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Debt-Ridden With Excess Cash? How To Get Out Of This Situation?

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Apr 04, 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
Main Question by Main on Apr 04, 2025Hindi
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Sir as of Now my Loans have crossed 50 Lacs and Now there looks to be no point of return as the loans are going up rapidly, The Loans are growing exponentially as My expenditure to show off has also increased. Now the problem is I have a sum amount of 10 lacs as raw cash in hand and 5 lacs in my bank account. The Amount of money which I am getting in rotation is becoming twice every 3 months. I might be crossing a few crores with lots of loans in hand but excess cash in hand. I am only playing the interest which is a small sum to those who have lend me loans. What is the best alternative... ?

Ans: You must stop taking new loans immediately and reduce unnecessary expenditures. Use the Rs 15 lakh in hand to partially repay high-interest loans and secure yourself financially. Seek confidential guidance from a Certified Financial Planner to create a structured debt repayment plan. Your life is more valuable than any financial status.

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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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Nov 25, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 22, 2023Hindi
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Hi Sir, I lost job in 2017 and again I got a new job after 6 months. During this 6 months i lost all my savings including PF. So in last 5 yrs what ever I am earning it's not sufficient and my expenditure is more than salary. Meantime I started taking small small personal loans from app companies and my both my credit card is fully utilised This is my current situation. Salary is 1.66 lacs. Savings is 50,000. My loans are 1.2 lacs. Credit card Os is Rs 4 lacs. If I close personal loan then I am using credit card, if I pay credit card then I taking loan again. I don't know how to come out of this cycle. Pls suggest.
Ans: We can understand your current financial situation, you need to analysis you finance to break free from the debt cycle and regain control of your finances. Here are few steps you can use to get back on your track.

1. Assess Your Current Financial Situation
? Create a detailed list of all your debts, including the outstanding amounts, interest rates, and minimum payments.
? Track your income and expenses for a month to identify areas where you can cut back on spending.

2. Prioritize Debt Repayment:
? Make a budget that allocates more money towards debt repayment than the minimum payments. Consider using a budgeting app to track your income and expenses effectively.
? Explore debt consolidation options, such as a balance transfer with a lower interest rate or a personal loan with a lower interest rate than your current debts.

3. Reduce Expenses and Increase Income
? Identify unnecessary expenses and cut back on non-essential spending, such as dining out, entertainment, and impulse purchases.

4. Build an Emergency Fund
? Once you start making progress on your debt repayment, start building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses. Aim to save at least 3-6 months of living expenses so that the situation does not re-occur.

Please remember getting out of debt takes time, discipline, and commitment. Don't be discouraged by setbacks along the way. Stay focused on your goals, stick to your plan, and you will eventually achieve financial freedom.

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 02, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 29, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear sir , I'm 32 years old. I have lent money from an acquaintance of 15 lakhs with an monthly interest of 45k. And I have also lent another 4.5 lakhs with monthly interest of 38k from another friend. These were used to close all the small loans from third party apps with a very high interest. I also have small personal loans . 1. 1,70,000 with 8,000 emi and around 2 years of tenure remaining m 2. 2,50,000 with 6,000 emi and around 2.5 years tenure. 3. 1,00,000 with 6,000 emi and around 1.5 year tenure . I have an monthly income of around 30k. And I Currently do not possess any form of savings , assets or investments. How do I get out of this loop of constantly getting another debt to repay another one ? I work in the fitness industry so there's no scope of earning more than 10k from my current salary in India even though I have more experience in this field.
Ans: Your concern is valid and very real.

You are 32 years old.

You earn Rs 30,000 monthly.

You have borrowed heavily from acquaintances.

You also hold three personal loans.

You are stuck in a debt loop.

You want a practical and long-term solution.

Let us now give you a detailed 360-degree strategy.

Understanding the Complete Debt Picture
Rs 15 lakhs loan from acquaintance, paying Rs 45,000 monthly interest

Rs 4.5 lakhs from another friend, paying Rs 38,000 monthly interest

Personal loans: Rs 1.7L, Rs 2.5L and Rs 1L

EMI on personal loans: Rs 8,000 + Rs 6,000 + Rs 6,000 = Rs 20,000

Total monthly outgo on debt: Rs 1,03,000

Your income is only Rs 30,000

You are in deep negative cash flow every month

You are likely borrowing more to pay interest and EMIs

There are no assets, savings, or investments right now

Appreciating Your Decision to Seek Help
You have taken a bold first step.

You have recognised the problem clearly.

You want to stop the debt cycle.

That shows willingness to act and change.

This mindset will help you come out of this.

Let's now move step by step.

Step 1: Stop Borrowing Further, Even for a Day
No more loans from anyone, under any situation

Stop all app-based loans completely

Inform friends that you cannot borrow more

Every new loan worsens the trap

Any money borrowed now will increase your pain

Accept this truth today and stay strong on it

Step 2: Understand That You Cannot Continue Like This
You are paying Rs 1.03 lakhs interest and EMI

Your income is Rs 30,000

This math can never work

You are surviving through borrowed time and favours

You are in a debt trap right now

It will not go away on its own

You must act boldly and wisely

Step 3: Discuss a Structured Debt Settlement with Lenders
First, talk to the friend who gave Rs 15 lakhs

Show him your situation openly

Request to stop monthly interest for some time

Offer to pay a fixed EMI instead of interest

Do not avoid or delay conversations

People respect honesty and intention to repay

Next, approach the friend who gave Rs 4.5 lakhs

Follow the same approach

Suggest converting monthly interest into a longer-term EMI

Offer a token amount monthly

Rework the payment terms to suit your capacity

Involve a family elder if it helps build trust

Step 4: Consolidate All Personal Loans If Possible
Check if you can get a single loan to close all personal loans

Target is to reduce EMI burden

You may not get loan from bank due to low credit

Try to get help from a family member to get a low-interest personal loan in their name

Only to consolidate existing EMIs, not new borrowing

If this is not possible, maintain current EMIs

Prioritise loans with highest interest

Keep communication open with lenders

Avoid missing EMIs to protect your credit score

Step 5: Cut All Possible Expenses Immediately
Stop non-essential expenses like:

  - OTT subscriptions
  - Dining out
  - Online shopping
  - Gym expenses if you can self-train
  - Fuel and travel which can be avoided

Shift to a more affordable living setup if needed

Speak to landlord to reduce rent temporarily

Share accommodation if possible

Buy basic groceries only, no luxury items

Use cash to control daily expenses

Maintain a diary of every rupee spent

Step 6: Increase Income with Secondary Work
You said fitness jobs limit income

But look for add-on work during free time

Some ideas:

  - Online fitness coaching from home
  - Recording videos for online classes
  - Selling fitness guides or diet plans
  - Helping with social media content for fitness brands
  - Freelance training for apartment gyms

Aim for Rs 5,000–Rs 10,000 extra monthly

Every bit of income helps reduce debt burden

Use these earnings strictly to pay back lenders

Step 7: Avoid Any Investment Till All Loans Are Closed
No SIP, no stocks, no mutual funds now

Do not fall for quick return promises

You are in debt repayment phase

Investment can come later, not now

Keep focus only on clearing loans

Step 8: Seek Free Counselling If Emotionally Drained
Debt creates mental pressure

It may cause anxiety or fear

Speak to someone who listens, not judges

Use free helplines or NGOs offering support

Don’t suffer alone silently

Keep your mind strong and focused

This is a temporary phase, not permanent

Your future can change with effort

Step 9: Once Stable, Start Emergency Fund Slowly
After you clear high-interest debts

Start saving Rs 500–Rs 1000 monthly

Put in liquid mutual fund via regular plan

Avoid direct plans – they offer no guidance

Certified Financial Planner can guide better

Use emergency fund only for urgent needs

Never use for shopping or travel

Keep building it month by month

Step 10: Finally Build a New Financial Identity
Clear your loans step by step

Rebuild your credit slowly

Start tracking income and spending every month

Stay away from lending apps permanently

Create small savings habit after debts are over

Start SIP with Rs 1000 in regular equity fund when possible

Review goals with Certified Financial Planner yearly

Learn to say ‘No’ to money offers when not needed

Finally
You are in a serious but solvable financial crisis

Accept it, face it and work on it

Stop new borrowing right now

Restructure old debts with honesty and clarity

Cut lifestyle expenses sharply

Create new income channels in fitness or beyond

Don't try to invest until debts are closed

Once stable, build emergency and investment habit

Use mutual funds with regular plan and guided help

Stay away from index and direct funds for now

This problem is hard but not permanent

With small steps and strong action, you can come out

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Sep 25, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Sep 17, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi Sir, Im 36 of age working in an MNC take home salary is 52k per month and bonus of 1 lakh per annum. I have a home loan of 23 lakhs and top of 6 lakhs in L&T finance balance as of today is 2770000 with EMI of 27500 per month.i have a personal loan of 7.5 lakhs I already paid 28 EMIs and pending emi 32 months balance as of today is 4.5 laksh with EMI of 16366. And I have 5 lakhs gold loan with gold pledged approximately 13 tolas which was taken for my father hospital expenses last year and annual interest amount 45k for this I will keep 4k aside every month. My brother sends me 20k monthly his contribution as we both stay together. After paying the all this emis and monthly living cost like groceries, Electricity, internet and term plan 1500 per month after all I left with no money in my account and I have to completely dependent on my credit card on an average of 10k spending and that is turning huge junk in couple of months. I have cut down maximum expenses what I can. Please help me to get out of all this Should I take 1 home loan from other bank to close multiple loans so that I can get relief and have enough money. Or should I take 1 more additional top-up from L&t of 10 lakhs to close personal loan and gold loan. Should I take personal from other and of 4.5 lakhs for 5 years Or should I ask Personal loan bank to restructure my loan and increase the tenure to 5 years with approx emi of 10k for remaining 4.5 lakhs so that I have a buffer of 6k. I will get yearly hike next year and mostly I will promote to manager next year with combined hike of 20% and also I'm planning to switch my job this year. If I switch I will get in hand approximately 3 lakhs as F&f. If I get any relief i want to start a SIP with small amount and increase gradually in coming years. I need ur help kindly advise.
Ans: Hi,

You're badly trapped in the vicious debt cycle. Getting out of it needs a proper planning, strategy.
Please share the interest on each loan for me to help you in the best possible way.
Can book a 1:1 call with me or reach out on Instagram.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

..Read more

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Anu Krishna  |1746 Answers  |Ask -

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 08, 2025Hindi
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Hi i am 40M. would request your help to understand what should be the corpus required for retirement as i want to get retired in next 3-5yrs. currently my take home is 2.3L monthly & my wife also works but leaving the job in next 2-3 months. we have a daughter 10yrs, currently i stay on rent and total monthly expense is 1.1L month. once i will retire we will shift in our own parental flat, where hopefully there will be no rent. current Investments 1. 50L in REC bonds getting matured in 2029 2. 42L in stocks 3. 17L in MF 4. 16L FD 5. 15L in PPF 6. 1.3L SIP monthly i do My Wife Investments 1. 30L corpus 2. flat with current value 40L and we get rental of 10K monthly. Please guide what should be the retirement corpus required combined to retire, assuming i need 75L for my daughter post grad and marriage and we would be requiring 75K monthly for our expenses after retiring
Ans: You have explained your income, goals, current assets, and future plans with great clarity. Your early planning spirit is strong. This gives a very good base. You can reach a peaceful retirement with smart steps in the next few years.

» Your Current Position

You are 40 years old. You plan to retire in 3 to 5 years. You earn Rs 2.3 lakh per month. Your wife also works but will stop working soon. You have one daughter aged 10. Your current monthly cost is around Rs 1.1 lakh. This cost will reduce after retirement because you will shift to your parental flat.

Your investment base is already good. You have saved in bonds, stocks, mutual funds, PPF, FD, and SIP. Your wife also has her own savings and rental income from a flat. All these create a good starting point.

This early base helps you plan stronger. It also gives room for more shaping. You are on the right road.

» Your Family Goals

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s higher education and marriage.

You want Rs 75,000 per month for family living after retirement.

You want to retire in 3 to 5 years.

You will shift to your parental flat after retirement.

You will have rental income of Rs 10,000 from your wife’s flat.

These goals are clear. They give direction. They allow a strong plan.

» Your Present Investments

Your investments include:

Rs 50 lakh in REC bonds maturing in 2029.

Rs 42 lakh in stocks.

Rs 17 lakh in mutual funds.

Rs 16 lakh in fixed deposits.

Rs 15 lakh in PPF.

Rs 1.3 lakh as monthly SIP.

Your wife holds:

Rs 30 lakh corpus.

A flat worth Rs 40 lakh with rent of Rs 10,000 each month.

Your combined net worth is healthy. This gives good power to build your retirement fund in the coming years.

» Understanding Your Expense Need After Retirement

You expect Rs 75,000 per month after retirement. This includes all basic needs. You will not have rent. That reduces cost. This assumption looks fair today.

Your cost will rise with inflation. So you must plan for rising needs. A strong retirement corpus must support rising cost for 40 to 45 years because you are retiring early.

An early retirement needs a large buffer. So you need safety along with growth. Your plan must include growth assets and safety assets.

» How Much Monthly Income You Will Need Later

Rs 75,000 per month is Rs 9 lakh per year. In future years, this cost can rise. If we assume steady rise, your future cost will be much higher.

So the retirement corpus must be designed to:

Give monthly income.

Beat inflation.

Support you for 40 to 45 years.

Protect your family even in market down cycles.

Allow flexibility if your needs change.

A strong retirement fund must support both safety and long-term growth.

» How Much Corpus You Should Target

A safe target is a large and flexible corpus that can support long years without running out of money. For early retirement, the usual thumb rule suggests a very high number. This is because you need income for many decades.

You need a corpus big enough to produce rising income. You also need a cushion for unexpected health costs, lifestyle shocks, and inflation changes.

Your target retirement corpus should be in a strong range. For your needs of Rs 75,000 per month and for goals like daughter’s education and marriage, you should aim for a combined retirement readiness corpus in the higher bracket.

A safe range for your family would be a very large number crossing multiple crores. This large range gives you:

Income safety.

Inflation protection.

Peace during market cycles.

Comfort in long life.

Room for daughter’s future.

Strong backup for health.

You are already on the way due to your existing assets. You will reach close to this range with systematic building over the next 3 to 5 years.

» Why You Need This Larger Corpus

You will retire early. That means more years of living from your corpus. Your corpus must not fall early. It must grow even after retirement. It must give monthly income and long-term family protection.

This is only possible when the corpus is strong and well-structured. A weak corpus creates stress. A strong corpus creates freedom.

Also, your daughter’s future cost must be kept aside. This must be parked in a separate fund. This must not touch your retirement money.

A strong corpus makes these two worlds separate and safe.

» Your Existing Assets and Their Strength

You already have good diversification:

Bonds give safety.

Stocks give growth.

Mutual funds give managed growth.

FD gives stability.

PPF gives tax-free long-term savings.

This blend is already a good start. But you need to make the blend more structured for early retirement.

Your Rs 1.3 lakh monthly SIP is also strong. It builds your future fast. You should continue.

Your wife’s rental income is small but steady. This adds strength.

Your combined financial base can reach your retirement target if you refine your allocation now.

» Your Daughter’s Future Fund Need

You need Rs 75 lakh for your daughter’s education and marriage. You should keep this goal separate from your retirement goal.

Your current SIP and future allocations should create a dedicated fund for this goal. A long-term fund can grow well when managed actively.

Do not mix this fund with your retirement needs. Mixing leads to shortage in old age. Always keep this corpus ring-fenced.

» A Strong Asset Mix For Your Retirement Path

A balanced mix is needed. You need growth assets to beat inflation. You also need stable assets for income.

You must avoid index funds because they do not give flexibility. Index funds follow a fixed index. They cannot make active changes in different markets. They cannot move to better stocks when markets change. They force you to stay in weak sectors for long. They also do not help you in down cycles because they cannot protect you by shifting to safer options. This can hurt retirement planning.

Actively managed funds are better because:

They give active asset selection.

They give scope for better returns.

They give flexibility to change sectors.

They give downside management.

They give access to a skilled fund manager.

They support long-term planning more safely.

Direct plans also carry risk. Direct plans do not give guidance. They do not give behavioural support. They do not give market timing help. They do not give portfolio shaping. They leave all the judgement to you. One mistake can cost years of wealth.

Regular plans with guidance from a Certified Financial Planner help you shape decisions. They help you remain disciplined. They help you avoid panic. They help you decide allocation changes at the right time. This saves wealth in long-term.

» How Your Investment Journey Should Grow in the Next 3–5 Years

Continue your SIP.

Increase SIP when your income rises.

Shift part of your stock holding into planned long-term mutual funds to reduce concentration risk.

Build a defined daughter’s education fund.

Keep a part of your REC bond maturity amount for long-term.

Avoid locking too much into fixed deposits for long periods.

Build a safety fund for one year of expenses.

This will create a full structure.

» Your Rental Income Role

Your rental income of Rs 10,000 per month is small but steady. Over time it will rise. This income will support your monthly cash flow after retirement.

You can use this for utilities or health insurance premiums. This gives a cushion.

» Your Emergency Buffer

You should keep at least one year of essential cost in a safe place. This can be in a liquid account or short-term fund. This protects you in shocks.

Since you plan early retirement, a strong buffer is important. It gives peace even in low months.

» A Structured Retirement Approach

A complete retirement plan for you should include:

A clear monthly income plan after retirement.

A corpus that can grow and protect.

A rising income system that matches inflation.

A separate daughter’s future fund.

A health cover plan for your family.

A tax-efficient withdrawal plan.

A market cycle plan to protect you in tough times.

This holistic approach keeps your family strong for decades.

» What You Should Build by Retirement Year

Your aim should be to reach a strong multi-crore range in investments before retirement. You already hold a large amount. You will add more in the next 3 to 5 years through SIP, stock growth, bond maturity, and disciplined saving.

Once you reach your target range, you can start the shifting process:

Move a part to stable assets.

Keep a part in long-term growth assets.

Create a monthly income strategy.

Keep a reserve bucket.

Keep a child future bucket.

Keep a long-term growth bucket.

This structure protects you in all market conditions.

» Final Insights

Your financial journey is already strong. You have a good income. You have saved well. You have multiple asset types. You have a clear timeline. And you have clear goals. This foundation is solid.

In the next 3 to 5 years, your focus should be on growing your combined corpus to a strong multi-crore range, keeping a separate fund for your daughter, reducing risk in unplanned assets, and building a stable long-term structure.

With the present path and a disciplined structure, you can retire peacefully and support your family with confidence for many decades.

Best Regards,

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

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

...Read more

Samraat

Samraat Jadhav  |2499 Answers  |Ask -

Stock Market Expert - Answered on Dec 08, 2025

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10874 Answers  |Ask -

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

Money
Hello my name is saket, I monthly salary is 43k and my saving is zero. My Rent is 15 k and 10 k i send to my parents. How can i save money and investments.
Ans: 1. Your Current Monthly Numbers

Salary: Rs 43,000

Rent: Rs 15,000

Support to parents: Rs 10,000

Left with: Rs 18,000 for food, travel, bills, and savings

You have very little room, but saving is still possible if done smartly.

2. First Step: Build a Small Emergency Buffer

You must build Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 emergency money.
This protects you from taking loans for small issues.

How to build it:

Save Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 every month in a simple bank savings account

Do this for the next few months

Don’t touch it unless truly needed

3. Create a Mini Budget (Very Simple One)

Try this split from the remaining Rs 18,000:

Daily living (food + transport): Rs 10,000 – 11,000

Personal expenses (phone, internet, basics): Rs 3,000 – 4,000

Savings + investments: Rs 3,000 – 5,000

If this feels difficult, reduce food/transport costs by small adjustments.

4. Where to Invest Once You Have Emergency Money

(For minors: This is general education. For actual investing, get guidance from a trusted adult or family member.)

After you build emergency money, start small monthly investing.

You can begin with:

Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 SIP in a simple, diversified equity fund

Increase the SIP whenever salary increases or expenses reduce

Avoid complicated products.
Keep it simple.
Focus on consistency.

5. Easy Practical Ways to Increase Saving

These small moves help a lot:

Avoid food delivery

Use public transport as much as possible

Reduce subscriptions you don’t use

Fix a daily expense limit

Keep a separate bank account only for savings

Even Rs 200 saved daily = Rs 6,000 monthly.

6. Increase Income Slowly

Try small income boosters:

Weekend tutoring

Freelancing

Part-time projects

Selling old gadgets

Learning new skills for future salary growth

Even Rs 3,000 extra income changes your savings life.

7. Build the Habit First

The amount doesn’t matter in the beginning.
The habit matters more.

Even saving Rs 500 every month is better than zero.
Once salary grows, you will already know how to save.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...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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