I am holding

Ans: Hello;

SCSS would be better due to higher interest rate (8.2%) but flipside is quarterly interest payments.

In that case POMIS looks optimal.

Both these schemes are backed by GOI so no fear of capital loss but they have tenure only of 5 years ofcourse you can always reinvest again but the rate of interest may not be the same.

Think about immediate annuity (joint) for life with return of purchase price to their nominee (you).

Annuity rates may not be higher but you have monthly fixed income assurance at a defined rate for your retired life.

FDs with public sector banks or very big private banks can also be considered but here again most banks offer maximum 5 year tenure with prospect of reinvestment risk.

SWP is not suited here.

Best wishes;

Ans: Hello;

To begin with, this is okay but you need to top-up the sip amount by
10-15 % each year diligently.

Also review performance of funds annually.

Happy Investing;
X: @mars_invest

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Since it's bothering you so much, I am guessing that these communications have a romantic undertone to them. I am sorry you are going through this. But please try to have an open discussion with her, without assigning blame or judgment. Ask her what is lacking in the marriage that she needs to reach out to her ex; it will help you get to the root of the matter and work on it from there. Let her know that these interactions are extremely hurtful to you and it is also unacceptable. You can also see a marriage counselor to resolve things in a more structured way.

Best wishes.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am not sure how to answer this but attraction is a very personal thing. It is shaped by biology, human experiences, preferences, and emotions. In most cases, attraction is not a bad thing. I am not sure why this raises questions in your mind, but it is important to navigate these feelings without judgment. Be kind to yourself and others while you figure things out.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I agree what's happening to you is not fair, and however you are feeling right now, it is valid. But having said that, you can't justify saying "why cry later for justice, domestic violence and cheating." These are entirely different and serious matters. Do not trivialize them. Rejecting a man who would've loved her does not automatically mean the woman deserves to find a man who should cheat, beat, or abuse her.

Now, coming to your issue, rejection comes for several reasons; it doesn't necessarily have to do anything with your appearance. Since you mentioned getting rejected even before a conversation, my first guess would be that the profile might not be standing out in the crowd of profiles out there. You can try adding hints of humor to your BIO to make it more attractive. Use the 70-30 method in your Bio, where 70% of it showcases you as a person and the remaining 30 subtly indicates your version of an ideal partner. Additionally, try optimizing your DP and select something that shows your fun side.

But I would like to remind you that not everyone's love story runs at the same pace; some take time to start. I know you think it's cliched but people say it because it has truth to it- keep going; I am sure you will find someone.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Dear Gayatri,

First understand which industry your interests is in.
Understand any shift you will do it will be from scratch that means you need to have patience until you built it
If you interest lies in the IT industry understand your skills (do SWOT analysis) and see basis your skills what value add can you bring.
Upgrade your skills as per the industry by taking up few courses

Hope this helps

Thanks
Ashwini
www.ashwinidasgupta.com
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a skill or attitude?

Ans: Dear Sir/ Madam,

Instead of asking why Am I getting rejected. Reframe and reflect. Instead ask yourself what could possibly be going wrong or What can do to improve my chances of selection.

You can look at few areas-
Before interview preparation
knowing more about the job role
Knowing more about the company
Do mock interviews
Prepare your answers better
Gain more experience by enhancing your skills
Ask the HR/ interview the key reasons for your getting rejected and accordingly work on them

Hope this helps

Ashwini
www.ashwinidasgupta.com
Author of Confidence Decoded. Is it a skill or attitude?

Ans: At age 40, with a self-employed career and Rs 19 lakh in FD, your goal of funding your daughter's higher education in seven years requires careful and safe planning. Below is a structured approach to help you.

Assessing the Current Financial Position
1. Fixed Deposit’s Role
Your FD ensures safety and guaranteed returns.

Current FD rates may not beat inflation in education costs.

Retaining some funds in FD can serve as an emergency reserve.

2. Limited Income Contribution
As a new self-employed professional, saving or investing regularly is challenging.

Relying on the existing Rs 19 lakh corpus is critical.

Balancing Safety and Growth
1. Maintain an Emergency Reserve
Keep Rs 3-4 lakh in FD or a liquid fund for emergencies.

Use this reserve to handle clinic or personal contingencies.

2. Allocate for Growth Investments
Allocate Rs 10-12 lakh to balanced hybrid funds.

These funds balance risk by investing in equity and debt instruments.

They may generate returns higher than inflation while limiting volatility.

3. Plan for Tax-Efficient Investments
Invest Rs 2-3 lakh in debt funds for tax efficiency.

Debt funds offer indexation benefits, reducing long-term tax liability.

Use these for medium-term goals or partial withdrawals.

Structured Withdrawal for Higher Education
1. Using SWP for Future Education Needs
Set up an SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) from mutual funds in 2029.

Ensure regular payouts align with education fee schedules.

This approach protects your corpus while managing liquidity.

2. Avoid Full Withdrawal of Investments
Avoid liquidating the entire corpus prematurely.

Keep the investments compounding until needed.

Insurance and Protection
1. Adequate Term Insurance
Ensure a term insurance policy covers your daughter’s education costs.

Choose coverage based on your loan and education fund needs.

2. Health Insurance for Contingencies
Maintain a comprehensive health insurance policy.

This safeguards your savings from unexpected medical expenses.

Education Cost Estimation
1. Forecast Higher Education Expenses
Estimate the required corpus for your daughter’s education.

Consider inflation at 8-10% while planning the corpus.

2. Supplement with Scholarships or Education Loans
Explore scholarship opportunities for her higher studies.

An education loan could reduce immediate financial pressure.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls
1. Do Not Invest Entirely in Equity
Pure equity funds are too volatile for a 7-year horizon.

Balanced funds reduce risks while providing reasonable growth.

2. Avoid Long Lock-in Periods
Avoid products like ULIPs or policies with long lock-ins.

Ensure liquidity for when funds are needed.

Tracking and Reviewing Investments
1. Periodic Portfolio Review
Review and rebalance your investments annually.

Align them with market conditions and financial goals.

2. Monitor Education Costs Regularly
Keep track of potential education expenses for better planning.
Final Insights
Your Rs 19 lakh can grow meaningfully with balanced investments. Keep some funds liquid while investing for growth. Prioritise safety and tax efficiency. Plan for gradual withdrawals to meet higher education expenses without depleting your corpus prematurely.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Dear Varsha,
What’s most important here is the bond you and your boyfriend share. A loving, respectful relationship built on trust and understanding is far more powerful than any external prediction. Use this moment to have open conversations with him about how both of you feel regarding this. Share your fears, your hopes, and remind each other why you’re together in the first place.

If astrology is meaningful to you, perhaps seek guidance from another astrologer to gain clarity. But remember, no external prediction should override the agency and connection you both have. Countless couples have faced similar predictions or challenges and gone on to live fulfilling, happy lives by staying true to their love and their commitment to each other.

Ultimately, your path forward should honor both your love for each other and the strength of your belief in shaping your own destiny. Together, you can decide how to navigate this while staying true to what feels right for both of you.