Me and my husband both are working.my salary in hand 1 lacs and my husband salary is 1.5 lacs in hand.we have two personal loan of 35000 emi and 20k emi.and 20 k car loan emi and one home loan emi 27k .we are paying 35k rent in current city.can we take another loan for my business?
Ans: You both are doing well with your current income. Your combined take-home income is Rs. 2.5 lakhs monthly. This is quite a solid base for building wealth. However, adding another loan for business needs to be evaluated carefully. Let’s assess your finances in a structured and simple way.
Current Monthly Income and Obligations
Your in-hand salary: Rs. 1,00,000
Your husband’s in-hand salary: Rs. 1,50,000
Total monthly income: Rs. 2,50,000
Monthly EMI Commitments
Personal loan EMI 1: Rs. 35,000
Personal loan EMI 2: Rs. 20,000
Car loan EMI: Rs. 20,000
Home loan EMI: Rs. 27,000
Rent: Rs. 35,000
Total Fixed Monthly Outgoings
Total EMIs: Rs. 1,02,000
Rent: Rs. 35,000
Total committed outflow: Rs. 1,37,000
Your fixed financial obligations are more than 54% of your monthly income. That is quite high.
Assessment of Your Loan Capacity
Ideally, EMIs should not exceed 40% of income
You are already paying over 54% towards EMIs
That leaves around Rs. 1,13,000 for all other expenses
This includes groceries, utilities, child care, insurance, savings, and emergencies
Taking another loan now could add more strain. Even if the business is promising, managing cash flow will be hard.
Business Loan Considerations
Before going ahead, ask yourself:
Is this a necessity or a desire?
How much capital do you need exactly?
Is there any collateral or asset to support the loan?
Will the business earn money soon or take time?
Will your spouse support this loan too?
Borrowing for business without clarity could lead to pressure. You need a proper business plan first.
Ways to Reduce Current Financial Stress
You may take these steps before thinking of another loan:
Try to close one personal loan early
Use bonuses or yearly incentives for part-payment
Avoid new credit card debts or shopping loans
Track expenses and reduce lifestyle costs
Delay any big expenses for now
Reducing one EMI will make things smoother.
Savings and Emergency Fund
This is very important if you plan to start a business:
Do you have emergency savings?
Ideally, keep 6 months’ expenses aside
Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakhs minimum should be easily available
Without this, any small risk may force you into another loan
Avoid relying only on credit cards in emergencies
Keep this fund untouched except for emergencies.
Investment Planning for the Long-Term
Business dreams are good. But never ignore long-term goals:
Are you saving for child education?
Do you have retirement investments?
Any life insurance cover in place?
Are you building wealth beyond salary?
If not, start SIPs in mutual funds. But only after meeting basic needs.
Why Mutual Funds Through CFP is Better
Regular mutual funds via a CFP guide you
They suggest the right funds for your goals
They offer help in tracking and rebalancing
You avoid DIY mistakes common in direct funds
A Certified Financial Planner brings discipline
Regular funds have trail fees but better service
In direct funds, you have to manage all by yourself. Many investors fail without support.
Budgeting Help for Business Planning
Use a monthly budget approach. Break your money into clear parts:
EMIs and rent
Household and groceries
Insurance and savings
Personal expenses
Business seed fund (if any)
Do not mix business and personal spending. Keep them separate.
Risk of Taking Business Loan Now
Here’s what could happen:
Business takes time, but EMIs are fixed
Income may reduce temporarily
Savings may drop to zero
One small emergency may disturb the whole plan
Personal loans and car loan are unsecured. Default affects credit score
This is not a safe time to increase liabilities. Think more.
Alternative Approach Instead of Loan
Try these instead:
Start business small from savings
Do it as a side hustle without quitting job
Validate business idea before taking loan
Ask family for small soft loan if needed
Check if your husband can support as partner
Avoid burdening the family for something that is still untested.
If Business Is Already Running
If your business is running:
Show 6 months cash flow
Prepare clear profit estimates
Only then approach bank with confidence
A good record increases loan approval chance
Avoid NBFCs or private lenders with high interest
Banks give better terms but ask for documents.
How a Certified Financial Planner Can Help
Helps assess current income and loan ratio
Offers a full budget view and stress testing
Helps balance personal and business goals
Builds a solid investment strategy
Plans for education, retirement and risk cover
Keeps emotions out of money decisions
Gives a long-term view, not just short term
Working with a planner ensures peace and clarity.
Review Current Loans with Planner
Can any loan be consolidated?
Can home loan be refinanced?
Can car loan be closed early?
Is there a better repayment strategy?
These steps will reduce interest and save money.
Loan Burden and Business Risk Don’t Go Well Together
Loans need fixed payment
Business income is variable in early years
That mix creates financial pressure
Better to reduce EMIs before taking new loan
Plan slowly but surely
Risk in business should not disturb family stability.
Life and Health Insurance Protection
You must have this before thinking of a loan:
Life cover of minimum 10 times your salary
Term insurance only, not investment plans
Health cover for self and family minimum Rs. 5 lakhs
This avoids financial shocks during illness
If you have any LIC or ULIP plans, review them. Most give poor returns.
Surrender Old Policies If Needed
ULIPs or traditional LIC plans give 4-5% return
Mutual funds give higher returns in long run
You may surrender and reinvest via CFP
Ensure you are not breaking a lock-in period
Take guidance from certified planner
Money should grow, not sleep in poor products.
Final Insights
Your income is strong but current EMIs are high
Business loan can be taken later after reducing one EMI
Start business small without loan if possible
Keep emergency fund ready before taking any new step
Don’t mix emotions with financial planning
Take time, build slowly and get expert guidance
Your goals, your child’s future and your retirement matter more
Do proper planning before any new commitment
Money decisions must be sustainable, not rushed
You both are already doing great by earning well. Now it’s time to plan smarter.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment