Hello sir, i have been investing in stocks for last 4 years, but not getting good returns and my portfolio is just showing 3 to 4% return. should i keep investing and be invested for better returns.

Ans: It’s not easy to speak openly about financial struggles. You've shown great strength and awareness. At this stage in life, decisions can feel heavy. But with the right steps, clarity and control can still be brought back.

You both are doing your best despite health and income challenges. Let us now analyse your case carefully and guide you with a step-by-step 360-degree plan. The goal is to reduce stress, regain control, and protect the future.

? Understanding the Current Financial Picture

– Your husband is 60. He works as a consultant.
– His income depends on projects. There is no steady monthly income.
– Health issues are serious. Treatment and medicines cost around Rs 40,000 monthly.
– The housing loan was taken 4 years ago from LIC Housing. Loan tenure is 14 years.
– Loan EMI is Rs 30,000 per month (assumed from your message).
– Credit card outstanding is Rs 5 lakhs. It is maxed out.
– There’s no insurance cover on the home loan due to health issues.
– You are 56. No current job or steady income.
– All savings have been used to repay loans.
– There are some policies in your name but no mention of maturity values.

Your family is clearly under debt pressure, health costs, and irregular income. But there are ways to restructure and rebuild slowly.

? First Focus – Debt Prioritisation and Restructuring

– Housing loan is Rs 30,000 EMI and will go on for 10 more years.
– Credit card dues are Rs 5 lakhs, with very high interest (35–45% annually).
– This is a red flag. You are in a repayment trap.
– Credit card dues must be handled first.

Take the following steps urgently:

– Stop using the credit card completely. Block it if needed.
– Approach the card issuer and request for a settlement plan or restructuring.
– Explain your financial condition clearly and ask for an interest waiver or long-term EMI option.
– In many cases, they agree to settle dues if you show inability to pay.
– Try to convert this Rs 5 lakh into a structured EMI plan.
– Target Rs 8,000–Rs 10,000 per month repayment with 0% interest if possible.

Reducing card interest will ease pressure on your cash flow.

? Second Focus – Managing the Home Loan

– LIC Housing Finance loans are generally inflexible but not impossible to manage.
– Contact them and ask for EMI reduction or tenure extension due to health issues.
– If the EMI of Rs 30,000 is becoming unaffordable, request for temporary EMI holiday.
– Check if interest-only payment is allowed for 6–12 months.
– Many lenders offer relief support in hardship. You must proactively ask.
– If no help from LIC, explore balance transfer to another lender with flexible terms.
– Try cooperative banks or smaller NBFCs who allow interest-only payments.

Home loan is a secured loan. So restructuring is possible. But early action is critical.

? Third Focus – Health Expenses and Alternatives

– Rs 40,000 per month for health care is too high, especially with debt.
– List down current medicines, tests, and treatments being done.
– Check if government hospitals or charitable trusts can offer the same at lower cost.
– For chronic diseases, many NGOs and pharma companies offer medicine at reduced cost.
– Apply for patient support programs from pharma brands.
– Also, check Ayushman Bharat scheme eligibility (depending on your card status).
– You may be eligible for free or subsidised treatment in empanelled hospitals.
– Ask doctors if generic medicines are available to reduce cost.

Reducing health cost by even Rs 10,000 monthly will help debt repayment.

? Fourth Focus – Your Role and Income Options

– You are 56. You are mentally active and seeking solutions. That is admirable.
– If possible, consider part-time or home-based earning.
– Areas like online tutoring, typing work, spoken English classes, or sewing can work.
– Even Rs 5000 per month income from your side will ease pressure.
– You can also try selling small food items, pickles, or snacks if you enjoy cooking.
– Many ladies your age run online micro-businesses using WhatsApp groups.
– Don’t aim for big income. Just stable and regular inflow is enough.
– This can also boost your confidence and create emotional stability.

You can become a contributor, not just a dependent.

? Fifth Focus – Review of Insurance and Existing Policies

– Your husband has no insurance on home loan due to health issues.
– You have few policies. But details are not shared.

Do this immediately:

– List down all policy names, premium paid, start year, and current surrender value.
– Avoid keeping traditional plans that give 3–4% return.
– If the plans are ULIPs, endowment, or money-back, surrender them if not maturing soon.
– Reinvest only after loans are under control.
– At this stage, you should not have insurance-linked investments.
– If any policy is about to mature in the next 2 years, wait and use maturity money for debt.

Cash flow must come first. Insurance-based savings can wait.

? Sixth Focus – Future Protection Must Be Minimal Yet Strong

– You both are nearing retirement or already retired in practical terms.
– Your future needs financial stability more than return.

Take these steps only when loans reduce:

– Get a small health insurance policy for yourself, if not already covered.
– If no insurer accepts due to age or health, keep Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh in savings only for medical use.
– Don’t take annuity or pension plans. They lock up money.
– Don’t buy any new LIC or investment policy now.
– Protect your current income and reduce expenses. That itself is protection.

At your age, liquidity is more important than return.

? Seventh Focus – Mental Health and Family Discussion

– Stress is high in your household. Medical, financial, and emotional load is heavy.
– Please have an open talk with your husband and close family.
– Involve your children or siblings if they can support emotionally or financially.
– Sometimes even Rs 50,000 short-term help from a relative can reduce credit card stress.
– If not financially, ask for their help to handle bank or credit calls or paperwork.
– Support reduces burden on your mind. That helps in decision-making.
– Also, try simple breathing or spiritual practice. Inner strength helps in hard times.

Mental peace gives space for financial recovery.

? Eighth Focus – Role of Certified Financial Planner

– Your situation involves debt, illness, no regular income, and weak insurance.
– You should consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) to restructure cash flow.
– They will help create a plan that focuses on survival first, savings later.
– A CFP can also assess your old policies and guide surrender or hold.
– They give monthly tracking support. That will keep you disciplined.
– Most importantly, they will not try to sell products. They give strategy.

Right financial guidance now can protect your remaining 20+ years of life.

? Ninth Focus – What to Avoid at This Stage

– Don’t take any new loans to repay old ones.
– Don’t fall for agents who offer "loan on property without CIBIL check".
– Don’t invest in any product promising fixed income of 10% or more.
– Don’t invest in real estate or gold.
– Don’t buy new insurance policies now.
– Don’t take personal loans from NBFCs without checking full charges.
– Avoid investing in direct mutual funds without guidance.

This is the time to protect what you have. Not to grow. Safety first.

? Finally – Your Way Forward, One Step at a Time

– List all loans, dues, and policies on paper today itself.
– Contact credit card company and negotiate for restructuring.
– Reach out to LIC Housing and request temporary EMI relief.
– Cut health care costs where possible using trust hospitals and generic medicines.
– Explore small income ideas from home. Use your time as an asset.
– Review and possibly surrender low-value policies in your name.
– Get emotional support from family and mental clarity from a Certified Financial Planner.
– Start saving Rs 1000 monthly after all this. Slowly build emergency fund.

It is never too late to clean up and rebuild. Step by step, it is possible.

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

Ans: You are managing a very difficult phase with great courage. Taking care of a 2-year-old, managing debts, and surviving on one income needs strength. That is commendable. There is always a way out, and step by step, things can be brought under control. Let us assess your situation and guide you with a 360-degree plan.

Let us start with each area.

? Current Debt Situation – Assessment and Analysis

– Your total debt is around Rs 65 lakhs.
– Out of this, Rs 50 lakhs is from private sources like friends, relatives, and others.
– The remaining includes credit card dues and loans from banks or NBFCs.
– Credit cards usually charge very high interest. Sometimes it goes above 40% annually.
– Loans from informal sources may also have high interest, and may not offer flexibility.
– Your family income is Rs 72,000 per month.
– No savings are left. You are paying EMIs and interests mostly.

This is a high debt-to-income ratio. Your first goal should be reducing the financial stress.

? Your Current Life Priorities

– Your child is 2 years old and needs full-time care.
– You are currently not working. That limits income inflow.
– You stay in a house which is in your in-laws' name.
– There is no other property or asset for liquidation.
– You are not eligible for formal loans due to poor CIBIL score.

You are in a repayment trap. So planning cash flow is the first step. Let us go ahead.

? Immediate Steps to Reduce Monthly Pressure

– Prepare a simple monthly budget with basic needs only.
– Cut all non-essential expenses like OTT subscriptions, outings, or extra phone plans.
– Set aside a fixed monthly amount only for basic household needs.
– Whatever remains should go for EMI and loan interest.
– Check if some credit card EMIs can be converted into longer-term EMIs at lower rate.
– Talk to credit card companies. Request them to restructure dues based on your situation.
– In some cases, they may reduce interest or give longer repayment time.
– Prioritise repayment of highest-interest loans first. Credit cards are usually on top.

Even Rs 3000 saved monthly can make a difference in this cycle over time.

? Family and Social Debt – A Special Strategy Needed

– You mentioned Rs 50 lakhs is taken from different individuals.
– These are often friends, relatives, or informal contacts.
– Arrange all these borrowings on paper.
– Write down names, total borrowed, repayment timeline, and interest agreed.
– Some of them may have flexible repayment expectations.
– Be honest and explain your situation to them openly.
– Request for time, restructuring, or even a temporary pause.
– You may be surprised. Many people value honesty and will support.
– Try to combine these into 3-4 groups based on urgency.
– Prioritise those who are putting more pressure or charging high interest.

Consolidating this data is emotionally hard but will reduce stress later.

? Improving Your Credit Health Gradually

– Bad CIBIL score can be improved. But it takes time and method.
– Keep paying minimum dues on credit cards on time.
– Avoid new missed payments at all cost.
– Do not apply for any more loans now. That will reduce your credit score further.
– Keep only 1 or 2 cards active, close or block others to reduce temptation.
– Use those cards for basic needs only, if needed.
– Repay small loans or cards first and get them closed.
– One closed loan improves your credit history.
– Within 12 to 18 months, you can start seeing better credit score trends.

Your CIBIL score is not permanent. It is only temporary and can be corrected.

? Exploring Income Opportunities – Even If Small

– Your husband is earning Rs 72,000. That is a good base income.
– Any small income from your side will help boost cash flow.
– Since you are at home with a child, try online work options.
– Content writing, tutoring, transcription, or simple data entry are good starts.
– You can teach basic classes to 1-2 kids from home, if possible.
– Try homemade food orders, tiffin services, or simple snacks selling.
– Even if you earn Rs 5000 to Rs 8000 monthly, it will help.
– Focus on work that doesn’t affect child care but gives steady income.

When income grows, debt pressure automatically reduces. Even small income is useful.

? Financial Habits – A Strong Foundation Needed

– Start a habit of noting down expenses daily in a diary or app.
– Encourage your husband also to track and review monthly spending.
– Build a monthly review routine on 1st of every month.
– Mark which debts you are closing slowly.
– Celebrate small wins. It will keep you both motivated.
– Avoid cash spending. Use digital modes to track better.
– Avoid lending money to anyone during this phase.
– Focus only on your financial health and goals.

Discipline is more powerful than income in managing financial stress.

? Insurance – Protection Must Be Revisited

– Check if your husband has term insurance. If not, take one urgently.
– It should cover 10-15 times of his annual income.
– Avoid ULIPs, traditional endowment, or money-back plans.
– Those are expensive and give low return.
– Just go for pure term life cover. Premium is low.
– Health insurance must be active. That should cover you, your husband and child.
– Hospital expenses can break your budget and create more loans.
– If you don’t have cover, take a family floater with minimum Rs 5 lakhs.
– Don’t depend on employer insurance alone.

Protection gives peace of mind when income is limited and loans are high.

? Investment Planning – Not Now, But Keep This in Mind

– Right now, investment is not your priority.
– Your focus should be only on loan reduction and cash flow improvement.
– Once you start saving at least Rs 5000 monthly, then think of investing.
– When you are ready, start investing via regular funds with the help of a Certified Financial Planner.
– Don’t go for direct funds. Those require expertise and time, which you may not have now.
– Regular plans through an expert will help with proper review, rebalancing and risk reduction.
– Start with low-risk balanced or hybrid funds when ready.
– Don’t go for index funds. They work without active decision-making.
– In your situation, you need strategy, not passive management.

First fix your financial house. Then slowly move to investments with guidance.

? Role of Certified Financial Planner – Not Optional in Your Case

– Your situation is complex and emotional.
– A Certified Financial Planner (CFP) can guide with full planning.
– They will not only suggest mutual funds.
– They help in budgeting, debt reduction, insurance, investments, and long-term financial goals.
– They will track your debt movement and coach you through recovery.
– You can also ask them to talk to creditors if needed.
– Having a professional removes pressure from your mind.
– It creates direction, accountability and hope.

You are not alone. Support from a planner is like having a coach for your money.

? Emotional and Family Support – Use It Well

– Please share your situation with close family members.
– Ask if any of them can give interest-free loans or support.
– Even a short-term pause in debt collection will help you breathe.
– Encourage your husband to take care of his mental health too.
– Managing pressure daily affects relationships.
– Talk regularly. Plan together. Review every week.
– Avoid blame games or finger-pointing. That delays recovery.

Staying united as a family is your biggest strength right now.

? Legal Angle – Keep This in Mind

– If any creditor is harassing or threatening illegally, take legal help.
– Credit card companies cannot visit home or threaten physically.
– You can file a police complaint if anyone behaves violently.
– Keep written communication for all deals. Avoid oral agreements.
– In extreme cases, you can explore legal debt relief options.
– These include debt settlement, restructuring, or insolvency code (if no way out).
– But that should be last option after all other steps.

Use law as support, not a first step. Prevention is better than conflict.

? Finally – Hope and Direction Are Both Possible

– You are already brave to face this head-on.
– You have taken a wise first step by seeking guidance.
– Now break your goals into 3 parts: reduce debt, increase income, protect future.
– Step by step, reduce one high-interest debt.
– Stay consistent with your tracking and discipline.
– Your situation can change within 2-3 years with small steady actions.
– Don’t lose hope. Your child will grow. Your income will grow.
– Start now. Stay focused. Keep building small wins every month.

We believe in your recovery and future progress.

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

Ans: It is always better to pay income tax on accrued interest every year, instead of paying the same in one year (at the end). Tax payable would be less if paid on yearly basis (due to tax rate slabs) & in many cases it may get covered under exemptions. Payment at the end of RD is advisable only in cases where you are getting retired or when you income in coming years is going to fall due to any reason.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: 01. You are supposed to pay income tax on your income, which is earned or received in India, i.e., Income from MFs, Capital Gains on Stocks & any other income if any. Interest on PPF is mentioned in ITR for information purposes only and this interest earned is exempt from tax.
02. You need not to more out your money from these account& may keep as it is and earn interest and appreciation on the same.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: 01. Kindly calculate your tax liability with complete details for the year under reference, under both options. Choose the best one in favour of you.
02. Considering limited details disclosed by you, generally, new tax regime should be more suitable, in your case.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: Poonam, Delhi University’s three-year B.Sc. (Hons Computer Science follows a Choice Based Credit System with 14 core papers—including Programming in C++, Java, Data Structures, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Database Management Systems, Theory of Computation, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Graphics—supplemented by discipline-specific electives, generic electives and skill-enhancement courses totaling 140 credits under CBCS. The program enjoys AICTE approval, UGC recognition, NAAC ‘A+’ accreditation, a Central Placement Cell that achieved an 88.42% placement ratio in 2022-23 with 252 offers from 78 companies (highest-to-median packages undisclosed) and median UG packages of ?5.5 LPA (three-year) and ?8.5 LPA (four-year) as per NIRF 2024. DU benefits from a highly experienced, research-active faculty, extensive university clubs and industry tie-ups for internships, but admits only via DU-CET with limited seat flexibility and minimal specializations beyond core CS.

In contrast, VIT Bhopal’s four-year B.Tech CSE (Cloud Computing and Automation) is a 160-credit program featuring 55 credits of core CS (Data Structures, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Networks), 12 credits of cloud architecture and services, 15 elective credits (AI, ML, IoT, Cybersecurity, DevOps, Containerization, Blockchain), plus university and soft-skill courses under a Fully Flexible Credit System. Accredited by UGC, NAAC A++ (2021), NBA and ABET-aligned FFCS, it boasts 100% doctoral faculty, a 1:70–1:100 faculty-student ratio, dedicated cloud-computing labs, PARAM HPC access and a centralized VIT Career Development Centre recording over 90% placement for CSE branches with average packages near ?11 LPA and marquee recruiters across IT and core sectors. VIT offers semester-wise elective choice, lateral exit options and interdisciplinary projects, but commands higher fees (~?7.92 L) and admits via VIT-EEE or JEE Main rank.

While DU’s B.Sc. CS delivers rigorous theoretical grounding, diverse electives and cost-effective public-university benefits with strong placement support for core CS roles, VIT Bhopal’s CSE (Cloud Computing) provides specialized industry-aligned cloud curriculum, superior lab infrastructure, flexible credit system, higher placement percentages, and stronger corporate partnerships—albeit at greater cost and commitment.

Recommendation: For a student prioritizing a cost-effective, broad theoretical foundation with reputable public-university prestige and adequate placement infrastructure, B.Sc. (Hons.) CS at Delhi University is compelling. Conversely, for those seeking specialized cloud computing expertise, cutting-edge labs, flexible curriculum choices, higher placement rates and global industry tie-ups—even at higher fees—the B.Tech CSE (Cloud Computing and Automation) at VIT Bhopal is more aligned with emerging technology careers. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Yes. You can plan your tax liability at the time when it is applicable.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.

Ans: Sarika Madam, Manipal Bangalore’s BTech CSE emerges as the stronger choice due to its A++ NAAC accreditation, industry-aligned specializations, 77% placement rate with a package of ?11.76 LPA, small cohort for personalized mentorship, and global alumni network. MAIT’s CSE technology offers decent 80–90% placements at ?5–6 LPA average, but Manipal’s superior brand recognition, advanced labs and stronger recruiter engagement make it the more reliable investment (provided you are able to afford the fee). All the BEST for Your Son's Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Amit Sir, After carefully researching the fee structures for MQ seats at RVCE and PES—which can reach ?50–75 lakh including tuition, hostel, and related costs—it’s important to assess the return on such a significant investment. Spending more than ?25 lakh for an undergraduate engineering seat is rarely justifiable, regardless of affordability. A better approach is to pursue quality education at a Tier-2 college and supplement it with technical and soft-skills certifications; this combination can be highly effective for career growth. Success in any engineering branch depends on staying updated with evolving job market requirements. Regarding ISE at NMIT & the Scope of This Branch: The Information Science & Engineering (ISE) program at Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology blends robust academic foundations, accreditation, cuttingedge infrastructure, research engagement, and strong placement outcomes to prepare graduates for rapidly evolving technology roles. Established in 2001, the department holds NBA Tier-1 accreditation (Washington Accord) valid through 2026–27 and VTU affiliation, underscoring its adherence to global quality standards and rigorous outcome-based curriculum design. The syllabus spans core computing principles (data structures, algorithms), advanced domains (machine learning, cybersecurity, IoT, cloud computing), and hands-on capstone projects in state-of-the-art labs equipped with HPC clusters, specialized AI/DS workstations, embedded systems platforms, and dedicated research facilities for doctoral and postgraduate work. Faculty members actively engage in sponsored research projects from DST, SERB, AICTE and industry partners, fostering a culture of innovation and equipping students with problem-solving and analytical skills essential for complex system design. Industry tie-ups and MoUs with leading IT firms and technology providers enable structured internships, hackathons, and industrial training, bridging the academia–industry gap and ensuring graduates are workforce-ready. The dedicated placement cell records an 88.37% placement rate for ISE graduates in 2024, with recruiters including Infosys, Wipro, IBM, Dell and emerging startups, reflecting sustained demand for ISE skills across software development, data analytics, cybersecurity and network engineering wings. Broad IT industry projections anticipate over 30% growth by 2028 in areas such as AI/ML, big data, cloud services, and cybersecurity, driven by Digital India initiatives and global digital transformation. ISE graduates can pursue roles as software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, cloud architects and IoT specialists, and also explore research, product management and entrepreneurial ventures in HealthTech, FinTech and Industry 4.0 domains. Backup pathways include specialized M.Tech and online certifications in data science/AI and emerging fields. With its accredited curriculum, modern labs, research orientation, industry collaborations and strong placement record, NMIT’s ISE program offers comprehensive preparation for future technology careers and leadership roles in a dynamic job market.

Recommendation
With its Washington Accord–equivalent accreditation, immersive labs, active research projects, industry-integrated training and 88% placement consistency, NMIT’s ISE stands out as an excellent platform. Aspiring engineers should seize this program’s blend of academic rigor and practical exposure to secure rewarding roles in AI, data science, cybersecurity and cloud domains. All the BEST for a Prosperous Future!

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