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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2025

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 - May 25, 2025
Money

Hello Sir, I have a salary of Rs.51,000/- and have recently taken home loan of Rs. 25,00,000 with monthly Emi of 22834 and Home loan insurance of 43000 EMI of Rs 594.I invest 3000 per month SIP in small cap and 1500 per month in LIC.I am unmarried and will get marry in 1 year .How can I clear off my loan early . should I focus on investment or on prepayment of loan.

Ans: Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Your monthly salary is Rs. 51,000, which is a steady income source.

You have a recent home loan of Rs. 25 lakhs with EMI of Rs. 22,834.

Home loan insurance premium is Rs. 594 monthly, adding to fixed expenses.

Your current investments include Rs. 3,000 monthly SIP in small-cap mutual funds.

Additionally, you invest Rs. 1,500 monthly in LIC, which is mostly insurance cum investment.

You are unmarried but expect marriage in one year, which will impact expenses and income.

Your focus is on clearing home loan early or investing for better returns.

Appreciating Your Financial Discipline
Investing Rs. 4,500 monthly shows a good habit despite loan obligations.

Choosing small-cap funds suggests a higher risk appetite, aiming for good returns.

Home loan insurance adds protection, which is often overlooked by many.

Planning your finances before marriage is wise and helps set future goals.

Analyzing Your Loan Repayment Situation
The home loan EMI consumes nearly 45% of your monthly salary, a significant portion.

Prepaying the loan early will reduce overall interest paid and financial burden.

However, prepayment will require additional liquidity or cutting back on investments.

Home loan interest rates are generally lower than potential equity returns but not guaranteed.

EMI commitment reduces your monthly flexibility for emergencies or other goals.

Assessing Your Investment Choices
Small-cap mutual funds are volatile and can deliver high returns but with risks.

LIC policies mainly serve insurance needs but are less efficient for wealth creation.

Investment through direct mutual funds lacks professional monitoring and rebalancing.

Regular funds invested through a Certified Financial Planner (MFD) provide better guidance and monitoring.

Consider gradually shifting LIC investment into well-chosen mutual funds for clarity and growth.

Comparing Loan Prepayment vs Investment Growth
Prepayment reduces interest cost guaranteed, a risk-free return equal to the interest rate.

Small-cap fund returns are not guaranteed and can be volatile in short term.

Given your high EMI burden, prepayment can improve monthly cash flow in the long run.

Early loan closure reduces financial stress and increases your future disposable income.

But completely stopping investments may affect your wealth creation and inflation protection.

Balancing Loan Prepayment and Investments
Continue SIPs but consider reducing SIP amounts temporarily to boost loan prepayments.

Use any bonuses, increments, or extra income for lump-sum prepayments.

Ensure an emergency fund of at least 6 months’ expenses before aggressive prepayment.

Post-marriage, reassess your income and expenses and revise your strategy.

Maintain insurance coverage suitable for your changing life situation.

Managing Expenses and Increasing Savings
Track monthly expenses strictly and identify areas to reduce discretionary spending.

Postpone any non-essential expenses until the loan burden reduces.

Increase monthly savings gradually with salary increases or new income sources.

Avoid new loans or credit card debts that add to financial stress.

Risk Management and Insurance Review
Review LIC policies for relevance; many investment cum insurance policies are expensive.

If LIC policies are purely investment-linked and costly, consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds.

Maintain adequate term life insurance separate from investment policies.

Health insurance is important; ensure you have coverage independent of the home loan insurance.

Future Planning Around Marriage
Marriage will increase your financial responsibilities and possibly income.

Post-marriage, revisit your budget, loan repayment, and investment plans.

Discuss financial goals jointly and plan investments accordingly.

Consider increasing SIPs or loan prepayments as income stabilises and expenses are understood.

Tax Planning Impact
Home loan principal and interest qualify for tax deductions; use these efficiently.

Mutual fund capital gains tax must be factored into redemption planning.

Prepayment may not yield immediate tax benefits but saves interest cost over tenure.

Keep track of all tax benefits from investments and loan repayments for better net savings.

Professional Portfolio Management
Investing through regular mutual fund plans managed by Certified Financial Planners improves discipline.

Active fund managers can adapt portfolio to changing market conditions unlike index funds.

Avoid direct fund investing without professional help; it lacks portfolio balancing and tax planning.

A well-managed portfolio ensures better risk control and goal alignment.

Practical Action Steps for You
Build an emergency fund equal to 6 months of expenses before aggressive prepayment.

Use salary increments, bonuses, or gifts to make lump-sum prepayments on home loan.

Reduce LIC investments; review and possibly surrender for better investment clarity.

Maintain SIP in small-cap funds but consider diversifying across actively managed funds.

Regularly monitor loan balance, interest cost, and investment growth for rebalancing decisions.

Post-marriage, update financial goals, expenses, and investments jointly.

Final Insights
Clearing home loan early will reduce your financial burden and interest paid.

Investments, especially small-cap funds, carry risk; don’t stop them completely.

Balance loan prepayment and investments for a healthy financial future.

Regular review with a Certified Financial Planner ensures optimal decisions.

Prepare financially for marriage and increased responsibilities with clear budgeting.

Avoid high-cost insurance-cum-investment plans; focus on pure insurance and mutual funds.

Tax benefits on loan repayment and investments enhance overall savings efficiency.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2024Hindi
Money
I am a Railway employee, my monthly salary is approx 38000. I have a personal loan of monthly emi 17000 and it's outstanding amount 490000 about remaining 40 months. I have also invest 9000(5000 RD + 4000 MF) for my marriage in first of 2026 . My total expenditure ={ 23000 ( including loan emi) and invest 9000 for marriage and 7000 for try to prepayment to loan }= 39000 My next plan build my house take a home loan about 15 lakh and try to prepayment my personal loan with extra emi 7000 but it takes 20 months, I want to take home loan in next year 2025 about 8 month later, so I try to close my personal loan as early as possible in each month with extra emi. But can't get the result at proper time. what should I do ? And Ami I going in right path? Pls suggest me
Ans: First, let me appreciate your dedication and forward-thinking. Managing finances can be tough, especially with loans and future plans. Your situation needs a balanced approach. Let’s dive into it.

Understanding Your Financial Landscape
You have a salary of Rs 38,000 per month. You have a personal loan EMI of Rs 17,000 with an outstanding amount of Rs 4,90,000, to be paid off in 40 months. You are investing Rs 9,000 per month for your marriage in 2026, with Rs 5,000 in a Recurring Deposit (RD) and Rs 4,000 in mutual funds. Your total monthly expenditure is Rs 39,000, including loan EMI, investment for marriage, and an additional Rs 7,000 towards prepayment of the loan. You plan to take a home loan of Rs 15 lakh in 2025. Let’s analyse and strategize your financial journey.

Loan Repayment Strategy
Assessing Current Loan Situation
Your personal loan EMI is quite high, consuming a significant portion of your income. You are prepaying Rs 7,000 monthly to close this loan early, but it is stretching your finances thin.

Benefits of Prepayment
Prepaying your loan reduces the principal amount, thereby reducing the interest burden. However, it also reduces your monthly cash flow, limiting your ability to save and invest for other goals.

Balancing Prepayment and Savings
Instead of aggressively prepaying the loan, consider a balanced approach. Allocate a portion of your extra EMI towards an emergency fund and investments. This will ensure you have a cushion for unexpected expenses and continue growing your wealth.

Investment Strategy
Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a good choice for long-term goals. They offer diversification, professional management, and compounding benefits.

Categories of Mutual Funds
Equity Mutual Funds

Invest in stocks.
Suitable for long-term wealth creation.
Higher returns, higher risks.
Debt Mutual Funds

Invest in fixed-income securities.
Stable returns, lower risk.
Good for maintaining liquidity.
Hybrid Mutual Funds

Mix of equities and debt.
Balanced risk and returns.
Advantages of Mutual Funds
Professional Management
Fund managers make investment decisions for you, beneficial if you lack time or expertise.

Diversification
Spreading investments across various assets reduces risk.

Liquidity
Easy to redeem units, providing good liquidity.

Power of Compounding
Investing long-term lets your returns compound, significantly growing your wealth.

Actively Managed Funds vs. Index Funds
Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds replicate a market index, offering average market returns. They can't respond to market changes, potentially underperforming during downturns.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
Actively managed funds aim to outperform the market by making strategic choices. Fund managers actively buy and sell securities to leverage market opportunities, offering higher returns.

Direct Funds vs. Regular Funds
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds require handling all investment decisions and paperwork, which can be complex and time-consuming without professional guidance.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides expert advice tailored to your goals. A CFP can help you choose the right funds, monitor your portfolio, and make adjustments as needed, optimizing returns and managing risks.

Emergency Fund
Maintain an emergency fund equal to 6-12 months of expenses. This ensures quick access to cash for unexpected expenses, providing financial security.

Home Loan Strategy
Assessing Home Loan Readiness
Planning to take a home loan of Rs 15 lakh in 2025 requires careful consideration. Ensure you have a stable income, low debt-to-income ratio, and good credit score.

Prepayment Strategy
Instead of fully prepaying your personal loan, balance between prepayment and savings. Allocate some funds towards an emergency fund and investments. This will help you manage your finances better when you take the home loan.

Home Loan EMI
Plan your home loan EMI to be affordable within your monthly budget. Ensure it doesn’t strain your finances or hinder other financial goals.

Risk Management
Understanding and managing risk is crucial.

Loan Risks
High EMIs can strain your monthly budget, limiting savings and investments. Ensure loan repayments are manageable and don’t hinder financial stability.

Investment Risks
Mutual funds come with market risks. Diversify your portfolio to manage risk effectively. Balance between equity, debt, and hybrid funds based on your risk appetite and financial goals.

Professional Guidance
Working with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) provides personalized investment strategies. A CFP can help navigate financial markets and make informed decisions.

Final Insights
Your financial journey requires careful planning and strategic investments. Balance loan prepayment with savings and investments. Strengthen your mutual fund portfolio with a mix of equity, debt, and hybrid funds. Consider actively managed funds for higher potential returns. Invest through a CFP for expert guidance and optimized returns.

Maintain an emergency fund for financial security. Plan your home loan EMI within your budget to avoid financial strain. Regularly review and adjust your financial plans to stay on track with your goals.

By managing your loans, investments, and risks effectively, you can achieve your financial goals and build a secure future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 03, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 25, 2025Hindi
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Money
Sir, I have a home loan of 34 lakh emi is 28,450 tenure is 350 months remaining. Personal loan is 3,60,000 monthly emi is 10000 and remaining tenure is 40 months, car loan left amount 2,50,000 and monthly emi is 10000 tenure left 24 months. Credit card balance 1,85,000. Gold loan of rs 4 lakh. My monthly income is 90000 and monthly expenses is 30000. How to clear my loan.
Ans: You are taking a responsible step by seeking guidance. Let's work together to create a comprehensive plan to manage and eliminate your debts effectively.

Understanding Your Financial Situation
Monthly Income: Rs. 90,000

Monthly Expenses: Rs. 30,000

Available Surplus: Rs. 60,000

Existing Debts:

Home Loan: Rs. 34 lakhs; EMI: Rs. 28,450; Tenure Remaining: 350 months

Personal Loan: Rs. 3.6 lakhs; EMI: Rs. 10,000; Tenure Remaining: 40 months

Car Loan: Rs. 2.5 lakhs; EMI: Rs. 10,000; Tenure Remaining: 24 months

Credit Card Balance: Rs. 1.85 lakhs

Gold Loan: Rs. 4 lakhs

Step-by-Step Debt Repayment Strategy
1. Prioritize High-Interest Debts

Credit Card Debt: Typically carries the highest interest rates.

Gold Loan: Also tends to have higher interest rates.

Focus on repaying these debts first to reduce the overall interest burden.

2. Allocate Surplus Wisely

Utilize the Rs. 60,000 surplus each month strategically.

Minimum Payments: Continue making minimum payments on all loans to avoid penalties.

Additional Payments: Allocate extra funds towards the highest-interest debts.

3. Consider Debt Consolidation

Explore the option of consolidating high-interest debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate.

This can simplify repayments and potentially reduce the total interest paid.

4. Avoid Accumulating New Debt

Refrain from taking on additional loans or increasing credit card usage during this repayment period.

Focus on living within your means and prioritizing debt repayment.

Detailed Action Plan
Month 1-3:

Credit Card: Allocate Rs. 30,000 monthly towards repayment.

Gold Loan: Allocate Rs. 20,000 monthly towards repayment.

Remaining Surplus: Rs. 10,000 can be kept as an emergency fund.

Month 4-6:

Credit Card: Continue Rs. 30,000 monthly payments.

Gold Loan: Continue Rs. 20,000 monthly payments.

Emergency Fund: Maintain Rs. 10,000 monthly contributions.

Month 7-9:

Credit Card: Should be close to fully repaid; adjust payments accordingly.

Gold Loan: Continue payments; aim to fully repay by end of Month 9.

Emergency Fund: Continue contributions.

Post Month 9:

Redirect funds previously allocated to credit card and gold loan repayments towards personal and car loans.

This will accelerate the repayment of these loans and reduce the overall interest paid.

Additional Recommendations
1. Emergency Fund

Aim to build an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of expenses.

This provides a financial cushion for unforeseen circumstances.

2. Insurance Coverage

Ensure you have adequate health and life insurance coverage.

This protects you and your family from unexpected financial burdens.

3. Regular Financial Review

Periodically review your financial situation and adjust your repayment plan as needed.

Stay informed about interest rates and consider refinancing options if beneficial.

Final Insights
By strategically allocating your surplus income and focusing on high-interest debts first, you can effectively manage and eliminate your existing debts. Building an emergency fund and maintaining adequate insurance coverage will further strengthen your financial stability. Regularly reviewing your financial plan ensures you stay on track towards achieving a debt-free life.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 25, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi sir I am getting in hand 1,2000 my household expenses are 30000 I have 2 policies yearly paying 100000 sip 20000 per month. Home loan of 600000 lakh. Paying 33000 emi. Having ppf 1000000. Policies 400000,400000, sip till now 200000. How to clear home loan early
Ans: You have shared key figures clearly. You are earning Rs. 1,20,000 in hand. Household expenses are Rs. 30,000 per month. You have a SIP of Rs. 20,000 monthly. Home loan is Rs. 60 lakh with Rs. 33,000 EMI. You are paying Rs. 1,00,000 yearly for two policies. You also have Rs. 10 lakh in PPF and two policies worth Rs. 4 lakh each. SIP corpus is Rs. 2 lakh till now. Let’s evaluate your situation and plan how to reduce your loan burden faster.

? Understanding Your Current Cash Flow

– You earn Rs. 1.2 lakh each month.
– Monthly fixed costs are Rs. 30,000.
– SIP takes Rs. 20,000 per month.
– Home loan EMI is Rs. 33,000.
– Yearly policy premium is Rs. 1 lakh. That’s Rs. 8,300 monthly.

– So total outgo monthly is around Rs. 91,300.
– You are left with around Rs. 28,000 monthly balance.
– From this, we can plan loan prepayment and future stability.

? Evaluate Your Investment Instruments First

– Rs. 10 lakh in PPF is a safe and long-term investment.
– It is locked and earns steady but low interest.
– Rs. 2 lakh in SIP is good. You are investing actively for future.
– Rs. 20,000 SIP is a good habit. Continue it if possible.

– The two insurance policies worth Rs. 4 lakh each need attention.
– If these are endowment or ULIP policies, please review them seriously.
– These policies give poor returns and low insurance coverage.
– Check surrender value and policy terms.

– If they are older than 3 years, you can exit them safely.
– Surrender and reinvest the proceeds in mutual funds.
– It will boost your returns and improve wealth building.

? Rework Your Insurance Strategy

– Policies offering insurance + investment are not efficient.
– Real insurance must only be term cover.
– You have not mentioned term insurance. Please take a pure term plan.
– It is cheaper and gives large risk cover.
– Surrender policies giving poor value and protect with term insurance.
– This saves premium and avoids mixing goals.

? Focus on Regular and Active Mutual Funds

– Continue with SIP in actively managed mutual funds.
– Do not shift to index funds.
– Index funds just mirror the market with no expert guidance.
– In volatile times, they fail to control loss.
– Actively managed funds are reviewed by expert fund managers.
– They reduce risk and capture opportunities better.

– Also, don’t use direct funds on your own.
– Direct funds give no tracking or expert input.
– Investors often panic and redeem early.
– That kills long-term return potential.
– Use regular funds through Certified Financial Planner only.
– You get full support and portfolio reviews.

? Strategies to Clear Home Loan Early

– You want to reduce loan faster. This is a wise goal.
– Loan of Rs. 60 lakh with Rs. 33,000 EMI will last long.
– Early closure will save huge interest outgo.
– Let’s explore smart ways to do this.

• Use policy surrender money:
– If you surrender two policies of Rs. 4 lakh each, total Rs. 8 lakh can come.
– Use part of that for partial loan prepayment.
– This reduces loan principal directly.
– Your EMI stays same but tenure drops.

• Channel SIP returns smartly:
– You already have Rs. 2 lakh invested.
– Avoid redeeming now unless urgent.
– Let this money grow in mutual funds.
– Later, after 3–4 years, redeem part of it.
– Use that to prepay a lump sum.
– Tax will apply based on holding time.
– Equity LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG taxed at 20%. Use this rule only when redeeming.

• Review and pause SIP temporarily:
– If needed, reduce SIP by Rs. 5,000–10,000 per month for 2 years.
– Channel that money directly to loan prepayment.
– That gives short-term relief to reduce debt.
– Resume SIP once prepayment is done.

• Monthly surplus as prepayment:
– You are saving around Rs. 28,000 monthly.
– Use at least Rs. 10,000–15,000 from this for monthly prepayment.
– This small step adds up fast over a year.
– Even Rs. 1.5 lakh prepayment yearly reduces years from tenure.

• Avoid lifestyle inflation:
– As income grows, avoid increasing expenses.
– Put all future hikes into prepaying loan.
– This way, your EMI stays same but you gain freedom early.

? Reduce Home Loan Tenure Gradually

– Banks allow part payments without penalty.
– Do one-time part payment once a year if possible.
– Focus on the early years to pay more.
– Interest is highest in the early stage of loan.

– If you get any bonus or incentive, use that fully for loan.
– Don’t use it for unnecessary expenses.
– Every extra Rs. 1 lakh prepayment saves big interest.

? Emergency Fund is Still Important

– Don't empty all funds for loan repayment.
– Keep at least 6 months of expenses in liquid form.
– Use savings account or liquid mutual funds for this.
– Never use PPF or long-term SIP for emergency.

? Should You Touch PPF for Loan Closure?

– You have Rs. 10 lakh in PPF.
– Try not to withdraw or break this unless very urgent.
– PPF gives stable returns and is tax-free.
– It also works as retirement support.

– PPF withdrawal is allowed after 5 years but with conditions.
– Better to leave it untouched and plan loan from other sources.

? Avoid Real Estate as Investment Option

– Real estate may feel attractive, but not liquid or flexible.
– You need cashflow support, not locked assets.
– Mutual funds are more flexible, transparent and reviewable.
– Stick with them to build wealth and prepay loan.

? Tax Planning Should Align with Loan Strategy

– Ensure you claim full benefit under 80C using SIP in ELSS, PPF.
– Also claim Rs. 2 lakh interest deduction on home loan under section 24.
– This gives better tax refund and improves savings.
– Don’t over-invest in tax saving tools just for deduction.
– Balance returns and lock-in before committing more.

? Stay Consistent and Keep Reviewing Yearly

– Don’t try to rush loan closure in panic.
– Stay calm and consistent with prepayments.
– Avoid investing in products with poor liquidity or low return.
– Keep SIPs going where possible.
– Get yearly review with Certified Financial Planner.
– Adjust SIP, expenses and loan plan as income grows.

? Final Insights

– Your income and savings pattern is healthy.
– But mix of investments and insurance needs realignment.
– Surrender poor insurance plans and reinvest wisely.
– Increase SIP in actively managed mutual funds gradually.
– Use surplus monthly savings for part payments.
– Avoid touching long-term assets like PPF or equity SIPs early.
– Use yearly bonuses or gifts for reducing principal.
– Consult Certified Financial Planner every year for plan update.
– This way, you can close loan faster without hurting long-term goals.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Money
I have personal loan of 30 lakhs whose EMI is 79000 PM. I have 3 lic policy of 36000/year from 2010. I have plot of 12 lakhs valuation and a nexon car. I am earning 93000 PM salary and want to clear loan. I am doing 10000 PM saving in ELSS fund and 10000 rental income. Please suggest how to clear my loan early so I can invest more.
Ans: You are managing many responsibilities at once. You are earning Rs 93,000 per month. You have Rs 79,000 EMI towards a Rs 30 lakh personal loan. That is a very high EMI-to-income ratio. You also receive Rs 10,000 rental income. You invest Rs 10,000 in ELSS monthly. You have three LIC policies started in 2010. Your car and land add more fixed assets. You want to close your loan early. Then invest more for your future. Let’s now build a proper plan.

Your Current Financial Picture

Salary: Rs 93,000 monthly

Rental income: Rs 10,000 monthly

Total income: Rs 1,03,000 per month

EMI: Rs 79,000 per month

ELSS SIP: Rs 10,000 per month

LIC premium: Rs 3,000 per month

Net left after EMI + ELSS + LIC: About Rs 11,000

Loan: Rs 30 lakh personal loan

LIC: 3 policies, started in 2010

Plot worth: Rs 12 lakh

Car: Tata Nexon (a depreciating asset)

Let us now work on each area.

Why the Loan is a Burden Now

Your EMI is more than 75% of your salary.

This causes cashflow pressure each month.

Personal loans have high interest rates.

Interest eats your income month after month.

With such a big EMI, savings are hard.

Investing aggressively is not possible now.

You must focus on clearing this loan fast. That is your priority.

Let Us First Understand the Loan Impact

Personal loans don’t give tax benefits.

They usually charge 11%–18% interest.

This rate is much higher than inflation.

It will block your future wealth creation.

Your savings in ELSS will grow slower than loan interest.

You lose more in loan interest than you earn in ELSS.

Hence, early loan closure is a better move now.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Reduce the Loan

Step 1: Pause ELSS SIP Temporarily

You are investing Rs 10,000 monthly.

Stop this temporarily for 12–18 months.

Redirect that amount to loan prepayment.

You are not stopping investment forever.

You are pausing to reduce debt burden.

Step 2: Use Rental Income for Prepayment

Use the full Rs 10,000 monthly rent for loan repayment.

Do not use it for household expenses.

This adds up to Rs 1.2 lakh yearly.

Step 3: Use Bonus or Windfall for Prepayment

Any yearly bonus or incentive must go to loan.

Use tax refund, maturity from LIC, or sale of old items.

Step 4: Use Plot to Repay Loan

Your plot is valued at Rs 12 lakh.

Check if it can be sold.

Use full amount for loan prepayment.

Emotional attachment is natural.

But right now, financial freedom is more important.

Step 5: No New Loans or EMIs

Do not buy anything new on EMI.

No consumer loans, gadgets, or upgrades.

Focus all money towards debt clearance.

By following these steps, you can reduce loan faster.

Review and Reassess Your LIC Policies

You have 3 LIC policies from 2010.

They are traditional insurance plans.

These plans give very low returns.

Mostly around 4%–5% per year.

These are not useful for wealth creation.

Please check surrender value of each policy.

If you get a reasonable value, you can:

Surrender all three policies

Redeploy into debt mutual funds or towards loan

Or split between loan prepayment and emergency fund

You already have Rs 10,000 ELSS SIP experience.

You can shift LIC money to mutual funds after loan ends.

What to Avoid Right Now

Don’t invest in new schemes.

Don’t start gold, ULIP, or new LIC plans.

Don’t chase stock tips or get-rich schemes.

Don’t use credit cards for monthly gaps.

Avoid high-interest money apps or informal loans.

Your energy must go to loan repayment alone.

Once Loan is Over, Start Full Investment Plan

After the loan is closed, you can:

Restart ELSS or increase it

Add hybrid mutual funds

Add SIPs in large and mid-cap funds

Invest based on goals and risk level

Work with MFD with CFP certification

Invest only in regular mutual funds, not direct

Why to Avoid Direct Plans

Direct plans don’t provide guidance.

They need your own tracking, fund selection, and timing.

Most people make mistakes in direct funds.

Wrong decisions can hurt returns badly.

Regular plans give handholding and long-term coaching.

Work only with a trusted Certified Financial Planner.

Why Not to Use Index Funds or ETFs

Index funds follow the market blindly.

They don’t protect in falling markets.

They never beat the market.

They suit only very experienced investors.

You need expert fund managers now.

Use active funds that handle volatility better.

How to Keep Motivation While Clearing Loan

Keep a visual chart of your reducing loan balance.

Celebrate every Rs 1 lakh reduction with a small treat.

Every month you prepay more, reduce future interest.

Loan-free life brings peace and power to invest.

Keep end goal in mind always.

You need strong patience and commitment now.

Create a Cash Buffer Fund of Rs 1.5–2 Lakh

This is for emergency use only.

Can be built slowly over 6–8 months.

Helps avoid using credit cards or breaking FDs.

Keep it in a sweep-in FD or liquid fund.

Do not touch this unless for emergency.

What Happens If You Don’t Act Now?

Loan interest will eat more than your savings.

You may struggle with cashflow every month.

Your ability to invest will stay low.

You may miss retirement and family goals.

Early action now saves years of financial pressure.

Your Focus Timeline for Next 24 Months

First 6 Months

Pause ELSS SIP

Use rent + SIP + savings = Rs 20,000 extra per month

Check LIC surrender

Check plot sale options

Next 6 to 18 Months

Continue loan prepayment

Restart ELSS after loan is partly reduced

Create Rs 2 L emergency fund

After 18–24 Months

Loan mostly over or close to closure

Restart ELSS

Add hybrid and flexi-cap mutual funds

Build goal-based SIPs

Investment Strategy After Loan Ends

40% in hybrid mutual funds

40% in equity mutual funds

10% in ELSS for tax

10% in liquid fund for buffer

Work with a Certified Financial Planner for SIP design.
Start regular reviews every year.
You can build strong long-term wealth.

Finally

You are already trying hard. That matters most.

Your focus must be on loan clearance now.

Pause investments. Use all surplus for EMI prepayment.

Review and surrender poor LIC plans if needed.

Sell plot if practical. Don’t hold idle land.

Avoid new commitments. Avoid distractions.

After loan is gone, build smart investment habits.

Only use mutual funds through regular mode.

Work closely with a Certified Financial Planner.

Your financial independence can start very soon.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, my income is 90k and I have a home loan of 28 lakhs which started 5 months back, tenure - 15 years, paying an emi of 29k per month and have a personal loan of 9 lakhs for tenure - 4 years, out of which 1 year is completed, paying an emi of 23k per month. 6k goes into my mutual funds and around 15k goes to my other expenses. If I want to clear my personal loan or home emi early than the tenure and save some amount for future. Please suggest me a way to do it. Thanks in advance.
Ans: You are already managing multiple financial responsibilities well.
Your focus on clearing loans and saving is a good mindset.
Let’s now build a 360-degree financial plan for you.

Knowing Your Current Financial Position
Monthly income: Rs 90,000

Home loan EMI: Rs 29,000

Personal loan EMI: Rs 23,000

Mutual fund SIP: Rs 6,000

Other expenses: Rs 15,000

Available monthly surplus: About Rs 17,000
This is a very crucial surplus.
It can be used to build a strong financial future.

Understanding Your Loan Structures
Personal Loan
Amount: Rs 9 lakhs

Tenure: 4 years

EMI: Rs 23,000

Paid: 1 year

Remaining: 3 years

High interest (usually 12–15%)

No tax benefit

Home Loan
Amount: Rs 28 lakhs

Tenure: 15 years

EMI: Rs 29,000

Started: 5 months ago

Lower interest (around 8.5%)

Has tax benefit

Personal loan is more expensive.
It also gives no tax savings.
So, your priority should be:
Clear personal loan first.

Step-by-Step Debt Strategy
Step 1: Create Loan Repayment Plan
Use Rs 15,000 from your monthly surplus

Save it monthly into a separate bank account

Don’t touch it for anything else

Every 6 months, use this to prepay personal loan

You can close this loan in 18–24 months

Step 2: Continue Home Loan EMI
Let the EMI continue as it is

Don’t prepay home loan right now

It gives you income tax savings

It has a longer, manageable tenure

Focus fully on personal loan for now

Step 3: Prepare an Emergency Fund
Currently, you don’t have emergency backup.
If any crisis happens, you may borrow again.
That will break your financial progress.

Action:

Once personal loan is over,
build Rs 2–3 lakhs as emergency fund

Use liquid mutual fund for this

Keep it separate from SIP or equity funds

Use Rs 10,000 per month to build this

This gives peace of mind for emergencies

Step 4: Mutual Fund Correction Plan
You invest Rs 6,000 monthly in mutual funds.
That is a very good start.

But mutual fund selection must be smart.
Avoid investing in index funds or ETFs.

Why Index Funds are risky:
They follow market blindly

No protection during market fall

No expert strategy or rebalancing

Returns match average market, not beat it

Why Regular Active Funds are better:
Managed by expert fund managers

Adjust portfolio during market risk

You get MFD + CFP support

Review and rebalance is easier

Helps create better long-term wealth

Action:

Shift to regular active equity mutual funds

Use large and mid-cap category

Use SIP route and continue for long term

Don’t stop SIPs when markets go down

Increase SIPs slowly once loans are closed

Step 5: What to do After Personal Loan Closure
After personal loan ends,
you will free up Rs 23,000 monthly.

This is a huge opportunity.
Use it wisely in this order:

Rs 10,000 to build emergency fund

Rs 10,000 increase to SIP amount

Rs 3,000 for any family buffer or medical

After 6 months of this,
you can start partial prepayment of home loan.

Use Rs 10,000 monthly to reduce home loan.
Once a year, make one extra EMI as part payment.

This will reduce total interest paid.
It will also cut loan tenure by 3–5 years.

Step 6: Handle Expenses Smartly
You spend Rs 15,000 monthly on lifestyle.
That is reasonable and under control.

But ensure you do this:

Avoid impulse online purchases

Don’t fall for lifestyle EMI schemes

Track every rupee spent using app or notebook

Avoid new credit cards or BNPL schemes

Keep credit card usage only for emergency

Don’t increase expenses just because salary increases

Step 7: Don’t Use Direct Mutual Funds
Some people invest in direct funds to save commission.
But they lose much more without expert support.

Disadvantages of direct funds:
No one helps to rebalance

No CFP to check goal mismatch

You might choose wrong scheme

No reminders or tracking help

High chances of panic redemption

Benefits of regular funds via MFD with CFP:
Professional help always available

Goal-based investing is easier

Portfolio is reviewed yearly

Mistakes are corrected early

Long-term growth is better

So avoid direct funds totally.

Step 8: Build Future Financial Strength
Once loans are gone and savings are strong:
You must create wealth for long term goals.

Goals like:

Child’s education

Health emergency

Retirement security

Travel or career break

Action Plan:

Increase SIPs every year by Rs 2,000

Use extra income or bonus to invest

Don’t redeem investments unless very urgent

Plan SIPs for minimum 10 years

Use only regular mutual funds

Track capital gains as per tax rules

Tax rules you must know:
Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

Short-term gains taxed at 20%

Debt funds taxed as per income tax slab

So, hold funds for long term always

Step 9: Get Proper Insurance Protection
Loans are a risk if anything happens to you.
Ensure your family is protected.

Action Plan:

Buy pure term insurance of Rs 50 lakhs minimum

Premium is very low

Do not buy ULIP or return policies

Take health insurance of Rs 5–10 lakhs

Prefer floater plan for family

Buy policy separately from job policy

Step 10: Create a Personal Financial System
To make your money work for you:

Write your monthly budget

Write your EMI, SIP and expense dates

Create financial folder for documents

Check credit score once every year

Review SIPs once a year with MFD

Don’t discuss goals only in mind. Write them

This gives you full control.

Finally
You are already on the right path.
Just take the next few steps carefully.

First clear your personal loan.
Then build your emergency fund.
Shift to regular mutual funds with proper help.
Keep home loan EMI as it is for now.
Later, start reducing tenure slowly.

By following this system,
you will be loan-free and wealth-rich in few years.

You are doing well. Stay focused and consistent.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

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

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

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

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

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

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

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

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

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

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

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

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

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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