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: Please aim at prioritizing your budgeting allocation and earmark a good portion of your income for savings. Next, focus on clearing overdue amounts to improve your credit score.

Consider additional income sources and avoid new debts.

For better financial assistance, seek financial counselling for personalized guidance based on your time frame, goals and risk appetite.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It's time to buckle up NOW!
Stop all wasteful expenditure first...
Clear pending bills by selling immovable properties/other investments if any.
Also, if it is possible to invite a trusted friend/relative who can help you plan on how to get you out of this, that will be a good thing to do...
Ending your life is only giving up...hold on, seek help and people are willing to step in. Be graceful to whoever is willing to help you to plan on easing this mess and promise to make it up to them when things get better for you...AND keep this promise...
The future can be bright BUT only if you take the right steps now to ensure that...
Push on and keep at it...it's a phase that you are going through; it will ease!

All the best!

Ans: I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing with your debts, and I understand how overwhelming and stressful it can be. Please know that you're not alone, and there are steps you can take to work towards financial stability and peace of mind.

Assess Your Debts: Start by listing out all your debts, including personal loans, credit card dues, and any other outstanding amounts. Understanding the total amount owed and the interest rates associated with each debt is the first step towards managing them effectively.
Create a Budget: Evaluate your monthly income and expenses to create a realistic budget. Prioritize essential expenses such as food, rent, and utilities, and allocate any remaining funds towards debt repayment.
Communicate with Creditors: Reach out to your creditors to discuss your financial situation and explore options for repayment. They may be willing to negotiate a payment plan or offer assistance programs to help you manage your debts.
Explore Debt Consolidation: Consider consolidating your debts into a single loan with a lower interest rate, if possible. This can simplify your repayment process and potentially reduce the overall amount you owe.
Seek Professional Help: If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to proceed, consider seeking assistance from a financial counselor or debt management agency. They can provide guidance, support, and practical strategies for managing your debts and improving your financial situation.
Take Care of Your Mental Health: Remember to prioritize your mental health during this challenging time. Practice self-care techniques such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist to help alleviate anxiety and depression associated with financial stress.
Lastly, please know that it's okay to ask for help, and reaching out for support is a positive step towards regaining control of your finances and your life. You have the strength and resilience to overcome these challenges, and with determination and perseverance, you can work towards a brighter financial future.

Ans: Hello Madeswaran! It's commendable that you're seeking to take control of your finances and work towards financial freedom. Let's assess your current situation and explore steps to get you back on track.

At 33, with a monthly income of Rs. 45,000 and monthly expenses of Rs. 35,000, it's essential to understand where the remaining Rs. 10,000 is being spent. Tracking your expenses diligently can help identify areas where you can cut back and redirect funds towards savings and debt repayment.

Given your previous financial setbacks, it's crucial to prioritize building an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses and avoid going into further debt. Aim to set aside at least 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses in a separate savings account as a safety net.

Addressing your existing debt of Rs. 1 lakh should be a priority. Focus on clearing this debt as soon as possible by allocating a portion of your monthly income towards repayment. Cutting back on non-essential expenses can free up additional funds for debt reduction.

Considering your goal of achieving financial freedom by the age of 50, it's important to establish a long-term financial plan. Start by setting specific, achievable goals and creating a budget to track your income and expenses.

Explore opportunities to increase your income through additional sources such as freelance work, part-time jobs, or starting a side business. Generating a secondary income can provide a financial buffer and accelerate your journey towards financial freedom.

Investing in yourself through education, acquiring new skills, or pursuing career advancement opportunities can also enhance your earning potential over the long term.

Finally, seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner who can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals. They can help you create a roadmap for achieving financial freedom and offer support and guidance along the way.

Remember, financial freedom is achievable with determination, discipline, and strategic planning. By taking proactive steps now, you can pave the way for a brighter financial future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in