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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 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
Ravindra Question by Ravindra on May 16, 2025
Money

Hello I am 51 years old with 14 years old Son and my spouse is not working. I am working with a Pvt Publishing company with salary 90000/ month but job is not stable. In my 28 years working , I couldn't saved much with other liabilities and circumstances . Now my son is in class 8 and I am still in rented house . I am afraid of coming future since I am not able to save anything. My overall monthly income exceeded to 80000 including my son's education, School fees , House Rent and other house hold expenses. Kindly suggest me how to save more and secure my future

Ans: You have shown great responsibility in raising your family on a single income.

At 51 years, your focus now should be financial security and your son's future.

Your son's education and your retirement both need careful planning from here.

Let us understand how to plan your future with limited income but strong commitment.

Your Current Financial Snapshot
You are 51 years old, with a 14-year-old son.

Your spouse is not working, so you are the only earner.

Your job is in the private sector and not stable.

Monthly income is around Rs. 90,000.

Monthly expenses are touching Rs. 80,000.

You are staying in a rented house.

You are unable to save due to high expenses.

Let us address each concern in a simple, practical way.

Step 1: Create a Small Monthly Surplus
Without surplus, saving is not possible.

First identify all your fixed expenses.

Note down your rent, fees, bills, groceries, transport etc.

Then write all variable or non-essential expenses.

These include outings, subscriptions, online shopping etc.

Keep these expenses under control.

Aim to reduce total monthly spending by Rs. 5,000.

If needed, shift to a slightly cheaper rented house.

This is not about sacrifice, it is about safety.

Step 2: Start a Basic Emergency Fund
Your job is not secure.

Emergency fund is your safety cover.

Save 3 to 6 months of household expenses.

This money must be separate and easy to access.

Keep it in a separate savings account or liquid fund.

Don’t touch this for regular spending.

Build this fund slowly over 6 to 12 months.

Even Rs. 3,000 a month is fine to start.

Step 3: Secure Your Family First
Life insurance is very important at this stage.

You must have a pure term plan.

It should cover at least 10 times your annual income.

If you already have expensive LIC or ULIP policies, stop them.

Surrender those plans and reinvest in mutual funds.

Your family must get protection if anything happens to you.

Do not depend on employer insurance alone.

Also take basic health insurance for you and family.

Step 4: Start Small but Regular Investments
Don’t wait for big savings to start investing.

Start SIP with even Rs. 2,000 per month.

Use actively managed mutual funds through a CFP.

Avoid direct funds, they give no guidance.

Regular plans through Certified Financial Planner give support and review.

Don't invest in index funds.

Index funds just follow the market, even when it crashes.

Actively managed funds adjust better in ups and downs.

Step 5: Focus on Retirement Planning
Retirement may come earlier due to job risk.

You must create your own pension system.

Start SIPs in long-term growth mutual funds.

Don’t wait till son's college is over.

You cannot borrow for retirement.

But you can borrow or get scholarships for education.

Secure your retirement with discipline.

Any salary increase should go into SIPs.

Step 6: Prepare for Son’s Education Wisely
Your son is in Class 8 now.

You have 4 years to plan his higher education.

Create a goal for his college needs.

Don't aim for high-expense private colleges if unaffordable.

Explore central universities, state quota, scholarships etc.

Education loan is a better option than using retirement money.

Guide your son on skill-based courses and cost-effective education.

Talk openly with him about money limitations.

Step 7: Review Your House Decision
At this stage, buying a house is not urgent.

Don’t take a big loan for a home now.

Focus should be on savings, not EMI.

Rent is temporary. Savings are permanent.

You may buy a house later when situation is better.

Don’t consider house as investment.

It locks money, gives low return and creates liability.

Step 8: Create an Annual Financial Calendar
Every month, set one small financial task.

Example: January – review expenses.

February – update term insurance.

March – increase SIP amount.

April – track son’s education cost.

May – recheck emergency fund.

Follow this rhythm each year.

This brings control and confidence.

Step 9: Upskill or Create Secondary Income
Try to learn new skills related to your publishing work.

See if you can do freelance editing or writing.

Try to earn small extra income from hobby or skill.

Even Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 extra helps monthly.

Encourage your spouse to try small work from home.

Every extra rupee saved or earned gives strength.

Step 10: Stay Away From Risky Options
Don’t invest in crypto or ponzi schemes.

Avoid chit funds and quick return ideas.

Never buy insurance plans with investment.

Focus only on safe and proven mutual fund SIPs.

Avoid direct funds, they mislead investors with no support.

Stick with regular funds guided by CFP.

You will get personal tracking and adjustment advice.

What You Must Not Do
Don’t feel late or regret the past.

Don’t stop children’s education for savings.

Don’t mix insurance and investments.

Don’t ignore retirement while saving for son.

Don’t depend on children for your old age.

Don’t compare your life with others.

What You Must Do Regularly
Track your monthly spending.

Save before you spend.

Review insurance and investment once a year.

Increase SIP every year.

Protect your health and peace of mind.

Finally
You have taken care of your family all these years.

That itself is a huge achievement.

From now, take one step at a time.

Cut small unnecessary spends.

Start saving even small amounts.

Secure your family with right insurance.

Begin SIPs in regular mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

Don't fear the future.

Plan it, step by step, from today.

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 Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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Sir , i am 35 yrs old earing 55k monthly , I am married and 2 son . I have no saving no sip ,my expenses are 25 k monthly so can you tell me how can I save for my child's future education .
Ans: Given your monthly income, expenses, and family responsibilities, it's essential to start saving and investing for your child's future education. Here's a simple plan to help you get started:

Budgeting and Savings:

Track Expenses: Monitor your monthly expenses to identify areas where you can reduce spending and increase savings.
Emergency Fund: Build an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of expenses in a liquid and accessible form to handle unexpected expenses without tapping into your investments.
Start SIPs for Child's Education:

Investment Amount: Allocate a portion of your monthly savings towards SIPs in mutual funds to build a corpus for your child's education.
Asset Allocation: Consider a balanced allocation between equity and debt mutual funds based on your risk tolerance, time horizon, and financial goals.
Investment Duration: Start SIPs with a long-term perspective (e.g., 10-15 years) to benefit from the power of compounding and potential market growth.
Education Planning:

Calculate Future Expenses: Estimate the future cost of education for your children based on the current cost and expected inflation rate.
Investment Goal: Set a specific investment goal and target amount to achieve by the time your children reach college age.
Regular Review: Periodically review and adjust your SIPs and investment strategy to stay on track towards achieving your education savings goal.
Insurance Coverage:

Life Insurance: Ensure you have adequate life insurance coverage to provide financial security to your family in case of any unforeseen events.
Health Insurance: Invest in a comprehensive health insurance plan to cover medical expenses and ensure your family's well-being.
Recommendation:

Start Early: Begin investing as early as possible to benefit from the power of compounding and achieve your education savings goal.
Systematic Investment: Start SIPs in mutual funds to build a disciplined saving habit and accumulate wealth over time.
Financial Discipline: Maintain financial discipline, avoid unnecessary expenses, and stay committed to your investment plan to achieve your financial goals.
Consult with a financial advisor to create a personalized education savings plan tailored to your needs, helping you achieve your financial goals and secure your children's future.

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 14, 2024Hindi
Money
Hi sir I have 125000 income out of which 70000 goes for home loan I have two kids they are studying in degree and MBA and I am not able to save money how to plan for future and how to cut short expenses please advise
Ans: Planning for the future when you have a significant portion of your income allocated to a home loan and educational expenses for your children can be challenging. With a monthly income of Rs. 125,000 and Rs. 70,000 going towards your home loan, it's essential to find ways to manage your finances effectively. In this guide, I will provide a comprehensive plan to help you cut expenses, save money, and plan for a secure financial future.

Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Income and Expenses
Your monthly income is Rs. 125,000. The home loan EMI is Rs. 70,000, which leaves you with Rs. 55,000 for other expenses. This allocation shows a heavy burden from the home loan.

Education Costs
Your children are studying in degree and MBA programs. Educational expenses can be high, including tuition fees, books, and other costs. These need careful planning.

Budgeting and Expense Management
Creating a Budget
Start with a detailed budget. List all your expenses, categorizing them into fixed (home loan EMI, education fees) and variable (groceries, utilities, entertainment). This clarity helps in identifying areas where you can cut costs.

Prioritizing Expenses
Prioritize essential expenses like education, utilities, and groceries. Identify non-essential expenses that can be reduced or eliminated. This step is crucial for effective financial management.

Tracking Spending
Track your spending to ensure adherence to the budget. Use tools like expense-tracking apps or maintain a manual record. This practice helps in monitoring and controlling expenses.

Cutting Down Expenses
Reducing Discretionary Spending
Discretionary spending includes entertainment, dining out, and luxury items. Reduce these expenses by choosing cost-effective alternatives. For example, cook at home instead of dining out.

Saving on Utilities
Implement energy-saving measures to reduce utility bills. Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights when not in use, and opt for energy-saving plans offered by utility providers.

Educational Expenses
Look for scholarships, grants, or educational loans with favorable terms for your children. Encourage them to seek part-time jobs or internships to support their education costs.

Debt Management
Refinancing Your Home Loan
Explore the possibility of refinancing your home loan. Refinancing at a lower interest rate can reduce your EMI, freeing up funds for savings and other expenses.

Prepaying Your Loan
If you receive any windfalls or bonuses, consider using them to prepay your home loan. This strategy reduces the principal amount and, consequently, the interest burden.

Increasing Income
Exploring Additional Income Sources
Look for additional income sources such as freelancing, part-time jobs, or consulting. Leveraging your skills and expertise can provide an extra income stream.

Passive Income Opportunities
Consider passive income opportunities like investments in mutual funds or fixed deposits. These investments can generate additional income over time.

Financial Planning for the Future
Setting Financial Goals
Set clear financial goals for the short term, medium term, and long term. Goals could include building an emergency fund, saving for your children’s higher education, and planning for retirement.

Emergency Fund
Build an emergency fund covering 6-12 months of expenses. This fund acts as a financial cushion during unforeseen circumstances like job loss or medical emergencies.

Insurance Coverage
Ensure adequate insurance coverage for health, life, and critical illness. This coverage protects your family from financial hardships in case of unexpected events.

Investment Strategy
Diversified Investment Portfolio
Create a diversified investment portfolio based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. Consider investing in mutual funds, fixed deposits, and other safe instruments.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds are overseen by professional fund managers who actively make investment decisions to outperform the market. These funds can potentially provide higher returns compared to index funds, though they come with higher fees.

Avoiding Direct Funds
Direct funds require investors to manage their investments themselves, which can be challenging without expertise. Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures professional management and better financial planning.

Financial Planning for Children’s Education
Education Fund
Start an education fund dedicated to your children's higher education. Regular contributions to this fund ensure you are financially prepared for their future educational needs.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs)
Consider Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) in mutual funds. SIPs allow regular, disciplined investments that can grow over time, helping you accumulate a substantial education fund.

Retirement Planning
Early Planning
Start planning for retirement early. The earlier you start, the more time your investments have to grow, ensuring a comfortable retirement.

Retirement Funds
Invest in retirement-specific funds like the Public Provident Fund (PPF) or Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF). These funds provide long-term growth with tax benefits.

Genuine Compliments and Empathy
Compliments
Your commitment to your family’s future is truly admirable. Balancing a home loan, educational expenses, and daily living costs is challenging, and your dedication is commendable.

Empathy
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed by financial pressures. Many families face similar challenges, and seeking help to improve your financial situation is a positive step.

Practical Steps for Implementation
Regular Reviews
Regularly review your financial plan and adjust it as needed. Changes in income, expenses, or financial goals should prompt a review of your budget and investment strategy.

Professional Guidance
Engage a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to help you create and manage your financial plan. A CFP provides expert advice, ensuring your financial decisions align with your goals.

Educating Family
Educate your family about financial management. Involving them in budgeting and saving processes fosters a collective effort towards achieving financial stability.

Final Insights
Balancing income, debt, and family expenses requires careful planning and disciplined execution. By creating a detailed budget, prioritizing expenses, and exploring additional income sources, you can manage your finances more effectively. Investing in a diversified portfolio, planning for your children’s education, and securing your retirement are essential steps for a secure financial future.

Engaging a Certified Financial Planner ensures professional guidance tailored to your unique situation. Your dedication to your family’s well-being and financial security is commendable. With the right strategies and support, you can achieve your financial goals and enjoy peace of mind.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Money
My monthly income is Rs. 50,000. I have two children, and my monthly expenses are Rs. 35,000. I haven't been able to save anything so far. Please give me some tips so that I can save some money in the coming year and fund my children's education with my savings.
Ans: You have a monthly income of Rs. 50,000. Your monthly expenses are Rs. 35,000. You haven't been able to save anything so far. You also have two children and wish to fund their education with your savings.

Understanding Your Situation
I understand the pressure you feel managing expenses and trying to save. You're not alone, many face this challenge. Let's work on a plan to help you save and secure your children's future.

Evaluating Expenses
First, let's examine your expenses. Your monthly expenses are Rs. 35,000 out of Rs. 50,000 income. This leaves Rs. 15,000 as potential savings. Identifying areas where you can cut costs can significantly impact your savings.

Expense Breakdown
Let's categorize your expenses:

Essential Expenses: Rent, groceries, utilities, education fees.
Non-Essential Expenses: Dining out, entertainment, luxury items.
Tracking your spending for a month will highlight areas to reduce non-essential expenses.

Creating a Budget
Creating a budget is essential. Allocate a specific amount to each category:

Essentials: Rs. 25,000
Non-Essentials: Rs. 5,000
Savings: Rs. 10,000
Stick to this budget and monitor regularly.

Setting Financial Goals
Set short-term and long-term financial goals. Short-term goals include building an emergency fund. Long-term goals are funding your children's education and retirement.

Emergency Fund
Building an emergency fund is crucial. Aim for 3-6 months of living expenses. Start with Rs. 1,000 a month and gradually increase it.

Children's Education Fund
Investing in mutual funds can help grow your savings for your children's education. Mutual funds offer various options based on risk tolerance and investment horizon.

Mutual Funds: An Overview
Categories: There are equity, debt, hybrid funds. Equity funds invest in stocks, debt funds in bonds, hybrid in both.

Advantages: They offer diversification, professional management, and liquidity. They can deliver good returns over time.

Power of Compounding: Investing early helps. The returns on your investment earn returns, growing your wealth exponentially.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Actively managed funds have a fund manager making investment decisions. Index funds track a market index. Actively managed funds can outperform index funds, especially in volatile markets.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds have lower fees but don't beat the market. They follow the index and lack flexibility. Actively managed funds can adapt to market changes, aiming for higher returns.

Benefits of Regular Funds via MFD with CFP
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) offers personalized advice. They help select funds matching your goals and risk profile. They provide regular reviews and adjustments to your portfolio.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP)
SIP allows regular, disciplined investing. You invest a fixed amount monthly. This averages out purchase cost and reduces risk. Start a SIP in a mutual fund aligned with your goals.

Reviewing Insurance Policies
Ensure you have adequate life and health insurance. Avoid investment-linked insurance plans like ULIPs. Pure term insurance offers higher coverage at lower premiums.

Reducing Debt
If you have any debt, prioritize paying it off. High-interest debt can erode your savings. Create a plan to clear debt systematically.

Lifestyle Adjustments
Small lifestyle changes can lead to significant savings:

Cooking at Home: Reduces dining out expenses.
Public Transport: Saves on fuel and maintenance.
Bulk Buying: Reduces grocery costs.
Additional Income Streams
Consider side jobs or freelancing to boost income. This additional income can be directed towards savings and investments.

Educating Children on Financial Literacy
Teach your children the value of money. Encourage them to save and spend wisely. This fosters financial responsibility from a young age.

Tracking Progress
Regularly review your financial plan. Track your expenses and savings. Adjust your budget as needed to stay on track.

Seeking Professional Advice
Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can provide tailored advice. They can help create a comprehensive financial plan and guide your investments.

Emotional Well-being
Financial stress is common. Remember to take care of your mental health. Balance saving with enjoying life. Celebrate small financial milestones.

Final Insights
Saving for your children's education while managing expenses is challenging but achievable. Focus on budgeting, reducing non-essential expenses, and investing wisely. Utilize mutual funds for their potential returns and power of compounding. Avoid index funds in favor of actively managed funds. Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice. Small lifestyle adjustments can lead to significant savings. Remember to take care of your emotional well-being during this journey. You're on the right path, and with consistent efforts, you can achieve your financial goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8940 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Dear Sir, My age is 48 years and I have taken house loan of Rs. 25 Lacs two years back, EMI per month is 20K, my monthly salary is 75 k. I m investing Rs. 39 k per year in LIC, 50k in PPF per year and 12500 per month in SIP. After all this investment at the end of the month I barely able of save Rs. 15K. My son age is 5 years . Please suggest any changes and further future planning so that after retirement I have atleast 1 Cr.
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

..Read more

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |602 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jun 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2025
Relationship
Why do men ghost after sex? I met this amazing guy on Hinge. He was 27, well-mannered, and worked in a data firm in Mumbai. We spoke daily for three months and had amazing chemistry. From music to food, we discussed everything under the sun. We went on a couple of dates to get to know each other. When we got comfortable, we got intimate and eventually had consensual s** at his friend's house party. One week after we got intimate, he just vanished. No replies, no calls. It was my first time, so I kept wondering if I had done something wrong to upset him. My friend says it could be post-intimacy guilt. But I feel embarrassed, ashamed. I can't shake off the shame. Did I move too fast? Is this how dating works now? How can I go back to feeling normal again?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am really sorry you are going through this. What happened is just as confusing as it is hurtful. Let’s get one thing straight, you did nothing wrong. You are not at fault here. Nothing you could’ve done or said should or could cause this reaction.
Coming to your first question, it is very difficult to answer it without generalizing all men. But some of the most reasons for this could be:
He got what he wanted. It sounds crass but in most cases, this is the truth. He had no intentions of being more than just that.
He might be avoiding responsibility. He didn’t want more, and the mature thing would have been to sit down and have that discussion with you. But, maturity isn’t easy and he chose the easy route, that is to ghost. His decision to disappear is a reflection of his nature, not yours.
Coming to what your friend said, it could be that too, but the chances are slim. Some men do feel overwhelmed but disappearing for over a week is a stretch. Again, it’s his unreadiness to feel so many emotions, not yours.
Now, I want to gently nudge you towards one thing: you said you feel ashamed. Shame creeps in when you hold yourself accountable for someone else’s actions. And also due to societal prejudice. Keep both aside, and you have nothing to be ashamed of. Did you move too fast? To be honest, there is no fast or slow in these things. There’s no set timeline. You did what you felt was right in the moment. And you were ready to step up, but he went MIA. The entire unfortunate turnout is not because of your pace but his lack of respect. Even if he comes up with a good enough reason for this disappearing act, I still want you to remember that not even for a second, you had anything to create this situation.


I hope this helps.

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