longer SIP flow. So please stay calm. The start is always slow. The finish is always strong.

Your effort is strong. Your SIP list is wide. Your savings habit is good. You started at 43 years, but you still have good time to grow your wealth. Every disciplined month builds confidence. Your choices show that you want growth. You want stability. You want balance. This is a good sign.

» Current Portfolio Snapshot
You invest in many groups.

– You invest in Nifty 50.
– You invest in Nifty Next 50.
– You invest in a large cap fund.
– You invest in a midcap fund.
– You invest in a flexicap fund.
– You invest in a small cap fund.
– You invest in gold.
– You invest in a debt fund.
– You put lumpsum in a midcap and small cap fund.

This looks wide. But wide does not mean effective. You hold too many funds in similar areas. That gives duplication. That reduces clarity. That reduces control. You need sharper structure. You need cleaner lines.

» Why Your XIRR Is Low
Your XIRR is only 3.11%. This is normal. Here is why.

– SIP started in June 2024. Very new.
– SIP amount spread across many funds.
– Market volatility in 2024 made early returns look low.
– SIP returns always look weak in early days. They grow with time.

Low short-term return is not a sign of failure. It is not a sign to stop. It is only a sign of market timing. SIP is for long periods. Not for few months.

» Problem of Index Funds in Your Portfolio
You invest in Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50. Both are index funds. Index funds follow a fixed rule. They copy the index. They do not use research. They do not use fund manager skill. They do not adjust during bad markets. They do not protect much in down cycles. They lock you into index ups and downs.

In India, active fund managers add value. They find better stocks. They exit weak stocks faster. They manage risk better. They use research teams. They use market cycles well. They often beat index returns over long periods.

Index funds look simple. But they lack decision power. They lack flexibility. They lack protection. They give average results. They track the market exactly. They cannot outperform it.

So index funds are not the best choice for your long-term goal. Active funds give more control and more upside over long years.

» Problem of Too Many Funds
You hold too many funds across the same categories. This creates overlap. Two different schemes may hold same stocks. You think you diversify. But you repeat exposure. This weakens your plan.

Too many funds also keep your attention scattered. It reduces discipline. You waste time comparing each fund. You feel lost. You feel uncertain.

Better to keep fewer funds but stronger funds.

» Problem of Direct Funds
If any of your funds are in direct plans, please take note. Direct plans look cheaper because they have lower expense ratio. But they do not give guidance. They do not give personalised strategy. They do not give support during market falls. They do not give behavioural guidance.

Many investors make wrong moves in market dips. They stop SIPs. They redeem at the wrong time. They switch funds too often. They chase returns. This reduces wealth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner keep you disciplined. They give structure. They give long-term guidance. They reduce errors. They reduce behaviour risk. This helps more than small cost savings.

Regular plans also offer better hand-holding for asset mix, review and goal clarity. This adds real value.

» Fund-by-Fund Assessment
Let me now look at each SIP.

Nifty 50 – This is an index fund. It is passive. It is rigid. Active large-cap funds do better in many years. You may stop this over time.

Nifty Next 50 – Another index fund. Very volatile. Very narrow. You may stop this too.

Nippon large cap – This is active. This is fine. It can stay.

HDFC midcap – This is active. Good long-term category. You can keep this.

Parag flexicap – Flexicap is versatile. Useful for long-term. You can keep this.

Tata small cap – Small caps can grow well. But they need patience. They also need limited allocation. You can keep, but maintain control.

Gold SIP – Small gold SIP is okay for safety.

HDFC debt fund – Debt brings stability. Small SIP is fine.

Lumpsum in midcap and small cap – Keep these invested. They will grow with cycles.

The two index funds are the most unnecessary parts of your plan. These can be stopped. These can be replaced with good active funds already in your system.

» Suggested Structure
You need a cleaner layout.

Keep one large cap active fund.

Keep one midcap active fund.

Keep one flexicap fund.

Keep one small cap fund.

Keep one debt fund.

Keep a small gold part.

This is enough. This gives balance. It gives clarity. It gives growth. It avoids overlap. It avoids confusion.

» SIP Continuation Guidance
Here is the simple view.

Continue your large cap SIP.

Continue your midcap SIP.

Continue your flexicap SIP.

Continue your small cap SIP.

Continue gold SIP.

Continue debt SIP in small proportion.

Stop the Nifty 50 SIP.

Stop the Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Move those two SIP amounts into your existing active funds. This gives you better long-term power.

» Behaviour and Patience
Your returns will not show big numbers for now. You need time. You need patience. You need consistency. SIP is not a race. SIP is a habit. SIP grows slowly. Then it grows big.

Do not judge your plan by the first few months. Judge it after many years. That is where SIP wins. That is where compounding works. That is where discipline shines.

» What Matters More Than Fund Names
The biggest cornerstones are:

Your discipline.

Your patience.

Your time in market.

Your stable SIP flow.

Your emotional stability.

These matter more than any fund selection. You are building them well.

» Asset Mix Guidance
Your mix of equity, debt and gold is good. But you should review this once a year. As you move closer to retirement, increase debt slowly. Reduce small cap slowly. This protects you. This stabilises your progress.

A Certified Financial Planner can help align your asset mix to your goals. This adds real value. This gives stronger structure.

» Taxation View
If you redeem equity funds in future, then keep the current rule in mind. Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs per year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, both gains are taxed as per your income slab.

This will matter only when you redeem. For now, your focus should be growth, not selling.

» Your Long-Term Wealth Path
You have good earnings years ahead. You have strong potential for growth. Your SIP habit is strong. You only need to clean your portfolio. You only need better structure. Then your money will grow well.

You can grow a meaningful corpus if you stay steady. You can even increase SIP when income grows. This gives faster results.

» Emotional Balance
Do not check returns every week. Do not check every month. Check once in six months. Check once in twelve months. SIP is a long game. Treat it like a long game.

Your small XIRR today does not decide your future. Your discipline decides it. You already have it.

» Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Nifty 50 SIP.

Step 2: Stop Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Step 3: Keep all the remaining SIPs.

Step 4: Shift the stopped SIP amount into your existing large cap and flexicap funds.

Step 5: Continue gold and debt in small amounts.

Step 6: Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Step 7: Increase SIP amount slowly when income grows.

Step 8: Stay invested for long term.

Step 9: Do not judge returns too early.

Step 10: Keep your patience strong.

» Finally
Your foundation is strong. Your habit is disciplined. Your mix only needs refinement. Your returns will grow with time. Your portfolio will gain strength with consistency. Your path is steady. Your plan will reward you if you follow it with calm and clarity.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |180 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi. I have been in a long distance relationship since 6 months,and i have known my boyfriend since 10 months. He is very understanding, caring,and honest person. He had already told everything about us for his parents and their parents agreed. We both are financially independent. I told my relationship to my parents and they are against it as my boyfriend is from lower caste, different region, not done his degree from a reputed college but a local engineering college, and his status. They are thinking about relatives, and society what will they say, about their pride, status, and all the respect they have earned uptill now will vanish because of my decision. My parents are very protective of me and have given me everything and like me a lot.They are saying its long distance you might have met only 15 times you don't see this person daily to judge his character. If you have known this person for atleast 2/3 years, with u meeting him daily it would be different. But the person i met is honest from the start. They are hurting daily because of my decision. I cant go against them and be happy.
Ans: 1. It is wonderful you have met someone special and in last 10 months you have met him 15 times which averages to meeting him 1.5 times a month. Is it possible to increase this and meet over every second weekend. Can you both travel once.

2. Parents are parents they worry and all parents are protective of their children as are yours. But if they are declining you because of caste etc then please question them asking them to give you an assurance that if they marry you to someone of their choice things will work - In reality there can be no assurance given for any relationship - found by you or introduced by parents as relationships need work by both...both need to grow up, both of you need to be happy individuals for relationship to work + if colleges were the deciding factor then we would not see divorces of those who married in the same caste or are from Stanford, MIT, IIT, IIMs, Inseads of the world.

Here is a suggestion/ recommendation
- meet his family
- get him to meet your parents
- let both set of parents meet

all the best

...Read more

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