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Dad, 40, low savings: Can I afford 65L home loan?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 03, 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
Adarsh Question by Adarsh on May 15, 2025Hindi
Money

Hello Sir, My age is 40yrs and my salary is Rs.1,15,000 per month but savings is too less. I have an investment of Rs.7500 per month in SIP which totals to Rs.3,72,000. I have Rs.5Lacs cash in hand. My present EMI is approx. Rs.20,000 which will end up in September '25. I have a 5yrs old daughter. I am planning to buy a house and take a loan of upto 65Lacs. Please help me plan my future accordingly.

Ans: You have taken proactive steps already. That deserves genuine appreciation.

Let me now assess your financial situation from a 360-degree angle.

We will cover savings, investments, retirement, family goals, and risk management.

All in a simple, step-by-step manner.

Your Current Financial Snapshot
Age: 43 years

Target Retirement Age: 50 years

Monthly Expenses: Rs. 1,20,000

Current Retirement Corpus: Rs. 1.10 crore
(Includes EPF, PPF, LIC, Mutual Funds, Shares, Jewellery)

Expected Corpus by March 2032: Rs. 2.50 crore

Health and Life Insurance: Adequate coverage for both self and spouse

Daughter’s Age: 13 years

Corpus for Daughter's Education/Marriage: Rs. 13 lakh in mutual funds

Parents’ Health Insurance: Covered under employer Mediclaim

Assessment of Retirement Readiness
1. Inflation-Adjusted Expenses Will Be Much Higher

Current monthly expenses of Rs. 1,20,000 will not remain the same.

After retirement, these will keep increasing due to inflation.

Even a 6% inflation rate will double expenses in 12 years.

This means, within retirement, monthly expenses can cross Rs. 2.5 lakh.

So, a bigger retirement corpus is needed than what you’re planning now.

2. Planned Corpus May Not Be Enough

Rs. 2.5 crore looks fine today, but not in the long run.

You may live 30+ years after retirement.

If the corpus is not large enough, you may face financial strain.

Medical emergencies and daughter’s higher education can also increase future costs.

3. Goal for Daughter’s Education and Marriage Needs Separate Focus

You already set aside Rs. 13 lakh. That’s great.

But this goal should remain separate from your retirement planning.

Continue SIPs to grow this amount steadily.

Investment Strategy to Build a Stronger Corpus
1. Increase Your SIPs in a Phased Manner

Rs. 7,500 SIP per month is a good start.

Increase SIP amount every year with your salary increment.

Step-up SIPs are powerful for wealth creation in the long term.

Invest in actively managed funds, not index funds.

2. Avoid Index Funds and Direct Funds

Index funds follow the market. They don’t try to outperform.

They give average returns, not better-than-market returns.

In retirement planning, average return may not be enough.

Actively managed funds aim for higher performance.

Direct funds don’t give advisory support.

Investing through a certified financial planner ensures better guidance.

Regular plans via a CFP-qualified Mutual Fund Distributor offer value.

They help you stay on track and adjust the portfolio when needed.

3. Asset Allocation Should Match Your Timeline

Till retirement (next 7 years), equity can remain dominant in your portfolio.

Post-retirement, slowly shift to low-risk debt funds.

But don’t fully exit equity even after retirement.

A small portion in equity will beat inflation over the years.

4. Use Your Rs. 5 Lakh Cash Wisely

Don’t keep it idle.

Keep Rs. 2 lakh as emergency fund in a liquid mutual fund.

Invest the remaining Rs. 3 lakh in hybrid mutual funds for medium-term growth.

Managing Expenses and EMI
1. Your EMI of Rs. 20,000 Ends in September 2025

Once it ends, channel that Rs. 20,000 into SIPs immediately.

Don’t let this cash flow go into lifestyle inflation.

Treat it as a bonus investment opportunity every month.

2. Control Lifestyle Inflation Now

Avoid increasing your lifestyle with salary hikes.

Keep your living cost stable to save more.

Every rupee saved now gives you more peace later.

About Your House Purchase Plan
1. Buying a House with Rs. 65 Lakh Loan Can Strain Your Retirement

A new home loan will increase your monthly EMI burden.

At age 43, taking a big loan means 15–20 years of EMI.

This will reduce your ability to invest for retirement.

Think carefully: is this house for living or for investment?

If for investment, avoid it. Real estate lacks liquidity and has poor returns.

Instead, continue living on rent and focus on retirement security.

2. If House Is For Own Stay, Keep Loan Low

Try to arrange higher down payment.

Minimise the loan.

Aim for a short tenure like 10 years.

Don’t let EMI cross 30% of your monthly income.

Insurance and Risk Protection
1. You Already Have Term and Health Insurance – Very Good

Keep term insurance active till age 60 or 65.

Check if sum assured is 10–15 times of annual income.

Upgrade if needed.

2. For Your Daughter – Don’t Mix Insurance and Investment

Never buy child ULIP or insurance plans.

Use mutual funds alone to invest for her future.

3. For Parents – Employer Mediclaim May Stop Post-Retirement

Consider buying separate senior citizen policies for them now.

Start while they are healthy and insurable.

Don’t delay this. Medical costs rise faster than inflation.

Retirement Income Planning
1. From Age 50, You Need a Monthly Income

That income should come from your mutual fund corpus.

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWP) from debt and hybrid funds.

Don’t withdraw too much at once.

Keep the corpus growing even during retirement.

Balance growth and safety together.

2. Don’t Depend on Dividends

Mutual fund dividends are inconsistent and taxable.

SWP is better. You decide how much you withdraw.

Tax Planning
1. Be Ready for Tax on Capital Gains

For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.

STCG is taxed at 20%.

For debt funds, gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.

A Certified Financial Planner can help you plan tax-efficient withdrawals.

2. Use Tax-Saving Funds Only If You Need Section 80C Benefits

You may already get benefits through EPF and insurance.

Don’t overuse tax-saving mutual funds.

Prioritise returns and flexibility.

Planning for Your Daughter’s Education and Marriage
1. Rs. 13 Lakh Corpus is a Strong Start

Continue investing Rs. 5,000–10,000 monthly in equity mutual funds.

Use different funds than your retirement portfolio.

Keep this fully in equity till she turns 17.

Shift to hybrid funds when expenses near.

2. Set Milestone Goals

Age 17–18: Education

Age 23–25: Marriage

Plan withdrawal accordingly. Avoid emotional lump sum spending.

Estate Planning and Documentation
1. Create a Will

Clearly name your nominees and distribute assets.

Don’t leave it for later. It avoids legal issues.

2. Review Nominations on All Investments

EPF, PPF, mutual funds, shares – ensure nominations are updated.

Review every year.

Finally
Your foundation is solid. But future expenses demand a stronger corpus.

Don’t rush into buying property with high EMI.

Increase SIPs every year. Keep lifestyle inflation in check.

Keep equity exposure high till age 50.

Slowly shift to hybrid and debt post-retirement.

Focus more on income generation than asset creation after retirement.

Protect yourself and your family with insurance and estate planning.

Track your financial plan with a Certified Financial Planner every year.

Your discipline now will build a stress-free retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 13, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 09, 2024Hindi
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Money
Hi! I am a 23 year old female. I earn 1.12 lakhs/month before taxes as salary. I am only earning individual at my home. We have a house loan of 38 lakhs of 18 years that almost started 5 years ago. We used to pay 29k EMI on a loan of 28 lakhs initially but after my father's business faced huge losses, we took additional 10 lakhs loan and after defaulting on EMIs and taking a 9 month break in between, we finally pay 45k EMI on 38 lakhs loan. I have different SIPs of 9k amount that after 3-5 years would mature. For example, in one SIP I pay 5k/month. So after 5 years I would get (300000 + 60000 bonus) on it. I have to pay monthly expense of 10k/month and I pay back a few more lenders amounting to 15k/month. After all the expenses I save almost 25-30k/month. I have around 2.5 lakhs in savings. I want to save a minimum of 10-15 lakhs in 2-3 years for my marriage and family. Can you suggest how should I start my financial planning/what investments can I do to have good returns (I'm a medium risk-taker) in next 2-3 years so I can start building my family's future and have a plan for paying off the loans?
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation

Before diving into financial planning, let's assess your current financial situation. You're 23, earning a substantial monthly salary of 1.12 lakhs before taxes. However, it seems you're facing some financial challenges, primarily due to your family's housing loan and previous business losses. Your EMI for the housing loan has increased to 45k/month after additional borrowing and a break in payments.

You've also mentioned various SIPs, monthly expenses of 10k, and repayment of other lenders amounting to 15k/month. Despite these commitments, you manage to save around 25-30k/month, which is commendable.

Setting Financial Goals

Your primary financial goal is to save 10-15 lakhs in the next 2-3 years for your marriage and family. Additionally, addressing the housing loan and building a secure financial future for your family are crucial objectives.

Creating a Financial Plan

Emergency Fund:
Start by building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least 6-12 months' worth of living expenses, considering your family's financial situation. Keep this fund in a liquid and accessible account.

Repaying High-Interest Debt:
Prioritize paying off high-interest debt, such as personal loans or credit card debt, to reduce financial burden and interest expenses. Since you're saving a significant portion of your income, allocate a portion towards accelerating debt repayment.

Optimizing Investments:
Given your medium risk tolerance, consider a balanced investment approach. Diversify your portfolio across various asset classes, including equity, debt, and possibly real estate.

Equity Investments: Since you have a relatively short investment horizon of 2-3 years, consider equity mutual funds with a blend of large-cap, mid-cap, and balanced funds. These can potentially offer higher returns while managing risk.

Debt Investments: Given the stability they offer, consider investing in debt mutual funds or fixed-income securities. These can provide steady returns and help balance the overall risk in your investment portfolio.

Real Estate: While you haven't mentioned real estate as an investment option, it's worth considering for long-term wealth accumulation. However, ensure thorough research and due diligence before investing in property.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs):
Continue with your existing SIPs, as they provide a disciplined approach to investing. However, reassess the funds you're investing in to ensure they align with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Aim for a diversified portfolio of SIPs to mitigate risk.

Budgeting and Expense Management:
Review your monthly expenses and look for areas where you can potentially reduce costs. Redirect the saved amount towards your savings and investment goals. Additionally, consider discussing financial responsibilities and budgeting with your family to collectively manage expenses.

Seeking Professional Guidance:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner to tailor a financial plan that aligns with your goals and risk profile. They can provide personalized advice and guidance to optimize your financial journey.

Conclusion

In summary, building a solid financial plan requires a systematic approach, goal setting, and disciplined execution. By focusing on building an emergency fund, repaying high-interest debt, optimizing investments, and managing expenses, you can work towards achieving your short-term and long-term financial goals. Remember, consistency and patience are key virtues in the journey towards financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2025
Money
Hi, I'm 34 years. I've a home loan of 48L emi is 50k (home loan pending tenure is 13years)... my net salary in hand is 1.3L. currently I don't have much monthly exp as I live in joint family n I have good control on my exp.. - My monthly investments are MF sip 30k, NPS 3K, ICICI child gift ulip plan 4K monthly for 5years, Bajaj retirement goal III ulip plan monthly 5k for 10years, LIC premium monthly 5K. And I pay extra Home loan pricipal monthly 12k.. -I've other investments 10fd, MF around 21L, equity stock around 17L, PPF 10L, NPS 2L, SGB 1L, suknya account 1.3L, .. 1) What you suggest shall I continue the my MF sips and other investments? 2) shall I increase monthly home loan prepayment from 12k by reducing monthly MF sips ? 3) guide am I in right direction in order to have retirement fund at the age of 50-55 ? 4) In future I'll have the exp of my two kids marriage and educational exp (they're now 2years) 5) Is child plan good? Shall I continue? 7) Also I'm planning to have another house (in year 2029-2034) which will cost nearly 1.7cr. currently the house for which loan is taken sale value is approx 70-75L..
Ans: At 34, you are doing many good things.

You live within your means and invest well.

Still, you asked the right questions.

Let us go step by step.

This answer will be simple but deep.

We will assess from a 360-degree angle.

Let us now begin.

Income, Loan and Lifestyle Assessment

Your net monthly salary is Rs. 1.3 lakh.

Your current EMI is Rs. 50,000. This is almost 38% of your income.

You pay Rs. 12,000 extra as home loan prepayment.

Your total home loan outflow is Rs. 62,000 per month.

You have strong cost control because you live in a joint family.

That is a big plus at this age. Keep it up.

Your current lifestyle gives you surplus money. That is a strength.

Do not let lifestyle inflation spoil this later.

Review of Your Ongoing Monthly Investments

SIP in mutual funds: Rs. 30,000 monthly. This is a good habit.

NPS contribution: Rs. 3,000 per month. But NPS has lock-in and limited flexibility.

LIC: Rs. 5,000 monthly. LIC policies mostly offer low returns.

ICICI child ULIP: Rs. 4,000 monthly. ULIPs are not cost-effective.

Bajaj Retirement ULIP: Rs. 5,000 monthly. Also not efficient.

You are paying Rs. 17,000 per month towards ULIP and LIC combined.

This money can earn more if invested in mutual funds.

ULIP and LIC Policies: Need Review

ULIP plans have high costs and complex structures.

They mix insurance and investment. That is never a smart idea.

LIC plans also give low returns (around 5-6% only).

Instead of continuing for full term, check surrender value now.

You may stop future payments after checking terms.

A Certified Financial Planner can assist in evaluating surrender wisely.

That money should be moved to mutual funds via SIP.

Assessment of Mutual Fund Investments

SIP of Rs. 30,000 monthly is excellent. Continue it.

You already have Rs. 21 lakh in mutual funds. That is solid.

Don't reduce SIP to increase home loan prepayment.

Mutual funds help build wealth faster than home loan savings.

Prepayment gives 8.5% benefit (loan rate).

But mutual funds (active ones) can give 12-14% over long term.

So reducing SIPs to prepay loan is not wise.

Continue SIPs. Increase them if income increases.

PPF, NPS and SGB – Conservative, Yet Useful

PPF: Rs. 10 lakh. Tax-free and safe. Keep investing the max every year.

NPS: Rs. 2 lakh. Good for tax saving. But retirement corpus gets locked.

SGB: Rs. 1 lakh. Gold bonds are fine for partial diversification.

Use PPF more than NPS because of better flexibility.

FDs and Stocks – Balancing Safety with Growth

You have Rs. 10 lakh in fixed deposits. Good for emergency or short-term needs.

Equity stocks: Rs. 17 lakh. Shows you are growth-oriented.

Review stock portfolio once every 6 months.

Don’t hold stocks if you're unsure of their quality.

If needed, shift to mutual funds where experts manage the money.

Child ULIP Plans – Better to Avoid

These child ULIPs are sold emotionally, not financially.

High costs and limited transparency are common issues.

Returns are low due to charges.

For your kids’ education and marriage, mutual funds are better.

Start two SIPs – one for education and one for marriage.

Invest in multi-cap and flexi-cap mutual funds.

Keep increasing these SIPs as income grows.

Future Second Home Purchase – Evaluation Needed

You are planning to buy another house worth Rs. 1.7 crore.

Your current home value is Rs. 70–75 lakh.

Don’t look at second house as an investment.

Real estate brings risk, low liquidity and high maintenance.

If it's for self-use, then fine.

But for wealth creation, mutual funds are better.

Don’t take another big loan just for second house.

That can disturb cash flow and limit investments.

If needed, sell existing house and use that as down payment.

Debt vs Equity Thinking – Long-Term Wealth Needs Equity

You are still young. Just 34.

Retirement goal is 50–55. You still have 16–21 years.

Equity mutual funds help in wealth creation.

Debt products like FDs, PPF, NPS are safe but grow slowly.

So, most savings should go to equity mutual funds now.

Only emergency and near-term goals should use FDs or PPF.

Tax Efficiency – Optimise Your Structure

Income tax savings from home loan are fine.

NPS gives extra deduction under 80CCD(1B).

But ULIPs and LIC do not give long-term tax benefits.

Mutual funds are now taxed at 12.5% for long term.

Still, mutual funds offer better post-tax growth than LIC/ULIP.

Emergency Fund and Insurance Coverage

Keep 6 months’ expense in FD or savings as emergency fund.

Check if you have term life cover. Minimum Rs. 1 crore is needed.

Also check family medical insurance. Rs. 10–15 lakh cover is good.

Don’t mix insurance with investment. Keep both separate.

Action Plan: Clear, Simple and Step-by-Step

Continue your Rs. 30,000 SIP. Increase yearly if possible.

Review and surrender ULIPs and LIC if suitable.

Stop all future ULIP premiums. Redirect to mutual funds.

Don’t reduce SIPs to prepay loan. Let SIPs continue.

Make home loan prepayment only if surplus money is idle.

Start SIPs for child education and marriage.

Don’t go for second house as investment.

Review stocks and replace with mutual funds if not confident.

Maintain FDs for emergency, not as long-term investment.

Ensure term life and health cover are in place.

Update nominations and keep all documents organised.

Finally

Your financial journey has a strong start.

You have right habits and long-term thinking.

But your portfolio needs cleaning.

ULIPs and LIC are eating your returns quietly.

Your SIPs are your strongest weapon. Don’t pause them.

Buy house only if it’s for personal use, not wealth building.

Your retirement goal at 50–55 is achievable.

But only if equity investment continues and grows.

Children’s goals will come faster than you think.

Start SIPs now for them. Don’t depend on ULIPs.

You are on the right track. Just remove the low-return blocks.

Review regularly with a Certified Financial Planner.

That will help you move confidently, year after year.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 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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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 19, 2025Hindi
Money
I have a credit card written off status on my cibil . This is about 2 lakhs on 2 credit card. I made last payment in 2019 and was unable to make payments later as I lost my job.Now i have stable job and can pay off 2 lkahs, My worry is will the bank take 2 laksh or add interest on that and ask me to pay 8 or 10 lakhs for this ? can anyone advice if this situation is similar and have you heard about any solutions . I can make payment of 2 lakhs outstandng as reflecting in my cibil report
Ans: First, appreciate your honesty and responsibility.
You faced job loss and survived a difficult phase.
Now you have income and intent to close dues.
That itself is a strong and positive step.

There are solutions available.

What “written off” actually means

– “Written off” does not mean loan is forgiven.
– It means bank stopped active recovery temporarily.
– The amount is still legally payable.
– Bank or recovery agency can approach you.

– CIBIL shows this as serious default.
– But it is not a criminal case.

Your biggest worry clarified clearly
Will bank ask Rs. 8–10 lakhs now?

In most practical cases, NO.

– Banks rarely recover full inflated amounts.
– Interest technically keeps accruing.
– But banks know recovery is difficult.

– They prefer one-time settlement.
– They want closure, not long fights.

What usually happens in real life

– Outstanding shown may be Rs. 2 lakhs.
– Bank internal system may show higher amount.

– They may initially demand more.
– This is a negotiation starting point.

– Final settlement usually happens near:
– Principal amount
– Or slightly above principal

– Rs. 8–10 lakhs demand is rarely enforced.

Why your position is actually strong

– Default happened due to job loss.
– Time gap is several years.
– Account is already written off.

– You are now willing to pay.
– You can offer lump sum.

Banks respect lump sum offers.

What you should NOT do

– Do not panic and pay blindly.
– Do not accept verbal promises.
– Do not pay without written confirmation.

– Do not pay partial amounts casually.
– That weakens your negotiation position.

Correct step-by-step approach
Step 1: Contact bank recovery department

– Call customer care.
– Ask for recovery or settlement team.
– Avoid agents initially.

Step 2: Ask for settlement option

Use clear language:
– You lost job earlier.
– Situation is stable now.
– You want to close accounts fully.

Ask specifically for:
– One Time Settlement option
– Written settlement letter

Step 3: Negotiate calmly

– Start by offering Rs. 2 lakhs.
– Mention it matches CIBIL outstanding.

– Bank may counter with higher number.
– This is normal negotiation.

– Many cases close between:
– 100% to 130% of principal

Rarely more, if negotiated well.

Important: Written settlement letter

Before paying anything, ensure letter states:

– Full and final settlement
– No further dues will remain
– Account will be closed
– CIBIL status will be updated

Never rely on phone assurance.

How payment should be made

– Pay only to bank account.
– Avoid cash payments.
– Keep receipts safely.

– After payment, collect closure letter.

Impact on your CIBIL score

Be very clear on this point.

– “Written off” will not disappear immediately.
– Settlement changes status to “Settled”.

– “Settled” is better than “Written off”.
– But still considered negative initially.

– Score improves gradually over time.

What improves CIBIL after settlement

– No new defaults
– Timely payments on future credit
– Low credit utilisation
– Patience

Usually improvement seen within 12–24 months.

Should you wait or settle now?

Settling now is better because:

– Old defaults block future loans.
– Housing loan becomes difficult.
– Car loan interest becomes high.

– Emotional stress continues otherwise.

Closure brings mental relief.

Common fear: “What if they harass me?”

– Harassment has reduced significantly.
– RBI rules are stricter now.
– Written settlement protects you.

– If harassment happens, complain formally.

Have others faced this situation?

Yes, thousands.

– Many lost jobs after 2018–2020.
– Credit card defaults increased widely.

– Most cases got settled reasonably.
– You are not alone.

Things working in your favour

– Old default
– Written-off status already marked
– Willingness to pay lump sum
– Stable income now

This gives negotiation power.

After settlement: what next

– Avoid credit cards initially.
– Start with small secured products.

– Pay everything on time.
– Keep credit usage low.

– Score will heal gradually.

Final reassurance

You will not be forced to pay Rs. 8–10 lakhs suddenly.
Banks prefer realistic recovery.
Your readiness to pay Rs. 2 lakhs is valuable.

Handle this calmly and formally.
Take everything in writing.
You are doing the right thing now.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10859 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 18, 2025Hindi
Career
I am 41 year's old bp and sugar patient i completed 3years articleship for the purpose CA cource,now iam looking for paid assistant Job because still iam not clear my ipcc exams salary very low 10k per month,can I quit finance and accounting job because of my health please advise or suggest
Ans: At 41 years old with hypertension and diabetes, having completed 3 years of CA articleship but unable to clear IPCC exams while earning ?10,000 monthly, continuing in high-stress finance/accounting roles presents genuine health risks. Research confirms that sedentary, high-pressure accounting and finance jobs significantly exacerbate hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes through chronic stress, irregular routines, and poor sleep quality—particularly affecting professionals aged 35-50. Yes, quitting finance is medically justified. Rather than abandoning your accounting foundation, strategically transition to less stressful, specialized accounting/finance roles utilizing your three years of articleship experience while prioritizing health. Pursue three alternative certifications requiring 6-18 months of flexible, online study—compatible with managing your health conditions while maintaining income. These certifications leverage your existing accounting knowledge, command premium salaries (?6-12 LPA+), offer remote/flexible work options reducing stress, and require minimal additional skill upgradation beyond what you've already invested.? Option 1 – Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) / Forensic Accounting Specialist: Complete NISM Forensic Investigation Level 1&2 (100% online, 6-12 months) or Indiaforensic's Certified Forensic Accounting Professional (distance learning, flexible). Your CA articleship background is ideal for fraud detection roles. Salary: ?6-9 LPA; Stress Level: Moderate (deadline-driven analysis, not client management); Work-Life Balance: High (project-based, remote-capable); Skill Upgradation Needed: Fraud investigation techniques, financial forensics software—both taught in certification.? Option 2 – ACCA (Association of Chartered Accountants) or US CPA: More flexible than CA (study at own pace, global recognition, no lengthy articleship repeat). ACCA requires 13-15 months online study with five paper exemptions (since you've completed articleship); US CPA takes 12 months post-articleship. Salary: ?7-12 LPA (India), higher internationally; Stress Level: Lower (flexible study schedule, no rigid mentorship like CA); Work-Life Balance: Excellent (flexible learning, no daily office stress initially); Skill Upgradation: International accounting standards, tax practices, audit frameworks—all covered in coursework. Option 3 – CMA USA (Cost & Management Accounting): Specializes in management accounting and financial planning vs. auditing. Requires two exams, 200 study hours total, completable in 8-12 months. Highly preferred by MNCs, IT companies, startups for finance manager/FP&A roles. Salary: ?8-12 LPA initially, potentially ?20+ LPA as Finance Manager/CFO; Stress Level: Low (CMA roles focus on strategic planning, less client pressure); Work-Life Balance: Excellent (corporate roles often more structured than CA practice); Skill Upgradation: Management accounting principles, data analytics, financial modeling—valuable for modern finance roles.? Final Advice: Quit immediately if current role is deteriorating health. Register for ACCA or US CPA within 30 days—most flexible, globally recognized, requiring minimal additional investment. Simultaneously pursue Forensic Accounting certification (6-month concurrent track) as backup specialization. Target roles as Compliance Analyst, Forensic Accountant, or Corporate Finance Manager—all leverage your articleship, offer 40-45 hour weeks (vs. CA practice's 50-60), enable remote work, and command ?8-12 LPA within 18 months. Your health is irreplaceable; your accounting foundation is valuable enough to transition strategically rather than completely exit.? All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Money
I am 62 years of age. i have bought Max life smart wealth long term plan policy and Max life smart life advantage growth per pulse insta income fixed returns policies 2 /3 years ago. Are these policies good as i want to get benefits when i am alive. is there a way i can close " max life smart wealth long term plan policy ", as i am facing difficulty in paying up the premium. The agents don't give clear picture. please suggest.
Ans: You have shown courage by asking the right question.
Many seniors suffer silently with unsuitable policies.
Your concern about living benefits is very valid.
Your age makes clarity extremely important now.

» Your current life stage reality
– You are 62 years old.
– You are in active retirement planning phase.
– Capital protection matters more than growth.

– Cash flow comfort is critical.
– Stress-free income is more important than returns.
– Long lock-ins create anxiety now.

» Understanding the type of policies you bought
– These are investment-cum-insurance policies.
– They mix protection and investment together.

– Such products are complex by design.
– Benefits are spread over long durations.

– Charges are high in early years.
– Liquidity remains very limited initially.

» Core issue with such policies at your age
– These policies suit younger earners better.
– They need long holding periods.

– At 62, time horizon is shorter.
– You need access to money now.

– Premium commitment becomes stressful.
– Returns remain unclear for many years.

» Focus on your stated need
– You want benefits while alive.
– You want income and flexibility.

– You do not want confusion.
– You want transparency.

– This is absolutely reasonable.

» Reality check on living benefits
– Living benefits are slow in such policies.
– Early years give very little value.

– Most benefits come much later.
– This delays usefulness.

– Income promises are often misunderstood.
– Actual cash flow is usually low.

» Why agents fail to give clarity
– Products are difficult to explain honestly.
– Commissions are front-loaded.

– Explanations focus on maturity numbers.
– Risks and lock-ins get downplayed.

– This creates disappointment later.

» Premium stress is a clear warning sign
– Difficulty paying premium is serious.
– It should never be ignored.

– Forced continuation hurts retirement peace.
– This signals mismatch with your needs.

» Can such policies be closed
– Yes, they can be exited.
– Exit terms depend on policy status.

– Minimum holding period usually applies.
– After that, surrender becomes possible.

– You may receive surrender value.
– This value is often lower initially.

» Emotional barrier around surrender
– Many seniors fear losing money.
– This fear delays correct decisions.

– Continuing wrong products increases loss.
– Early correction reduces damage.

» Assessment of continuing versus exiting
– Continuing means more premium burden.
– Returns remain uncertain.

– Liquidity stays restricted.
– Stress continues every year.

– Exiting stops further premium drain.
– Money becomes usable elsewhere.

» Income needs in retirement
– Retirement needs predictable cash flow.
– Expenses do not wait for maturity.

– Medical costs rise unexpectedly.
– Family support needs flexibility.

– Locked products reduce confidence.

» Insurance versus investment separation
– Insurance should protect, not invest.
– Investment should grow or give income.

– Mixing both causes confusion.
– Separation improves clarity.

» What a Certified Financial Planner would assess
– Your regular expenses.
– Your emergency fund adequacy.

– Your health cover sufficiency.
– Your existing liquid assets.

– Your comfort with volatility.

» Action regarding investment-cum-insurance policies
– These policies are not ideal now.
– They strain cash flow.

– They do not give immediate income.
– They reduce flexibility.

– Surrender should be seriously considered.

» How to approach surrender decision calmly
– First, ask for surrender value statement.
– Ask insurer directly, not agents.

– Request written breakup.
– Include all charges.

– Compare future premiums versus surrender value.

» Important surrender-related points
– Surrender value may seem low.
– This is common in early years.

– Focus on future peace, not past loss.
– Stop throwing good money after bad.

» Tax aspect awareness
– Surrender proceeds may have tax impact.
– This depends on policy structure.

– Get clarity before final action.
– Plan withdrawal carefully.

» What to do after surrender
– Do not keep money idle.
– Reinvest based on retirement needs.

– Focus on income generation.
– Focus on capital safety.

» Suitable investment approach after exit
– Use diversified mutual fund solutions.
– Choose conservative to balanced options.

– Prefer actively managed funds.
– They adjust during market changes.

» Why index funds are unsuitable here
– Index funds mirror full market falls.
– No downside protection exists.

– Volatility can disturb sleep.
– Recovery may take time.

– Active funds aim to reduce damage.
– This suits senior investors better.

» Why regular mutual fund route helps
– Guidance is crucial at this age.
– Behaviour control matters.

– Regular reviews prevent mistakes.
– Certified Financial Planner support adds confidence.

– Cost difference is worth guidance.

» Income planning without annuities
– Avoid irreversible income products.
– Keep flexibility alive.

– Use systematic withdrawal approaches.
– Control amount and timing.

» Liquidity planning importance
– Keep enough money accessible.
– Emergencies do not announce arrival.

– Liquidity gives mental comfort.
– Avoid forced asset sales.

» Health expense preparedness
– Health costs rise sharply after sixty.
– Inflation is brutal here.

– Keep separate health contingency fund.
– Do not depend on policy maturity.

» Estate and family clarity
– Ensure nominees are updated.
– Write a clear Will.

– Avoid confusion for family.
– Simplicity matters now.

» Psychological peace as a goal
– Retirement planning is emotional.
– Stress harms health.

– Financial clarity improves wellbeing.
– Confidence comes from control.

» Red flags you should never ignore
– Premium pressure.
– Unclear benefits.

– Long lock-in periods.
– Agent-driven explanations only.

» What you should do immediately
– Ask insurer for surrender details.
– Evaluate calmly with numbers.

– Stop listening only to agents.
– Seek unbiased planning view.

» What not to do
– Do not continue blindly.
– Do not stop premiums without clarity.

– Do not delay decision endlessly.
– Delay increases loss.

» Your age-specific investment mindset
– Growth is secondary now.
– Stability is primary.

– Income visibility is essential.
– Liquidity is non-negotiable.

» Emotional reassurance
– You are not alone.
– Many seniors face similar issues.

– Correcting course is strength.
– It is never too late.

» Final Insights
– These policies are not aligned now.
– Premium stress confirms mismatch.

– Surrender option should be explored seriously.
– Protect peace over promises.

– Shift towards flexible, transparent investments.
– Focus on living benefits and comfort.

– Simplicity will serve you best now.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Money
Hi Reetika, I am 43 year old. I am currently working in private organization. Having an Investment of 8.0 Lac in NPS, 27 Lac in PF, 4 Lac in PPF and 2.5 Lac in FD. My child is in 11th Science. I have my own house and no any loan. I need to Invest around 80.0 Lac for Child Education, Marriage and Retirement.
Ans: You have taken a sensible start with disciplined savings.
Owning a house without loans is a strong advantage.
Starting early retirement assets shows responsibility.
Your goals are clear and time is still supportive.

» Life stage and responsibility review
– You are 43 years old and employed.
– Your income phase is still growing.
– Your child is in 11th Science.

– Education expenses will start very soon.
– Marriage goals are medium-term.
– Retirement is long-term but critical.

– This stage needs balance, not extremes.
– Growth and safety both are required.

» Current asset structure understanding
– Retirement-linked savings already exist.
– These assets give long-term discipline.

– Provident savings form a stable base.
– Pension-oriented savings add future comfort.

– Public savings give safety and tax efficiency.
– Fixed deposits give short-term liquidity.

– Overall structure is conservative currently.
– Growth assets need gradual strengthening.

» Liquidity and emergency readiness
– Fixed deposits cover immediate needs.
– Emergency risk appears controlled.

– Maintain at least six months expenses.
– This avoids forced investment exits.

– Do not reduce liquidity for long-term goals.

» Education goal time horizon assessment
– Child education starts within few years.
– Expenses will rise sharply during graduation.

– Foreign education may increase cost further.
– This goal needs partial safety focus.

– Avoid market-linked volatility for near-term needs.

» Marriage goal perspective
– Marriage goal is emotional and financial.
– Expenses usually occur after education.

– This allows moderate growth approach.
– Capital protection remains important.

» Retirement goal clarity
– Retirement is still twenty years away.
– Time is your biggest strength.

– Small discipline now creates big comfort later.
– Growth assets must play a key role.

» Gap understanding for Rs. 80 lacs goal
– Your current assets are lower than required.
– This gap is normal at this age.

– Regular investing will bridge the gap.
– Lump sum expectations should be realistic.

– Salary growth will support higher investments later.

» Income utilisation approach
– Salary should fund regular investments.
– Annual increments should raise contributions.

– Bonuses should be goal-based.
– Avoid lifestyle inflation.

» Asset allocation strategy direction
– Future investments must be diversified.
– Do not depend on one asset type.

– Growth-oriented funds suit long-term goals.
– Stable funds suit near-term needs.

– Balance reduces stress during volatility.

» Mutual fund role in your plan
– Mutual funds allow disciplined participation.
– They reduce direct market timing risk.

– Professional management adds value.
– Diversification improves consistency.

– They suit education and retirement goals.

» Why actively managed funds matter
– Markets are volatile and emotional.
– Index funds follow markets blindly.

– Index funds fall fully during downturns.
– There is no downside protection.

– Actively managed funds adjust exposure.
– Fund managers reduce risk during stress.

– They aim to protect capital better.
– This suits family goals.

» Regular investing discipline
– Monthly investing builds habit.
– Market ups and downs get averaged.

– This reduces regret and fear.
– Discipline matters more than timing.

» Direct versus regular fund clarity
– Direct funds need strong self-discipline.
– Monitoring becomes your responsibility.

– Wrong decisions hurt long-term goals.
– Emotional exits are common.

– Regular funds provide guidance.
– Certified Financial Planner support adds value.

– Behaviour control protects returns.

» Tax awareness for mutual funds
– Equity mutual fund long-term gains face tax.
– Gains above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed.

– Tax rate is 12.5 percent.
– Short-term equity gains face 20 percent tax.

– Debt fund gains follow slab rates.

– Tax planning must align with withdrawals.

» Education funding investment approach
– Use stable and balanced funds.
– Avoid aggressive exposure close to need.

– Gradually reduce risk as goal nears.
– Protect capital before usage.

» Marriage funding approach
– Balanced growth approach is suitable.
– Do not chase high returns.

– Ensure funds are available on time.

» Retirement funding approach
– Long-term horizon allows growth focus.
– Equity-oriented funds are essential.

– Volatility is acceptable now.
– Time smoothens risk.

» Review of existing retirement assets
– Provident savings ensure base security.
– Pension savings add longevity support.

– These assets should remain untouched.
– They form your safety net.

» Inflation impact awareness
– Education inflation is very high.
– Medical inflation rises faster.

– Retirement expenses increase steadily.
– Growth assets fight inflation.

» Insurance protection check
– Ensure adequate life cover.
– Family must remain protected.

– Health cover must be sufficient.
– Medical costs can derail plans.

» Estate and nomination hygiene
– Ensure nominations are updated.
– Family clarity avoids future stress.

– Consider writing a Will.
– This ensures smooth asset transfer.

» Behavioural discipline importance
– Market noise creates confusion.
– Stick to your plan.

– Avoid frequent changes.
– Consistency brings results.

» Review and tracking rhythm
– Review investments once a year.
– Avoid daily monitoring.

– Adjust based on life changes.
– Keep goals priority-based.

» Risk capacity versus risk tolerance
– Your risk capacity is moderate.
– Your responsibilities are high.

– Avoid extreme strategies.
– Balance comfort and growth.

» Psychological comfort in planning
– Your base is already strong.
– Time supports your goals.

– Discipline will do the heavy work.
– Panic is your biggest enemy.

» Finally
– Yes, achieving Rs. 80 lacs is possible.
– Time and discipline are in your favour.

– Start structured investing immediately.
– Increase contributions with income growth.

– Keep goals separated mentally.
– Stay invested during volatility.

– Your journey looks stable and hopeful.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10906 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 19, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi , I am 50 years old having wife and 1 kid. I got laid off in March 2025 and currently running my own company since July 2025 where in I had invested Rs. 2.50 lacs. At present I am not taking any money from the company but we are not making any losses either. I am having an Investment of 1) 30 lacs in Saving A/c and FDs. 2) 20 lacs in NSC maturing in year 2030. 3) 9 lacs in Mutual Funds. 4) 45 lacs in Equity which i intend to liquidate and put in Mutual Funds. 5) 75 lacs in PPF, PF & NPS. 6) Wife earning 50 lacs annually. 7) She has 40 lacs in Saving A/c and FDs. 8) 1.20 Cr. in PPF, PF & NPS. 9) We also own 2 properties with current fair market value of Rs. 5 Cr. 10) One property is giving us rent of Rs. 66K per month. 11) Apart from this we are also expecting to get ~ Rs. 2.50 Cr. over next 15 years for the insurance policies getting matured. Expenses & Liabilities: 1) Monthly expenses of Rs. 4.50 lacs which includes Rent, Insurance premium, EMI against Education loan for my kid's, Medical premium, Travel, Grocery and other miscl. expenses. 2) Car loan EMI of 40,000 per month which is included in the Rs. 4.50 lacs monthly expenses. This loan is till March 2027. 3) Education loan of Rs. 1.05 Cr. with current liability of Rs. 80 lacs as we paid Rs. 25 lacs to the Bank as prepayment. We need to spend ~ Rs. 40 lacs more to support for the kid education in USA till year 2027. 4) We intend to pay the entire Education loan by max. 2030. My question is, will this be enough for me and my wife for the retirement as my wife intends to work till 2037 if everything goes fine (when she turns 60) and I will continue running my company looking at taking Rs. 1 lacs per month from it from next FY.
Ans: You have built strong assets with discipline and patience.
Your financial journey shows clarity, courage, and long-term thinking.
Despite job loss, stability is well protected.
Your family position is better than most Indian households.

» Current life stage understanding
– You are 50 years old with working spouse.
– One child pursuing overseas education.
– You are semi-employed through your own business.
– Your wife has strong income visibility.
– This phase needs protection, not aggressive risk.

– Cash flow control matters more than returns now.
– Liquidity planning is extremely important.
– Emotional decisions must be avoided.

» Employment transition and business assessment
– Job loss was sudden but handled calmly.
– Starting your company shows confidence and skill.
– Initial investment of Rs. 2.50 lacs is reasonable.
– Zero loss position is a good sign.

– No salary draw reduces pressure on business.
– Planned Rs. 1 lac monthly draw is sensible.
– This keeps household stability intact.
– Business income should be treated as variable.

– Do not overestimate future business income.
– Use it only as a support pillar.

» Family income stability review
– Wife earning Rs. 50 lacs annually is a major strength.
– Her income anchors your retirement plan.
– Employment till 2037 gives long runway.

– Her savings discipline looks excellent.
– Large retirement corpus already exists.
– This reduces pressure on your assets.

– You should align plans jointly.
– Retirement must be treated as family goal.

» Asset allocation snapshot assessment
– You hold assets across cash, debt, equity, and retirement buckets.
– Diversification already exists.
– That shows mature planning habits.

– Savings and FDs give immediate liquidity.
– NSC gives defined maturity comfort.
– Equity exposure is meaningful.
– Retirement accounts are strong.

– Real estate is end-use, not investment.
– Rental income adds safety.

» Savings accounts and FDs analysis
– Rs. 30 lacs in savings and FDs offer flexibility.
– Wife holding Rs. 40 lacs adds cushion.

– This covers emergencies and education gaps.
– Liquidity is sufficient for next three years.

– Avoid keeping excess idle cash long-term.
– Inflation quietly erodes value.

– Use this bucket for planned withdrawals.

» NSC maturity planning
– Rs. 20 lacs maturing in 2030 is well timed.
– This aligns with education loan closure.

– This can be earmarked for debt repayment.
– Do not link this to retirement spending.

– It gives psychological comfort.

» Mutual fund exposure review
– Existing mutual fund holding is small.
– Rs. 9 lacs needs scaling gradually.

– Your plan to shift equity into funds is wise.
– This improves risk management.

– Mutual funds suit retirement phase better.
– They provide professional management.

– Avoid sudden large transfers.
– Phased movement reduces timing risk.

» Direct equity exposure evaluation
– Rs. 45 lacs in equity needs careful handling.
– Market volatility can hurt emotions.

– Concentration risk exists in direct equity.
– Monitoring requires time and skill.

– Gradual exit is sensible.
– Move funds into diversified mutual funds.

– Avoid panic selling.
– Use market strength periods for exits.

» Retirement accounts strength review
– Combined PF, PPF, and NPS is very strong.
– Your Rs. 75 lacs is meaningful.
– Wife’s Rs. 1.20 Cr is excellent.

– These assets ensure base retirement security.
– They protect longevity risk.

– Do not disturb these accounts prematurely.
– Let compounding continue.

» Real estate role clarity
– Two properties worth Rs. 5 Cr add net worth comfort.
– One property gives Rs. 66k monthly rent.

– Rental income supports expenses partially.
– This reduces portfolio withdrawal stress.

– Do not consider new property investments.
– Focus on financial assets.

» Insurance maturity inflows assessment
– Expected Rs. 2.50 Cr over 15 years is valuable.
– This gives future liquidity.

– These inflows should not be spent casually.
– They must be reinvested wisely.

– Align maturity money with retirement phase.

» Expense structure evaluation
– Monthly expense of Rs. 4.50 lacs is high.
– This includes many essential heads.

– Education, rent, insurance, travel are significant.
– EMI burden is temporary.

– Expenses will reduce after 2027.
– That improves retirement readiness.

» Car loan review
– EMI of Rs. 40,000 till March 2027 is manageable.
– This is already included in expenses.

– No action required here.
– Avoid new vehicle loans.

» Education loan strategy
– Education loan balance of Rs. 80 lacs is large.
– Overseas education requires careful funding.

– Planned additional Rs. 40 lacs till 2027 is realistic.
– Do not compromise retirement assets for education.

– Target full closure by 2030 is practical.
– Use NSC maturity and surplus income.

– Avoid using retirement accounts for repayment.

» Cash flow alignment till 2027
– Wife’s income covers majority expenses.
– Rental income adds support.

– Business draw of Rs. 1 lac helps.
– Savings bridge shortfalls.

– Cash flow mismatch risk is low.

» Retirement readiness assessment
– Combined family net worth is strong.
– Retirement corpus foundation is already built.

– Major expenses peak before 2027.
– After that, burden reduces.

– Wife working till 2037 adds security.
– This delays retirement withdrawals.

» Post-2037 retirement picture
– After wife retires, expenses will drop.
– No education costs.
– No major EMIs.

– Medical costs will rise gradually.
– Planning buffers already exist.

– Rental income continues.

» Mutual fund strategy for future
– Shift equity proceeds into diversified mutual funds.
– Use a mix of growth-oriented and balanced approaches.

– Avoid index-based investing.
– Index funds lack downside protection.

– They move fully with markets.
– No human judgement is applied.

– Actively managed funds adjust allocations.
– They protect better during volatility.

– Skilled managers add value over cycles.

» Direct funds versus regular funds clarity
– Regular funds offer guidance and discipline.
– Ongoing review is critical at this stage.

– Direct funds require self-monitoring.
– Errors can be costly near retirement.

– Behaviour management matters more than cost.
– Professional handholding reduces mistakes.

– Use mutual fund distributors with CFP credentials.

» Tax awareness on mutual funds
– Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed.
– Tax rate is 12.5 percent.

– Short-term equity gains face 20 percent tax.
– Debt mutual fund gains follow slab rates.

– Plan withdrawals tax efficiently.
– Do not churn unnecessarily.

» Withdrawal sequencing in retirement
– Start withdrawals from surplus funds first.
– Use rental income for regular expenses.

– Keep retirement accounts untouched initially.
– Delay withdrawals improves longevity.

– Insurance maturity inflows can fund later years.

» Medical and health planning
– Medical inflation is a major risk.
– Ensure adequate health cover.

– Review coverage every three years.
– Build separate medical contingency fund.

– Avoid dipping into equity during emergencies.

» Estate and succession clarity
– Assets are large and diverse.
– Proper nominations are critical.

– Draft a clear Will.
– Review beneficiaries periodically.

– Avoid family disputes later.

» Psychological comfort and risk control
– You are financially strong.
– Avoid fear-driven decisions.

– Avoid chasing returns.
– Stability matters more now.

– Keep plans simple and review yearly.

» Finally
– Yes, your assets are sufficient for retirement.
– Discipline must continue.

– Control expenses during transition years.
– Avoid large lifestyle upgrades.

– Focus on asset allocation, not market timing.
– Your retirement future looks secure.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |6751 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Dec 19, 2025

Career
Sir i have given 12th in 2025 and passed with 69% but not given jee exam in 2025 and not in 2026 also But i want iit anyhow sir is this possible that i give 12th in 2027 and cleared 75 criteria then give jee mains and also i am eligible for jee advanced
Ans: You have already appeared for and passed the Class 12 examination in 2025. As per the eligibility criteria, only two consecutive attempts for JEE (Advanced) are permitted—the first in 2025 and the second in 2026. Therefore, you will not be eligible to appear for JEE (Advanced) in 2027. Reappearing for Class 12 does not reset or extend JEE (Advanced) eligibility.

However, you can still achieve your goal of studying at an IIT through an alternative and well-established pathway. You may take admission to an undergraduate engineering program of your choice, appear for the GATE examination in your final year, and secure a qualifying score to gain admission to a postgraduate program at a top IIT.

This is a strong and viable route to IIT. At this stage, it would be advisable to move forward by enrolling in an engineering program rather than focusing again on Class 12, JEE Main, or JEE Advanced.

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply.
Radheshyam

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Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |432 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 16, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Reetika Mam, I am 48 year having privet Job. I have started investment from 2017, current value of investment is 82L and having monthly 50K SIP as below. My goal to have 2.5Cr corpus at the age of 58. Please advice... 1. Nippon India small cap -Growth Rs 5,000 2. Sundaram Mid Cap fund Regular plan-Growth Rs 5,000 3. ICICI Prudential Small Cap- Growth Rs 10,000 4. ICICI Prudential Large Cap fund-Growth Rs 5,000 5. ICICI Prudential Balanced Adv. fund-Growth Rs 5,000 6. DSP Small Cap fund Regular Growth Rs 5,000 7. Nippn India Pharma Fund- Growth Rs 5,000 8. SBI focused Fund Regular plan- Growth Rs 5,000 9. SBI Dynamic Asset Allocation Active FoF-Regular-Growth Rs 5,000
Ans: Hi,

You can easily achieve your goal of 2.5 crores after 10 years. Your current investment value of 82 lakhs alone can grow to 2.5 crores assuming CAGR of 12% and monthly 50k SIP will give additional 1.1 crores, making a total corpus of 3.6 crores at 58.

But I see a problem with your current allocation. The fund selection is more aligned towards small caps of different AMCs and very concentrated and overlapped portfolio.
You need to diversify it so as to secure your current investment while getting a decent CAGR of 12% over next 10 years.
Focus on changing your current funds to large caps and BAFs and flexicaps and avoid sectoral funds.

You can also work with an advisor to get detailed analysis of your portfolio.
Hence you should consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

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Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |432 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Dec 18, 2025

Money
Hi, I am 32 years old, married, and have a 4-year-old daughter. My monthly take-home salary is 55,000 rupees, and my wife's salary is 31,000 rupees, making our total income 86,000 rupees. I am currently in a lot of debt. Our total EMIs amount to 99,910 rupees (total loans with an average interest rate of 12.5%), and even with my father covering most of the monthly expenses, I still spend about 10,000 rupees. This leaves me with a shortage of approximately 25,000 rupees (debt) every month. My total debt across various banks is 36,50,000 rupees, and I also have a gold loan of 14 lakhs. I cannot change the EMI or loan tenure for another year. I also have a 2 lakh rupee loan from private lenders at an 18% interest rate. My total debt is over 52 lakhs. Now, with gold and silver prices rising, I'm worried that I won't be able to buy them again. I have an opportunity to get a 2 lakh rupee loan at a 12% interest rate, and I'm thinking of using that money to buy gold and silver and then pledge them at the bank again. Half of my current gold loan is from a similar situation – I took a loan from private lenders, bought gold, and then took a gold loan from the bank to repay the private loan. Given my current situation and my family's circumstances, should I buy more gold or focus on repaying my debts? What should I do? The monthly interest on my loans is approximately 50,000 rupees, meaning 50,000 rupees of my salary goes towards interest every month. What should I do in this situation? I also have an SBI Jan Nivesh SIP of 2000 rupees per month for the last four months. I have no savings left. I am thinking of taking out term insurance and health insurance, but I am hesitating because I don't have the money. I am looking for some suggestions to get out of these debts.
Ans: Hi Surya,

You are in a very complicated situation. This whole debt trapped needs to be worked on very judiciously. Let us go through all the aspects in detail.

1. Your total monthly household salary - 86000; monthly expense - 10000 contribution as of now; monthly EMI - approx. 1 lakhs.
2. Current loans - 36.5 lakhs from various banks at 12.5%; Gold Loan - 14 lakhs; private lenders - 2 lakhs at 18% >> totalling to 52 lakhs.
3. 50k interest per month payable - implies capital payment is very less leading to more problem.

- Keen on buying gold with loan. This is where more problem will began. Avoid buying gold using loan.
- Your focus should be on reducing your debt instead of increasing it.

Strategy to follow:
1. Close the loan with higher interest rate - 2 lakh personal lender. This will reduce your EMI and give you more potential to prepay other loans.
2. Try and take financial help from your family in prepaying small loans from banks. This can reduce your burden.
3. If you have any unused assets, can sell them to pay off your loans.

Points to NOTE:
> Avoid taking any more loans.
> When your EMI burden reduces, do make an emergency fund of 2-3 lakhs for yourself for any uncetain situation.
> Make sure to have a health insurance for yourself and family.
> Can stop your investments for now. They are of no use if your EMIs are more than your income. Can start investing once your EMI's reduce atleast by 20-30% for you.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

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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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