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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |959 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 16, 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 - Apr 14, 2024Hindi
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Hi I am having more than 5 credit cards and Personal Loan along with a home loan..I am really facing problem to pay my dues and I have fallen in a debt trap. I am taking loan to pay off my another loan. I have no intention that I will not pay off my dues but on the other hand I am facing huge issue to pay off my debts, due to this even my Credit score and CIBIL is affecting. Kindly provide me a suggestion so that I can solve this issue without affecting my CIBIL.

Ans: Managing multiple loans and credit card debts can be overwhelming and lead to a debt trap, impacting your credit score and financial health. Here's a step-by-step plan to help you manage and eventually pay off your debts without further damaging your CIBIL score:

Assess Your Debts:

List down all your debts, including credit cards, personal loans, and home loans.
Note down the interest rates, outstanding amounts, and minimum monthly payments for each.
Create a Budget:

Make a realistic monthly budget to track your income and expenses.
Identify areas where you can cut expenses and allocate more funds towards debt repayment.
Prioritize Debts:

Prioritize debts with the highest interest rates to save on interest costs.
Continue making minimum payments on all debts to avoid penalties and further damaging your credit score.
Debt Consolidation:

Consider consolidating high-interest debts into a lower-interest loan or balance transfer credit card.
This can simplify payments and reduce overall interest costs, making it easier to manage.
Negotiate with Lenders:

Reach out to your lenders to negotiate lower interest rates or extended repayment terms.
Many lenders offer hardship programs or restructuring options to help borrowers in financial distress.
Increase Income:

Look for additional sources of income to boost your monthly cash flow.
This could be through a part-time job, freelancing, or selling unused items.
Financial Counseling:

Consider seeking professional financial counseling or debt management services.
They can provide personalized advice and strategies to manage and pay off your debts effectively.
Avoid Taking New Loans:

Stop taking new loans or using credit cards until you have paid off existing debts.
Focus on living within your means and building a savings buffer for emergencies.
Monitor Your Credit Score:

Regularly check your credit report to monitor your progress.
Ensure all information is accurate and dispute any errors to maintain a healthy credit score.
Stay Committed:

Stay committed to your debt repayment plan and avoid falling back into old habits.
Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated.
Remember, managing debt requires discipline, commitment, and patience. It may take time to get out of debt, but with a structured plan and determination, you can achieve financial freedom and improve your CIBIL score over time.
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  |959 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 09, 2023Hindi
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Dear expert I am caught in a debt trap with loans and credit card outstandings. All my investments which were significant at point of time have now been nullified except FDs worth 5 lacs. Also i have a house of my own I need your help in how to get out of a debt trap..I stay with my parents, who are retired bank employees and pensioners who have significant income. My wife and I have a total monthly income of around 1 lac
Ans: I'm sorry to hear about your situation, but I'm glad you're seeking guidance to get out of the debt trap. Here's a step-by-step approach to help you manage and reduce your debts:

Assess Your Debts: List down all your debts, including loans and credit card outstandings, along with their interest rates and monthly EMIs.

Create a Budget: Prepare a monthly budget to track your income and expenses. Allocate a portion of your income towards debt repayment.

Prioritize Debts: Prioritize debts with higher interest rates or those with smaller outstanding amounts for quick elimination (Debt Snowball Method) or focus on debts with larger outstanding amounts (Debt Avalanche Method).

Negotiate with Creditors: Contact your creditors to negotiate lower interest rates or request a repayment plan that suits your financial situation.

Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Identify and cut down on unnecessary expenses to free up more money for debt repayment.

Increase Income: Explore ways to increase your income, such as taking up a part-time job, freelancing, or selling unused items.

Emergency Fund: While focusing on debt repayment, start building an emergency fund to avoid taking on more debt in case of unexpected expenses.

Seek Financial Counseling: Consider seeking help from a financial counselor or debt management agency to guide you through the process and negotiate with creditors on your behalf.

Avoid Taking on More Debt: Stop using credit cards and avoid taking on more loans until you have paid off your existing debts.

Review and Adjust: Regularly review your budget and debt repayment plan to make necessary adjustments based on your progress and changing financial situation.

Regarding Your Investments and FDs:

FDs: Keep the FDs as an emergency fund or use them to pay off high-interest debts if needed.
Regarding Your House and Parents' Income:

House: If possible, consider downsizing or renting out a portion of your house to generate additional income.
Parents' Income: Discuss your situation with your parents and explore the possibility of them assisting you financially, either by lending you money or helping with debt repayment.
Remember: It's essential to stay committed, disciplined, and patient throughout this process. With determination and a well-thought-out plan, you can overcome your debt and achieve financial freedom.
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Asked by Anonymous - Aug 09, 2023Hindi
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I have multiple loan with outstanding of 32 lakhs. My salary is 1.3L pm and paying emi of 82k.Not able to figure it out how to get out this debt trap
Ans: My inputs sent for a magazine article yesterday may help you. Please go through it:-

Strategy to get out of debt trap

1. Debt Consolidation: This is streamlining your debts for clarity. Debt without consolidation is like juggling a bunch of puzzle pieces while presuming that you’re in control. Merge your scattered debts into one manageable loan, reducing confusion and the risk of missing payments. This smart move can lead to lower interest rates and simplified monthly payments, giving you a clearer path out of the debt maze.

2. Debt Avalanche Strategy: This strategy treats your debts as mountains and tells you to start climbing the steepest ones first, that is, tackling the highest peaks first and the lower peaks will then automatically become a cake-walk. So, with this strategy, you focus on the high-interest loans while making minimum payments on others. As you conquer one peak after another, your momentum builds, and soon you'll find yourself on the summit of debt-free living.

3. Credit Card Balance Transfer: IN this strategy, you swap the high-interest credit card debts for friendlier ones. Through a balance transfer, you move your existing credit card debt to a new card with lower interest, that is, shifting to a smoother terrain. This gives you breathing room to pay off the principal without being weighed down by sky-high interest.

4. Practical Tips to Conquer Debt:
1. Budget with Purpose: Lay out a clear budget that allocates extra funds to debt repayment while covering essentials.
2. Cut Unnecessary Expenses: Trim down on luxuries, and redirect the saved money towards settling your debts faster.
3. Build an Emergency Fund: Having a financial safety net prevents you from resorting to more debt during unexpected setbacks.
4. Negotiate with Lenders: Reach out to your lenders for potential interest rate reductions or extended payment plans.
5. Financial Windfalls: Put unexpected bonuses, tax refunds, or gifts towards debt reduction to accelerate your progress.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day – the same applies to debt repayment. By combining strategic methods and prudent financial habits, you can pave the way to a debt-free horizon.
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Hi, i have completed my masters in food technology and want to work as freelancers as a auditor in food industry could you guide how to go about doing.
Ans: Transitioning to freelance work as a food industry auditor can offer you flexibility and autonomy in your career. Evaluate your qualifications, experience, and skills in food technology, quality assurance, and auditing. Identify areas where you have expertise and experience that are valuable to potential clients in the food industry. Familiarize yourself with the requirements and standards for food auditing, including regulatory requirements, industry standards (such as ISO 22000, HACCP), and customer specifications. Understand the auditing process, documentation requirements, and audit protocols. Consider obtaining relevant certifications or training in food safety auditing, such as Certified Food Safety Auditor (CFSA), Lead Auditor Training, or other accredited programs. These credentials can enhance your credibility and qualifications as a freelancer. Network with professionals in the food industry, including food manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and regulatory agencies. Attend industry conferences, seminars, and networking events to connect with potential clients and collaborators. Determine the specific services you will offer as a food industry auditor, such as food safety audits, quality management system audits, regulatory compliance assessments, or supplier audits. Identify your target market, including food manufacturers, processors, retailers, or food service providers. Develop a professional brand identity for your freelance auditing services, including a business name, logo, website, and marketing materials. Highlight your expertise, qualifications, and unique value proposition to attract potential clients. Determine your pricing structure based on factors such as the complexity of audits, scope of services, and industry standards. Establish clear policies regarding payment terms, project timelines, and confidentiality agreements to protect both your interests and those of your clients. Promote your freelance auditing services through online channels, social media platforms, industry forums, and professional associations. Create content related to food safety, quality assurance, and auditing best practices to showcase your expertise and attract potential clients. Cultivate relationships with potential clients by offering value-added services, such as training, consulting, or ongoing support. Build trust and credibility through transparent communication, professional conduct, and delivering high-quality audit reports and recommendations. Establish systems and processes for managing your freelance business, including client communication, project management, invoicing, and record-keeping. Prioritize time management and organization to balance your freelance work effectively. 

Keep learning, networking, and refining your approach to meet the needs of your clients and achieve your professional goals as a freelancer.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |959 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2024Hindi
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I retired earlier now at 53. Invested 7L in ELSS and using 60L on short term equity trading (with monthly average gain 2L) and having own apartment home worth 40L. Having dependent widowed mother, wife with 13 yrs old daughter. Intended to raise daughter as doctor. Please suggest better investment options.
Ans: Congratulations on your early retirement! It sounds like you've made some good initial decisions, but there's definitely room for improvement to secure your family's future, especially considering your dependents. Here's how you can optimize your investments:

Reduce Risk in Short-Term Equity Trading:

While a ?2 lakh monthly gain from short-term trading sounds impressive, it's a very risky strategy. The market can be volatile, and these gains may not be sustainable. Consider allocating a much smaller portion (maybe 10-20%) to short-term trading and focus on more stable options for the majority of your investable assets (?60 lakh currently in trading).
Focus on Long-Term Growth and Stability:

Increase Investment in ELSS: ?7 lakh is a good start, but for your daughter's education and your retirement needs, you'll likely need a much larger corpus. Consider increasing your SIP amount in ELSS or similar diversified equity mutual funds with a long-term horizon (10+ years).
Explore Debt Options for Regular Income:

You mentioned having a dependent mother and daughter's education to plan for. Consider investing a portion (maybe 20-30%) of your investable amount in safer debt options like Public Provident Fund (PPF), Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) for your mother (if she's above 60), or fixed deposits to generate a regular income stream.
Plan for Daughter's Education:

Doctorate studies can be expensive. Start an SIP in a dedicated child education plan or invest in aggressive equity funds specifically for this goal. Talk to a Certfied Financial Planner for personalized recommendations based on the estimated cost of medical education.
Utilize Your Apartment:

While your apartment fulfills your housing needs, consider if it could generate additional income. Explore options like renting a room if feasible.
Seek Professional Guidance:

Given your multiple financial goals and risk tolerance, consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can be highly beneficial. They can create a personalized investment plan considering your risk appetite, time horizon, and financial goals.
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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |959 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 29, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 29, 2024Hindi
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Dear Sir My age is 34 yrs. I have working alredy 10 yrs and my average total income till date 40L minimum. Still I did not save 1rs till now. Request you please advice how to start savings also make future retirement plan. My expected retirement age is 55yrs.
Ans: It's never too late to start saving for retirement, and kudos to you for taking this important step at 34! Here's how to get on track:

1. Assess your situation:

Track your expenses: For a month, track where your money goes. This will help identify areas to cut back and free up savings.
Emergency fund: Aim for 3-6 months of living expenses in an easily accessible savings account for emergencies.
2. Start saving:

Automated savings: Set up a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) in a mutual fund. Start small, even with ?1,000 per month, and gradually increase as you get comfortable.
3. Retirement plan:

Employer benefits: Check if your employer offers a retirement plan like a Provident Fund (PF). Contribute the maximum allowed for tax benefits and long-term savings.
Individual options: Explore options like National Pension System (NPS) or Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS) for long-term growth. Talk to a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) for personalized advice based on your risk tolerance and goals.
Here's a breakdown based on your income:

You mentioned an average annual income of ?40 lakhs. Aim to save at least 10-15% of your income, which translates to ?4,000-?6,000 per month.
Remember: Consistency is key! Starting early, even with a small amount, allows time for your savings to grow through the power of compounding. Don't be discouraged if you can't save a lot initially. Every little bit counts!
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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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