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31-Year-Old With Family: Is My Investment Strategy Sound?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7510 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 18, 2024Hindi
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Hello Gurus, I need one investment strategy. I am 31 years old. Having 1 kid and home maker wife. I am continuously investing 1.5LPA in PPF. In EPF I put 1.44LPA . I have SIPs 17k per month in blue chip, debt fund, equity one. 12.5k RD is also there. I also invested regularly in SGB. I am having 50 unit SGB. I am not having any loan right now. Planning to take a term plan shortly for securing future of my family and kid. Having 2 inherited flat. Having good mediclaim of my whole family and parents. Kindly let me know if i am in right way! Having wish of investing in real estate soon. Pls let me know.

Ans: Let's assess your current investments and provide a strategy to ensure you are on the right track.

Current Financial Overview
Age: 31 years

Family: Homemaker wife and one child

PPF Contribution: Rs 1.5 lakh per annum

EPF Contribution: Rs 1.44 lakh per annum

SIPs: Rs 17,000 per month (blue chip, debt fund, equity fund)

Recurring Deposit (RD): Rs 12,500 per month

SGB Investment: 50 units

Loans: None

Insurance: Planning to take a term plan

Mediclaim: Good coverage for family and parents

Real Estate: Two inherited flats

Assessment of Current Investments
1. PPF and EPF:

These provide stable, long-term, tax-free returns.

Continue maxing out contributions to these accounts.

2. SIPs in Mutual Funds:

Diversified across blue chip, debt, and equity funds.

Ensures balanced risk and potential for growth.

3. Recurring Deposit:

Provides stable and guaranteed returns.

Good for short to medium-term goals.

4. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB):

Provides safety and steady returns.

Acts as a hedge against inflation.

Recommendations
1. Continue Current Investments:

Maintain contributions to PPF and EPF.

Keep SIPs in mutual funds for diversified growth.

Continue investing in RD and SGB for stability and security.

2. Term Plan:

A term plan is essential for securing your family's future.

Ensure coverage is adequate to meet future financial needs.

3. Increase SIP Amounts:

As income grows, increase SIP contributions.

This enhances the growth potential of your investments.

4. Avoid Real Estate:

Real estate involves high costs and liquidity issues.

Focus on liquid and high-growth investments instead.

Additional Investment Strategies
1. Emergency Fund:

Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6 months of expenses.

This provides a financial cushion against unforeseen events.

2. Child's Education and Marriage:

Start an SIP in a diversified equity mutual fund.

This will cater to long-term goals like education and marriage.

3. Retirement Planning:

Consider starting an NPS account.

It offers additional tax benefits and supports retirement goals.

4. Health Insurance:

Ensure your mediclaim policy covers all critical health needs.

Review the policy regularly for adequate coverage.

Risk Management
1. Diversification:

Ensure your portfolio is diversified across asset classes.

This reduces risk and improves potential returns.

2. Regular Review:

Review your investment portfolio every 6 months.

Adjust based on performance and changing financial goals.

Tax Planning
1. Tax-Saving Investments:

Utilize Section 80C to its fullest with PPF, EPF, and ELSS.

Explore other tax-saving instruments like NPS and health insurance.

2. Efficient Withdrawal Strategy:

Plan withdrawals from investments to minimize tax liability.
Final Insights
You are on the right track with diversified investments and no debt. Focus on increasing SIP contributions, maintaining emergency funds, and securing adequate insurance. Avoid real estate and continue with your current strategy for steady growth and financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in
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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Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 05, 2024Hindi
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Hi sir am 41yrs old and earning 91k per month and have saving of 1 lac . I have invested 15L in M.I.S ,6.38L in equities and 5k every month in s.i.p.I have two kids , am planning to buy house after 4 years worth 50L kindly tell me any investment plan ...so that I can cover the expense of kids education and marriage
Ans: It's great to see your proactive approach towards financial planning, especially considering your children's education and marriage expenses, as well as your goal of buying a house. Here's a tailored investment plan to help you achieve your objectives:

Education Fund for Children:
Open separate education funds or investment accounts for each child to save specifically for their education expenses.
Consider investing in Equity Mutual Funds or Equity Linked Saving Schemes (ELSS) for long-term growth potential, given your investment horizon.
Start a systematic investment plan (SIP) in diversified equity funds, aiming to accumulate sufficient funds by the time your children reach college age.
Marriage Fund for Children:
Similarly, create dedicated investment accounts for your children's marriage expenses to ensure you have adequate funds when needed.
Explore a mix of equity and debt investments based on your risk tolerance and time horizon.
Consider fixed-income instruments like Public Provident Fund (PPF), Fixed Deposits (FDs), or Debt Mutual Funds for stability and capital preservation.
House Purchase Fund:
Since you plan to buy a house in four years, focus on short to medium-term investment options to accumulate the required down payment.
Consider investing in Debt Mutual Funds or Fixed Maturity Plans (FMPs) for capital protection and relatively higher returns compared to traditional savings accounts.
Evaluate your risk appetite and liquidity needs when selecting investment vehicles for your house purchase fund.
Regular Review and Adjustment:
Periodically review your investment portfolio to ensure it remains aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.
Adjust your investment strategy as needed, considering changes in market conditions, personal circumstances, and goal priorities.
Emergency Fund:
Maintain a separate emergency fund equivalent to at least six months' worth of living expenses to cover unforeseen financial challenges or expenses.
Keep this fund in a liquid and easily accessible account such as a savings account or liquid mutual fund.
Consult with Financial Advisor:
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner or investment advisor to tailor an investment plan that suits your specific goals, risk profile, and financial situation.
A professional advisor can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate the complexities of investment planning, ensuring you make informed decisions.
By implementing a structured investment plan tailored to your goals and financial circumstances, you can work towards securing your children's future education and marriage expenses while also saving for your own house purchase. Stay disciplined in your savings and investment approach, and regularly monitor your progress towards achieving these important milestones

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7510 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2024Hindi
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Hi, My age is 37 years and need suggestion if my investment strategy is correct .I dont have specific plans for withdrawal,However looking to save for my kids higher education and comfortable retirement. Currently my monthly investment is distributed as below: i) 130000 SIP in Mutual Fund ( Large Cap 50% : a)DSP equal weight Index fund b)Canara Rob Bluechip C) SBI Contra Midcap 25%: a) Motilal mid b) Quant Mid Smallcap 15%: a) Quant Small b) Canara Rob small Misc. fund 10%: a) ICICI Nasdaq b) Edelweiss Gold+Silver I do step up in SIP based = salary increment I get. ii) 12700 in NPS iii) 40000 in FD instead of debt fund iv) 12000 to PPF 50000 every year in NPS for additional tax saving. Additionally I am already have mutual fund accumulation value of 60 Lakhs (XIRR 21%) and 12lakhs in direct stocks. Term life insurance of 50lakhs. Together with me ,I have one 9year old son and wife living together with my parents. I have no investment in real estate as had very bad experience in past . Staying in parental home. Everyone says one should have real estate investment which currently i dont hav. Please advice about my investment strategy for next 13 years till I reach 50 years of age.
Ans: Evaluating and Optimizing Your Investment Strategy for Long-Term Goals
Comprehensive Portfolio Review
Your diversified investment portfolio reflects a prudent approach towards achieving your financial objectives of funding your children's education and securing a comfortable retirement. Let's assess each component to ensure alignment with your goals and risk tolerance.

Mutual Fund SIPs Allocation
Your allocation to mutual fund SIPs across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap categories is well-diversified, aiming for growth potential while managing risk. Consider periodically reviewing fund performance and rebalancing your portfolio to maintain optimal asset allocation.

National Pension System (NPS) Contributions
Continuing NPS contributions provide tax benefits and long-term retirement savings. Evaluate the suitability of your NPS investment strategy based on your risk profile and retirement goals. Consider adjusting your asset allocation within the NPS to align with your overall portfolio.

Fixed Deposits vs. Debt Funds
Reassess the rationale for allocating funds to Fixed Deposits instead of debt mutual funds. Debt funds offer potentially higher returns and tax efficiency compared to FDs. Evaluate your risk appetite and liquidity needs to determine the optimal allocation between fixed income instruments.

Public Provident Fund (PPF) Contributions
PPF contributions provide tax benefits and long-term wealth accumulation. Evaluate whether the current allocation aligns with your overall asset allocation strategy and consider maximizing contributions to leverage the tax advantages and potential compounding benefits.

Additional NPS Contributions for Tax Saving
Contributing 50,000 annually to NPS for tax savings is beneficial, but ensure it aligns with your retirement goals and risk profile. Evaluate the impact of additional NPS contributions on your overall portfolio diversification and consider alternative tax-saving options if necessary.

Risk Management and Insurance
Your term life insurance coverage provides financial protection for your family. Consider reviewing your insurance needs periodically to ensure adequate coverage based on your evolving financial situation and responsibilities.

Real Estate Investment Consideration
While real estate can be a valuable asset class, your past negative experience warrants caution. Evaluate alternative investment avenues that offer diversification, liquidity, and potential returns aligned with your risk tolerance and long-term goals.

Seeking Professional Guidance
Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to conduct a comprehensive review of your investment strategy. A CFP can provide personalized recommendations, optimize your portfolio, and align your investments with your financial objectives and risk tolerance.

Conclusion
By regularly reviewing and optimizing your investment strategy, you can enhance the probability of achieving your financial goals over the next 13 years. Stay disciplined in your savings and investment approach, and seek professional guidance to navigate market dynamics and optimize portfolio performance.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7510 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 15, 2024

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Sir I am 25 years old. I started investing at 23yrs of age and I have more than 4lakhs investment. 2lakhs in stocks and remaining is divided in small cap, mid cap, flexicap and infrastructure. Monthly I have sip of 6000. I have a dream of making a house for my family within 5years which will cost near about 2crore according to inflation rate. Please suggest me some investment plan. Thank you
Ans: Wow, that's a fantastic start! You're young and already investing – that's super smart. Having Rs. 4 lakh saved by 25 is impressive. Let's discuss your dream home and how to make it a reality.

5-Year Goal vs. Investment Strategy

A 2 crore house in 5 years is an ambitious target. Investment markets are great for long-term growth, but short-term goals require a different approach.

Focus on Saving & Security

Here's what I recommend for the next 5 years:

Prioritize Saving: Increase your monthly savings to reach your down payment target.
Lower Risk Investments: Invest in safer options like debt funds or fixed deposits.
Debt Funds for Stability

Debt funds invest in bonds and government securities, offering lower risk and predictable returns. This stability is key for your short-term goal.

Review and Reassess

After 5 years, you can revisit your investment strategy. With a down payment secured, you can explore options for financing the remaining home cost.

A CFP Can Help Navigate

A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional can create a personalized plan for you. They can help with:

Savings Strategy: Develop a plan to reach your down payment goal.
Investment Mix: Choose low-risk investments for the next 5 years.
Future Home Financing: Guide you on exploring loan options after 5 years.
Remember:

This is a general roadmap. A CFP can tailor a plan considering your income, risk tolerance, and existing investments.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7510 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 20, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 36 year old earning 1.9 lacs per month and my investment is 33.5 lacs in FD, 12.5 lacs in savings account, 6 lacs equity, 6 lacs bonds, 1 lacs in mutual fund, 24 lacs in PPF account,4 lacs in NPS,11 lacs in EPF, 9 lacs in SSY in my daughter's name for her education,16 lacs in PPF account of my wife. I have one daughter studying in ukg. Please suggest investment plan for my daughter's education and my retirement and we want to purchase home in 5 years.
Ans: You have done an impressive job building a diverse investment portfolio. Your current financial situation reflects careful planning and disciplined saving habits. Given your goal to secure your daughter's education, your retirement, and purchasing a home in five years, let’s evaluate and create a comprehensive plan.

Current Financial Snapshot
Monthly Income: Rs 1.9 lacs
Fixed Deposits (FD): Rs 33.5 lacs
Savings Account: Rs 12.5 lacs
Equity: Rs 6 lacs
Bonds: Rs 6 lacs
Mutual Fund: Rs 1 lac
Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs 24 lacs
National Pension System (NPS): Rs 4 lacs
Employees' Provident Fund (EPF): Rs 11 lacs
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY): Rs 9 lacs
Wife’s PPF: Rs 16 lacs
You have a healthy mix of traditional and market-linked investments. Now, let’s focus on your objectives.

Daughter’s Education Planning
Education costs are rising significantly. Given your daughter is in UKG, you have around 12 years before she enters college. Planning for this well in advance will ease the financial burden later.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY):

This is an excellent start. Continue contributing to SSY as it offers attractive returns and tax benefits.

Systematic Investment Plan (SIP):

Start an SIP in equity mutual funds. SIPs help in rupee cost averaging and mitigate market volatility. Equity funds tend to offer higher returns over the long term.

Child Education Plans:

Consider investing in child education mutual funds. These are tailored to accumulate funds for your child's higher education. They come with a lock-in period which ensures the fund remains untouched until required.

Recurring Deposits (RD):

You can open a recurring deposit to systematically save a fixed amount every month. This will add to your education corpus.

Retirement Planning
A well-planned retirement strategy ensures a comfortable and financially independent retirement life. Here’s how you can enhance your retirement corpus.

Public Provident Fund (PPF):

PPF is a long-term investment with tax benefits and decent returns. Continue contributing to your and your wife's PPF accounts regularly.

National Pension System (NPS):

NPS provides a good retirement income solution. Increase your contribution to NPS as it offers market-linked returns with a mix of equity, corporate bonds, and government securities.

Equity Mutual Funds:

Continue investing in equity mutual funds via SIP. Equity has the potential to offer high returns over a long investment horizon. This will help build a substantial corpus for retirement.

Balanced Funds:

Consider balanced or hybrid mutual funds. These funds invest in a mix of equity and debt, providing moderate returns with relatively lower risk.

Employees' Provident Fund (EPF):

EPF is a significant component of retirement savings. Ensure you and your employer continue contributing to EPF regularly.

Home Purchase Planning
Purchasing a home is a major financial goal. Since you plan to buy a home in five years, let’s ensure you accumulate enough for a substantial down payment.

Fixed Deposits (FD):

Your current FD amount is significant. While FDs are safe, the returns are relatively lower. However, they are suitable for short-term goals like a home purchase.

Debt Mutual Funds:

Invest in short-term debt mutual funds. These funds offer better returns than savings accounts and FDs and are less volatile compared to equity funds.

Recurring Deposits (RD):

Set up an RD specifically for your home purchase goal. This will help in systematically accumulating funds over the next five years.

Liquid Funds:

Consider liquid mutual funds for better liquidity and slightly higher returns than savings accounts. These funds are suitable for parking funds temporarily.

Reallocation and Optimization
To optimize your portfolio for better returns and align with your goals, consider the following reallocations:

Reduce Savings Account Holdings:

Rs 12.5 lacs in a savings account is underutilized. Transfer a portion to short-term debt funds or RDs for better returns.

Re-evaluate Fixed Deposits:

While FDs are safe, diversify into debt funds for potentially higher returns without significantly increasing risk.

Increase Equity Exposure:

Given your long-term goals, slightly increasing your equity exposure could enhance overall portfolio returns. Balance this with your risk tolerance.

Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Investments need regular monitoring. Periodically review your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goals. Make adjustments based on market conditions and personal financial changes.

Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can enhance your net returns. Ensure you maximize tax-saving investments under Section 80C, 80D, and other relevant sections. Utilize the benefits of tax-efficient investment options.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equivalent to 6-12 months of expenses. This fund should be easily accessible, kept in liquid funds or a savings account. It acts as a financial safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

Insurance Planning
Adequate insurance coverage is crucial. Ensure you have sufficient life and health insurance. Avoid investment-cum-insurance plans as they often provide lower returns. Opt for term insurance and separate investments.

Final Insights
You've built a solid foundation for your financial future. With systematic planning and disciplined investing, you can achieve your goals. Regularly review your investments and adjust them as needed to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

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Recently, I (28M) had surgery and have been bedridden for 15 days. During this time, my girlfriend told me her female friend wanted to meet up with a guy. This guy was bringing along a male friend whom I’ve asked my girlfriend to avoid in the past because he tends to get touchy with her. They planned to stay in a hotel, and her friend wanted to be with the guy at night, meaning my girlfriend and the touchy guy would likely share a single room. A couple of days before the trip, she asked me if she should go. I told her it was her choice but made it clear I wasn’t happy about it. Despite that, she went, and when I confronted her, she gave responses like: • “I didn’t invite the touchy guy; the other guy did.” • “Just because you’re bedridden, you don’t want me to go outside.” • “I didn’t touch him; he got touchy with me.” Yeah, maybe I’m jealous or overthinking, but this whole situation has made me unsure about marriage altogether. Am I overreacting?
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Hope this helps

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Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 15, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 14, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi Mam, I met my ex wife in the college where we both were pursuing out studies. We exchanged contacts and started speaking over phone like couple does. When we fall in live we ourselves don't know as no one propose to each other. As i finished my studies, she quit studies in the middle and decided to do hotel management course. Amd it so happened, next day her interview was lined up but unfortunately due to unavoidable circumstances she has to go to her native place. As Covid struck she git stuck in her native place and couldn't come back. And when everything became normal i insisted her to come but her mom was not allowing. After a lot of struggle her mom allowed her and she came back. In this course of time both families was aware about our relationship. My mom was against her because of 2 reasons, 1) Intercaste 2) She was from very poor and low caste background. Them too i continued the relationship and i convinced to my sister and she convinced to mom. And when she was in native place, she said once that her voice has gone has gone she need 50k for operation. I trying madly to arrange funds and one of my friend told me that she is playing with you be careful but as i was blind in love i necer listened him. When she came to Mumbai i arranged a pg accommodation for her for some time and i use to take her out for dinner as there use to be regular fights with owner. Somehow i convinced my mom and shifted her to my place. There use to be fights but we use to care for each other also at the same time. She started to do events and slowly and steadily started to work in media. She was well aware that i dont like girls working media then too i have her permission to work in media temporary. I went against everyone, my family and friend and after 7yrs of relationship we decided to get marry and it was working fine. After marriage fight increased and she used to taunt though i did so much for her. Once she was not well and as she used to taunt me i never took care of her. One day my dear friend told me to check her phone, she might be seeing someone. And when i checked she was having an affair with Assistant director, i saw msgs photos. And when i confronted she said "He is just a friend and we talk normally" I saw they both on one bed and when i forward their pics to her mom she said "There might be some problem in you only." And when i asked to my ex wife about all this she said "A person goes where he or she gets love and care" All this happened within 6-8 months of our marriage. When i came to know about all this i tod her to leave my house and she was asking for divorce because of my mon's behavior also. I think i should have not tell her to leave as when she left i don't know but i love her very much. I even told her to give me one chance as i gave her but she didn't stopped talking with her bf. And she didn't gave me a chance and went away. We have been legally divorced but still i love her and ready to accept her. But she doesn't want to come back. I am trying to forget her but couldn't. Luckily we don't have kids. Sometimes my heart says let her go she cheated you. Sometimes it says i love now also. I am struggling to forgot her as i am in contact now also. Please suggest. Thank you
Ans: it's important to acknowledge and honor the love you felt and still feel. Love doesn’t simply disappear overnight, and it’s natural to have lingering emotions, especially when you’ve shared so much history and effort to keep the relationship going. However, it’s also crucial to recognize the harm and hurt caused by her actions and the unresolved issues that led to the breakdown of your marriage.

The fact that she chose not to return and continues to maintain contact with the person she was involved with suggests that she has moved on emotionally, even if you haven’t. Holding onto hope for reconciliation can keep you trapped in a cycle of pain and longing, which makes it harder to heal and move forward.

Your heart and mind are sending you mixed signals because you’re torn between the love you still feel and the reality of the betrayal. This is a common struggle after a significant loss, but it’s important to focus on what’s best for your emotional well-being. Continuing to be in contact with her may be preventing you from healing fully. It might be beneficial to create some distance, at least temporarily, to allow yourself the space to process your feelings and begin the healing process.

Focusing on yourself and your own growth is essential. Consider engaging in activities that bring you joy, spending time with supportive friends and family, and possibly seeking professional counseling to help you work through your emotions and develop strategies to move forward.

Letting go is difficult, especially when you still have love for someone, but it’s a crucial step towards healing. Accepting that the relationship has ended and focusing on your future can help you find peace and eventually open the door to new possibilities for love and happiness.
Asked on - Jan 15, 2025 | Answered on Jan 15, 2025
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Thank you very much for ur reply. But i am finding difficult to forget her.
Ans: It might be helpful to focus on the following steps to move forward:

Acceptance: Accept that the relationship has ended and that continuing to hold on to it may be preventing you from healing. Acceptance doesn’t mean you have to stop loving her immediately, but it does mean recognizing that the relationship is no longer viable.
Self-Care: Prioritize your emotional well-being by engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who can help you through this process. Consider exploring new hobbies or interests that can redirect your focus and bring positive energy into your life.
Boundaries: It might be time to set boundaries with your ex-wife, especially if staying in contact is causing you more pain. Taking a step back from communication can provide the space you need to heal and gain clarity.
Professional Support: Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who can help you process your feelings and guide you through the healing journey. Professional support can offer valuable tools and strategies to navigate the complex emotions you’re experiencing.
Remember, healing takes time, and it’s okay to grieve the loss of the relationship. With patience and self-compassion, you can move forward, find peace, and eventually open yourself up to new possibilities and happiness in life.

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