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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 20, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Yogesh Question by Yogesh on Nov 16, 2024Hindi
Money

Hello sir. My age is 41 . I have taken a different loan stage wise as need. My salary is 72000 and loan+credit card bill is around 68000 so it is very difficult to manage it. I have home loan of 18000 emi Personal loan emi 18800 pending emi 50 Personal loan EMI 11500 pending emi 24 Personal loan EMI - 4000 pending emi 30 Two wheeler loan EMI 3400 pending emi 12 Credit card due is 100000 I have buy 1 BHK flat on 4 th floor before 11 year as it market value remain same so I think to sell out for clear some due So it is advisable or not. Is any bank/institute/financial support is in market to provide a single loan to clear all your different loan n we need to clear only one EMI ???

Ans: Your current financial situation involves high debt obligations relative to your income. Managing these efficiently is crucial to improve cash flow and financial stability. Let us address the situation step-by-step and evaluate your options for reducing debt stress.

Current Financial Snapshot
Income: Rs 72,000 per month.

EMI Obligations: Rs 68,000 monthly across home, personal, and two-wheeler loans.

Credit Card Debt: Rs 1,00,000 outstanding balance.

Assets: A 1 BHK flat purchased 11 years ago, with little to no appreciation.

Challenges in Your Financial Scenario
High Debt-to-Income Ratio: A significant portion of your income goes towards EMIs.

Multiple Loans: Managing several EMIs increases stress and creates inefficiency.

Flat’s Value Stagnation: Limited appreciation in your flat reduces its utility as an investment.

Assessing the Sale of Your Flat
Potential Benefits
Clearing Debt: Selling the flat can reduce or eliminate some debts.

Cash Flow Relief: Reduced EMIs can provide more breathing room for monthly expenses.

Simplification: With fewer loans, managing your finances becomes easier.

Potential Risks
Loss of Asset: Selling the flat reduces your property portfolio.

Market Conditions: Stagnant market value may not yield significant proceeds.

Rent Costs: If you sell, you may need to spend on rent, impacting cash flow.

Considerations Before Selling
Assess the flat’s current market value and selling potential.

Calculate the total debt you can clear with the sale proceeds.

Evaluate the impact on future living arrangements and rental costs.

Exploring Debt Consolidation
Single Loan to Replace Multiple Loans
Many banks and NBFCs offer debt consolidation loans.

A single loan replaces all your current debts.

You pay only one EMI, making it easier to manage finances.

Benefits of Debt Consolidation
Lower EMI: Consolidation can reduce overall EMI through extended tenure.

Reduced Interest Rates: Personal loans and credit cards have high interest rates. A consolidated loan may offer lower rates.

Simplified Management: Fewer payment schedules reduce the risk of missed EMIs.

Key Considerations
Evaluate the total cost, including processing fees and interest.

Check your eligibility and credit score for better loan terms.

Avoid taking new loans after consolidation to prevent a debt spiral.

Reducing Credit Card Debt
Immediate Actions
Prioritise paying off your credit card balance due to high interest rates.

Convert the outstanding balance into an EMI option if your bank allows.

Avoid using credit cards until the balance is cleared.

Long-Term Management
Use credit cards only for essentials and pay full balances each month.

Set spending limits to ensure better control over usage.

Optimising Your Budget
Reduce Expenses
Categorise expenses and cut non-essential spending.

Use public transport or carpooling to reduce travel costs.

Review utility bills and optimise usage to lower costs.

Create a Debt Repayment Plan
List loans by interest rate and tenure.

Focus on high-interest loans like personal loans and credit cards first.

Use any bonuses or windfalls to prepay loans.

Generating Additional Income
Renting the 1 BHK Flat
If selling the flat is not feasible, consider renting it for extra income.

Use the rent to reduce EMI pressure or build a repayment fund.

Freelancing or Part-Time Work
Explore freelance opportunities that match your skills.

Use additional income to pay off debts faster.

Alternatives to Consider
Restructuring Loans
Approach your lenders to restructure loans with extended tenure or reduced EMI.

Ensure that restructuring terms are affordable and sustainable.

Balance Transfer
Transfer high-interest personal loans to lenders offering lower interest rates.

Use this to reduce overall interest burden and EMI.

Benefits of Working with a Certified Financial Planner
A Certified Financial Planner can provide a customised debt repayment plan.

They help manage finances effectively while maintaining focus on long-term goals.

Guidance ensures disciplined execution without additional debt accumulation.

Final Insights
Selling your flat can clear significant debt, but consider rental costs and market conditions. Debt consolidation can simplify EMIs and reduce interest costs, but evaluate its feasibility. Focus on paying high-interest loans first, optimise expenses, and explore additional income streams. Avoid accumulating further debt to regain financial stability. A structured approach will help you achieve long-term financial freedom.

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.
Money

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hi, I am having Outstanding Home loan amount for my first purchased flat as 9 Lacs.(EMI 21500) Recently I constructed bungalow by taking Home loan for land and constructions as 25 Lacs and 45 Lacs respectively (EMI 23000 and 32000). Thus my current outstanding for both the properties is 79 Lacs. I rented my first flat and living in new constructed bungalow. The rent amount is equal to flat EMI. Is it advisable to sell the flat (Selling price 50 Lacs) to clear the debt and continue the Outstanding loan of 29 Lacs (79Lacs - 50 Lacs) ? Or continue the existing loans and clear the debt early by prepayment's?
Ans: Your current debt of Rs 79 lakh is significant. Selling your first flat could reduce your loan burden by Rs 50 lakh, leaving Rs 29 lakh outstanding. However, decisions should align with long-term goals, affordability, and potential returns.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

Option 1: Sell the Flat and Reduce Debt
Advantages:
Lower Debt Burden: Reduces loans to Rs 29 lakh, significantly decreasing EMI obligations.
Better Cash Flow: Frees up monthly cash for other financial goals or investments.
Reduced Interest Cost: Paying off Rs 50 lakh immediately lowers overall interest payments, saving a substantial amount.
Disadvantages:
Loss of Asset Growth Potential: Real estate prices may appreciate over the years. Selling might mean losing future capital appreciation.
No Rental Income: Selling eliminates the passive income that currently covers your flat’s EMI.
Option 2: Retain Both Properties and Focus on Prepayments
Advantages:
Asset Appreciation: You retain ownership of both properties, benefiting from potential price appreciation over time.
Rental Income: Ongoing rental income can contribute to paying off the flat’s EMI, keeping cash flow stable.
Disadvantages:
High Debt Pressure: Managing a Rs 79 lakh loan requires disciplined budgeting and significant prepayments to reduce interest costs.
Interest Accumulation: Continuing with high debt over the long term increases total interest paid.
Recommended Approach
Selling the Flat May Be Better If:
You prioritise reducing stress from high debt.
You don’t foresee substantial appreciation in the flat’s value.
Clearing a large portion of your debt aligns with your financial comfort.
Retaining the Flat May Be Better If:
You can afford current EMIs and have surplus funds for regular prepayments.
The flat is in a location with strong appreciation potential.
Passive rental income is a key component of your financial plan.
Practical Advice
Evaluate Loan Interest Rates: Check the interest rates for both loans. Prioritise prepaying the one with the highest rate.
Review Budget: Assess whether prepayments are feasible without compromising financial security.
Consider Property Market Trends: Evaluate the appreciation potential of your flat before deciding to sell.
Seek Professional Guidance: A Certified Financial Planner can assess your risk tolerance, long-term goals, and cash flow needs to offer tailored advice.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 03, 2025
Money
Hi.. My age is 41. My take home salary is Rs. 142000. I have 13 lacs in SIP every month Rs. 12000. In stocks 7 lacs and FD 4 lacs. My first home has 27 lacs home loan at 27,500 EMI Valuation is around 60 lacs. I have booked 2nd home which is in under Constuction whose EMI is 32,000/- and it will increase gradually property value 90 lacs and still have paid 44 lacs. I have one fathers property which valuation is 40 lacs. Should i sell that close one of my home loan. I want to be loan free in next 5 yrs. Plss advice
Ans: At 41, you are in a good position.

You already have multiple assets.
You also have a stable income and investments.

Let us now assess your financial life in full.
We will plan a clear and practical 360-degree solution.

This answer will help you be debt-free in 5 years.
It will also improve your long-term wealth creation.

Let us go step by step.

Understand Your Current Financial Position
Your take-home salary is Rs. 1,42,000 monthly.

SIP is Rs. 12,000 per month. That is a good habit.

Stocks holding is Rs. 7 lakhs.

Fixed deposit is Rs. 4 lakhs.

First home loan is Rs. 27 lakhs. EMI is Rs. 27,500.

House value is around Rs. 60 lakhs.

Second home is under construction. EMI is Rs. 32,000 now.

Value of second property is Rs. 90 lakhs.

You have already paid Rs. 44 lakhs.

Father’s property worth Rs. 40 lakhs is also available.

Your goal is to close all loans in 5 years.

Strengths in Your Financial Profile
You are investing monthly in mutual funds.

You are not fully dependent on real estate.

You have equity and FD in portfolio.

Your income supports your current EMI payments.

You have clear goal to be debt-free.

You have an asset (father’s property) available to use.

Areas That Need Better Attention
Too much money is stuck in real estate.

Two properties with two loans increases your risk.

Property value appreciation is slow.

Rental yield is also very low in most cities.

Your EMI outgo is around Rs. 59,500 monthly.

That is about 42% of your take-home pay.

This may reduce flexibility in future.

Also limits your monthly SIP potential.

Let Us First Analyse the Home Loans
First loan is Rs. 27 lakhs at EMI Rs. 27,500.

Second loan EMI is Rs. 32,000 now, may increase later.

EMI may go up after full disbursement.

That means future pressure on your cash flow.

Total home loan EMI may cross Rs. 65,000 monthly.

If interest rates go up, EMI pressure will grow more.

Should You Sell the Father’s Property?
Let us analyse that in detail.

Property value is Rs. 40 lakhs.

No rental or income is being generated from it.

It is idle and blocking financial growth.

Selling can release funds to reduce loan burden.

Emotionally, it may be hard.

But financially, it is the better decision.

Home loan interest is 8–9% or more.

FD or real estate gives lesser return than that.

By closing loan, you save high interest.

It improves monthly cash flow immediately.

You can then use surplus for investment and goal planning.

So yes, it is wise to sell that property now.

Which Loan to Close with the Sale?
This is a key decision.

Let us compare both home loans.

First loan balance is Rs. 27 lakhs.

House is completed and may give rent.

Second home is under construction.

EMI will rise further as disbursement happens.

You have already paid Rs. 44 lakhs in second home.

Closing second loan may not be practical now.

So best option is to close the first loan.

You remove full EMI of Rs. 27,500.

That gives instant relief in monthly budget.

You reduce risk and get ownership clarity.

What to Do With the EMI Savings?
This step is most important.
You must plan what to do after loan is closed.

Monthly EMI saved = Rs. 27,500.

Use this amount to increase SIP.

Don’t spend this saving casually.

You already have Rs. 12,000 SIP.

Increase total SIP to Rs. 35,000 or more.

This will grow wealth over next 10–15 years.

Use regular plans via Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid direct funds.

Direct funds give no personalised review.

CFP will help rebalance and tax plan too.

About the Second Property Under Construction
You have already paid Rs. 44 lakhs.

Try to avoid additional loans if possible.

Fund balance payment from SIP, stocks, or bonus.

Don’t take personal loans to complete this.

After construction, you may get rent or use it.

Even after full loan disbursement, keep EMI under 30% of income.

If EMI crosses 40%, reduce SIP or sell unused stocks.

Don’t let your cash flow get too tight.

Review Your Equity and FD Position
Stocks worth Rs. 7 lakhs.

FD is Rs. 4 lakhs.

Maintain FD for emergency only.

Don’t break FD unless urgent.

Stocks may be kept for long term.

If some stocks are not performing, shift to equity mutual funds.

Equity funds are managed better by professionals.

Avoid investing directly without research.

Always link investments to clear goals.

Avoid Common Mistakes in This Phase
Don’t buy more real estate now.

You already hold two properties.

Avoid buying land or plots again.

Don’t reduce SIP to manage EMIs.

That will affect long term goals.

Avoid switching to direct mutual funds.

Regular route gives better support with CFP.

Don’t expect property price to double in 5 years.

Real estate growth is slow now in many places.

Don’t delay gold or insurance planning.

Insurance and Emergency Coverage
You should have term insurance equal to 10–15 times annual income.

Health insurance for you and family is also needed.

Keep emergency fund equal to 6 months expenses.

Don’t mix insurance and investment.

Don’t invest in ULIPs or traditional plans.

If you hold any LIC endowment or ULIP, surrender after lock-in.

Reinvest that amount in mutual funds.

Smart Goals to Achieve in Next 5 Years
Let us fix simple and smart goals for you.

Be debt-free in 5 years. Close first loan now.

Complete payment for second property safely.

Increase SIP to at least Rs. 35,000 monthly.

Build emergency fund of Rs. 4–5 lakhs.

Get term insurance and health cover.

Create investment plan for retirement.

Review asset allocation every year.

Meet Certified Financial Planner yearly.

Build liquid portfolio along with real estate.

Final Insights
You have a strong income and asset base.

But your EMI load is growing fast.

It is better to simplify and reduce loans.

Sell father’s property now and close the first loan.

Use EMI savings to increase SIP and grow wealth.

Don’t add more to real estate.

Stay focused on long-term goals like retirement.

Use regular mutual fund route with CFP support.

Avoid direct funds as they give no advice or review.

Keep FD only for emergency.

Build balance between real estate, equity, and liquidity.

Make your money work harder, not just lie in property.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |646 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 12, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 07, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Dear Madam, I was a bright student during my school days and my plan was to become a civil servant but that did not succeed even after several attempts. With the advise of my brother i went ahead and pursued Masters at a normal university in Sydney. I did internship and continued staying with my job though it wasn't my field of study. After that what came as a shock was my brother's divorce. We don't know what is the actual issue till date but I tried a lot to fix the gap by talking to his ex-wife but they were very orthodox. I couldn't see my brother suffer because he had planned and arranged so much for her. I had no choice then so i try to harm his ex-wife by spoiling her reputation thinking she will come back for him. In the mean time i got married to a girl who was her relative too thinking my wife can help us in some case but she turned out to be completely in the opposite direction. She was probably convinced by my brother's ex-wife or their relatives that she is not coming back. Even then my brother tried to go meet his ex-wife through many channels. My wife did not help him at all in any aspect. Finally the divorced happened and everything ended. Now we have sought several proposals but nothing seem to be a good fit for him. Most of the girls whom we met on matrimonial sites are fake profiles with something hidden or falsely represented. I would say my brother escaped all this. But we are worried about his life now as he is already in his 40's and he seem to be struggling for a good job and finance. He is very picky probably but doesn't talk much to all of us. Sometimes he even says the game is over so no point looking at a second marriage. My wife and he fought once when he visited us because she didn't want him in our house and she created a fight putting me in the front. After that he stopped coming to our house or see us or talk to us. Things even gets worse sometimes when her brother comes and visits us and stays at our house which my parents don't like. My parents argue that your brother was not allowed to stay for few months then how come her brother is allowed for several months. What kind of partiality is that? I feel i could not do anything for him despite the fact that he is my only brother. He is good at heart and looked after me when i went abroad financially and even came to meet me few times. I tried to send him money, gifts but he is still the same. He communicates with our parents but not with me nor my wife anymore. Kindly give us a good advise.
Ans: Your brother’s distance is not a rejection of you. It is his way of protecting himself. He went through a difficult marriage, an emotional collapse, and then watched people around him — including you — react out of desperation to fix things for him. Even though your intentions came from love, he may have associated those actions with more pain and pressure. When a person has been wounded, silence feels safer than conversation. His withdrawal simply means he is tired, not that he dislikes you.
You also need to understand that the guilt you are carrying is heavier than it needs to be. You tried to intervene in his marriage because you wanted to protect him, not because you wanted to cause harm. Looking back now, with more maturity and clarity, you see the mistakes, but at that time, you were acting out of fear and love. This is why it’s important to forgive yourself instead of punishing yourself over and over.
The conflict between your wife and your brother only added another layer of stress, because it forced you into choosing sides. Your wife reacted emotionally, your brother pulled away, your parents questioned the imbalance — and in the middle of all this, you lost your sense of peace. But their disagreements are not failures on your part. They are the natural result of people operating from insecurity, fear, and past hurt.
What needs to happen now is a shift in your role. You cannot continue trying to solve everything for everyone. You cannot carry your brother’s marriage, your wife’s fears, and your parents’ judgments all at once. It’s time to step out of the role of rescuer and step into the role of a grounded, calm brother who offers presence, not solutions.
Rebuilding your bond with your brother will not come from pushing proposals, sending gifts, or trying to fix his life. It will come from offering him emotional safety. A simple message, expressing that you are sorry for any hurt, that you care for him, and that you are available whenever he feels ready, will speak louder than any effort to arrange his future. Once you send such a message, the healthiest thing you can do is give him space. Sometimes relationships repair themselves in silence, when pressure is removed.
And for yourself, healing begins when you stop believing that every problem in the family rests on your shoulders. You have given more than enough over the years. Now you deserve emotional rest. You deserve peace. You deserve to feel like a brother, not a crisis manager.
Your brother may take time, but distance does not erase love. When he feels safe, he will come closer again. Your responsibility is not to force that moment, but to make sure you are emotionally steady and ready when it happens.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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