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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  |10872 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  |10872 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
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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