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Kirtan

Kirtan A Shah  |77 Answers  |Ask -

MF Expert, Financial Planner - Answered on Sep 22, 2023

Kirtan A Shah is a certified financial planner and managing director, private wealth, at Credence Family Office.
He is also a Certified International Wealth Manager and Financial Engineering and Risk Manager.
Shah is the co-author of Financial Service Management and Financial Market Operations, which are used as reference books for Mumbai University.
He is frequently seen on CNBC, Zee Business, ET NOW & BQ Prime as an expert guest.... more
Ravi Question by Ravi on Aug 23, 2023Hindi
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Hello Sir, I am a 32 years salaried employee having saving upto 2lakhs now. recently I have taken pre-owned car worth 4 lakhs. Could you please suggest me investment plan and for atleast minimum 3-5 years with good returns.

Ans: If your question is where to invest the 2L, split the same into 2 funds I mentioned below and STP over the next 6 months,

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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  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello Experts, Greetings Im 33yr old and was earning just to make ends meet until now.Now I have a job where I can save 1.5 lakhs per month. I have short term goal to buy a car worth 10 lakhs in next 1 year or so. . suggest an investment strategy so that I can plan accordingly to achieve this goal. Also with about 50,000 I can invest in equity and debt with 60%-40% ratio for a long time. please suggest SIPs for the same. Thank you
Ans: Congratulations on your new job and the opportunity to save significantly each month! Let's outline a strategy to help you achieve your short-term goal of buying a car worth 10 lakhs within the next year, as well as a long-term investment plan for your equity and debt portfolio:

Short-Term Goal (Car Purchase):
Since your goal is to buy a car within the next year, it's crucial to focus on low-risk, liquid investment options to ensure the safety of your capital.
Consider investing your savings in a combination of fixed deposits (FDs), liquid mutual funds, or short-term debt funds. These options provide relatively stable returns and allow for easy access to funds when needed.
Aim to allocate your savings in such a way that you can accumulate 10 lakhs within the specified timeframe. Calculate the required monthly contribution based on your investment choice and the expected rate of return.
Long-Term Investment (Equity and Debt):
With a monthly surplus of 50,000 for long-term investments, you have the opportunity to build a well-diversified portfolio that balances growth potential and risk.
Considering your risk tolerance and the long investment horizon, a 60%-40% allocation to equity and debt, respectively, seems reasonable.
For equity investments, consider investing in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap mutual funds through SIPs. These funds offer exposure to different segments of the market and can help diversify your portfolio.
For debt investments, opt for high-quality debt funds or fixed income options like PPF or debt-oriented mutual funds. These instruments provide stability and regular income while preserving capital.
Regularly review your portfolio's performance and make adjustments as needed to stay aligned with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
For your short-term goal, prioritize capital preservation and liquidity, while for your long-term investment portfolio, focus on creating a balanced mix of equity and debt instruments to achieve your financial objectives.

Best of luck with your investments and car purchase journey!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

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

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I am 26 years and hoping to buy my car in next 5 years so need 10 lakh output on my investment kindly suggest best approach
Ans: It's great that you're planning ahead for your car purchase. Here's a strategy to help you achieve your goal:

• Define Your Goal: Start by determining the exact amount you'll need to purchase your car in five years. Consider factors like the type of car you want and any additional expenses such as insurance and maintenance.

• Calculate Required Investment: Once you have your target amount, calculate how much you'll need to invest monthly to reach your goal. Use an online investment calculator or consult a financial advisor to determine this amount based on your expected rate of return.

• Choose Suitable Investments: Since your investment horizon is relatively short-term (five years), focus on relatively low-risk investment options that offer steady returns. Consider investing in a mix of debt instruments such as fixed deposits, recurring deposits, and debt mutual funds. These options provide stability and liquidity while offering reasonable returns.

• Systematic Investment: Set up a systematic investment plan (SIP) where you contribute a fixed amount regularly towards your investment portfolio. This disciplined approach helps you accumulate wealth over time by harnessing the power of compounding.

• Review and Adjust: Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your goals and risk tolerance. As you approach your target date, consider gradually shifting your investments to more conservative options to protect your capital from market volatility.

• Emergency Fund: While focusing on your car savings, don't forget to maintain an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or financial emergencies. Aim to have at least 3-6 months' worth of living expenses set aside in a readily accessible account.

• Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to develop a customized investment plan tailored to your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. A financial advisor can provide valuable insights and guidance to help you achieve your objectives.

By following these steps and staying disciplined with your savings and investment strategy, you can work towards accumulating the necessary funds to purchase your dream car in five years. Remember to stay focused on your goal and adjust your plan as needed along the way.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 12, 2024Hindi
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Hii, I earn 1.5 lakh/month after all the taxes. My age is currently 22, I have no loans and my parents do not depend on me. How should I be investing if I plan to take a 20-25 lakhs car in the near future (3-4 years). I do not need to buy a house as I will be living with my parents only. Currently I have to pay rent of 25k/month and that is my only fixed cost for a month.
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
You earn Rs 1.5 lakh per month after taxes. At 22, you have no loans and your parents are not dependent on you. Your only fixed cost is a monthly rent of Rs 25,000.

This leaves you with Rs 1.25 lakh per month for savings and investments.

Defining Your Goals
You plan to buy a car worth Rs 20-25 lakh in 3-4 years. This is a significant goal that requires a structured investment plan.

Investment Strategy
Emergency Fund

Maintain an emergency fund. It should cover 6 months of expenses. For you, this would be around Rs 1.5 lakh (25k rent + 1 lakh for other expenses x 6). This should be kept in a high-interest savings account or a liquid fund.

Short-Term Investments

To buy a car in 3-4 years, you need to invest in low-risk, short-term instruments. Avoid equity for this goal as it is volatile.

Recurring Deposit (RD)

An RD with a bank is a good option. It provides guaranteed returns and is low risk.

Debt Mutual Funds

Consider investing in short-term debt mutual funds. These are less volatile and provide better returns than fixed deposits.

Fixed Deposit (FD)

You can also consider a fixed deposit. It offers guaranteed returns with low risk.

Long-Term Investments

Since you don't need to buy a house and have no other major financial commitments, you can invest aggressively for the long term. This will help you build wealth over time.

Equity Mutual Funds

Invest in equity mutual funds through a Systematic Investment Plan (SIP). It spreads risk over time and helps in rupee cost averaging. Choose funds with a good track record and managed by reputable fund managers.

Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds often outperform index funds. Fund managers adjust the portfolio based on market conditions. This can result in higher returns.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)

PPF is a good option for long-term savings. It offers tax benefits under Section 80C and provides a fixed return.

National Pension System (NPS)

NPS is another good long-term investment. It offers tax benefits and helps build a retirement corpus.

Savings Plan for Car Purchase
To save Rs 20-25 lakh in 3-4 years:

Monthly Savings Target

To reach your goal, you need to save around Rs 50,000-60,000 per month.

Investment Options

Divide your savings between RDs, short-term debt mutual funds, and FDs. This diversification will reduce risk.

Monthly Budgeting
Track Expenses

Keep a record of your expenses. This will help you identify areas where you can cut costs.

Automate Investments

Set up automatic transfers to your investment accounts. This ensures discipline and consistency.

Tax Planning
Section 80C Investments

Utilize the Rs 1.5 lakh limit under Section 80C. Investments in PPF, NPS, and ELSS (Equity-Linked Savings Scheme) can help you save tax.

Health Insurance

Consider taking health insurance. Premiums are tax-deductible under Section 80D.

Final Insights
Start saving and investing as early as possible. Diversify your investments to reduce risk. Review your investments regularly and adjust as needed.

Be disciplined and consistent with your savings plan to achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8320 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Feb 07, 2025

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Salaried income net 80000. EMIs for Car loan and personal loan is Rs.40000/-. Monthly expenses about 20000/-. Retirement in 2031. No FD or PPF. EPF of Rs.1800pm only deduction from salary. Son in class 10th. Daughter in 7th. Living in father's property. What kind of investment plan I should adopt for 5 to 7 years.
Ans: Your financial planning for the next 5 to 7 years is crucial. With retirement in 2031, loan EMIs, and growing education costs, a structured plan is necessary.

Current Financial Situation
Monthly income: Rs. 80,000
Loan EMIs: Rs. 40,000
Household expenses: Rs. 20,000
Net savings potential: Rs. 20,000
No fixed deposits or PPF investments
EPF deduction: Rs. 1,800 per month
Living in a family-owned house
Key Financial Priorities
Clearing personal and car loans before retirement
Building an education fund for children
Creating a retirement corpus for post-2031 expenses
Ensuring sufficient liquidity for emergencies
Debt Repayment Strategy
Loans take up 50% of your income.
Prepayment of personal loan should be a priority.
Car loans should be cleared before retirement.
Reducing debt improves future investment capacity.
Emergency Fund Creation
At least 6 months' expenses should be set aside.
The fund should cover loan EMIs and essentials.
Investing in safe, liquid instruments is ideal.
Investment Plan for 5-7 Years
A mix of growth and stability is needed.
Mid-cap and small-cap exposure should be limited.
Actively managed funds offer better returns than index funds.
Debt investments ensure safety for short-term goals.
A combination of equity and hybrid funds can balance risk.
Education Planning for Children
Your son will need funds in 2-3 years.
Your daughter will need funds in 6-8 years.
A mix of equity and debt can provide growth with stability.
Avoiding high-risk investments ensures goal fulfillment.
Retirement Planning Approach
Your EPF contribution is minimal.
A dedicated retirement corpus must be created.
Investments should provide returns that beat inflation.
Structured investment through a Certified Financial Planner ensures stability.
Avoiding Direct Mutual Funds
Direct plans lack professional oversight.
A Certified Financial Planner helps manage risk better.
Regular funds offer expert-driven investment choices.
Portfolio rebalancing is essential for long-term success.
Taxation Considerations
Long-term capital gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term gains attract a 20% tax.
Debt fund taxation depends on your income tax slab.
Efficient tax planning ensures maximum post-tax returns.
Finally
Debt clearance should be a top priority.
Education funds must be secured with a balanced approach.
Retirement investments should be structured for stability.
Market corrections can be used for additional investments.
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner ensures a structured financial journey.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

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Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1603 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, as my son Inter bord got 91% but in Jee mains 1st attempt got 50% and 2nd attempt got 70%, but he was not eligible for Advance, and he was wrote other college exams as (IIIT Hyd + VIT+TSEAPCET) in that VIT got results as 1.20 Lakh rank and he was eligible for Round of Category of 5th for VIT-AP & VIT-Bhopal, and expecting results for IIIT Hyd and also waiting for other Exams as (COMEDK + MIT + BITS), he was sincerely trying the efforts private college entrance exams, but the results which is not satisfy for him, and getting disappoint, but I was giving the motivation for other exams and do the hard work and focus on, BITS & IIT-Hyd also very tuff and more competitive, as i need to think for the negative side, if he could not get any cut of marks, what is the next option....? I request you pls give any other alternate suggestions for which is alternate engineering university for the course of (CSE AI & ML), my son interested in CSE course only
Ans: Hello Rakesh
First and foremost, I would like to commend your son for his earnest efforts in preparing for a range of engineering entrance examinations. His dedication is commendable, even if the outcomes so far haven't aligned with expectations. As you’ve mentioned, he has not yet been able to meet the required cutoff, which understandably may lead to feelings of disappointment or frustration.
However, the journey isn't over. Significant opportunities still lie ahead with BITSAT and IIIT-Hyderabad, both of which are known to be less about difficulty and more about testing strategic thinking and conceptual clarity. It appears that your son may be facing challenges in effectively managing the vast syllabus or might not yet have identified the right approach to tackle these competitive exams. Understanding how to study smartly for such tests often makes all the difference.
It’s important to maintain a positive outlook and avoid negative assumptions at this stage. You haven’t mentioned your financial circumstances, but if your son is determined to pursue fields like Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Machine Learning, and if merit-based options don’t materialize, admission through the management quota could be a viable alternative. This route is typically available in reputed private engineering colleges, though it comes with a higher financial commitment.
Before considering this option seriously, I would recommend waiting for the results of all the remaining entrance exams. At the same time, it would be wise to proactively visit a few reputed institutions to inquire about the availability of management quota seats, associated costs, and relevant terms and conditions. Many parents secure such seats early on, anticipating the challenges their child might face in clearing competitive cutoffs.
Stay optimistic, there are still several promising pathways ahead.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 06, 2025
Career
can i get admission in NFSU through jee mains score only ? because i gone on NFSU admission portal link for B.Tech-M.Tech Integrated program in Computer Science and Engineering (Cyber Security) but they asking about NFAT exam
Ans: Hi,
I apologize for any confusion, but I want to clarify that when the government asked for our support of the ONE NATION ONE CARD system, we did not accept it. Similarly, everyone is required to open a savings account at a bank, and many of us expressed our discontent. However, we can see the positive changes happening in India. If we support the government, they will reciprocate by providing benefits to the citizens.

In terms of education, the government is attempting to implement a new education policy, which has proven to be quite difficult. The education system has changed significantly before and after the pandemic. Now, the government is working on new policies that align with those of developed countries.

Therefore, we cannot expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from the government at this time, as it is not included in the current guidelines. Each council or organization has its own set of guidelines, and synchronizing them will take time. At this moment, it is simply not feasible.

The NFAT exam is different from the JEE. In the case of the JEE, they did not notify the aspirants that they are eligible to apply for NFSU, and similarly, NFSU did not mention that JEE rank holders could also apply. Therefore, if you want admission to NFSU, you need to register and appear for the NFTA.

In the near future, we can expect the ONE STUDENT ONE EXAM system from this BJP government for the benefit of younger generations. For the benefit of postgraduate aspirants (for all courses except a few professional ones), the NTA is organizing the PGCUET exam nationwide. In this exam, you can opt for up to four different courses based on your eligibility.

A similar exam pattern is needed for engineering and medical fields as well. As I mentioned, we can expect this change; however, we, as citizens, should offer moral support for the benefit of younger generations. Unfortunately, we often do not provide this support to the government. For example, in the NEET exam, many aspirants do not follow the guidelines even when appearing for the exams.
BEST WISHES

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Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Hello sir I have taken a 1 year drop for neet 2025 from pw online . But now I am scoring only 300 in neet .Now i am very confused what to do should I take one more drop or chose any option. This time i want to join offline coaching and really want to work hard but afraid that the coaching centre after knowing my marks will give me their worst batch so what should i do ?
Ans: Hi Ritika,
You mentioned that you scored only 300 in NEET. While we can't make any judgments until the official results are published, I must say that a score of 300 is quite low.

If you're planning to reappear for NEET, that's a good decision! However, I understand you might be worried about the coaching classes placing you in a less suitable batch. I recommend attending for 2 or 3 days while attending the coaching just follow the below instructions.

Make a list of the subjects and chapters you find challenging. Discuss these areas with your coaching faculty and aim to ask at least 15-20 questions daily to clarify your doubts and enhance your understanding. Additionally, request tips and tricks for each chapter so that you can put in a lot of effort to reach your goal.

Alternatively, you can prepare 10 questions on your own and seek answers from your coaching faculty. If you maintain this practice throughout the course, you'll build your confidence, and the coaching staff may consider changing your group due to your proactive approach in asking questions.

Through NEET, you can also pursue other medical-related courses such as BAMS, BSMS, BHMS, BYMS, BNYS, and BDS.

If you don’t have confidence in yourself, you might consider dropping NEET and exploring other courses. However, I encourage you to take one chance and follow my suggestions.

Additionally, if you are not already practicing yoga and meditation, I recommend starting. These activities can help you concentrate better and reduce distractions while studying.

Best of luck!
POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

...Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |372 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on May 06, 2025

Career
Hlo I have taken a 1 year drop in 2024 for neet but i am scoring only 300 . Now I am so confused what to do I really want to crack neet and this time i want to join offline coaching but afraid that i can do it or not Please tell me what to do
Ans: Hi Ritika,
Good decision! Offline coaching is far better than online coaching because it allows you to focus on your studies more effectively.

You mentioned that you need to crack the exam, so here are some tips on how to do that:

First, identify which subjects and chapters you find challenging and make a list. Discuss these areas with your coaching faculty. Aim to ask at least 10 questions daily to clarify your doubts and enhance your understanding.

Alternatively, you can prepare 10 questions on your own and seek answers from your coaching faculty. If you maintain this practice throughout the course, you will build your confidence.

Additionally, if you are not practicing yoga and meditation, I recommend starting. These activities can help you concentrate better and reduce distractions while studying.

Best of luck!

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

...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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