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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 08, 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
Asked by Anonymous - Jul 08, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi Sir, my income is 90k and I have a home loan of 28 lakhs which started 5 months back, tenure - 15 years, paying an emi of 29k per month and have a personal loan of 9 lakhs for tenure - 4 years, out of which 1 year is completed, paying an emi of 23k per month. 6k goes into my mutual funds and around 15k goes to my other expenses. If I want to clear my personal loan or home emi early than the tenure and save some amount for future. Please suggest me a way to do it. Thanks in advance.

Ans: You are already managing multiple financial responsibilities well.
Your focus on clearing loans and saving is a good mindset.
Let’s now build a 360-degree financial plan for you.

Knowing Your Current Financial Position
Monthly income: Rs 90,000

Home loan EMI: Rs 29,000

Personal loan EMI: Rs 23,000

Mutual fund SIP: Rs 6,000

Other expenses: Rs 15,000

Available monthly surplus: About Rs 17,000
This is a very crucial surplus.
It can be used to build a strong financial future.

Understanding Your Loan Structures
Personal Loan
Amount: Rs 9 lakhs

Tenure: 4 years

EMI: Rs 23,000

Paid: 1 year

Remaining: 3 years

High interest (usually 12–15%)

No tax benefit

Home Loan
Amount: Rs 28 lakhs

Tenure: 15 years

EMI: Rs 29,000

Started: 5 months ago

Lower interest (around 8.5%)

Has tax benefit

Personal loan is more expensive.
It also gives no tax savings.
So, your priority should be:
Clear personal loan first.

Step-by-Step Debt Strategy
Step 1: Create Loan Repayment Plan
Use Rs 15,000 from your monthly surplus

Save it monthly into a separate bank account

Don’t touch it for anything else

Every 6 months, use this to prepay personal loan

You can close this loan in 18–24 months

Step 2: Continue Home Loan EMI
Let the EMI continue as it is

Don’t prepay home loan right now

It gives you income tax savings

It has a longer, manageable tenure

Focus fully on personal loan for now

Step 3: Prepare an Emergency Fund
Currently, you don’t have emergency backup.
If any crisis happens, you may borrow again.
That will break your financial progress.

Action:

Once personal loan is over,
build Rs 2–3 lakhs as emergency fund

Use liquid mutual fund for this

Keep it separate from SIP or equity funds

Use Rs 10,000 per month to build this

This gives peace of mind for emergencies

Step 4: Mutual Fund Correction Plan
You invest Rs 6,000 monthly in mutual funds.
That is a very good start.

But mutual fund selection must be smart.
Avoid investing in index funds or ETFs.

Why Index Funds are risky:
They follow market blindly

No protection during market fall

No expert strategy or rebalancing

Returns match average market, not beat it

Why Regular Active Funds are better:
Managed by expert fund managers

Adjust portfolio during market risk

You get MFD + CFP support

Review and rebalance is easier

Helps create better long-term wealth

Action:

Shift to regular active equity mutual funds

Use large and mid-cap category

Use SIP route and continue for long term

Don’t stop SIPs when markets go down

Increase SIPs slowly once loans are closed

Step 5: What to do After Personal Loan Closure
After personal loan ends,
you will free up Rs 23,000 monthly.

This is a huge opportunity.
Use it wisely in this order:

Rs 10,000 to build emergency fund

Rs 10,000 increase to SIP amount

Rs 3,000 for any family buffer or medical

After 6 months of this,
you can start partial prepayment of home loan.

Use Rs 10,000 monthly to reduce home loan.
Once a year, make one extra EMI as part payment.

This will reduce total interest paid.
It will also cut loan tenure by 3–5 years.

Step 6: Handle Expenses Smartly
You spend Rs 15,000 monthly on lifestyle.
That is reasonable and under control.

But ensure you do this:

Avoid impulse online purchases

Don’t fall for lifestyle EMI schemes

Track every rupee spent using app or notebook

Avoid new credit cards or BNPL schemes

Keep credit card usage only for emergency

Don’t increase expenses just because salary increases

Step 7: Don’t Use Direct Mutual Funds
Some people invest in direct funds to save commission.
But they lose much more without expert support.

Disadvantages of direct funds:
No one helps to rebalance

No CFP to check goal mismatch

You might choose wrong scheme

No reminders or tracking help

High chances of panic redemption

Benefits of regular funds via MFD with CFP:
Professional help always available

Goal-based investing is easier

Portfolio is reviewed yearly

Mistakes are corrected early

Long-term growth is better

So avoid direct funds totally.

Step 8: Build Future Financial Strength
Once loans are gone and savings are strong:
You must create wealth for long term goals.

Goals like:

Child’s education

Health emergency

Retirement security

Travel or career break

Action Plan:

Increase SIPs every year by Rs 2,000

Use extra income or bonus to invest

Don’t redeem investments unless very urgent

Plan SIPs for minimum 10 years

Use only regular mutual funds

Track capital gains as per tax rules

Tax rules you must know:
Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

Short-term gains taxed at 20%

Debt funds taxed as per income tax slab

So, hold funds for long term always

Step 9: Get Proper Insurance Protection
Loans are a risk if anything happens to you.
Ensure your family is protected.

Action Plan:

Buy pure term insurance of Rs 50 lakhs minimum

Premium is very low

Do not buy ULIP or return policies

Take health insurance of Rs 5–10 lakhs

Prefer floater plan for family

Buy policy separately from job policy

Step 10: Create a Personal Financial System
To make your money work for you:

Write your monthly budget

Write your EMI, SIP and expense dates

Create financial folder for documents

Check credit score once every year

Review SIPs once a year with MFD

Don’t discuss goals only in mind. Write them

This gives you full control.

Finally
You are already on the right path.
Just take the next few steps carefully.

First clear your personal loan.
Then build your emergency fund.
Shift to regular mutual funds with proper help.
Keep home loan EMI as it is for now.
Later, start reducing tenure slowly.

By following this system,
you will be loan-free and wealth-rich in few years.

You are doing well. Stay focused and consistent.

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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 12, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 23, 2024Hindi
Listen
Money
Hello, I am 32 years old, taking home loan of 25 lakhs,earning 51k per month. With 8.75 percentage interest and 15 years tenure, my emi would be 24k per month..however. I need to completey loan before that tenure. Please provide me the possibilities
Ans: Taking a home loan is a significant financial decision. Your goal to repay the loan before the tenure ends is commendable. Let's explore various strategies to achieve this goal, considering your financial profile and objectives.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
You are 32 years old, with a monthly income of Rs. 51,000. You have taken a home loan of Rs. 25 lakhs at an interest rate of 8.75% for 15 years, resulting in an EMI of Rs. 24,000. This EMI constitutes a substantial portion of your monthly income.

Budgeting and Cash Flow Management
Effective budgeting is crucial. Track your expenses meticulously. Identify areas where you can cut costs. Allocate more funds towards your loan repayment. This disciplined approach will free up money for additional EMI payments or lump-sum prepayments.

Setting Up an Emergency Fund
Ensure you have an emergency fund. This fund should cover at least six months of your expenses, including your EMI. It acts as a financial cushion, preventing you from defaulting on your EMI in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Increasing Your EMI Payments
One of the most straightforward ways to repay your loan early is by increasing your EMI payments. If you can afford to pay more than Rs. 24,000 per month, do so. Even a small increase can significantly reduce your loan tenure and interest burden.

Making Lump-Sum Prepayments
Utilize bonuses, incentives, or any windfall gains to make lump-sum prepayments towards your loan. Most lenders allow you to make prepayments without any penalties. This reduces the principal amount, leading to lower interest and a shorter loan tenure.

Prioritizing High-Interest Debt
If you have other high-interest debts, prioritize repaying them first. Once these are cleared, channel the freed-up funds towards your home loan. This strategy ensures you save more on interest payments in the long run.

Exploring Additional Income Sources
Consider supplementing your income with part-time work or freelance opportunities. The additional income can be directed towards your loan repayment. This approach not only accelerates loan repayment but also enhances your financial stability.

Reviewing and Adjusting Your Investments
Evaluate your current investment portfolio. Ensure that it aligns with your goal of early loan repayment. If you have low-yielding or non-essential investments, consider liquidating them to make prepayments towards your loan.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds
When considering investments, it's important to focus on actively managed funds. Unlike index funds, which merely track the market, actively managed funds aim to outperform the market. They provide the benefit of professional management and the potential for higher returns.

Regular Funds Through Certified Financial Planner
Investing through a certified financial planner (CFP) has its advantages. Regular funds managed by a CFP can offer personalized advice and ongoing support. This guidance can help you optimize your investments for better returns and achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Utilizing Tax Benefits
Maximize the tax benefits available on your home loan. Under Section 80C, you can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 1.5 lakhs on the principal repayment. Additionally, under Section 24(b), you can claim a deduction of up to Rs. 2 lakhs on the interest paid. These deductions can reduce your taxable income, resulting in tax savings.

Staying Financially Disciplined
Maintaining financial discipline is key to early loan repayment. Avoid unnecessary expenses and impulsive purchases. Stick to your budget and prioritize loan repayment. This disciplined approach will ensure steady progress towards your goal.

Reviewing Your Loan Regularly
Regularly review your loan and financial situation. Assess your progress and make necessary adjustments to your repayment strategy. This proactive approach will keep you on track and help you identify opportunities for faster loan repayment.

Seeking Professional Advice
Consider consulting a certified financial planner (CFP) for personalized advice. A CFP can provide a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your situation. They can help you optimize your investments, manage risks, and achieve your financial goals efficiently.

Final Insights
Repaying your home loan before the tenure ends is a realistic goal with proper planning and discipline. Focus on effective budgeting, increasing EMI payments, making lump-sum prepayments, and optimizing your investments. Seek professional advice when needed to ensure you stay on track.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 26, 2024

Money
I am a Railway employee, my monthly salary is approx 38000. I have a personal loan of monthly emi 17000 and it's outstanding amount 490000 about remaining 40 months. I have also invest 9000(5000 RD + 4000 MF) for my marriage in first of 2026 . My total expenditure ={ 23000 ( including loan emi) and invest 9000 for marriage and 7000 for try to prepayment to loan }= 39000 My next plan build my house take a home loan about 15 lakh and try to prepayment my personal loan with extra emi 7000 but it takes 20 months, I want to take home loan in next year 2025 about 8 month later, so I try to close my personal loan as early as possible in each month with extra emi. But can't get the result at proper time. what should I do ? And Ami I going in right path? Pls suggest me
Ans: I see you're working hard to manage your finances and future goals. Let's look at how you can achieve your plans effectively.

Understanding Your Current Financial Situation
First, let's break down your current financial position:

Monthly Salary: Rs. 38,000
Personal Loan EMI: Rs. 17,000
Personal Loan Outstanding: Rs. 4,90,000 (40 months remaining)
Monthly Investments: Rs. 9,000 (RD and MF)
Total Monthly Expenditure: Rs. 23,000 (including loan EMI)
Additional EMI for Loan Prepayment: Rs. 7,000
You have a clear goal: to close your personal loan as early as possible and take a home loan next year.

Loan Repayment Strategy
Focus on Personal Loan Prepayment
You're already paying Rs. 7,000 extra towards your personal loan each month. This is a good step. By prepaying, you're reducing the interest burden. However, it may not close the loan as quickly as you hope.

Increase Prepayment Amount
If possible, try to increase the prepayment amount. Even a small increase can significantly reduce the loan tenure. Check if you can cut some discretionary expenses temporarily to allocate more towards prepayment.

Lump Sum Payments
Whenever you receive any extra income, such as bonuses or gifts, use it for lump sum payments towards your personal loan. This will further reduce your outstanding amount.

Investment Strategy
Balancing Loan Repayment and Investments
You’re investing Rs. 9,000 monthly (Rs. 5,000 in RD and Rs. 4,000 in MF) for your marriage in 2026. This is important, but your immediate priority is clearing the personal loan.

Temporarily Redirect Investments
Consider temporarily redirecting some of your investments towards loan prepayment. For instance, reduce RD and MF contributions slightly and use this amount for prepayment. Once the loan is cleared, you can increase your investments again.

Continue Some Investments
It’s essential to continue some investments for your marriage goal. Don’t stop investing completely, as this goal is also crucial.

Planning for the Home Loan
Timing of Home Loan
You plan to take a home loan in 2025. Clearing your personal loan before that is wise. This will improve your credit score and reduce financial stress.

Home Loan Amount
Plan your home loan amount carefully. Ensure the EMI is manageable within your monthly budget. Avoid over-borrowing to keep financial stress low.

Save for Down Payment
Start saving for the down payment of your home loan. Typically, lenders require a down payment of 20% of the home’s value. This will reduce your loan amount and EMI.

Building an Emergency Fund
Importance of Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is crucial to handle unexpected expenses without disrupting your financial plans. Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of expenses.

Gradual Savings
Start small. Save a portion of your salary each month towards the emergency fund. You can increase this amount once your personal loan is cleared.

Ensuring Financial Stability
Budgeting and Expense Management
Create a detailed budget to track your income and expenses. Identify areas where you can cut costs. This will free up more money for loan repayment and savings.

Avoid New Debt
Avoid taking any new loans or credit until your personal loan is cleared and you have a stable financial situation. This will help you stay on track with your goals.

Regular Financial Reviews
Monitor Progress
Regularly review your financial situation. Check your loan balance, investment growth, and budget adherence. This will help you stay focused and make necessary adjustments.

Seek Professional Guidance
Consider consulting a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) for personalized advice. They can provide insights tailored to your situation and help you achieve your goals efficiently.

Evaluating Investment Options
Avoid Index Funds
Index funds might seem attractive but they have limitations. They may not beat inflation or provide superior returns consistently. Actively managed funds, with professional management, can offer better returns and adapt to market changes.

Benefits of Regular Funds
Direct funds require active management and market knowledge. Investing through a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) with CFP credentials offers professional guidance and better fund selection. This can lead to better performance and peace of mind.

Final Insights
You’re on the right path with a clear focus on your financial goals. Prioritizing loan repayment is wise, but balancing investments for your future goals is also essential.

Increase your prepayment amount if possible and consider redirecting some investments temporarily. Regularly review your financial situation and seek professional advice if needed. You’re doing great, and with some adjustments, you’ll achieve your goals effectively.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 29, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 25, 2025
Money
Hello Sir, I have a salary of Rs.51,000/- and have recently taken home loan of Rs. 25,00,000 with monthly Emi of 22834 and Home loan insurance of 43000 EMI of Rs 594.I invest 3000 per month SIP in small cap and 1500 per month in LIC.I am unmarried and will get marry in 1 year .How can I clear off my loan early . should I focus on investment or on prepayment of loan.
Ans: Understanding Your Current Financial Position
Your monthly salary is Rs. 51,000, which is a steady income source.

You have a recent home loan of Rs. 25 lakhs with EMI of Rs. 22,834.

Home loan insurance premium is Rs. 594 monthly, adding to fixed expenses.

Your current investments include Rs. 3,000 monthly SIP in small-cap mutual funds.

Additionally, you invest Rs. 1,500 monthly in LIC, which is mostly insurance cum investment.

You are unmarried but expect marriage in one year, which will impact expenses and income.

Your focus is on clearing home loan early or investing for better returns.

Appreciating Your Financial Discipline
Investing Rs. 4,500 monthly shows a good habit despite loan obligations.

Choosing small-cap funds suggests a higher risk appetite, aiming for good returns.

Home loan insurance adds protection, which is often overlooked by many.

Planning your finances before marriage is wise and helps set future goals.

Analyzing Your Loan Repayment Situation
The home loan EMI consumes nearly 45% of your monthly salary, a significant portion.

Prepaying the loan early will reduce overall interest paid and financial burden.

However, prepayment will require additional liquidity or cutting back on investments.

Home loan interest rates are generally lower than potential equity returns but not guaranteed.

EMI commitment reduces your monthly flexibility for emergencies or other goals.

Assessing Your Investment Choices
Small-cap mutual funds are volatile and can deliver high returns but with risks.

LIC policies mainly serve insurance needs but are less efficient for wealth creation.

Investment through direct mutual funds lacks professional monitoring and rebalancing.

Regular funds invested through a Certified Financial Planner (MFD) provide better guidance and monitoring.

Consider gradually shifting LIC investment into well-chosen mutual funds for clarity and growth.

Comparing Loan Prepayment vs Investment Growth
Prepayment reduces interest cost guaranteed, a risk-free return equal to the interest rate.

Small-cap fund returns are not guaranteed and can be volatile in short term.

Given your high EMI burden, prepayment can improve monthly cash flow in the long run.

Early loan closure reduces financial stress and increases your future disposable income.

But completely stopping investments may affect your wealth creation and inflation protection.

Balancing Loan Prepayment and Investments
Continue SIPs but consider reducing SIP amounts temporarily to boost loan prepayments.

Use any bonuses, increments, or extra income for lump-sum prepayments.

Ensure an emergency fund of at least 6 months’ expenses before aggressive prepayment.

Post-marriage, reassess your income and expenses and revise your strategy.

Maintain insurance coverage suitable for your changing life situation.

Managing Expenses and Increasing Savings
Track monthly expenses strictly and identify areas to reduce discretionary spending.

Postpone any non-essential expenses until the loan burden reduces.

Increase monthly savings gradually with salary increases or new income sources.

Avoid new loans or credit card debts that add to financial stress.

Risk Management and Insurance Review
Review LIC policies for relevance; many investment cum insurance policies are expensive.

If LIC policies are purely investment-linked and costly, consider surrendering and reinvesting in mutual funds.

Maintain adequate term life insurance separate from investment policies.

Health insurance is important; ensure you have coverage independent of the home loan insurance.

Future Planning Around Marriage
Marriage will increase your financial responsibilities and possibly income.

Post-marriage, revisit your budget, loan repayment, and investment plans.

Discuss financial goals jointly and plan investments accordingly.

Consider increasing SIPs or loan prepayments as income stabilises and expenses are understood.

Tax Planning Impact
Home loan principal and interest qualify for tax deductions; use these efficiently.

Mutual fund capital gains tax must be factored into redemption planning.

Prepayment may not yield immediate tax benefits but saves interest cost over tenure.

Keep track of all tax benefits from investments and loan repayments for better net savings.

Professional Portfolio Management
Investing through regular mutual fund plans managed by Certified Financial Planners improves discipline.

Active fund managers can adapt portfolio to changing market conditions unlike index funds.

Avoid direct fund investing without professional help; it lacks portfolio balancing and tax planning.

A well-managed portfolio ensures better risk control and goal alignment.

Practical Action Steps for You
Build an emergency fund equal to 6 months of expenses before aggressive prepayment.

Use salary increments, bonuses, or gifts to make lump-sum prepayments on home loan.

Reduce LIC investments; review and possibly surrender for better investment clarity.

Maintain SIP in small-cap funds but consider diversifying across actively managed funds.

Regularly monitor loan balance, interest cost, and investment growth for rebalancing decisions.

Post-marriage, update financial goals, expenses, and investments jointly.

Final Insights
Clearing home loan early will reduce your financial burden and interest paid.

Investments, especially small-cap funds, carry risk; don’t stop them completely.

Balance loan prepayment and investments for a healthy financial future.

Regular review with a Certified Financial Planner ensures optimal decisions.

Prepare financially for marriage and increased responsibilities with clear budgeting.

Avoid high-cost insurance-cum-investment plans; focus on pure insurance and mutual funds.

Tax benefits on loan repayment and investments enhance overall savings efficiency.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 26, 2025

Money
Hi sir. I am 34 years, having a salary of 72K take home,I have personal loans 5lakhs and hand loans from friends and relatives 15Lakhs. And I stopped to repay EMIs also due to this Pressures, I am unable to manage loan EMIs and hand loan interest everything, I don't have any savings also, How can I clear this EMIS and hand loan, please give a proper solution please help me.
Ans: You are 34 years old. Your monthly income is Rs. 72,000. You have personal loans of Rs. 5 lakh. You also owe Rs. 15 lakh to friends and relatives. Total loan is Rs. 20 lakh. You have stopped paying EMIs. There are no savings. This is a tough situation. But solutions are possible. Let’s go step by step with a full 360-degree plan.

Assess Your Current Reality
Monthly salary: Rs. 72,000

Total debt: Rs. 20 lakh

No savings

No investments

EMIs are stopped

Heavy mental stress

This is a serious phase. But the fact that you want to solve it shows strength.

Step 1: Pause and Accept
First, pause and think calmly.

Do not panic

Stop feeling guilty

Accept your current situation

Decide to fix it one step at a time

You are not alone. Many people go through such debt traps. What matters is the decision to act.

Step 2: Categorise Your Loans Clearly
You have two types of loans:

Formal loans:

Bank or NBFC personal loans

These will impact your CIBIL score

They may send legal notices

Informal loans:

Borrowed from friends and relatives

These hurt relationships

They may ask anytime

Why classify:

So that you handle them differently

Each needs a different solution

Step 3: Track Your Exact Cash Flow
Let’s check how much you can repay monthly.

Monthly income: Rs. 72,000

Monthly basic living expenses: Keep it to Rs. 25,000–30,000

Try to cut all non-essential spending

Focus only on food, rent, utilities

Possible saving:

Try to save Rs. 40,000 monthly for debt repayment

Every rupee saved must go to loan clearance

Even small expenses add up. Be strict but practical.

Step 4: Prioritise Your Loan Payments
You must decide which loan to repay first.

Repay formal loans first:

These affect credit score

These charge high interest

May lead to legal action

Talk to bank and request:

EMI pause

Loan restructuring

Reduced EMI plan

Some banks offer hardship relief

Be honest with them. Many agree to restructure if you explain.

After formal loans:

Slowly start paying informal hand loans

Be open with your friends and relatives

Tell them your action plan

Commit small but regular payments

People appreciate honesty and discipline.

Step 5: Avoid Taking Any New Loan
This is very important. Do not:

Take new loan to repay old loans

Use credit cards

Use payday apps or money lenders

Borrow from new friends

This will trap you more. You are already deep in debt.

Focus on cleaning up step by step.

Step 6: Increase Your Income
Right now, income is fixed. But if you can earn more, debt clears faster.

Try these ideas:

Weekend freelancing

Evening tuition

Online part-time work

Extra shifts if your job allows

Festival-based temporary jobs

Even Rs. 5,000–10,000 extra per month will help.

Don’t worry about job level. Focus on income. It's just for the next 2–3 years.

Step 7: Create a Debt Clearance Plan
You have Rs. 20 lakh loan. Assume you can pay Rs. 40,000 per month.

That is Rs. 4.8 lakh per year.

So you may take 4–5 years to clear full debt.

But follow this repayment order:

Start with small high-interest loans

Clear one loan fully

Then move to next

This gives motivation

It also shows progress

It’s called Debt Snowball Method.

If you get any bonus or cash gift, use it to close one loan fully.

Step 8: Avoid Emotional Spending
You may feel sad, frustrated or ashamed. That is normal.

But don’t deal with it by:

Shopping

Eating out

Parties

Showing off

Use every bit of money for one goal: debt freedom.

Talk to family. Ask for support, not money.

Step 9: Protect Your Mental Health
Debt stress is real. It can affect sleep, confidence, and peace.

Try these steps:

Wake up early

Exercise daily

Write your budget weekly

Avoid negative people

Take help if you feel depressed

You are doing the right thing now. Keep your mind stable.

Step 10: Build Emergency Fund After Clearing Debt
Once you finish loans:

Start saving Rs. 2,000/month

Slowly build Rs. 1 lakh buffer

Keep this in liquid fund

Use this only for medical or job loss

Emergency fund avoids future debt.

Step 11: Don’t Touch Risky Options
You may hear many ideas now like:

Invest in real estate for returns

Do trading or quick profits

Buy insurance plus investment plans

Use index funds or ETFs

Buy direct mutual funds

Avoid all these now. You are not ready.

Focus only on:

Clearing debt

Building savings

Protecting income

Step 12: Insurance Is Must, But Start After Debt
Right now, do not buy any plan.

But once you clear debt, buy:

Term life insurance

Health insurance (if not covered already)

Use pure term plan only. Avoid endowment or ULIP.

Buy only after income stabilises.

Step 13: Involve a Certified Financial Planner
You need guidance for next 5 years.

After clearing loans, work with:

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

Invest through MFD with CFP support

Use regular mutual funds

They will guide your retirement, child education, insurance, tax, and investment.

Avoid direct funds. No guidance. Mistakes can cost you future wealth.

Step 14: Use a Simple Monthly Budget
Use this format every month:

Income: Rs. 72,000

Rent: Rs. ___

Food: Rs. ___

Transport: Rs. ___

EMI: Rs. ___

Loan to friend: Rs. ___

Savings: Rs. ___

Track this every Sunday. Keep it simple and honest.

Finally
You are in a very serious financial stage. But your courage to ask shows strength.

You must now:

Control all spending

Increase income side income

Pay loans one by one

Avoid new debt

Don’t invest now

Build stability first

Later invest through CFP

In 4–5 years, your life can fully change.

You’ll be debt-free. Mentally relaxed. And strong for the future.

You will thank yourself later.

Start today. Stay honest. Stay strong. Take action. Every small step matters.

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 03, 2025

Money
I have personal loan of 30 lakhs whose EMI is 79000 PM. I have 3 lic policy of 36000/year from 2010. I have plot of 12 lakhs valuation and a nexon car. I am earning 93000 PM salary and want to clear loan. I am doing 10000 PM saving in ELSS fund and 10000 rental income. Please suggest how to clear my loan early so I can invest more.
Ans: You are managing many responsibilities at once. You are earning Rs 93,000 per month. You have Rs 79,000 EMI towards a Rs 30 lakh personal loan. That is a very high EMI-to-income ratio. You also receive Rs 10,000 rental income. You invest Rs 10,000 in ELSS monthly. You have three LIC policies started in 2010. Your car and land add more fixed assets. You want to close your loan early. Then invest more for your future. Let’s now build a proper plan.

Your Current Financial Picture

Salary: Rs 93,000 monthly

Rental income: Rs 10,000 monthly

Total income: Rs 1,03,000 per month

EMI: Rs 79,000 per month

ELSS SIP: Rs 10,000 per month

LIC premium: Rs 3,000 per month

Net left after EMI + ELSS + LIC: About Rs 11,000

Loan: Rs 30 lakh personal loan

LIC: 3 policies, started in 2010

Plot worth: Rs 12 lakh

Car: Tata Nexon (a depreciating asset)

Let us now work on each area.

Why the Loan is a Burden Now

Your EMI is more than 75% of your salary.

This causes cashflow pressure each month.

Personal loans have high interest rates.

Interest eats your income month after month.

With such a big EMI, savings are hard.

Investing aggressively is not possible now.

You must focus on clearing this loan fast. That is your priority.

Let Us First Understand the Loan Impact

Personal loans don’t give tax benefits.

They usually charge 11%–18% interest.

This rate is much higher than inflation.

It will block your future wealth creation.

Your savings in ELSS will grow slower than loan interest.

You lose more in loan interest than you earn in ELSS.

Hence, early loan closure is a better move now.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Reduce the Loan

Step 1: Pause ELSS SIP Temporarily

You are investing Rs 10,000 monthly.

Stop this temporarily for 12–18 months.

Redirect that amount to loan prepayment.

You are not stopping investment forever.

You are pausing to reduce debt burden.

Step 2: Use Rental Income for Prepayment

Use the full Rs 10,000 monthly rent for loan repayment.

Do not use it for household expenses.

This adds up to Rs 1.2 lakh yearly.

Step 3: Use Bonus or Windfall for Prepayment

Any yearly bonus or incentive must go to loan.

Use tax refund, maturity from LIC, or sale of old items.

Step 4: Use Plot to Repay Loan

Your plot is valued at Rs 12 lakh.

Check if it can be sold.

Use full amount for loan prepayment.

Emotional attachment is natural.

But right now, financial freedom is more important.

Step 5: No New Loans or EMIs

Do not buy anything new on EMI.

No consumer loans, gadgets, or upgrades.

Focus all money towards debt clearance.

By following these steps, you can reduce loan faster.

Review and Reassess Your LIC Policies

You have 3 LIC policies from 2010.

They are traditional insurance plans.

These plans give very low returns.

Mostly around 4%–5% per year.

These are not useful for wealth creation.

Please check surrender value of each policy.

If you get a reasonable value, you can:

Surrender all three policies

Redeploy into debt mutual funds or towards loan

Or split between loan prepayment and emergency fund

You already have Rs 10,000 ELSS SIP experience.

You can shift LIC money to mutual funds after loan ends.

What to Avoid Right Now

Don’t invest in new schemes.

Don’t start gold, ULIP, or new LIC plans.

Don’t chase stock tips or get-rich schemes.

Don’t use credit cards for monthly gaps.

Avoid high-interest money apps or informal loans.

Your energy must go to loan repayment alone.

Once Loan is Over, Start Full Investment Plan

After the loan is closed, you can:

Restart ELSS or increase it

Add hybrid mutual funds

Add SIPs in large and mid-cap funds

Invest based on goals and risk level

Work with MFD with CFP certification

Invest only in regular mutual funds, not direct

Why to Avoid Direct Plans

Direct plans don’t provide guidance.

They need your own tracking, fund selection, and timing.

Most people make mistakes in direct funds.

Wrong decisions can hurt returns badly.

Regular plans give handholding and long-term coaching.

Work only with a trusted Certified Financial Planner.

Why Not to Use Index Funds or ETFs

Index funds follow the market blindly.

They don’t protect in falling markets.

They never beat the market.

They suit only very experienced investors.

You need expert fund managers now.

Use active funds that handle volatility better.

How to Keep Motivation While Clearing Loan

Keep a visual chart of your reducing loan balance.

Celebrate every Rs 1 lakh reduction with a small treat.

Every month you prepay more, reduce future interest.

Loan-free life brings peace and power to invest.

Keep end goal in mind always.

You need strong patience and commitment now.

Create a Cash Buffer Fund of Rs 1.5–2 Lakh

This is for emergency use only.

Can be built slowly over 6–8 months.

Helps avoid using credit cards or breaking FDs.

Keep it in a sweep-in FD or liquid fund.

Do not touch this unless for emergency.

What Happens If You Don’t Act Now?

Loan interest will eat more than your savings.

You may struggle with cashflow every month.

Your ability to invest will stay low.

You may miss retirement and family goals.

Early action now saves years of financial pressure.

Your Focus Timeline for Next 24 Months

First 6 Months

Pause ELSS SIP

Use rent + SIP + savings = Rs 20,000 extra per month

Check LIC surrender

Check plot sale options

Next 6 to 18 Months

Continue loan prepayment

Restart ELSS after loan is partly reduced

Create Rs 2 L emergency fund

After 18–24 Months

Loan mostly over or close to closure

Restart ELSS

Add hybrid and flexi-cap mutual funds

Build goal-based SIPs

Investment Strategy After Loan Ends

40% in hybrid mutual funds

40% in equity mutual funds

10% in ELSS for tax

10% in liquid fund for buffer

Work with a Certified Financial Planner for SIP design.
Start regular reviews every year.
You can build strong long-term wealth.

Finally

You are already trying hard. That matters most.

Your focus must be on loan clearance now.

Pause investments. Use all surplus for EMI prepayment.

Review and surrender poor LIC plans if needed.

Sell plot if practical. Don’t hold idle land.

Avoid new commitments. Avoid distractions.

After loan is gone, build smart investment habits.

Only use mutual funds through regular mode.

Work closely with a Certified Financial Planner.

Your financial independence can start very soon.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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