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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Feb 10, 2024

Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) is the founder of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning company dedicated to the armed forces personnel and their families.
He has over 12 years of experience in financial planning and is a SEBI certified registered investment advisor; he is also accredited with AMFI and IRDA.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 01, 2024Hindi
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Hello sir please guide me ,I have 55k salary per month but I have no savings and nothing my all the salary spent with paying old loan and ,now I have 65 k over due amount of my loan which reduce my credit score .

Ans: Please aim at prioritizing your budgeting allocation and earmark a good portion of your income for savings. Next, focus on clearing overdue amounts to improve your credit score.

Consider additional income sources and avoid new debts.

For better financial assistance, seek financial counselling for personalized guidance based on your time frame, goals and risk appetite.
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  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Sir , i am having a debt of 44lakhs and my salary is only 30k and i paying 3lakh interest everymonth...can u plse help me to over come
Ans: Dealing with a debt of Rs 44 lakhs while having a salary of Rs 30,000 and paying Rs 3 lakh in interest per month is indeed a challenging situation. However, with careful planning and the right strategy, you can take steps towards reducing this burden.

Assess Your Financial Situation
First, it's important to fully assess your current financial standing.

Total Debt: You have a debt of Rs 44 lakhs.

Interest Payment: You are paying Rs 3 lakh in interest each month. This seems unsustainable considering your salary is Rs 30,000.

Income: Your current salary is Rs 30,000, which is insufficient to cover even the interest, let alone other expenses.

This imbalance between your income and your debt needs immediate attention.

Prioritise Debt Management
Your priority should be to reduce the interest burden and find ways to manage the debt more effectively. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Understand Your Debt Structure
You need to clearly understand the type of debt you have.

Secured or Unsecured Debt: Is the loan secured by any asset (like a home or vehicle), or is it unsecured debt like credit card debt or personal loans?

Interest Rate: What is the interest rate you are being charged? Higher interest debts should be tackled first.

2. Negotiate with Your Lender
If possible, negotiate with your lender to restructure the loan.

Loan Restructuring: Ask for a longer repayment period. This could reduce the monthly interest payment.

Lower Interest Rate: Try negotiating for a lower interest rate, especially if you have a good payment history. Some lenders may be willing to help if you explain your situation.

Switch to a Cheaper Loan: You can consider transferring your loan to a lender offering a lower interest rate.

3. Cut Down Unnecessary Expenses
In this situation, it's crucial to reduce your expenses to the bare minimum.

Essential vs. Non-Essential: Distinguish between essential and non-essential spending. Cut out anything that is not absolutely necessary.

Budget Strictly: Stick to a strict budget that allocates as much as possible towards debt repayment.

4. Increase Your Income
You need to explore options for increasing your income. While this might not be easy, it’s essential in your situation.

Additional Job/Part-Time Work: Consider taking up a part-time job or freelance work to supplement your income.

Rent or Asset Income: If you own any assets like a property, consider renting them out. This could generate an additional income stream.

Sell Unnecessary Assets: If you have assets like vehicles or any other property that are not essential, consider selling them to pay down your debt.

Debt Consolidation
Another strategy to consider is consolidating your debt. This can be done in two ways:

Take a Consolidation Loan: This allows you to combine all your debts into one loan with a lower interest rate. This can reduce your monthly interest payments and make the debt more manageable.

Home Loan Top-Up: If you have a home loan, consider taking a top-up loan at a lower interest rate to pay off your high-interest debts.

Focus on High-Interest Debt
In your case, since you are paying Rs 3 lakh in interest every month, your focus should be on reducing the highest interest debts first. This will lower your interest burden.

Snowball Method: Another approach is to pay off smaller debts first, to build momentum and free up cash flow.

Avalanche Method: Focus on paying down the highest-interest debt first, which will save more money in the long run.

Debt Counselling
In such a severe debt situation, you may also consider reaching out to a certified financial planner for debt counselling.

Debt Management Plan: A professional can help you create a customised debt management plan. This can include negotiation with lenders and a step-by-step repayment plan.

CFP Assistance: A Certified Financial Planner can provide expert guidance in restructuring your debt, ensuring your financial health is restored.

Avoid Taking New Loans
It may be tempting to take on new loans to pay off the old ones, but this can lead to a debt trap. Avoid taking any new loans, especially high-interest ones like credit card or personal loans.

Finally
Your situation requires immediate action. Start by talking to your lenders, reducing expenses, and increasing your income. With proper planning and the right guidance, you can gradually reduce this debt burden. Reach out to a Certified Financial Planner for help in building a long-term plan.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 12, 2025
Money
Hi sir I'm 26 years old I do have a personal loan 60k And credit outstanding amount of 56k of 70k limit and 3 and small loan 9k and 20k and 32 k and also I have a business loan of 70k outstanding amount of 38k and i don't do a business any more so I'm working and earning 25k months anfd rented a room of 7k so I don't miss my loan payment but because of my credit utilisation is high I could not get any higher loan which I want to take and close all loan and outstanding credit and focust on one loan emi payment so plz of there any suggestions and idea to help me out I'll be verry great full thank you
Ans: You are taking full responsibility. That’s a great step.

You are 26 years old. You have a monthly income of Rs.25,000.

You live in a rented room paying Rs.7,000 rent.

You are managing to pay EMIs regularly, which is good.

But high credit card usage and multiple small loans are affecting your credit score.

You want one big loan to repay all others and focus on one EMI.

Let’s explore your case in detail and build a solution that works for you.

Understanding Your Current Situation

Your monthly income is Rs.25,000.

You pay Rs.7,000 as room rent every month.

That leaves you with Rs.18,000 for EMI and other expenses.

You are managing your loan payments on time. That’s a good habit.

But your credit card has Rs.56,000 used out of Rs.70,000 limit.

That is almost 80% credit utilisation. That reduces your credit score.

You also have small loans of Rs.9,000, Rs.20,000 and Rs.32,000.

Your old business loan has Rs.38,000 outstanding now.

Total outstanding across all loans is around Rs.1.55 lakhs.

You are not defaulting. But multiple loans make it hard to get a new big loan.

Lenders see high utilisation and multiple active loans as risky.

Why Credit Score is Low Right Now

Credit cards should not be used beyond 30% of limit.

You are using 80% of your credit card limit.

That lowers your credit score sharply.

Multiple loans from different lenders also create negative image.

Even if you are paying on time, the system sees you as credit-hungry.

That stops you from getting a new loan.

Your Thought is Correct – One Loan is Better

One loan with single EMI is always better than 5 small loans.

It’s easier to manage.

It improves your credit score faster.

It reduces monthly confusion and mental pressure.

Also helps you plan savings better.

But Why You Are Not Getting a New Consolidation Loan Now

Banks are checking your credit score and seeing high card usage.

They are also seeing 5 open loans. That’s a red flag for them.

Even though total loan amount is not very high, lenders don’t see it that way.

Lenders want to give loan to people who look stable, not stressed.

What You Can Do Now Step-by-Step

Let us go step-by-step in your case. These are realistic and practical.

Step 1: Stop Using Your Credit Card for Now

Use only debit card or cash. Avoid any credit card purchases now.

Every new swipe will increase your credit usage and lower your score further.

Try not to spend from your credit card until it is fully paid.

Step 2: Pay Off the Smallest Loans First

You have 3 small loans — Rs.9,000, Rs.20,000, and Rs.32,000.

Focus on closing Rs.9,000 loan first.

Then go for Rs.20,000.

Then the Rs.32,000 one.

Every loan closure improves your score.

Even closing one small loan increases your chance to get a bigger loan.

It will also reduce your monthly EMI burden.

Step 3: Don’t Miss Any EMI Ever

Even one missed EMI can delay your score improvement by 6 months.

Always pay loan EMIs before due date.

If needed, cut down on other personal expenses like dining, mobile recharge, or travel.

Your priority is loan EMI first.

Step 4: Talk to a Certified Financial Planner or MFD for Debt Counselling

You may think CFPs are only for rich people. But they help everyone.

A good Certified Financial Planner can analyse your loans and build a simple repayment plan.

They can also connect you to NBFCs who give consolidation loans.

CFPs give emotional support too, not just financial advice.

Step 5: Use EMI Moratorium Only if Things Get Very Hard

You can request for loan restructuring or moratorium if things go out of hand.

But only use this option as last resort.

Moratorium affects your credit report for 6 to 12 months.

It should not be the first choice.

Step 6: Don’t Apply for Any More Loans Now

Every new loan application creates a hard enquiry.

Too many enquiries in credit report will hurt you more.

For now, focus on reducing your loans. Don’t try for a new one.

Wait for at least 3 months of regular payment and credit card discipline.

Step 7: Try for a Salary Advance from Employer or HR

If you work in a company, try asking for a salary advance.

Some employers give interest-free salary advance for emergencies.

That can help you close a small loan without affecting credit score.

Step 8: Start Building a Simple Emergency Fund

After clearing 1 or 2 loans, begin saving Rs.1,000 every month.

Build emergency fund slowly. You don’t need a big amount in one shot.

Emergency fund stops you from taking new loans for small issues.

This is a very important part of financial peace.

Step 9: Consider a Peer-to-Peer Lending Platform

Some peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms give small consolidation loans.

They are not banks, but they offer structured loans.

Their rules are less strict than banks.

But always check the legal approval and RBI registration before using them.

Step 10: Start Improving Your Credit Score Bit by Bit

Credit score is like a school report card. You must build it year by year.

Close small loans.

Don’t spend more than Rs.10,000 on your credit card until score improves.

If you pay full dues and stay below 30% limit, score improves fast.

Check score once in 6 months using platforms like CIBIL or Experian.

Why Not Take Loan from Friends or Family

You may think to borrow from friends. But that creates emotional pressure.

Family support is good, but should not be taken for granted.

Always try to repay every personal loan with respect.

If you borrow, write it on paper and keep track.

Avoid Payday Apps and Fast Loan Apps

Never use mobile apps that give 1-hour loan with 40% interest.

These apps are illegal and harmful.

They threaten, misuse data, and insult borrowers.

Always stay with legal lenders, NBFCs or banks.

Avoid Real Estate or Gold Loan to Pay Off Debts

Don’t pledge gold for these small loans.

Don’t try to invest in land or property when you are under loan pressure.

Real estate is not the answer to solve loan problems.

Final Insights

You are thinking in the right direction. That is a strength.

Trying to close all loans with one EMI is a smart plan.

But you need to first improve your credit score before getting that big loan.

Pay off smallest loans one by one. It is the fastest way to build score.

Use credit card only after full payment. Never more than 30% of limit.

Avoid taking new loans or applying for loans again and again.

Focus on repaying old ones and then apply after 6 months.

Build a small saving habit also once 1 or 2 loans are closed.

Don’t worry too much. Many have come out of this same situation.

With some discipline, you can also be debt-free in 12 to 18 months.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Anu

Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...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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