Hi, I have housing loan of 21 lakh and still possession is not received. I am paying housing loan emi of 20000 per month, still principle amount is pending 19 lakh. I want to close loan or reduced Principal amount. My monthly income is 64000,

Ans: Firstly, you should ask your lender for a loan account statement such that you can assess and do a proper reconciliation to clarify the payments made and what is actually due.

Meanwhile, you can negotiate the time to make your payments till you can sort the issue with the lender.  

Ans: To manage your home loan EMI when you're facing job loss, consider the following steps:

Review Your Financial Position
Check your savings and investments.

Assess the monthly inflows and outflows.

Identify any available emergency funds.

Speak with Your Lender
Contact your bank immediately.

Explain your job loss situation.

Ask for possible solutions.

Explore Loan Restructuring
Request for a moratorium period.

Negotiate for lower EMIs temporarily.

Extend the loan tenure if necessary.

Utilise Savings and Investments
Use liquid savings to cover EMIs.

Liquidate short-term investments if needed.

Tap into Insurance Policies
If you have an LIC policy, consider surrendering it.

Use the surrender value to pay EMIs.

Consider Personal Loans or Overdrafts
Apply for a personal loan to bridge the gap.

Opt for an overdraft against your fixed deposit.

Budget and Cut Expenses
Review and reduce monthly expenses.

Prioritise essentials over luxuries.

Seek Financial Support from Family
Ask for short-term financial assistance.

Consider it as a temporary measure.

Refinance the Loan
Look for banks offering lower interest rates.

Transfer your loan to reduce EMI burden.

Increase Cash Flow
Take up part-time or freelance work.

Sell unused assets for extra cash.

Avoid Defaulting on EMIs
Non-payment affects your credit score.

Strive to maintain a good repayment track.

Actively Look for a New Job
Update your resume and network.

Attend job fairs and apply online.

Consult a Certified Financial Planner
Seek professional advice for long-term solutions.

A planner can provide personalized strategies.

Benefits of Regular Mutual Funds
Regular funds offer professional management.

They provide better performance tracking.

Investing through a certified planner ensures guidance.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Index funds have passive management.

They may not outperform the market consistently.

Lack of flexibility in changing market conditions.

Disadvantages of Direct Funds
Direct funds require self-management.

They may not be suitable for all investors.

Professional guidance is missing.

Final Insights
Addressing the EMI challenge needs immediate action. Prioritise communication with your bank. Utilise savings and investments wisely. Seek professional guidance for a sustainable solution. Maintaining financial stability is crucial during this period.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in