Should a 35-Year-Old Woman With a Home Loan Aim to Retire by 2036 with 2 Crores?

Ans: With 187 marks in JEE Advanced 2025, your estimated Common Rank List (CRL) position would likely fall between 2,600 and 3,500, based on previous years' data. This rank range may limit access to the most sought-after branches like Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at the top 7 IITs.

However, you have strong prospects in other branches:

IIT Bombay: Mechanical Engineering (closing rank ~1,685), Civil Engineering (~4,046)

IIT Delhi: Mechanical Engineering (~1,774), Civil Engineering (~4,108)

IIT Madras: Mechanical Engineering (~2,302), Civil Engineering (~5,525)

IIT Kanpur: Mechanical Engineering (~2,776), Civil Engineering (~5,948)

IIT Kharagpur: Mechanical Engineering (~3,294), Civil Engineering (~7,177)

IIT Roorkee: Mechanical Engineering (~3,504), Civil Engineering (~6,144)

IIT Guwahati: Mechanical Engineering (~4,200), Civil Engineering (~7,100)

These branches offer excellent academic and career opportunities. Additionally, consider newer IITs like IIT Hyderabad, IIT Indore, or IIT Mandi, where CSE and other popular branches might be accessible within your rank range. Participate actively in the JoSAA counseling process, as seat allocations can vary each year based on applicant preferences and seat availability. All the BEST for your Admission & Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Rajana Madam, For superior placements, industry exposure, and established reputation, NSUT Delhi is the preferable choice. All the BEST for your son's Admission & Prosperous Future!

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Ans: You have shown good discipline in managing your finances. You have started early planning for your child and your retirement. That is very good. You also have a good monthly income and manageable loan EMI. But, a few adjustments will help build stronger wealth for retirement.

Let me now help you with a step-by-step review of your current financial structure and suggest better ways for future financial well-being.

 
 
1. Income and Expense Overview

Your monthly salary is Rs. 75,000.
 
 

You are paying Rs. 20,000 as home loan EMI.
 
 

You are investing Rs. 12,500 in SIPs every month.
 
 

You are investing Rs. 50,000 per year in PPF. That is around Rs. 4,167 per month.
 
 

You are paying Rs. 39,000 per year in LIC premium. That is around Rs. 3,250 per month.
 
 

After all expenses and investments, you save around Rs. 15,000 per month.
 
 

Your savings habit is strong. That is a great quality. But now, you need to optimise your savings and investments better.

 
 
2. Home Loan Management

Rs. 25 lakhs loan is manageable with your income.
 
 

Rs. 20,000 EMI is reasonable. But loan closure before retirement is important.
 
 

Aim to close the loan by 58 years. That will reduce stress after retirement.
 
 

If you receive any bonus or surplus, use that partly to reduce loan.
 
 

But do not stop SIPs or long-term investments for loan prepayment.
 
 

Balance is important.
 
 
3. LIC Policy Assessment

You are paying Rs. 39,000 yearly in LIC.
 
 

Most likely, this is a traditional endowment or money-back policy.
 
 

Such plans give very low returns. Usually below 5% per year.
 
 

Also, mixing insurance with investment is not ideal.
 
 

What to do now?

If the policy has completed more than 3 years, check surrender value.
 
 

If surrender is financially suitable, stop and reinvest in mutual funds.
 
 

Take pure term insurance separately if not already taken.
 
 

Term plans give large cover at low cost.
 
 

This one change will free up funds and give better returns.
 
 
4. PPF Investment Review

You are investing Rs. 50,000 per year in PPF.
 
 

PPF is safe and gives tax-free returns.
 
 

Current interest is around 7% to 7.5% per annum.
 
 

But this return may not beat inflation over 15–20 years.
 
 

Still, PPF is good for safety and diversification.
 
 

Continue PPF, but do not increase allocation too much.
 
 

Keep PPF limited. Focus more on higher return options.
 
 
5. SIP Investment Strategy

You are investing Rs. 12,500 per month in SIPs.
 
 

SIP in mutual funds is one of the best long-term tools.
 
 

Ensure you are investing in diversified, actively managed funds.
 
 

Actively managed funds give better returns over long term.
 
 

Avoid index funds. They copy the market and don’t beat inflation strongly.
 
 

Avoid direct funds unless you are experienced and review portfolios often.
 
 

Regular plans through a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP support are better.
 
 

You get proper guidance, rebalancing, and tracking.
 
 

SIP should be your main engine for wealth building.
 
 
6. Retirement Goal Planning

You want Rs. 1 crore at retirement. That is a good starting goal.
 
 

At age 48 now, you have around 12 years left to build this.
 
 

You are already investing in SIP and PPF.
 
 

After surrendering LIC, redirect that amount into mutual funds.
 
 

Even your current Rs. 12,500 SIP + Rs. 3,250 LIC (if re-directed) = Rs. 15,750.
 
 

This amount, if invested in equity mutual funds, can create strong growth.
 
 

Also, your savings of Rs. 15,000/month is available.
 
 

Use part of this savings also to boost your SIP.
 
 

Retirement goal can be achieved. Just need disciplined investing and small adjustments.
 
 
7. Child’s Education Planning

Your son is 5 years old. You have time to build corpus.
 
 

Higher education expenses will start after 13–15 years.
 
 

Create a separate SIP for this goal. Do not mix with other investments.
 
 

Invest in diversified equity mutual funds for child goal.
 
 

Even Rs. 5,000–7,000/month SIP can build good corpus by then.
 
 

Review the portfolio every year with your Certified Financial Planner.
 
 

Do not depend on insurance plans or ULIPs for child goals.
 
 

They give poor returns and lock your money for long.
 
 

8. Insurance Protection Plan

At 48, insurance is critical. You are the family’s main earning member.
 
 

Take pure term insurance of minimum 10–12 times your yearly income.
 
 

That is Rs. 75,000 × 12 × 10 = Rs. 90 lakhs at least.
 
 

Premium will be low if taken soon.
 
 

Do not mix insurance with investment.
 
 

Also take health insurance for family if not already covered.
 
 

Company cover is not enough. Take personal health policy also.
 
 

9. Tax Planning and Optimisation

You are using LIC and PPF for tax benefits.
 
 

Also SIPs in ELSS funds can give tax benefits.
 
 

Consider ELSS only if you need 80C limit and can take 3-year lock-in.
 
 

Do not over-focus on tax saving. Wealth creation is more important.
 
 

If your 80C is already full, invest in non-tax saving mutual funds.
 
 

SIPs in equity mutual funds held for more than one year will attract LTCG.
 
 

LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
 
 

Keep track of capital gains yearly. Use your limit smartly.
 
 

10. Emergency Fund Management

Keep at least 4 to 6 months of expenses in emergency fund.
 
 

Use liquid mutual funds or savings account for this.
 
 

Do not invest emergency funds in PPF or SIP.
 
 

You should be able to withdraw anytime when needed.
 
 

Use your Rs. 15,000 monthly saving to slowly build this buffer.
 
 

11. Key Adjustments You Can Make Now

Surrender low-return LIC policy if suitable.
 
 

Redirect Rs. 3,250/month to mutual funds.
 
 

Increase SIP by at least Rs. 5,000 more monthly using your surplus.
 
 

Start a child education SIP separately.
 
 

Build emergency fund of Rs. 3 to 4 lakhs gradually.
 
 

Do not increase EMI. Prioritise investment and loan closure balance.
 
 

Finally

You have already done many things right. That is a great starting point.

Just fine-tune your investment structure now. Shift from low-return products to higher growth investments. Don’t stop your SIPs. Keep increasing SIP as income rises.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner. Review your plan every year. This is not a one-time setup. Financial planning is a regular process.

With the right steps, Rs. 1 crore for retirement is very much possible. Also, your child’s education will be secure. Just stay consistent and focused.

 
 
Best Regards,
 
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
 
Chief Financial Planner,
 
www.holisticinvestment.in
 
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Hello
Entrance Exams (Common for Top Institutes):
DUET – For Delhi University
OUCET/CPGET – Osmania University
BHUPET – For Banaras Hindu University
JMI Entrance – Jamia Millia Islamia
AIEEA PG (ICAR) – For select forensic courses in ICAR institutes
Private universities like Amity, SRM, etc., may have their own entrance or direct admission.

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Ans: At age 26, it is appreciable that you have started investing early.

It shows responsibility towards your future financial goals.

Your current SIPs are diversified across multiple categories.

But some of these SIPs may not be aligned well for long-term consistency.

Let us now review each one professionally.

1. Quant Small Cap Fund - Direct

Small caps can be volatile.

This fund is aggressive and high-risk.

Direct plans have no guidance or monitoring.

This may affect long-term performance.

Switching to a regular plan with a Certified Financial Planner is better.

This will ensure proper guidance and rebalancing.

2. Nippon India Large Cap - Direct

Large caps offer stability in a portfolio.

However, this fund’s long-term consistency is not very strong.

Also, direct plans lack expert monitoring.

A regular plan through a CFP ensures better handholding.

Tracking and performance review becomes easier.

3. Mirae Asset ELSS Tax Saver

This fund is decent for tax saving.

It is diversified and has shown fair returns.

However, regular review is still needed.

A regular plan helps with documentation and timely alerts.

Switching to regular mode can be beneficial in the long run.

4. UTI Nifty 50 - Direct

This is an index fund.

Index funds only mirror the market.

They do not aim to beat the market.

They lack human intelligence and flexibility.

They don’t perform well during corrections or sideways markets.

Actively managed funds have higher potential.

They can outperform in changing market situations.

Consider replacing this with a well-managed large cap fund.

In regular plan through CFP, you get guided fund selection.

5. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap

Flexi cap funds provide flexibility across market segments.

This fund has been popular recently.

But it has higher exposure to international stocks.

This brings currency risk and regulatory risks.

Also, it may overlap with other holdings.

You should regularly monitor for overlap and concentration.

Again, direct mode has no professional review.

6. Tata Midcap Growth - Direct

Midcaps are good for long-term.

But they need close tracking due to higher volatility.

A regular plan with expert guidance is ideal.

Direct mode will not help during market correction periods.

Switching to regular mode will ensure ongoing support.

7. Tata Small Cap - Direct

Small caps are risky in short to medium term.

This should not be your core holding.

Should be allocated only with close guidance.

Again, direct plans can go off-track without support.

If unmanaged, can bring portfolio imbalance.

Assessment of Direct Funds: Key Concerns

Direct funds may look cheaper in expense.

But they lack professional support and review.

There is no monitoring of changes in fund quality.

You may miss timely exits and rebalancing.

A Certified Financial Planner guides with logic and analysis.

They also help align your funds with your goals.

Regular plans have MFD support and rebalancing discipline.

They protect from behavioural mistakes during market volatility.

Overall, regular funds with expert guidance bring higher net value.

What Can Be Done with Your Existing SIPs?

You can consider the following changes:

Discontinue index fund (UTI Nifty 50) SIP.

   

Reduce exposure to direct small and midcap funds.

   

Switch from direct plans to regular plans via a Certified Financial Planner.

   

Ensure SIPs are part of a professionally constructed portfolio.

   

Ensure proper asset allocation, fund category balancing and tax efficiency.

   

New SIP of Rs 10,000 per Month – Suggestions

For your new Rs 10,000 monthly SIP, here is a 360-degree plan:

Allocate across diversified categories.

   

Ensure each fund has low overlap and different market focus.

   

Invest in 3 to 4 funds max.

   

All in regular mode with CFP-led support.

   

Avoid index funds, as they only match market returns.

   

Go for actively managed funds with proven history.

   

Include large-cap, mid-cap and flexi-cap mix.

   

Monitor quarterly with your Certified Financial Planner.

   

Additional Guidance for 15-Year Wealth Building

At 26, your time horizon is excellent.

But long-term wealth creation needs more than just SIPs.

It needs strategy and discipline.

Below are key steps for a full-circle approach:

Set clear financial goals: Home, car, retirement, child education etc.

   

Link SIPs to each goal separately.

   

Keep emergency fund in place (6 months expenses).

   

Get sufficient life and health insurance (pure protection plans).

   

Avoid investment-cum-insurance products.

   

They give low returns and poor insurance.

   

Do not mix insurance with investment.

   

Track your SIP performance annually.

   

Rebalance if some funds underperform.

   

Maintain asset allocation: Equity, Debt and Liquid.

   

Avoid emotional reactions during market dips.

   

Stay invested with guidance from your CFP.

   

Be aware of taxation rules on equity and debt funds.

   

LTCG on equity above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

   

STCG on equity is taxed at 20%.

   

Debt fund gains are taxed as per income slab.

   

Regular plan MFD and CFP helps with all tax planning.

   

What Not to Do in the Next 15 Years

Don’t invest in index funds.

   

They lack active strategy.

   

Don’t choose funds by past returns only.

   

Don’t use direct funds without financial expertise.

   

Don’t invest in real estate for returns.

   

Don’t invest in annuity products for retirement.

   

Don’t mix investment and insurance.

   

Don’t make decisions based on short-term news or noise.

   

Don’t stop SIPs during market corrections.

   

Role of a Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner helps you:

Set goals based on life stages.

   

Create custom SIP and lump sum plans.

   

Select the best active funds for your goals.

   

Rebalance annually to stay on track.

   

Plan taxes as per latest rules.

   

Protect wealth with right insurances.

   

Build retirement with strategic planning.

   

Create a total financial blueprint for life.

   

Keep emotions out of financial decisions.

   

Final Insights

You have taken a great step by starting early.

But choosing the right funds is key.

More important is monitoring them regularly.

Direct plans lack this important support.

Switching to regular plans under CFP brings value.

Also, add Rs 10,000 new SIP with proper strategy.

Don’t follow trends.

Stay committed and review annually.

Avoid overlapping funds and unnecessary risks.

Have a complete financial roadmap in place.

You are building your future.

Make each rupee work with expert guidance.

This 360-degree approach will lead to better outcomes.

You will be financially secure and confident.

Take the next steps with clarity and care.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: You are thinking wisely about your assets.

Let’s look at this from a 360-degree perspective.

Rental Income vs Sale Value

The property gives you Rs. 14,000 monthly rent.

That is Rs. 1.68 lakhs per year.

Over 10 years, you may earn Rs. 16 to 18 lakhs from rent.

Maintenance cost, property tax, and repairs will reduce this further.

Also, a 40-year-old property needs more upkeep.

Its resale value may not grow much more from here.

Selling now for Rs. 70 lakhs gives you full value in hand.

You can use that money in better investment options.

Emotional Value vs Financial Value

Being ancestral property, emotions may be attached.

But emotional value won’t solve financial needs.

If the property is not well located or not appreciating well, selling is practical.

You can honour the legacy in other ways.

Should You Invest in NPS?

NPS is a retirement tool with lock-in till age 60.

You can’t withdraw freely.

It is good for building a pension corpus.

But not suitable if you want liquidity or flexibility.

Once you invest, you cannot move the funds easily.

Also, returns are not consistent. Depends on market and fund manager.

Use NPS only for a part of your funds if your retirement goal is clear.

Should You Put in Balanced Funds?

Balanced funds (also called hybrid funds) invest in both equity and debt.

They are good for moderate risk and stable returns.

Suitable for long-term goals like retirement, child's education, or financial freedom.

They give better return than traditional options.

But don’t invest in direct plans.

Direct funds don’t guide during volatility.

Regular plans through MFD with CFP support are better.

You get timely advice and fund switching support.

Active fund managers make strategy changes.

Index funds or passive options don’t do that.

Actively managed balanced funds are better for Indian investors.

What You Should Do Now

Sell the property if there’s no growth and rising maintenance.

Use part of the Rs. 70 lakhs to reduce any high-interest debt.

Keep 6 to 12 months of expenses as emergency fund in liquid mutual fund.

Invest the rest through SIP and STP in regular hybrid funds.

Plan your financial goals with a Certified Financial Planner.

For retirement, use mutual funds along with PPF and EPF.

Use NPS for small part only, due to lack of liquidity.

Tax Impact You Should Know

On sale, capital gains tax will apply.

Since it's ancestral property, indexed cost and holding period matter.

Tax can be planned using capital gain bonds or reinvestment.

Don’t keep all money in savings account. Plan it step-by-step.

A Suggested Allocation Strategy (Not Specific Schemes)

Rs. 10 to 15 lakhs – emergency and contingency in liquid or short-term fund.

Rs. 40 to 45 lakhs – invest gradually in hybrid and multicap mutual funds.

Rs. 10 lakhs – use for NPS only if you have no urgent needs till age 60.

Avoid direct funds, index funds, or annuity options.

Use regular funds via MFD under CFP guidance.

Final Insights

Selling old property and investing is a progressive step.

You are unlocking stuck value into a growing asset.

Old assets slow down your money’s growth.

Balanced mutual funds help you grow with moderate risk.

NPS gives tax benefit but lacks flexibility.

Don’t invest entire money in NPS. Use mix of better tools.

Avoid emotional attachment if the property is non-performing.

Turn this decision into a lifetime opportunity.

Your wealth deserves active planning, not passive holding.

Take support from a Certified Financial Planner to execute wisely.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hello sir. As our relationship ages and the kids get old this is one of the most common problem couples face. Communication issues. This can be due to many reasons:
1. Responsibility of kids are increasing and so we get less time to self care and for ourselves. Due to which communication hampers
2. Our parents are getting old and the medical bills and medical problems both increase which creates stress within you and then in turn you are not able to communicate properly.
3. Your age is also increasing and capacity is decreasing due to which you may get irritated.
The solution to this is that you and your wife should take out just half an hour for yourselves specially in the morning for meditation and exercise. This will increase your patience level and happy hormones and your capacity to handle stress and problems will increase. Try this out and share your experience.
Take care !
Regards
Dr Upneet kaur
Follow me on: https://www.instagram.com/dr_upneet

Ans: Prioritize CSE at KIET Ghaziabad for higher average placements (?7.11 LPA) and strong infrastructure, followed by CSE at JSS Noida (avg. ?5.69 LPA, peak ?57.32 LPA) for niche opportunities. While ECE at Jaypee Noida offers robust industry ties (107% placement rate), its median salary (?6.5 LPA) lags behind CSE options. KIET’s 98% placement rate and established CSE curriculum edge out JSS, which has inconsistent placement trends. Jaypee’s ECE suits core electronics interests but limits IT roles. Choose KIET/JSS for CSE’s broader prospects unless ECE aligns with career goals. All the BEST for your Admission & Prosperous Future!

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