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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 01, 2023

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
Vikash Question by Vikash on Oct 30, 2023Hindi
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Money

Sir, I have lost about 12lacs in trading and whenever I go to recover it I loose more, what is the best way to get out of it and regain my financial health?

Ans: Vikash,
Trading is a Zero-sum game. Money is just getting rotated from one trader to the other trader. Money is not getting generated. The only person who makes regular income in trading is the broker.

So instead of trading, please consider, long term investing via mutual funds.
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  |10870 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2025Hindi
Money
I made very huge mistake, first I started trading in share market without knowledge and lost 1.5Cr last yr all on loan and now again 70L gone in Forex and crypto this year. I hv a salary of 2.27 monthly all goes in EMI and intrest. I am trapped in the loans and finding it very stressful. I should hv taken calculated risk instead of risking everything including my family future. Total 2.25Cr outstanding loan with average intrest of 13% Please suggest how to get out of this trap.
Ans: You have total outstanding loans of Rs. 2.25 crore.

The average interest rate is high at 13%.

Your monthly salary of Rs. 2.27 lakh is going towards EMIs and interest.

Losses from trading in share market, forex, and crypto are significant.

It’s natural to feel stressed and regretful.

Appreciate your honesty and willingness to correct this.

Let’s plan a path to reduce stress and regain financial stability.

Immediate Steps for Debt Management
First, list down all loans with outstanding amounts and EMIs.

Include interest rates and remaining tenure for each loan.

Focus on paying off high-interest loans first.

Avoid further loans or borrowing for investments.

Do not enter forex, crypto, or high-risk trading again.

A Certified Financial Planner can help restructure your debt.

Explore Loan Restructuring Options
Speak to lenders to restructure your loans.

Request for extended tenures to reduce EMI burden.

Try to negotiate lower interest rates if possible.

Banks may allow temporary moratoriums in genuine hardship cases.

Always explain your situation honestly to lenders.

Create a Practical Monthly Budget
List all essential monthly expenses: rent, food, utilities, children’s needs.

Allocate minimum for discretionary expenses like entertainment.

Whatever is left should go towards loan EMIs and savings.

Track expenses closely to avoid leaks.

Increase Income Wherever Possible
Explore part-time work or freelance projects for extra income.

Any additional money should go to paying down high-interest loans.

Avoid using extra income for new risky investments.

Avoid High-Risk Trading and Speculative Investments
You lost large amounts due to unplanned trades and speculation.

Trading without knowledge is dangerous and not reliable for wealth building.

Stop forex and crypto trading entirely.

Stocks can be risky if not managed well.

Prefer regulated instruments like mutual funds managed by professionals.

Certified Financial Planners recommend actively managed mutual funds for steady growth.

Systematic Investment in Mutual Funds
Avoid direct equity investments without proper knowledge.

Mutual funds managed by professionals can help build wealth steadily.

Regular mutual fund investments through a CFP ensure a disciplined approach.

Actively managed funds try to beat the market, unlike index funds.

Index funds only copy the market; they don’t adapt to changes.

Regular mutual fund investments via CFP are better than direct funds.

Direct funds lack ongoing guidance and emotional support during volatility.

Protecting Your Family’s Financial Future
Ensure your family’s basic needs and future goals are safeguarded.

Health insurance for your family is a must to avoid medical shocks.

If you have dependents, get term insurance for life protection.

Avoid mixing insurance and investment in one policy.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner
A CFP can create a detailed debt repayment plan.

They will help with loan restructuring and prioritising payments.

They can plan your investments for safety and long-term growth.

They give unbiased advice and guide you through financial decisions.

Psychological and Emotional Support
Financial stress can be heavy on your mind.

Speak to family or trusted friends to ease the emotional burden.

Seek professional help if stress feels unmanageable.

Remember, mistakes happen but taking corrective steps is key.

Steps to Control Spending and Improve Cash Flow
Limit lifestyle expenses to bare essentials.

Cut out luxury or non-essential spending completely.

Use budgeting tools to monitor every rupee spent.

Keep a record of income and outflows for better visibility.

Loan Consolidation as an Option
Consider consolidating high-interest loans into one lower-interest loan.

This may help reduce EMI burden and simplify repayments.

Discuss with a CFP or bank for consolidation feasibility.

Always read terms carefully before consolidating.

Long-Term Approach to Rebuild Wealth
Wealth rebuilding will take time, but discipline and patience are vital.

Set realistic long-term goals for retirement, children’s education, and other needs.

Use disciplined, systematic investments to meet these goals.

Avoid short-term get-rich schemes.

Avoid Future Pitfalls
Do not chase risky investments or get-rich-quick schemes again.

Avoid unsolicited tips or social media financial influencers.

Stick to safe, professionally managed investments.

Don’t invest borrowed money in stock markets or crypto.

Building a Financial Safety Net
Slowly build an emergency fund in savings or liquid mutual funds.

Emergency fund should cover 6-12 months of expenses.

This buffer helps avoid future debt traps.

Final Insights
You have faced tough financial setbacks.

Appreciate your courage in seeking solutions now.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to prioritise loan repayment.

Avoid risky trades and focus on building a secure, steady future.

Discipline, realistic goals, and professional advice are your tools to recover.

Financial stability will take time but it is possible with these steps.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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My married ex still texts me for comfort. Because of him, I am unable to move on. He makes me feel guilty by saying he got married out of family pressure. His dad is a cardiac patient and mom is being treated for cancer. He comforts me by saying he will get separated soon and we will get married because he only loves me. We have been in a relationship for 14 years and despite everything we tried, his parents refused to accept me, so he chose to get married to someone who understands our situation. I don't know when he will separate from his wife. She knows about us too but she comes from a traditional family. She also confirmed there is no physical intimacy between them. I trust him, but is it worth losing my youth for him? Honestly, I am worried and very confused.
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I understand how difficult it is to let go of a relationship you have built from scratch, but is it really how you want to continue? It really seems to be going nowhere. His parents are already in bad health and he married someone else for their happiness. Does it seem like he will be able to leave her? So many people’s happiness and lives depend on this one decision. I think it’s about time you and your BF have a clear conversation about the same. If he can’t give a proper timeline, please try to understand his situation. But also make sure he understands yours and maybe rethink this equation. It really isn’t healthy. You deserve a love you can have wholly, and not just in pieces, and in the shadows.

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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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