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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Aug 04, 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
Dasari Question by Dasari on Jul 11, 2025Hindi
Money

Hello Sir, my take home salary is 2lac and my age is 29 years. I am in rental property in Bangalore for 11k rent. I have term insurance for 1cr and monthly premium of 6k of 5 years. I have personal loan of 15lakh with monthly emi around 33k. I have savings of 25lakh. Monthly i am doing SIP of 25k and my current portfolio is around 3k and in my PF account i have around 5lakh with monthly contribution of around 50k from both employer and employee.I am planning to construct home with budget of 50lakh. I am planning to go for home loan and with savings money i am planning to buy land in hometown. Monthly i can save beyond 1 lakh after paying all this deductions. Please suggest me whether i need to go for home loan or start house construction with savings

Ans: Appreciate your clarity and discipline at this young age. You are only 29.
Your Rs. 2 lakh monthly salary with strong savings shows maturity.
You also have SIPs, PF, term insurance, and savings. That’s very positive.
Now let us assess all options and offer full 360-degree clarity.

» Understanding Your Current Financial Picture

– Take-home is Rs. 2 lakh monthly.
– Rent is Rs. 11,000 per month, which is affordable.
– You pay Rs. 33,000 EMI on Rs. 15 lakh personal loan.
– You have Rs. 25 lakh in savings.
– SIP is Rs. 25,000 monthly.
– Your PF is Rs. 5 lakh and growing Rs. 50,000 monthly.
– You hold term insurance of Rs. 1 crore, which is correct.
– Your monthly surplus after all deductions is over Rs. 1 lakh.

Your situation is stable, but you must choose between two options wisely:
Home loan now or house construction using savings?

Let us understand each option clearly before making a decision.

» Option 1: Buying Land and Constructing with Savings

– You want to buy land in hometown using Rs. 25 lakh savings.
– Then construct house worth Rs. 50 lakh by taking a home loan.
– This option may feel emotional but can create financial strain.
– Construction will need continuous funds and time commitment.
– Savings will be fully locked in land purchase.
– Loan EMI for Rs. 50 lakh could be around Rs. 50,000 monthly.
– Your total EMI becomes Rs. 83,000 including personal loan.
– You will be left with Rs. 70,000 per month for SIP, lifestyle and emergencies.

This makes the cashflow tight and future uncertain.
Also, real estate is not liquid and is not advisable.
Hometown property may not give income or appreciation.
Unless you plan to live there soon, it becomes idle capital.
Also, owning land brings extra property tax, security, and upkeep costs.

» Option 2: Continue Staying on Rent and Invest Smartly

– Your rent of Rs. 11,000 is low compared to your income.
– You can invest your Rs. 25 lakh in debt and equity mix.
– With Rs. 1 lakh surplus monthly, continue SIP and diversify.
– Let your personal loan get repaid in next few years.
– This keeps your finances safe and gives investment compounding.
– When personal loan is over, you will save Rs. 33,000 extra monthly.
– That time, you can think of home construction or self-funding partly.

This path keeps your assets growing and avoids home loan pressure.
Also, investing at this young age gives you better compounding power.
You can create bigger wealth without locking into illiquid assets.

» Problems with Real Estate at This Stage

– Buying land and building home is not urgent now.
– Real estate is not liquid. Selling takes time and cost.
– You also lose flexibility if your career changes city.
– Property in hometown does not generate income.
– It does not support your retirement or children goals.
– Regular property maintenance becomes a burden from distance.

So instead of locking savings, use it for better goals.

» Smart Use of Surplus Income

– Your Rs. 1 lakh surplus must be protected and grown.
– First build emergency fund equal to 6 months expenses.
– Second, repay personal loan faster. Prepay from bonus or extra cash.
– This reduces your EMI burden and interest cost.
– Third, boost SIP to Rs. 40,000 monthly gradually.
– Fourth, review and increase term insurance to Rs. 2 crore over time.
– Fifth, plan for future goals like marriage, children, retirement.
– All these need financial assets, not real estate.

» Strengthen Long-Term Financial Base

– At 29, your priority is wealth creation, not house ownership.
– Let your PF grow steadily through compounding.
– Increase your SIP in actively managed equity funds.
– Do not invest in index funds. They lack human management.
– Actively managed funds outperform with smart rebalancing.
– Avoid direct funds. They don’t offer guidance or strategy.
– Regular plans through a CFP-backed MFD give long-term discipline.

This way your money is monitored and adjusted with market cycles.
It is not just about returns but peace and smart tracking.

» Home Construction Can Wait for Right Time

– Build home when personal loan is cleared.
– When savings are above Rs. 50 lakh, build without big loan.
– Or take small home loan with low EMI.
– This protects you from interest burden and mental stress.
– Home ownership should never disturb cashflow or investment plan.
– Wait until you are ready both emotionally and financially.

» Rent vs Own Decision Must Be Logical

– Rent is not waste. It gives flexibility and peace.
– Your rent is low. No reason to rush home buying.
– Home buying in hometown is not income-generating.
– Instead use the same money to grow faster in financial assets.
– Later, you can buy house in city if needed.
– Till then, stay on rent and invest fully.

» Build Goals-Based Investment Strategy

– Split your goals in 3 types: short, medium, long-term.
– Emergency fund and insurance is short term.
– Loan repayment and marriage planning is medium term.
– Retirement and child future is long term.
– For short-term, use liquid or short-duration debt funds.
– For medium-term, use hybrid or low-volatility funds.
– For long-term, use actively managed equity funds.

Avoid keeping idle cash or gold for future.
They don’t generate returns matching inflation.

» Regular Review and Risk Management

– Review portfolio once every 6 months with certified professional.
– Check performance, risk level, asset allocation.
– Realign if market changes or goal priorities shift.
– Rebalance debt and equity as per plan.
– Avoid high-risk bets, ULIPs, or guaranteed plans.
– Do not mix insurance with investment. Keep both separate.

Your current plan is strong. Stay alert and flexible.

» Insurance is Not Investment

– Your term insurance is correct.
– Do not take traditional LIC or ULIP plans.
– They offer low returns and lock money long.
– Use term plan for pure protection.
– For wealth creation, rely only on mutual funds and PF.

» Tax Planning with Investment Discipline

– Use SIPs for long-term equity growth.
– LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– For debt funds, tax is as per your slab.
– Use debt funds smartly for short and medium goals.
– Track gains yearly and adjust withdrawals to manage tax.

» Career Growth and Asset Building

– As your salary grows, increase SIP gradually.
– Make every increment and bonus work for you.
– Avoid lifestyle inflation and unnecessary luxury expenses.
– Save and invest more in early years.
– This gives long-lasting wealth in future.
– Don't chase quick gains or risky trends. Stay steady.

» Keep Flexibility for Future Life Events

– Life can change in career, marriage, family.
– You may shift city, change job, or take sabbatical.
– So keep assets liquid and flexible.
– Real estate blocks your options and adds pressure.
– Better to keep funds in financial assets till clarity comes.

» Finally

– Do not build house now using savings and big loan.
– Postpone it until personal loan ends and savings grow.
– Stay on rent and invest surplus wisely.
– Increase SIPs and repay loans faster.
– Use financial assets to reach future life goals.
– Real estate in hometown is not wealth-building.
– Focus on financial freedom through investments.

Your early discipline will give you future peace and strength.
Keep building this strong base for a happy future.

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  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 04, 2024

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Money
Sir Nameste, Me and my wife from small town working earning 1.13lakh per month, we have 3 loans 1. Icici 10 lakhs @12.39 (2.30 lakhs remaining to closed by september 25) 2. Sbi loan 1.6 lakh just started @ 12.46% 3. LIC loan 2.20 lakh @9% We are government employees both so investment in NPS is aprox 20,000/month We are also investing 19000/month in LIC We had also aquired 2 no. Of land in our locality, (loans are taken for this purpose) Our EMI is aprox 26000/month, and monthly expenses is 53000, we are dipositing all our excess money to our loans so that it all can be closed by 2025 september. Sir what should be my approach to build a house with in next 5 years.
Ans: Assessing Your Current Financial Situation
Your combined monthly income is Rs 1.13 lakh, a solid base for building assets.

You have three active loans with a current EMI of Rs 26,000, which includes loans for land purchase.

Monthly expenses are Rs 53,000, while Rs 19,000 is allocated to LIC premiums, and Rs 20,000 goes to NPS.

You plan to close all loans by September 2025, and currently focus all excess funds towards these debts.

Evaluating Loan Repayment Strategy
Your focus on loan repayment is a wise step. Clearing these high-interest loans will free up monthly cash flow.

Prioritise the SBI loan at 12.46% interest after closing the ICICI loan, as it has a higher rate than the LIC loan.

Once these loans are cleared, your EMI obligation will reduce, allowing you to redirect funds toward home building and investment goals.

Strategic Steps Towards Home Building in 5 Years
Step 1: Plan a Dedicated Savings Fund
Begin a dedicated "Home Building Fund" once the loans are paid off by September 2025. This will give you two years of free cash flow before the home construction goal.

Estimate the cost for building your house. Allocate monthly contributions based on the required budget over 5 years, adjusted for inflation.

A balanced mutual fund or an SIP in a multi-cap fund could be beneficial for growing this fund with moderate risk.

Step 2: Review Existing LIC Policies
Rs 19,000 monthly in LIC may not yield optimal returns. Consider the role of these policies in your overall portfolio.

If these are traditional or endowment policies, they typically offer low returns. Switching to term insurance and investing the rest in mutual funds could enhance your wealth-building potential.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for an analysis of the LIC policies to determine if a shift would benefit your long-term goals.

Step 3: Explore NPS and Additional Investments
NPS is a good retirement tool with Rs 20,000 monthly contribution, but it may not support short-term goals like home building.

Post-loan, consider a diversified mutual fund SIP to grow your funds for the next 5 years, aiming for inflation-adjusted returns.

A combination of large-cap and multi-cap funds offers stability with moderate growth, which is suitable for a 5-year timeline.

Structuring Finances for Future Goals
Step 4: Create an Emergency Fund
As government employees, your jobs are stable, but emergencies can occur. Aim for 3-6 months of expenses saved in a liquid or short-term debt fund.

This fund prevents disruption to your goal-oriented savings if sudden expenses arise.

Step 5: Regular Review and Adjustment
Review your investments annually with a Certified Financial Planner to ensure they align with your timeline and goals.

Assess any rise in construction costs or changes in your financial situation. Regular adjustments ensure you stay on track without compromising other financial priorities.

Finally
Your disciplined approach to clearing loans and managing monthly contributions is commendable. A focused investment strategy after loan repayment will allow you to grow the funds needed to build your house in 5 years. Maintain an emergency fund, optimise insurance, and regularly review your investments to ensure a steady path toward your home-building goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 17, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi sir, i am 38 year old living in delhi in a rented house, i am into business and i earn approx 1.5 lac per month, my wife is not working and have two girls 4 years and 9 years. One auto loan is going on with emi of 13 k since jan 23 and remaining for 19 more months. Started sip from last year for 8 thousand every month,in total 1.3 lac in mutual funds and i have equity of approx 6.5 lac in bluechip companies. I have kept emergency fund of 2 lac in cash, 5 lac in my and my wife bank account each. My monthly expense is around 1 lac excluding emi. I have a health insurance for entire family with cover of 10lac and a top up policy of one crore. My question is, i want to buy a home should i go for home loan of 50 lac with down payment of approx 8 lac or should i wait to collect more corpus before taking a home loan and how can i maximise returns and increase savings?
Ans: You are on the right track in many ways. But buying a house with a Rs 50 lakh home loan now may not be your best financial decision. Let's assess your situation and goals from a 360-degree view.

?

Monthly Cash Flow and Savings Strength
Your income is Rs 1.5 lakh per month.

?

Your current expense is Rs 1 lakh per month.

?

Auto loan EMI is Rs 13,000. That’s a long-term liability till mid-2026.

?

Your effective savings are about Rs 37,000 monthly, if we include EMI as a fixed outgoing.

?

This savings rate is just around 25% of your income.

?

Ideally, you should save at least 35% to 40% of income at this stage.

?

You have Rs 1.3 lakh in mutual funds through SIPs. That’s a good beginning.

?

You also have Rs 6.5 lakh in equities. This adds to your long-term wealth pool.

?

Emergency fund is well managed — Rs 2 lakh in cash and Rs 10 lakh in bank savings.

?

But too much idle money in savings account gives low return.

?

You can restructure some of this idle amount for higher growth.

?

Health insurance is well set — Rs 10 lakh + Rs 1 crore top-up. Very thoughtful decision.

?

Home Loan Decision — Evaluate Carefully
You plan to take a Rs 50 lakh loan with Rs 8 lakh down payment.

?

That means property value may be around Rs 58 lakh or more.

?

EMI on Rs 50 lakh loan for 20 years may be approx Rs 45,000 to Rs 48,000 monthly.

?

This EMI is 30%+ of your monthly income.

?

Adding EMI to your current expense of Rs 1 lakh will take total outgo above Rs 1.45 lakh.

?

That leaves little room for savings, emergencies, or business volatility.

?

Your business income may fluctuate. Loan EMI remains fixed.

?

That can cause cash flow strain in any weak business month.

?

You will also have to manage property maintenance, taxes, and house setup costs.

?

After buying the house, your liquidity will be tight.

?

You will have very limited flexibility to grow business, invest, or manage kid’s goals.

?

Therefore, taking a big loan now is not suitable.

?

Recommended Path — Strengthen First, Then Buy
Hold the house purchase for now. Build more financial strength first.

?

Target at least Rs 20 lakh in financial corpus before buying house.

?

That will make the down payment easier and lower the loan requirement.

?

Smaller loan means lower EMI. That keeps your cash flow balanced.

?

Focus more on building mutual funds portfolio over next 3-4 years.

?

Increase your SIP gradually every 6 months. Even Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 increase matters.

?

Keep mutual fund investments via regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner.

?

A planner will guide based on your goals and risk.

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Avoid direct mutual fund route. You will miss professional advice and tracking.

?

Regular plans via planner offer better long-term discipline and help in market cycles.

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Also avoid index funds. They are passive and do not beat inflation over long periods.

?

Actively managed funds offer better returns with risk-adjusted strategies.

?

Choose diversified equity funds across flexi cap, mid cap, and hybrid for balance.

?

Review the equity stocks you already hold. Avoid overexposure to one sector.

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If these stocks are idle or underperforming, shift them to mutual funds gradually.

?

Use your wife’s savings as well to build long-term assets.

?

Joint SIPs or funds in her name can help reduce tax in future.

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Kids’ Education — Start Dedicated Planning Now
Your daughters are 4 and 9 years old. Time is on your side.

?

School and college costs will rise sharply due to inflation.

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Plan Rs 25 to 30 lakh for each child over next 10 to 15 years.

?

Begin a separate SIP for children’s education.

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Start with Rs 5,000 monthly. Increase every year with income.

?

Keep this in a growth-oriented fund with child-specific goal.

?

Keep insurance separate from investments. Don’t mix them.

?

Avoid child ULIPs or education endowment policies.

?

For safety, consider taking a term plan of Rs 1 crore for yourself.

?

Term insurance is cheap and gives peace of mind.

?

Emergency Fund — Optimise Returns
You have Rs 2 lakh in cash and Rs 10 lakh in bank savings.

?

That is excess idle balance in savings account.

?

Move at least Rs 6 lakh to a short-term debt mutual fund or arbitrage fund.

?

This gives better return than savings bank interest.

?

Keep Rs 2 lakh in cash and Rs 4 lakh in bank savings for any urgent needs.

?

Debt funds offer liquidity and 5-6% returns post-tax.

?

This strategy keeps your emergency fund safe and productive.

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Business Goals — Don’t Ignore Capital Needs
You are self-employed. Business stability affects entire family.

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Set aside at least Rs 3 lakh to 5 lakh as business contingency buffer.

?

This buffer helps you manage cash cycles, bulk orders, or temporary slowdowns.

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Use a liquid fund or sweep account for this buffer.

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Don’t touch this for personal needs or investments.

?

As your business grows, increase this buffer proportionately.

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Review business income, cash flows, and margins every quarter.

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If income becomes stable, then only think of buying property with clarity.

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Real Estate — Don’t Rush
Avoid pressure to buy house just because rent is going out.

?

Rent is a known cost. EMI is a fixed liability.

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House purchase brings big responsibilities like maintenance, tax, and low liquidity.

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If you move house or city due to business, house becomes a burden.

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Instead, grow your financial net worth. That gives better freedom.

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You can always buy a house 3-4 years later with less loan.

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That also gives you better bargaining power.

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Monthly Budget Review — Create Savings Habit
Review expenses monthly with your wife.

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Track wasteful spends. Avoid lifestyle creep.

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Try to bring expenses below Rs 90,000 per month.

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Save the extra in SIPs and emergency buffer.

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Discuss financial goals openly with your spouse. Involve her in small investment steps.

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Make goal chart for house, kids, and retirement.

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This brings alignment and motivation.

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Final Insights
Don’t buy house now. Strengthen financials first.

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Maintain SIP discipline. Gradually increase monthly SIP.

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Build Rs 20 lakh corpus in next 3-4 years.

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Only then take smaller home loan for balance amount.

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Don’t break equity or MF holdings to buy house.

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Use Certified Financial Planner to design full plan for family goals.

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Avoid direct funds, index funds, or mix insurance products.

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Separate insurance, investment, and emergency funds clearly.

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Use wife’s savings also to build joint future.

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Invest with goal-based planning, not just product-based decision.

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Stay patient and consistent. You will achieve house and kids goals peacefully.

?

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 22, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 41 years old single mother of 11 years old boy. I do not have any loan and stay with my mother. The first floor is given to us but I feel the need of having my own house. Currently, I do not have any loans and my monthly income is Rs 2lakh. Here are my investments and monthly expenses: Investments: SIP : 70k monthly, current value 37lacs PF: 35 lacs Share market: 20lacs ESPP: 1.5 Cr FD: 50 lacs Gold: 10 lacs Land: 2 plots worth of 50lacs Expenses monthly: Kid's school expense: 15k House expenses: 20k Car and other: 20k Yearly policies: LIC: 25k Term plan : 13k Guaranteed plan: 2lacs Medical insurance 25k How to save for my building my own house? Target is around 1Cr including land. The land that I have is not in main city so I would need to buy that also. Should I go for home loan? Should I diversify my investments? Should I liqudate few of my investments and buy a house first ?
Ans: You are in a strong financial position. Managing investments while raising a child alone shows great discipline and clarity. Your focus on owning a home is practical and forward-looking. Let us now look at your situation with a 360-degree lens. We will explore every aspect with clarity and simplicity.

Your Financial Strengths

Monthly income is healthy at Rs 2 lakh.

No loans currently. That keeps pressure low.

SIP of Rs 70,000 shows strong investment habit.

Total investments and assets cross Rs 3 crore.

You are already building wealth through diversified means.

You live with your mother. That gives cushion for regular expenses.

Your Current Investments – An Assessment

Let’s break down your portfolio and evaluate:

SIP (Mutual Funds)

Monthly SIP is Rs 70,000.

Current value is Rs 37 lakhs.

This is a good habit for long-term wealth creation.

It shows you have a consistent saving plan.

Continue this with review every year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Regular funds through a MFD are better than direct.

MFD with CFP adds monitoring, rebalancing, guidance, and behavioural coaching.

Direct funds can miss personalised advice. Mistakes are costly and go unnoticed.

Active funds give better scope than index funds.

Index funds have no downside protection. They fall with the market.

Active funds are professionally managed and goal-focused.

Provident Fund (PF)

PF value of Rs 35 lakhs is a good retirement base.

Do not use PF for home buying.

Keep it as a long-term safety net.

Share Market (Direct Stocks)

Rs 20 lakhs is fair exposure.

Shares need constant tracking and risk tolerance.

Avoid increasing direct stock allocation.

Maintain limit under 10-15% of total portfolio.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Rs 1.5 crore is a very strong asset.

But it is concentrated in one company.

Avoid depending too much on one stock.

Slowly diversify this over time.

Consult with a CFP before selling due to taxation.

Plan to use some portion for house down payment.

Fixed Deposits (FD)

Rs 50 lakhs in FD is good for emergency and short goals.

FD returns are low after tax.

Do not keep excess in FDs.

Consider moving part into hybrid funds with MFD guidance.

Gold

Rs 10 lakhs is reasonable.

Gold should not exceed 10% of your portfolio.

Keep as is. Avoid adding more.

Land (2 plots worth Rs 50 lakhs)

You hold land, but location is not suitable for house.

Real estate is illiquid.

Selling non-usable plots is a good idea.

Use that to fund your house target.

Current Expenses – A Quick View

Kid’s school – Rs 15,000 monthly is manageable.

House expenses – Rs 20,000 is very efficient.

Car and others – Rs 20,000 is also reasonable.

Annual policies – Need review.

LIC Rs 25,000 per year.

Term plan Rs 13,000 is essential. Continue.

Guaranteed Plan Rs 2 lakhs yearly is a concern.

These plans often give low returns.

Surrender value may be used for better funds.

ULIPs and traditional plans can be inefficient.

Medical insurance – Rs 25,000 is a must-have. Continue.

Should You Go for Home Loan?

You can take a small home loan if needed.

A home loan gives tax benefit on interest and principal.

But do not over-borrow.

Ideal EMI should not cross 35% of monthly income.

For you, that is around Rs 70,000 max.

But since you have enough assets, you can avoid loan also.

Selling one plot and some ESPP can cover major portion.

Home loan can be only a support, not primary source.

If loan interest is 9%, your FD is earning much less.

That gap is a loss. So partial self-funding is smarter.

How to Save for Your Own House?

Your goal is a Rs 1 crore house. Let’s build a path:

1. Use Existing Assets Wisely

Sell one plot worth Rs 25–30 lakhs.

Redeem part of ESPP after tax planning.

Avoid touching mutual funds and PF.

FD can also be used partly for immediate land payment.

2. Allocate Based on Timeframe

If buying in next 1 year, don’t invest this amount in equity.

Use FDs, short-term debt or liquid funds with MFD help.

Avoid locking this in long-term policies or direct stock.

3. Create a House Fund Bucket

Set aside a specific amount in a separate account.

Monthly add surplus beyond your SIP and expenses.

Your monthly saving capacity is over Rs 60,000.

Direct that into your house fund till purchase.

Should You Diversify More?

Your investments are already across multiple assets.

Equity MF, stocks, PF, FD, gold, land, ESPP.

Focus now should be optimising, not adding new types.

Too many instruments reduce control and increase confusion.

Keep it simple. Monitor performance every year.

Your goal should drive your investment choices.

Should You Sell Investments Now and Buy House First?

Selling is fine if done with a clear plan.

Don’t break long-term goals like retirement PF or child education SIP.

Use underperforming or liquid assets for home.

ESPP and land sale are ideal sources.

FD portion can also be used without hurting long-term needs.

Keep emergency fund of at least 6 months of expenses aside.

Risk Cover Review – A Must for Single Parent

Term plan is essential. Continue Rs 13,000 premium.

Ensure the cover is at least Rs 1 crore or more.

Check if policy is on decreasing cover. If yes, shift to level term.

Medical insurance of Rs 25,000 is good.

Ensure your child is also covered.

Critical illness cover can also be explored.

Child’s Future Planning

Your child is 11 years now.

In 6–7 years, he may need higher education funds.

Keep your current SIP running for this goal.

Tag it mentally as ‘Education Goal SIP’.

Avoid using this SIP corpus for the house.

Review this SIP allocation yearly with a CFP.

Policy Review – Immediate Action Needed

LIC of Rs 25,000 yearly – check return value.

If it's a traditional endowment or money back, consider surrender.

Guaranteed Plan with Rs 2 lakh premium yearly – reconsider.

These usually return less than 5% post tax.

Take surrender value and shift to mutual fund SIPs with CFP help.

Policy review is a must to avoid wealth leak.

Taxation Insight

ESPP and stock sale need capital gain planning.

Consult tax expert before redemption.

For mutual funds:

STCG is taxed at 20%.

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Plan redemptions carefully to reduce tax burden.

Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab.

FD interest is fully taxable.

House loan interest can reduce tax if taken wisely.

Action Plan – Step by Step

Identify home location and target within Rs 1 crore.

Shortlist usable plot for sale. Start process.

Open separate house fund account.

Shift some FD funds into short term debt fund for 1-year horizon.

Plan to redeem ESPP in parts. Do tax calculation before.

Review LIC and Guaranteed policies. Surrender non-performing ones.

Continue SIPs for long term. Tag for child and retirement.

Avoid further investment in gold or land.

Rebalance direct stocks if more than 15% of portfolio.

Review term and medical insurance coverage.

Finally

You are managing things very well. You are already ahead of many.
Your focus on buying a home is timely and valid.
There is no need to rush or feel pressured.
You have the wealth to support this goal.
Only thing needed is clear reallocation and guidance.
Avoid over-diversification or emotional buying.
Stay goal-based. Review every investment with purpose.
Track your house fund separately. Avoid using education SIPs.
Take help of a Certified Financial Planner regularly.

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

..Read more

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Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 47 years old. I have started investing in mutual fund (SIP) only since last one year due to some financial obligations. Currently I am investing Rs.33K per month in various SIPS. The details are: Kotak Mahindra Market Growth (Rs. 1500), Aditya BSL Low Duration Growth (Rs. 1400), HDFC Mid-cap Growth (Rs. 12000), Nippon India Large Cap Growth (Rs. 3000), Bandhan small cap (Rs. 5000), Motilal Oswal Flexicap Growth (Rs. 5000), ICICI Pru Flexicap growth (Rs. 5000). I have also started to invest Rs. 1,50,000 per year in PPF since last year. Can I sustain if I retire by the age of 62?
Ans: I can help you with your retirement planning.
You have given a very detailed picture of your investments.
You have also shown strong intent to build wealth at 47.
This itself is a big positive start.

Your Current Efforts

– You started late due to obligations.
– That is understandable.
– You still took charge.
– You now invest Rs.33K every month.
– You also invest Rs.1,50,000 a year in PPF.
– You follow discipline.
– You follow consistency.
– These habits matter the most.
– These habits will help your retirement.
– You deserve appreciation for this foundation.

» Your Current Investment Mix

– You invest in various equity funds.
– You also invest in one low duration debt fund.
– You invest across mid cap, large cap, flexi cap, and small cap.
– This gives you some spread.
– You also invest in PPF.
– PPF gives safety.
– PPF gives steady growth.
– This mix creates balance.

– Please note one point.
– You hold direct plans.
– Direct plans look cheaper outside.
– But they are not always helpful for long-term investors.
– Many investors pick wrong funds.
– Many investors track markets wrongly.
– Many investors redeem at wrong times.
– This affects returns more than the saved expense ratio.
– Regular plans through a MFD with CFP support give guidance.
– Regular plans also help you stay on track.
– Behaviour gap is a major cost in direct funds.
– Thus regular plans with CFP support work better for long-term investors.
– They can correct mistakes.
– They can help with asset mix.
– They can help you stay steady during market drops.
– This gives higher final wealth than direct funds in most cases.

» Your Retirement Age Goal

– You plan to retire at 62.
– You are 47 now.
– You have 15 years left.
– Fifteen years is still a strong time line.
– You can allow compounding to work well.
– Your corpus can grow meaningfully by 62.
– You can also improve your savings rate during this time.

» Assessing If Your Current Plan Supports Retirement

– There are many parts to assess.
– You need to look at your saving rate.
– You need to look at your growth rate.
– You need to look at your future lifestyle cost.
– You need to look at inflation.
– You need to look at post-retirement income need.
– You need to see if your present plan matches this.

– Right now, your total yearly investment is:
– Rs.33K per month in SIP.
– That is Rs.3,96,000 per year.
– Plus Rs.1,50,000 in PPF each year.
– So your total yearly investment is Rs.5,46,000.
– This is a good number.
– This can help your retirement journey.

» Understanding Equity Funds in Your Mix

– You invest in mid cap.
– Mid cap can give good growth.
– Mid cap also carries higher swings.
– You invest in small cap.
– Small cap is the most volatile.
– It can give high returns if held for long.
– But it needs patience.
– You invest in large cap exposure.
– Large cap gives stability.
– You invest in flexi cap.
– Flexi cap funds adjust strategy.
– Flexi cap funds give managers more control.
– Active management is useful in Indian markets.
– Fund managers can shift between market caps.
– They can pick good sectors.
– This improves return potential.
– This is a benefit that index funds do not have.
– Index funds just copy the index.
– Index funds do not avoid weak companies.
– Index funds cannot take smart calls.
– Index funds also rise in cost whenever the index churns.
– Active funds can protect downside.
– Active funds can find better opportunities.
– This is helpful for long-term wealth building.
– So your move towards active funds is fine.

» Understanding PPF in Your Mix

– Your PPF adds stability.
– It gives assured growth.
– It also gives tax benefits.
– It builds a stable part of your retirement base.
– It reduces overall risk in your portfolio.
– It works well over long years.
– You have also chosen a steady long-term asset.
– This is beneficial for retirement.

» Gaps That Need Attention

– Your funds are scattered.
– You hold too many schemes.
– Each additional scheme overlaps with others.
– This reduces impact.
– It also becomes hard to track.
– You can reduce your scheme count.
– A more focused mix can give smoother progress.
– Rebalancing becomes easier.
– You can keep fewer funds but maintain asset spread.
– You can also map each fund to a purpose.

– You also need clarity about your retirement income need.
– Many investors skip this.
– You must know how much money you need per month at 62.
– You must add inflation.
– You must add health needs.
– You must also add lifestyle goals.

» Your Future Lifestyle Cost

– Your cost will rise with inflation.
– Inflation affects food, transport, medical needs.
– Medical inflation is higher than normal inflation.
– Retirement planning must consider this.
– You also need to consider family responsibilities.
– You must consider emergencies.
– You must also consider rising cost of daily life.
– This helps estimate the required retirement corpus.

» Your Future Corpus From Current Savings

– Without giving strict numbers, you can expect growth.
– You invest steadily.
– You invest for 15 years.
– Your equity portion can grow better over long time.
– Your PPF gives predictable growth.
– Your mix can create a decent retirement base.
– But you will need to increase your SIP over time.
– You can raise your SIP by 5% to 10% each year.
– Even small increases help.
– This builds a stronger corpus.
– Your final retirement amount becomes much higher.

» Need for Periodic Review

– Markets change.
– Life situations change.
– Your goals may shift.
– Your income may rise.
– Your responsibilities may change.
– Review every year.
– Adjust as needed.
– A Certified Financial Planner can help.
– This gives clarity.
– This gives structure.
– This gives confidence.
– You can reduce mistakes.
– You can follow proper asset allocation.

» Asset Allocation Approach for Smooth Growth

– You must decide your ideal equity percentage.
– You must decide your ideal debt percentage.
– If you take too much equity, risk increases.
– If you take too little equity, growth reduces.
– You must keep balance.
– It must match your risk comfort.
– It must support your retirement goal.
– Right allocation brings discipline.
– Rebalancing once a year helps.
– Rebalancing controls emotion.
– Rebalancing increases long-term returns.
– Rebalancing keeps your portfolio healthy.

» Importance of Staying Invested During Market Swings

– Markets move up and down.
– Swings are normal.
– Equity grows over long time.
– Equity needs patience.
– People often fear drops.
– They exit at wrong time.
– This hurts long-term wealth.
– You must stay steady.
– You must trust your long-term plan.
– You must follow guidance.
– This improves retirement success.

» Avoiding Common Mistakes

– Many investors pick funds based on recent returns.
– This is risky.
– Fund selection needs deeper view.
– Fund must match your risk.
– Fund must match your time horizon.
– Fund must have consistent process.
– Fund must show reliable pattern.
– Avoid sudden changes.
– Avoid chasing trends.
– Stay with a disciplined plan.
– This ensures better results.

– You must avoid mixing too many categories.
– Focused mix works better.
– Smaller set makes control easy.
– This reduces confusion.

– Do not rely on direct funds for long-term goals.
– Direct funds lack guided support.
– Behavioral mistakes cost more than the lower expense ratio.
– Regular plans help you stay invested.
– They help avoid panic.
– They help during reviews.
– They help create proper asset allocation.
– They help you use the fund in the right way.
– Investment discipline is more important than low cost.
– Regular plans with CFP support deliver this discipline.

» Inflation Protection Through Growth Assets

– Equity protects from inflation.
– PPF adds safety.
– Balanced mix protects your purchasing power.
– Retirement needs this balance.
– Long-term equity portion helps create a healthy corpus.
– This allows you to meet rising living cost.

» How to Strengthen Your Retirement Plan From Now

– Increase SIP every year.
– Even slight hikes help.
– Be consistent.
– Avoid stopping during market drops.
– Do a yearly check-up.
– Reduce scheme count.
– Keep a clear structure.
– Assign each fund a purpose.
– Build an emergency fund.
– This will protect your SIP flow.
– Continue PPF.
– It gives stability.
– It protects your long-term needs.

» Possibility of Sustaining Life After Retirement

– Yes, you can sustain.
– But it depends on three things:
– Your future living cost.
– Your total corpus at retirement.
– Your discipline during retirement.

– If you continue your present saving, your base will grow.
– If you raise your SIP each year, your base will grow faster.
– If you keep a proper asset mix, your base will grow safely.
– If you avoid emotional mistakes, your base will stay strong.
– If you review yearly, your plan will stay on track.

– So sustaining life after retirement is possible.
– You just need stronger structure.
– You also need steady guidance.
– This ensures confidence.

» Retirement Income Planning After Age 62

– Your retirement income must come from a mix.
– Part from equity.
– Part from debt.
– Part from stable instruments.
– Do not depend on one source.
– Plan your withdrawal pattern.
– Take small and stable withdrawals.
– Keep some equity even after retirement.
– This helps your corpus last longer.
– Do not shift everything to debt at retirement.
– That reduces growth too much.
– Balanced approach keeps your money alive.
– This supports your life for long years.

» Health and Emergency Preparedness

– Health costs rise fast.
– You must plan for it.
– Keep health insurance active.
– Keep top-up if needed.
– Keep separate emergency money.
– Do not depend on your investments during emergencies.
– Emergency fund protects your retirement portfolio.
– This keeps compounding intact.
– You can handle shocks with ease.

» Tax Awareness

– Be aware of mutual fund tax rules.
– Equity long-term gains above Rs.1.25 lakh per year are taxed at 12.5%.
– Equity short-term gains are taxed at 20%.
– Debt funds are taxed as per your slab.
– Plan redemptions wisely.
– Do not redeem often.
– Keep long-term horizon.
– This reduces tax impact.
– This helps wealth building.

» Summary of Your Retirement Possibility

– You have a good start.
– You have a workable time frame.
– You have a steady contribution.
– You must refine your portfolio.
– You must increase SIP yearly.
– You must reduce scheme count.
– You must follow asset allocation.
– You must stay disciplined.
– You must get yearly review from a CFP.
– If you follow these, you can reach a healthy retirement base.

» Final Insights

– You are on the right path.
– You have taken the key step by starting.
– You can still create a strong retirement corpus even at 47.
– Fifteen years is enough if you stay consistent.
– Your mix of equity and PPF is good.
– With discipline and structure, your future can stay secure.
– With yearly guidance, you can avoid mistakes.
– With increased SIP, you can boost your corpus.
– You can aim for a peaceful and confident retirement at 62.

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

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10878 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
I am 43 yrs old, have sip in Nifty 50 - 3500 Nifty next 50 - 3000 Nippon large cap - 3500 Hdfc midcap - 2500 Parag Flexicap - 3000 Tata small cap - 1300 Gold sip - 500 Hdfc debt fund - 700, lumsum of 10000 in motilal midcap and 20k in quant small cap. accumulated around 2.30 lakhs, started from June, 2024. But overall xirr is very less 3.11. Should I continue the above sips or which sips should be stopped?
Ans: You have started early in 2024, and you already built Rs 2.30 lakhs. This shows discipline. This shows patience. This gives you a good base for your future wealth.

Your XIRR looks low now. This is normal. You started only a few months back. SIPs show low return in the start. Markets move up and down. Early numbers look flat. They look small. They look discouraging. But they improve with time. They improve with longer SIP flow. So please stay calm. The start is always slow. The finish is always strong.

Your effort is strong. Your SIP list is wide. Your savings habit is good. You started at 43 years, but you still have good time to grow your wealth. Every disciplined month builds confidence. Your choices show that you want growth. You want stability. You want balance. This is a good sign.

» Current Portfolio Snapshot
You invest in many groups.

– You invest in Nifty 50.
– You invest in Nifty Next 50.
– You invest in a large cap fund.
– You invest in a midcap fund.
– You invest in a flexicap fund.
– You invest in a small cap fund.
– You invest in gold.
– You invest in a debt fund.
– You put lumpsum in a midcap and small cap fund.

This looks wide. But wide does not mean effective. You hold too many funds in similar areas. That gives duplication. That reduces clarity. That reduces control. You need sharper structure. You need cleaner lines.

» Why Your XIRR Is Low
Your XIRR is only 3.11%. This is normal. Here is why.

– SIP started in June 2024. Very new.
– SIP amount spread across many funds.
– Market volatility in 2024 made early returns look low.
– SIP returns always look weak in early days. They grow with time.

Low short-term return is not a sign of failure. It is not a sign to stop. It is only a sign of market timing. SIP is for long periods. Not for few months.

» Problem of Index Funds in Your Portfolio
You invest in Nifty 50 and Nifty Next 50. Both are index funds. Index funds follow a fixed rule. They copy the index. They do not use research. They do not use fund manager skill. They do not adjust during bad markets. They do not protect much in down cycles. They lock you into index ups and downs.

In India, active fund managers add value. They find better stocks. They exit weak stocks faster. They manage risk better. They use research teams. They use market cycles well. They often beat index returns over long periods.

Index funds look simple. But they lack decision power. They lack flexibility. They lack protection. They give average results. They track the market exactly. They cannot outperform it.

So index funds are not the best choice for your long-term goal. Active funds give more control and more upside over long years.

» Problem of Too Many Funds
You hold too many funds across the same categories. This creates overlap. Two different schemes may hold same stocks. You think you diversify. But you repeat exposure. This weakens your plan.

Too many funds also keep your attention scattered. It reduces discipline. You waste time comparing each fund. You feel lost. You feel uncertain.

Better to keep fewer funds but stronger funds.

» Problem of Direct Funds
If any of your funds are in direct plans, please take note. Direct plans look cheaper because they have lower expense ratio. But they do not give guidance. They do not give personalised strategy. They do not give support during market falls. They do not give behavioural guidance.

Many investors make wrong moves in market dips. They stop SIPs. They redeem at the wrong time. They switch funds too often. They chase returns. This reduces wealth.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner keep you disciplined. They give structure. They give long-term guidance. They reduce errors. They reduce behaviour risk. This helps more than small cost savings.

Regular plans also offer better hand-holding for asset mix, review and goal clarity. This adds real value.

» Fund-by-Fund Assessment
Let me now look at each SIP.

Nifty 50 – This is an index fund. It is passive. It is rigid. Active large-cap funds do better in many years. You may stop this over time.

Nifty Next 50 – Another index fund. Very volatile. Very narrow. You may stop this too.

Nippon large cap – This is active. This is fine. It can stay.

HDFC midcap – This is active. Good long-term category. You can keep this.

Parag flexicap – Flexicap is versatile. Useful for long-term. You can keep this.

Tata small cap – Small caps can grow well. But they need patience. They also need limited allocation. You can keep, but maintain control.

Gold SIP – Small gold SIP is okay for safety.

HDFC debt fund – Debt brings stability. Small SIP is fine.

Lumpsum in midcap and small cap – Keep these invested. They will grow with cycles.

The two index funds are the most unnecessary parts of your plan. These can be stopped. These can be replaced with good active funds already in your system.

» Suggested Structure
You need a cleaner layout.

Keep one large cap active fund.

Keep one midcap active fund.

Keep one flexicap fund.

Keep one small cap fund.

Keep one debt fund.

Keep a small gold part.

This is enough. This gives balance. It gives clarity. It gives growth. It avoids overlap. It avoids confusion.

» SIP Continuation Guidance
Here is the simple view.

Continue your large cap SIP.

Continue your midcap SIP.

Continue your flexicap SIP.

Continue your small cap SIP.

Continue gold SIP.

Continue debt SIP in small proportion.

Stop the Nifty 50 SIP.

Stop the Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Move those two SIP amounts into your existing active funds. This gives you better long-term power.

» Behaviour and Patience
Your returns will not show big numbers for now. You need time. You need patience. You need consistency. SIP is not a race. SIP is a habit. SIP grows slowly. Then it grows big.

Do not judge your plan by the first few months. Judge it after many years. That is where SIP wins. That is where compounding works. That is where discipline shines.

» What Matters More Than Fund Names
The biggest cornerstones are:

Your discipline.

Your patience.

Your time in market.

Your stable SIP flow.

Your emotional stability.

These matter more than any fund selection. You are building them well.

» Asset Mix Guidance
Your mix of equity, debt and gold is good. But you should review this once a year. As you move closer to retirement, increase debt slowly. Reduce small cap slowly. This protects you. This stabilises your progress.

A Certified Financial Planner can help align your asset mix to your goals. This adds real value. This gives stronger structure.

» Taxation View
If you redeem equity funds in future, then keep the current rule in mind. Long-term capital gains above Rs 1.25 lakhs per year are taxed at 12.5%. Short-term gains are taxed at 20%. For debt funds, both gains are taxed as per your income slab.

This will matter only when you redeem. For now, your focus should be growth, not selling.

» Your Long-Term Wealth Path
You have good earnings years ahead. You have strong potential for growth. Your SIP habit is strong. You only need to clean your portfolio. You only need better structure. Then your money will grow well.

You can grow a meaningful corpus if you stay steady. You can even increase SIP when income grows. This gives faster results.

» Emotional Balance
Do not check returns every week. Do not check every month. Check once in six months. Check once in twelve months. SIP is a long game. Treat it like a long game.

Your small XIRR today does not decide your future. Your discipline decides it. You already have it.

» Step-by-Step Action Plan

Step 1: Stop Nifty 50 SIP.

Step 2: Stop Nifty Next 50 SIP.

Step 3: Keep all the remaining SIPs.

Step 4: Shift the stopped SIP amount into your existing large cap and flexicap funds.

Step 5: Continue gold and debt in small amounts.

Step 6: Review once a year with a Certified Financial Planner.

Step 7: Increase SIP amount slowly when income grows.

Step 8: Stay invested for long term.

Step 9: Do not judge returns too early.

Step 10: Keep your patience strong.

» Finally
Your foundation is strong. Your habit is disciplined. Your mix only needs refinement. Your returns will grow with time. Your portfolio will gain strength with consistency. Your path is steady. Your plan will reward you if you follow it with calm and clarity.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Shalini

Shalini Singh  |180 Answers  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Dec 10, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 10, 2025Hindi
Relationship
Hi. I have been in a long distance relationship since 6 months,and i have known my boyfriend since 10 months. He is very understanding, caring,and honest person. He had already told everything about us for his parents and their parents agreed. We both are financially independent. I told my relationship to my parents and they are against it as my boyfriend is from lower caste, different region, not done his degree from a reputed college but a local engineering college, and his status. They are thinking about relatives, and society what will they say, about their pride, status, and all the respect they have earned uptill now will vanish because of my decision. My parents are very protective of me and have given me everything and like me a lot.They are saying its long distance you might have met only 15 times you don't see this person daily to judge his character. If you have known this person for atleast 2/3 years, with u meeting him daily it would be different. But the person i met is honest from the start. They are hurting daily because of my decision. I cant go against them and be happy.
Ans: 1. It is wonderful you have met someone special and in last 10 months you have met him 15 times which averages to meeting him 1.5 times a month. Is it possible to increase this and meet over every second weekend. Can you both travel once.

2. Parents are parents they worry and all parents are protective of their children as are yours. But if they are declining you because of caste etc then please question them asking them to give you an assurance that if they marry you to someone of their choice things will work - In reality there can be no assurance given for any relationship - found by you or introduced by parents as relationships need work by both...both need to grow up, both of you need to be happy individuals for relationship to work + if colleges were the deciding factor then we would not see divorces of those who married in the same caste or are from Stanford, MIT, IIT, IIMs, Inseads of the world.

Here is a suggestion/ recommendation
- meet his family
- get him to meet your parents
- let both set of parents meet

all the best

...Read more

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