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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 25, 2024

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
Imtiaz Question by Imtiaz on Jun 14, 2024Hindi
Money

Iam 38 year old govt employee in Jammu. Net Income is 140000/-month I have 2 children's Age 9 yrs and 5 yrs Already have a ???? A car ???? No Bank Loan Iam a NPS subscriber with 17000 contribution per month (my +govt.) Which keep increasing with DA and increment. As on date 17 lakhs is accumulated in NPS. My spouse is also govt employee with 14000 contributions per month ........................ As on date 14 lakhs is accumulated in NPs Both have LIC policy jeevan Labh. (Since2017) *38k premium per annum for 15 years maturity at 21yr /15lakh sum assured *32k premium per annum for 16 years of maturity at 25 yr./25 lakh sum assured We Both are APY subscriber 5000+5000 after 60 yrs. I have started SIP in 03 MF (5k, 2.5 k, 2.5 k) Total 10000.per month for long term.for children education Mirae Assest tax saver fund direct growth 5k Parag parikh .....2.5 k Quant flexi cap ....2.5 k I have a term insurance of 1 cr Health policy of 10 lac ( family floater) invest 150,000/- in stocks which I buy when gets opportunity 10000/month in stocks I am planning for a housing loan at the age of 40 ( both as an investment and tax rebate purpose) As I live in a small town so I don't have a high living cost as in cities. Kindly Guide me if anything I need to do.

Ans: I see you have a well-structured financial situation. Let’s go through your details and provide a comprehensive plan for your financial goals and needs. You are 38 years old, a government employee in Jammu, with a net income of Rs 1,40,000 per month. You have two children, aged 9 and 5, and no bank loans. You and your spouse contribute to the NPS and have LIC policies, SIPs in mutual funds, term insurance, and a health policy. You are also planning for a housing loan. Let’s break this down and see if there are any improvements or adjustments needed.

Current Financial Overview
Income and Expenses
Net Income: Rs 1,40,000 per month
Expenses: Not explicitly stated, but assume moderate living costs due to small-town lifestyle.
Investments and Savings
NPS Contributions: Rs 17,000 per month (self) + Rs 14,000 per month (spouse)
Accumulated NPS: Rs 17 lakhs (self) + Rs 14 lakhs (spouse)
LIC Jeevan Labh Policies: Rs 38,000 per annum and Rs 32,000 per annum
Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Rs 5,000 each per month for both you and your spouse
SIPs in Mutual Funds: Rs 10,000 per month
Term Insurance: Rs 1 crore
Health Insurance: Rs 10 lakh family floater
Stock Investments: Rs 1,50,000 one-time + Rs 10,000 per month
Children’s Education Planning
You have started SIPs in three mutual funds aimed at long-term growth for your children’s education. This is a good strategy. Here are some tips:

Increase SIP Amount: As your income grows, consider increasing the SIP amount to ensure you are on track to meet the rising costs of education.
Review Fund Performance: Periodically review the performance of your funds. Ensure they align with your long-term goals.
Retirement Planning
You and your spouse are contributing to the NPS and APY, which will provide a solid retirement corpus.

NPS Contributions: Your contributions to NPS are substantial and will continue to grow with your DA and increments. Ensure you review your NPS portfolio and consider increasing the equity allocation for higher growth potential, if not already done.
APY: The APY contributions are a good addition to your retirement plan, providing a fixed pension post-60.
Insurance Coverage
Term Insurance: Your term insurance of Rs 1 crore is adequate for now. Ensure it covers your family’s future needs, considering inflation and rising costs.
Health Insurance: The Rs 10 lakh family floater health policy is good. Consider increasing the coverage as healthcare costs are rising rapidly.
LIC Policies
Your LIC Jeevan Labh policies are traditional plans with a mix of insurance and investment. While these provide guaranteed returns, the returns are relatively low compared to other investment options.

Continue with LIC: Since you have already paid premiums for several years, it might be wise to continue to avoid loss of benefits. However, assess if the returns meet your long-term goals.
Investment in Stocks
You have invested Rs 1,50,000 in stocks and are investing Rs 10,000 per month.

Diversify Portfolio: Ensure your stock portfolio is diversified across sectors to minimize risks.
Research and Monitor: Keep researching and monitoring your investments. Consider consulting a certified financial planner for stock investment advice if needed.
Housing Loan Planning
You plan to take a housing loan at age 40 for investment and tax rebate purposes.

Affordability: Ensure the EMI is affordable and doesn’t strain your finances.
Tax Benefits: A housing loan will provide tax benefits under Section 80C and 24(b). Calculate the benefits to see how it impacts your overall tax liability.
Property Selection: Choose a property in a location with good appreciation potential to maximize investment returns.
Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial for financial security.

Fund Size: Ensure you have an emergency fund covering at least 6-12 months of your expenses. Given your income and responsibilities, a larger emergency fund is advisable.
Liquid Assets: Keep the emergency fund in liquid assets like a high-interest savings account or a liquid mutual fund for easy access.
Final Insights
You have a strong financial foundation with diversified investments and savings plans. Here are some additional steps you can take to optimize your financial health:

Regular Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of your financial plan. Adjust your investments and insurance coverage as needed based on changes in your financial situation and goals.
Financial Education: Keep educating yourself about new investment opportunities and financial strategies. Stay updated with market trends and regulatory changes.
Professional Advice: Consider consulting a certified financial planner for personalized advice and to ensure your financial plan is comprehensive and aligned with your goals.
With disciplined savings, strategic investments, and adequate insurance, you can achieve financial security and meet your long-term goals. Keep monitoring and adjusting your plan to stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 02, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 44 year old IT professional. I belong to a middle class family. I have 2 daughters. One is in 11th class(16 yrs) and another is in 2nd class(8 yrs). My wife does not work and is housewife. I also have to take care of my parents who has no income source and they don't have medical insurance also. My in hand salary is 1,80,000 Rs(after TDS and EPF). I only have total Rs 10,000 of SIP as of now since 40 months. Mirae Asset Large cap fund - 5k per month Parag Parikh Flexi cap fund - 3k per month SBI Small Cap Fund Growth - 2k per month From this month(Oct 2024) I also started below more SIPs: HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund Direct growth - 5 K Motilal Oswal Midcap Direct Fund - 5k(in wife A/c) Quant Small Cap direct growth - 3k(in wife A/c) TATA Small Cap fund direct growth - 2k(in wife A/c) Also, I increased Parag Parikh Flexi cap SIP to 10,000) So, total 32,000 SIP as of now effective from last month.(me and my wife name). Contribution to EPF is 24K. I am paying rent 22,000 per month. I took a home loan last year for which I am paying EMI of 25k as of now which would be around 35 by next year once I get the flat possession. I also have a small flat of around 45 lakh which is free from Home loan now. It is on rent for 14k per month. Monthly exp : EMI - 22k which will be 35 k soon. Rent - 22k till I get home possession next year. SIP - 32k(me and my wife name) Total around 1 lakh is what my all exp and all investment(mentioned above) cost me as of now. Below are my requirements: Need money for elder daughter for her education soon in 2-4 yrs. Need to create a Corpus for younger daughter in around 10 yrs. Need to have corpus for my retirement. Should I start more SIP. If yes, then how much and which type and ratio. like Large, flexi or small cap fund? Should I sell my old flat to payoff my home loan or should I invest that in SIP all that amount instead? which is better option? How much amount of SIP should I have as of now to achieve my goals.
Ans: You've already taken some good steps with SIPs and your current investments. Let’s examine your requirements and see how to optimise your strategy to meet your goals.

Current Financial Situation and Analysis
You have a monthly income of Rs. 1,80,000 and SIP contributions of Rs. 32,000 in a mix of equity mutual funds. Additionally, you’re paying rent of Rs. 22,000 and have an EMI of Rs. 25,000, soon to increase to Rs. 35,000 after possession. You also own a small flat valued at Rs. 45 lakh, generating rental income of Rs. 14,000 per month.

Your financial goals are:

Funding your elder daughter’s education within the next 2-4 years
Creating a corpus for your younger daughter’s future in 10 years
Building a retirement fund
Let’s address each goal systematically and suggest ways to enhance your investment strategy.

1. Funding Elder Daughter’s Education in 2-4 Years
Education costs are rising every year, and the time horizon is short, requiring a low-risk approach.

Investment Strategy: For short-term goals, avoid equities as they are volatile. Consider shifting a portion of your SIPs or rental income to safer debt funds, fixed deposits, or recurring deposits. Debt mutual funds like ultra-short-term or low-duration funds are preferable here, as they offer better returns than savings accounts while keeping risks minimal.

Corpus Estimation: Estimate the total funds required based on your daughter’s anticipated course. Since you already have SIPs, you may consider partially redeeming the debt funds at the required time.

Additional Savings: If possible, allocate Rs. 10,000-15,000 from your current income to these safer investments to reach your goal faster.

2. Corpus Creation for Younger Daughter’s Future in 10 Years
This is a mid-term goal, which allows you to benefit from equity market growth, though a balanced approach is advisable.

Suggested Allocation: For this goal, equity mutual funds are suitable due to their growth potential over a 10-year horizon. A diversified portfolio combining large-cap, flexi-cap, and mid-cap funds can balance growth and stability.

Fund Allocation:

Large Cap: 40% of your SIPs in large-cap funds provides stable growth with moderate risk.
Flexi Cap: 30% for flexibility to switch between market capitalisations, potentially capturing higher returns.
Mid Cap: 20% for higher growth potential, though mid-cap funds can be more volatile.
Debt Component: 10% to create a cushion against volatility and ensure liquidity for immediate needs.
SIP Increase: Consider increasing your SIP allocation by Rs. 5,000-10,000 in these funds gradually, if possible, to help accumulate the corpus required over time.

3. Building a Retirement Corpus
Retirement planning is crucial, especially with your responsibilities. With your current age, you have around 16 years to plan.

Target Corpus: Aim for a retirement corpus that can generate monthly income covering your expenses post-retirement. Estimate based on projected monthly expenses and expected returns.

EPF and PPF Contributions: Your EPF contribution of Rs. 24,000 monthly is beneficial. Additionally, investing in PPF can provide tax-free returns and add to your retirement security. Consider increasing PPF contributions if within your budget, as it is safe and offers compounding benefits.

SIP Allocation: Continue SIPs in flexi-cap and large-cap funds for long-term growth. Mid-cap funds can add extra returns but should be balanced with large-cap stability.

Regular Fund Investment via MFD with CFP: Since direct funds do not provide advisory support, investing through an MFD with CFP credentials can help you make strategic adjustments as market conditions change. A Certified Financial Planner’s guidance will keep your retirement goal on track.

Should You Sell the Old Flat?
Selling your old flat has pros and cons. Let’s analyse them to see which option might be better for you.

Option 1: Sell and Invest the Proceeds in SIPs
Selling the flat will release Rs. 45 lakh. If this is invested in SIPs, it could help fund your goals without taking on extra debt.

Advantages:

Higher Growth Potential: If invested in mutual funds, this amount can grow faster than real estate.
Enhanced Liquidity: You have better liquidity, with the option to redeem partial investments when needed.
Disadvantages:

Rental Income Loss: You will lose the Rs. 14,000 per month rental income, which currently adds to your cash flow.
Market Risks: Although SIPs have growth potential, they are subject to market volatility.
Option 2: Retain the Flat and Pay Home Loan EMI
Retaining the flat means you keep the rental income and pay the EMI on your new home loan.

Advantages:

Stable Rental Income: This monthly income supports your expenses or can be saved for future goals.
Equity Growth: You’ll continue to have real estate as a diversified asset in your portfolio.
Disadvantages:

EMI Burden: The increased EMI (Rs. 35,000) can strain your cash flow.
Limited Liquidity: Real estate is an illiquid asset, making it harder to access funds for immediate needs.
Recommendation: If your retirement and children’s corpus goals require more funding, selling the flat could be a practical choice. The proceeds can be invested to grow faster. However, if you value the rental income, consider retaining it and adjusting your SIPs and other investments accordingly.

Optimal SIP Strategy for Goal Achievement
Given your goals, here is a potential SIP structure for better returns and risk balance:

Large-Cap Funds: 40% of your SIPs for steady growth and reduced volatility.
Flexi-Cap Funds: 30% allocation, allowing fund managers to shift between small, mid, and large caps.
Mid-Cap Funds: 20% allocation for high growth with moderate risk.
Debt Mutual Funds: 10% in debt mutual funds for safety and liquidity, especially for the education goal.
Consider maintaining this allocation with regular monitoring by an MFD with CFP credentials. Actively managed funds can offer a better edge than index funds, with fund managers striving for optimal returns over time.

Additional Recommendations for Long-Term Stability
Health Insurance for Parents: Since your parents do not have any income or medical insurance, consider purchasing a family floater or senior citizen health insurance plan. This will prevent high medical costs from affecting your finances.

Emergency Fund: Ensure an emergency fund of at least six months' expenses in a high-interest savings account or liquid fund. This keeps funds accessible for unforeseen needs.

Regular Review: Financial markets change, and it’s essential to periodically review your SIPs and asset allocations. Adjustments based on your goals and risk tolerance will keep your financial plan effective.

Finally
You’re on the right track, having taken proactive steps in SIPs and real estate. With a focused approach to SIP allocation, goal-based planning, and periodic reviews, you can meet your family’s needs comfortably. Ensure a consistent increase in your SIPs, protect your family with insurance, and aim for long-term wealth growth.

Best Regards,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 20, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 02, 2025Hindi
Money
I am 39 year old i am working with a in hand salary excluding PF (25000 pm)and NPS(10750 pm) 175000 per month my current investment in ULIP policy yearly premium 80K current corpus 18 lacs l,LIC policy 180k yearly premium current corpus 28 lacs,NPS current value 5.50 lacs ,PF balance 7.5 lacs, LIC single premium investment in 2016 4 lacs going to mature in 2032, KVP 60k redeem next year will 120K, SIP 4k in sundaram mid-cap, 6k in ICICI tax saver, Aditya Birla front line 3K Total fund value as of Now 4.4 lacs and I invested lump sum for my child 4.5lacs in 2023 and now it's value is 6.10 lacs my son is 3.5 year old Term insurance 1.5 crores premium 60K yearly Medical insurance of 10 lacs premium 16K and also have to pay for my senior citizen parents 90K for 30 lacs sum assured I had joined home loan with my brother of 40 lacs emi for 52K for 10 years tenor my house cost 2 crores so my 50% share is 1 crore and my father's and brother had business having value of 6 crores so my share is 50 % Gratuity from the company 6 lacs is current value will increase accordingly I want to join my father and brother business and they are experienced I need to contribute 20 lacs to expand so that I can get 75k per month for next one year after leaving a job and after that it can be increase accordingly My monthly expenses is around 100000 per month so net deficit of 25000 I can use my Gratuity amount for next 2 years and my wife is home maker My question can I move now to my family business or should I wait and how much. Reason for this though I am in private job it is stable now but due to age when you cross 55 years with no source of income and other thing you should have something for your own that you build If I and my brother work together we can expand but will take 2 years to get thing stable To pay 20 lacs I am going to redeem my ULIP and remaining invest into my father and brother business Please advise
Ans: Let’s assess your situation step-by-step. You’ve already built a good base. That’s admirable. You’ve taken action early in life. You’ve saved and invested in many options. You also think long-term. That’s very important.

You are 39 years old now. You are earning Rs. 1.75 lakhs per month in hand. You have stable income and a solid professional profile. But now you are considering shifting to your family business. You have a plan. You need Rs. 20 lakhs as capital. You expect Rs. 75,000 per month as income from the business in year one. You are ready to redeem your ULIP to part fund this.

Let us give you a 360-degree assessment of your plan. Let us break it down into clear parts.

Your Income and Expense Profile
Your take-home salary: Rs. 1,75,000 per month

Monthly household expenses: Rs. 1,00,000

Term insurance of Rs. 1.5 crores (Premium Rs. 60,000 yearly)

Health cover for family: Rs. 10 lakhs (Premium Rs. 16,000 yearly)

Health cover for senior citizen parents: Rs. 30 lakhs (Premium Rs. 90,000 yearly)

Home loan EMI shared: Rs. 52,000 monthly (Your share assumed to be Rs. 26,000)

Observation:

You are left with Rs. 49,000 monthly after meeting family expenses and home EMI.

However, annual insurance premiums eat up a portion of your annual savings.

So, net surplus available for investment or reserve is low.

Current income is decent, but your monthly burn rate is also high.

The moment your fixed income stops, a cash flow gap will start.

Existing Investments Review
Let’s break them down:

1. ULIP
Annual premium: Rs. 80,000

Corpus value: Rs. 18 lakhs

Plan: Surrender it to fund business

Assessment:

ULIPs give poor returns and carry high charges.

You’ve already paid for years. Now corpus is useful.

Surrendering now is the right move, considering your business need.

Use this amount wisely. Do not spend this on anything else.

2. LIC Policy
Annual premium: Rs. 1.80 lakhs

Current corpus: Rs. 28 lakhs

Assessment:

This is an investment cum insurance plan.

Returns may be very low, around 4%–5%.

You’re paying a big premium which locks liquidity.

You already have a pure term plan.

Consider surrendering it and use proceeds wisely.

After surrender, future premiums (Rs. 1.8 lakhs yearly) will also be saved.

That money can be better invested in mutual funds through a Certified Financial Planner.

3. NPS
Current value: Rs. 5.5 lakhs

Ongoing contribution: Rs. 10,750 per month

Assessment:

Good for long-term retirement saving.

It is illiquid till retirement.

Keep investing in NPS regularly.

Don’t depend on NPS for next 20 years.

4. Provident Fund (PF)
Current balance: Rs. 7.5 lakhs

Assessment:

Long-term saving with steady returns

It is stable and gives compounding benefit

Keep this untouched for now

Will be useful during retirement or emergencies

5. LIC Single Premium Plan
Invested Rs. 4 lakhs in 2016

Maturity in 2032

Assessment:

This also gives low returns

But since it matures in 2032, and was already paid in 2016, keep it

Don’t redeem now. Let it mature.

6. KVP (Kisan Vikas Patra)
Value: Rs. 60,000

Maturity next year: Rs. 1.20 lakhs

Assessment:

Very small amount, no need to disturb now

Use maturity amount next year to reinvest

Mutual Funds and SIPs Review
Sundaram Mid Cap SIP – Rs. 4,000

ICICI Tax Saver SIP – Rs. 6,000

Aditya Birla Frontline SIP – Rs. 3,000

Total value of MFs: Rs. 4.4 lakhs

Lump sum for child: Rs. 4.5 lakhs in 2023, now Rs. 6.1 lakhs

Assessment:

Your SIPs total Rs. 13,000 monthly

Continue these, if business cash flow allows

You are doing SIP in active funds. That is better than index funds

Index funds only mirror markets and don’t beat inflation

Active funds give more flexibility and scope to outperform

Child Investment:

You’ve grown Rs. 4.5 lakhs to Rs. 6.1 lakhs

Very good progress

Continue for next 15 years

Don’t redeem this

Insurance Assessment
You’ve taken key protection steps. That’s appreciable.

Term Plan: Rs. 1.5 crores – Good coverage

Health Cover for family: Rs. 10 lakhs – Adequate

Health Cover for parents: Rs. 30 lakhs – Thoughtful

Premium outflow is high, but needed

Suggestion:

Review if any medical policy can be ported to lower cost

Or choose family floater + super top-up plans

Continue term cover. Don’t stop

Gratuity and Future Use
Current Gratuity value: Rs. 6 lakhs

Will grow as you work more

You plan to use it for 2 years post job

Assessment:

This is smart planning

Use this reserve only if no other source remains

Don’t treat this as cash buffer casually

Business Opportunity Evaluation
You are planning to shift to family business.

You need to invest Rs. 20 lakhs

You expect Rs. 75,000 income per month for one year

Income may rise after that

Business value is Rs. 6 crores (family-owned)

You have 50% share

Assessment:

This is a big decision. Let's check all angles:

Positives:
You’ll build something of your own

Experienced father and brother are already running it

Your capital is being put to use in your own asset

You expect income from day one

Your business share is already 50%

Cautions:
Rs. 20 lakhs is a large portion of your current liquid assets

You are exiting stable job and salary

Income from business will be fixed only for first year

After that, it may fluctuate

No PF, gratuity, or fixed perks after job exit

Business returns can’t be guaranteed

Suggestion:

Don’t redeem child investment or SIPs

Fund Rs. 20 lakhs from ULIP (Rs. 18 lakhs)

Balance Rs. 2 lakhs from emergency fund or surrender of LIC

Keep 6 months’ monthly expense as emergency fund ready

Don’t touch PF, NPS or child education fund

Stop fresh LIC premiums and redirect that to mutual funds

Long-Term Retirement Planning
Let’s assess what you’ll have at age 55–60.

NPS: Will grow if continued

PF: Will grow steadily

Mutual Funds: SIPs and child investment will grow well

LIC policies: If surrendered and reinvested, will grow better

Business: Will provide income + asset value

Suggestion:

Build a clear retirement plan with Certified Financial Planner

Start SIP in diversified active mutual funds

Don’t go for direct mutual funds

Regular plans via MFD with CFP help are better

Direct plans don’t offer advice and tax handling

You need handholding and planning support

Your goal is income replacement post-retirement

Real Estate Exposure (Note: for own-use, not investment)
You already own a home worth Rs. 2 crores (shared)
EMI is going on. Don’t plan for more property.
Don’t invest in property for returns. It locks money and has poor liquidity.

Tax Planning Suggestions
Use ELSS mutual funds (already doing ICICI Tax Saver)

Use NPS contribution under 80CCD

Avoid TDS leakage on LIC plans by surrendering early

Redeem ULIP and invest in your business – no long-term tax issue

Keep SIPs under 1 lakh per year equity gains to avoid LTCG tax

For equity funds, LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakhs taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Finally
You are ready to move into the family business.
You have a clear plan. That is good.
But take this step with full preparation.

Fund Rs. 20 lakhs from ULIP and part LIC surrender

Keep emergency fund of 6 months aside

Don't disturb PF, NPS, or child's education fund

Continue SIPs if possible

Exit all poor-return insurance-linked products

Take help from Certified Financial Planner for mutual fund strategy

Build a goal-based plan with yearly review

You have age on your side.
You have family support in business.
You are thinking ahead. That’s rare.
With strong planning, you can transition smoothly.
Income will be uncertain at first, but ownership gives long-term peace.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Madam, I am 41 years old currently working in a Product based IT company. I have my family with a kid of 13 years living in Bangalore at a rented apartment. The following are my details of Salary/Savings/Expenses - My take home salary - Monthly - 2.1 Lakhs (net income) Savings/Investments - 1. EPF balance - 27.5 lakhs and Voluntary contribution continuing extra 10% on top of statutory contribution 2. PPF balance - 7.55 lakhs and contributing 1.5 Lakhs yearly 3. NPS balance - 9.27 lakhs and contributing 1.5 lakhs yearly 4. NPS for Spouse - 84 Thousands yearly (Current balance - 111000 as started last year) 5. LIC Policies - Total premium 2.75 Lakhs approx (yearly for 5 policies) 6. Term Insurance - 1.5 Cr (Tata AIA Smart Sampoorna Suraksha with ROP - ULIP policy) 7. Personal Medical insurance - 65000 for 3 years (Family floater) with coverage of 20 lakhs 8. Atal pension Yojona for my wife - 9888 per year 9. MIS - 4.5 lakhs 10. Equity - 7.5 lakhs (1 Large cap stock, few Mid caps, mostly small caps) 11. Mutual funds holding 1.4 lakhs through SIP - Asset allocation - ICICI Business Cycle fund (17.2%), DSP Quant fund (16.5%), SBI Gold fund (4.3%), Edelweiss Nifty 100 Quality 30 Index Fund (16.42%), Tata Ethical fund (12.8%), Zerodha Nifty LargeMidcap 250 Index Fund (33.32%) [Only last year started] 12. Additional NPS contribution to 14% of my BASIC salary FYI - No emergency fund except considering Equity / Mutual fund that too 2-3 working days (weekend considered) Expenses - 1. Home Loan - 4868 monthly (Running from 2010 without any gap) 2. House Rent - 21000 monthly 3. Monthly Expenses - 60000 approx 4. Personal Loan - 9871 monthly (will be over by April 2026) 5. Having Credit Card - No usage (except emergency) 6. Son's School Fees - 2.5 Lakhs yearly (Do not know if this is an investment or expense but I placed it here) Near Future Plan - 1. To close my Personal Loan (First Priority) 2. Close my Home loan (2nd Priority as EMI is low) 3. Increase my SIP once Personal Loan is over (Approximately 10000 per month) + 15000 additional considering my salary hike (at least 10%) next year 4. No plan to sell any of my house and paternal home I need your advise on the following points (As I am not from Finance Background) - 1. Does my investment structure looks ok to you or do I need correction? 2. I have a plan to save some money for my son for his future studies (maybe for abroad in case if needed) 3. I have a plan to buy a new house in 2036/2037 (worth approximately 1.5 Crore with maximum 5 years EMI plan) 4. Will my retirement funds be enough to sustain equal livelihood after 60 years? Can I achieve my goals with my current financial planning? For you to understand, I opted for New Income Tax Regime starting this year and my CIBIL score is 805
Ans: You are doing a lot of things right already. Let us now build a deep and structured plan for your current priorities, future goals, and retirement.

Understanding Your Present Situation
Age: 41 years

Net Salary: Rs 2.1 lakhs per month

Expenses: Rs 60,000 monthly

Home Loan EMI: Rs 4,868

Personal Loan EMI: Rs 9,871

Rent: Rs 21,000

School Fees: Rs 2.5 lakhs yearly

CIBIL Score: 805

Tax regime: New (from this year)

You have a good income and disciplined savings.
You also have several goals in mind.
We will now cover all these goals in detail.

Step 1: Review of Existing Investments
Let us first assess your current investment structure:

EPF and VPF
EPF is strong at Rs 27.5 lakhs

Extra 10% VPF is very good

Keep this contribution going

Continue till age 58-60

PPF
Current balance: Rs 7.55 lakhs

Annual investment: Rs 1.5 lakhs

This is a good debt portion

Continue till age 60 for compounding

NPS (Self and Spouse)
You contribute Rs 1.5 lakhs yearly

Also contributing 14% of Basic extra

Spouse NPS: Rs 84,000 yearly

Combined NPS is growing well

Continue contributions till age 60

Helps in creating pension flow later

Partial withdrawals possible after age 60

Mutual Funds
You have the following MF allocation:

Equity Exposure: Rs 1.4 lakhs via SIP

You have both active and index funds

Overweight to index funds, especially Nifty LargeMidcap

Also have a thematic gold fund and quant fund

Only started last year, still early stage

Important: You have too many index funds.
Avoid over-exposure to index schemes.
Index funds don’t react well to market changes.
Actively managed funds give better long-term returns.
With index funds, there is no human strategy.
No downside protection during crashes.
Regular funds offer MFD and CFP advice support.
Use only regular plans through trusted MFDs.

Action: Reduce exposure to index funds.
Shift slowly to quality active funds in large and mid-cap.

Equity Stocks
Rs 7.5 lakhs spread across large, mid, and small caps

Mostly small caps with some mid caps

Only one large cap

You are exposed to high volatility

Action: Reduce small cap exposure.
Shift part to large-cap active mutual funds.
Avoid concentrated risk in few direct stocks.

LIC and ULIP
Annual premium: Rs 2.75 lakhs for 5 policies

Also have ULIP-based term plan (Rs 1.5 Cr)

Action: You are over-invested in insurance policies.
LIC and ULIP give poor returns after adjusting inflation.
You should evaluate surrendering these LIC plans.
ULIP with ROP feature is expensive and return is low.
Consider replacing ULIP with pure term insurance.
Use surrender proceeds to start SIPs.

MIS and APY
MIS: Rs 4.5 lakhs, giving stable income

Atal Pension for wife is fine

Use this as small retirement backup

Step 2: Emergency Fund Creation
Right now, you don’t have any real emergency fund.
You consider equity and MF for it.
But they are not liquid during holidays or crashes.

Action:

Build emergency fund of Rs 3–4 lakhs

Use liquid mutual funds or sweep-in FD

Don't mix with equity holdings

Emergency fund gives safety during job loss or medical issue

Start monthly Rs 10,000 till it is ready

Use future bonuses or incentives to top-up

Step 3: Debt Management Plan
You are already clear about your loan priorities:

Personal Loan
EMI: Rs 9,871

Ends April 2026

First priority to close this loan

High interest makes it expensive

Use bonus or increment to prepay early

Aim to finish 6 months before schedule

Home Loan
EMI: Rs 4,868 only

Running since 2010

Almost at the end

Not a burden at all now

Enjoys tax benefit on interest

Don’t rush to close

Close this once personal loan is over

Step 4: Son’s Education Planning
Your son is 13 years old now.
You may need funds after 5 years.
Abroad education may need Rs 50 lakhs or more.

Current Education Funding Assets:

No dedicated corpus yet

School fee of Rs 2.5 lakhs per year is being paid

No specific investment marked for college

Action Plan:

Start a separate child-focused SIP now

Allocate Rs 15,000 per month

Use aggressive large and mid-cap mutual funds

Avoid ULIPs or endowment policies

Increase by Rs 2,000 every year

After 5 years, you may reach Rs 12–15 lakhs corpus

Remaining can be supported by NPS partial withdrawal

Or via educational loan (if abroad)

Step 5: Retirement Planning Analysis
You are saving in EPF, PPF, NPS, and MFs.
Let’s assess if this will be enough post age 60.

You have 19 years till age 60.
Assuming:

EPF continues

PPF and NPS continue

SIP grows to Rs 25,000 in 2 years

LIC/ULIPs are surrendered and reinvested

Bonus and rent adjustments are managed

You can expect to create:

EPF corpus: strong and compounding

PPF corpus: tax-free and risk-free

NPS: structured for post-retirement

SIP: flexible growth engine

Spouse NPS: adds pension stability

This structure looks sustainable.
But inflation must be monitored.
Ensure post-retirement monthly need is calculated every year.
Consider delaying retirement to age 62 for safer buffer.

Step 6: Future Home Buying Plan (2036–2037)
You plan to buy a Rs 1.5 Cr home
with a 5-year EMI plan.

That means:

Loan EMI could be Rs 2.2 to 2.5 lakhs

You must prepare Rs 50 lakhs down payment

Action:

Begin a separate investment fund from 2028

Target Rs 50 lakhs by 2036

Invest Rs 20,000 monthly in hybrid mutual funds

Don’t mix this with retirement or education funds

Keep funds earmarked for home goal only

Once house is bought,
loan will be over before your retirement.

Step 7: Insurance Correction Needed
You have ULIP-based term plan.
Also have 5 LIC policies.
No pure term cover apart from this.

Action Plan:

Buy a Rs 1.5 Cr pure term plan separately

Premium is low compared to ULIP

Don’t rely on ROP policies

Surrender ULIP and LIC policies

Redirect all proceeds into MFs

Keep medical insurance active and renew on time

Step 8: SIP Strategy Moving Forward
After personal loan closure in 2026,
you plan to increase SIPs by Rs 25,000.

Action Plan:

Rs 15,000 SIP for child education

Rs 10,000 for long term wealth / retirement

Choose only regular funds via MFD + CFP

Review portfolio every year

Do not go fully into passive index funds

Use active funds for alpha generation and downside protection

Don’t DIY your investments blindly.
Use structured guidance and fund review support.

Step 9: Tax Implication Awareness
You are under the new tax regime.
Many deductions are not useful now.
Your EPF, PPF, NPS continue growing tax-free.

MF tax rule:

Equity MF LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

STCG taxed at 20%

Debt fund gains taxed as per income slab

Hold equity funds longer than 5 years.
Do not book short term profits unnecessarily.

Step 10: Final Cash Flow Hygiene
Maintain budget every month

Track all EMIs, SIPs, policies, fees

Use spreadsheet or budget app

Avoid new credit cards or personal loans

Don’t co-sign loans for friends or family

Revisit goals yearly with a certified financial planner

Create a written financial plan

Discuss it with your spouse and involve her in all goals

Finally
Your current plan has a good foundation.
Only a few corrections are needed.

Fix the insurance structure.
Avoid index fund overload.
Build emergency fund.
Start child-specific SIP.
Increase long term SIPs post-debt closure.
Stay invested till retirement with discipline.

You are already doing well.
These small changes will bring better results.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
My age is 40, Me, My wife and 2 male (11 year and 9 year old) children in my family. After deduction of personal loan EMI-11500 and NPS employee deduction amount - 6000/month , My salary is 56000/month. My Investments, Insurance and Liabilities are as follows: Term Insurance from 2018 for - 90 lakhs, period - 40 years, Premium - 14500/yearly Till now my savings in Mutual fund 2.75 Lakhs, Now doing SIP is 8000/month from April'2025. They are, 1. Parag parikh flexi cap fund - 4000, 2. Mirae asset equity saving fund - 1000, 3. Mirae asset ELSS tax saver fund- 500, 4. PGIM india midcap fund - 1500, 5. Invesco india multicap fund - 1000 PPF balance -2 Lakhs (8 years completed) and also now contribute 2000/month, *NPS balance -13 Lakhs, investing 15000/month (Employee & employer contribution) from june'2025 *2 numbers of LIC policy for me 3500/month They are 1. Policy Name-Jeevan Anand, Sum assured- 8 Lakhs, Premium amount- 14389/half yearly, Total year- 30years, already completed 10 years. 2. Policy Name- Jeevan labh, Sum assured- 2 Lakh, premium amount- 6000/half yearly, premium paying term- 16 years, policy term- 25 years, completed years- 6 month, (January 2025) For my wife 1 LIC policy - 2100/month That is, Policy name - Jeevan umang, Sum assured- 3 Lakhs, Premium paying term - 15 years, Policy term - life long, then for my wife APY Scheme - 500/month, one MF SIP for my wife -1000/month from this month july'2025 only in parag parikh flexi cap fund. My liability - *Personal loan-9 Lakh, int-9. 5%, total 10 year, 1.5 years completed, EMI-11500, *Jewel loan - 4 Lakhs, int-9%, Till date no EMI paid. *Third party loan- 2.5 Lakh, No int. Give roadmap, is this correct plan or need to change? Please give proper guidance
Ans: You are only 40 and already thinking about future stability for your wife and two young children. This shows responsibility and clarity. Let us assess your current structure and create a 360-degree roadmap step by step.

» Income and Cash Flow Position
– Salary after deductions is Rs 56,000 monthly.
– Personal loan EMI of Rs 11,500 reduces disposable income.
– NPS employee deduction Rs 6,000 also reduces immediate cash flow.
– Effective savings potential is about Rs 38,000 after all deductions and basic living expenses.
– Current SIP commitment is Rs 8,000 plus Rs 2,000 in PPF, Rs 3,500 LIC premium, Rs 2,100 LIC for wife, Rs 500 APY, Rs 1,000 SIP for wife.
– These add up to Rs 15,100 monthly towards investments and insurance.
– Debt repayment burden is heavy considering EMI, jewel loan, and personal loan.

» Current Investments Review
– Mutual fund SIP total is Rs 8,000, spread across 5 funds.
– This looks diversified but may be slightly over-diversified for your corpus size.
– Long-term wealth creation is possible if you stick consistently for 15+ years.
– PPF is good for risk-free growth and retirement safety.
– NPS balance of Rs 13 lakh with Rs 15,000 contribution is significant. This is a strong base.
– Wife’s SIP in flexi-cap fund is also a good start for parallel family corpus.

» Insurance and Protection Assessment
– Term insurance of Rs 90 lakh is present. Premium is reasonable.
– With family responsibilities, coverage should ideally be around Rs 1.5 to 2 crore.
– Mediclaim coverage is not mentioned. Please ensure family health insurance of at least Rs 10 lakh.
– APY for wife gives small pension but may not be meaningful compared to goals.
– LIC Jeevan Anand, Jeevan Labh, and Jeevan Umang are insurance-cum-investment policies.
– These policies give low returns and block liquidity.
– You are paying Rs 3,500 monthly for your own LIC, and Rs 2,100 monthly for wife’s LIC.
– These funds would have created more wealth in mutual funds instead.

» Debt and Loan Position
– Personal loan of Rs 9 lakh at 9.5% is expensive.
– EMI of Rs 11,500 for 10 years is long and interest cost is high.
– Jewel loan of Rs 4 lakh at 9% is still not being repaid. This is risky.
– Third-party loan of Rs 2.5 lakh without interest should be repaid systematically to avoid relationship stress.
– Overall, debt load is Rs 15.5 lakh, which is heavy compared to income.
– Interest outgo eats away funds that could otherwise grow wealth.

» Disadvantages of Current LIC Policies
– Jeevan Anand and Jeevan Labh will give very low returns, mostly 4% to 5%.
– Jeevan Umang is also low-yielding and locks money lifelong.
– You have already completed 10 years in Jeevan Anand. Exiting now may involve some loss, but continuing means bigger opportunity loss.
– Surrendering and reinvesting into mutual funds will create far more wealth for your children’s education and your retirement.
– Regular funds through Certified Financial Planner are better because you get proper guidance and reviews, unlike direct funds where mistakes can cost lakhs.

» Roadmap for Action
– First, focus on reducing liabilities. Prioritise repayment of jewel loan. This carries high emotional and financial risk.
– Next, channel extra savings towards personal loan prepayment. Reduce tenure and interest burden.
– Third-party loan repayment should also be planned gradually once high-interest loans are cleared.
– Review term insurance cover and increase it to Rs 1.5 crore.
– Take adequate family health insurance if not already done.
– Gradually surrender LIC policies one by one and move into mutual fund SIPs.
– Do not disturb PPF. Continue Rs 2,000 contribution.
– Continue NPS contributions, as employer share makes it attractive.
– Mutual fund SIPs should be consolidated to 3 or 4 actively managed funds instead of 6. Keep flexi-cap, multicap, and one midcap.
– Increase SIP once loans are closed and LIC savings are redirected.
– Build emergency fund of at least Rs 3 lakh in liquid fund or sweep-in FD.

» Child Education and Retirement
– Children are 11 and 9, so higher education goal is 7 to 9 years away.
– You must build a dedicated corpus for education. Mutual funds are best suited.
– Retirement is 20 years away. NPS, PPF, and equity mutual funds together will provide for this.
– Avoid putting more money into LIC or APY type products as they dilute growth.

» Why Not Index or Direct Funds
– Index funds only copy the market, and returns depend fully on market cycles. They lack downside protection.
– Active funds managed by professionals can outperform, especially in Indian markets.
– Direct funds may look cheaper but without CFP review you may stay in wrong schemes too long.
– Regular plans through Certified Financial Planner give guidance, risk management, and wealth discipline.

» Final Insights
Your base is strong with NPS and PPF. However, current LIC policies and high loans are slowing your journey. Clearing debt early, exiting low-return insurance, and channeling more into mutual funds will put you on the right track. A proper balance of debt repayment and systematic wealth creation will give you financial independence by retirement and ensure your children’s future. Discipline, consolidation, and guided investing will bring the clarity you seek.

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

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...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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