I am 38 years old with a monthly income of 46000, I made some financial mistakes hence incurred a Personal Loan burden of 1147000, My wife is supporting me with a monthly inlet of 15000, I have cancelled my HDFC Regalia Credit card which had 200000 Credit limit, with only two Credit cards remaining which have 40000 combined, I am also looking for other job opportunities with a up skill, Pease suggest or advise on how I can overcome this financial mess I made for myself though I have some personal saving which sum up to 200000 as a Safety net,
Ans: Acknowledging the problem is the first big step.
Now let’s work on a clear, step-by-step recovery plan.
You can definitely come out of this situation.
Let’s take a 360-degree approach to your finances.
Understanding Your Present Situation
Your age: 38 years
Monthly salary: Rs 46,000
Wife’s contribution: Rs 15,000 monthly
Combined income: Rs 61,000 monthly
Personal loan burden: Rs 11,47,000
Credit cards active: Two with Rs 40,000 combined limit
Credit card cancelled: HDFC Regalia of Rs 2 lakh limit
Emergency fund: Rs 2 lakh in savings
Job switch and upskilling: Actively exploring
You are under financial pressure due to loan EMIs.
But you have stable income and support from spouse.
You also have Rs 2 lakh as a safety net.
You have started taking action, which is very important.
Step-by-Step Actions to Fix the Situation
1. Assess Your Loan EMI Structure Clearly
Find the interest rate and tenure of your personal loan
Check your exact EMI amount and the number of EMIs pending
Don’t miss a single EMI – protect your credit score
Avoid increasing EMI just to close early – it may hurt cash flow
Don't take a top-up or consolidate using credit card – risky move
If possible, speak with the lender and check:
Is there a lower interest loan balance transfer available?
Can the tenure be extended slightly to reduce EMI?
Can you part pre-pay using Rs 2 lakh in savings later?
Keep in mind: Safety net must be preserved till things improve
Use prepayment only if your income becomes stable
2. Control and Monitor All Household Expenses
Create a monthly budget for your household
Prioritise essentials – food, rent, utilities, children’s needs
Stop all luxury or non-essential spending temporarily
Avoid online shopping and impulse buys
Don’t use credit cards for new expenses
Avoid EMI-based purchases
Track expenses using an app or notebook.
If possible, reduce your monthly lifestyle cost by 15–20%
Use wife’s Rs 15,000 monthly only for planned expenses
Keep your income primarily for loan repayment
3. Stop All New Investments or SIPs Temporarily
At this stage, no SIPs or fresh investments needed
Focus 100% on debt repayment and emergency corpus
Pause all investment activity
Restart only when loan EMI is manageable
4. Build a Simple Emergency Buffer
You already have Rs 2 lakh in savings
Keep Rs 1 lakh in a liquid mutual fund or savings account
Keep Rs 1 lakh in sweep-in FD or ultra short fund
This should only be used if:
There is a health emergency
You lose your job
Unexpected family crisis
Don’t use this for EMI or regular spending
5. Stay Away from Credit Cards for Now
You have two cards with Rs 40,000 limit
Do not use them unless it’s an emergency
Don’t carry any outstanding balance
Pay entire bill before due date
Avoid using credit cards for EMI or cash withdrawal
Do not apply for new credit cards
That increases your credit enquiry and reduces your score
Use debit card for all regular spends
6. Plan a Structured Prepayment Strategy
Once you increase income or get a bonus, follow this order:
Prepay 10–15% of loan principal every 6 months
This will reduce total interest paid
Don’t touch emergency fund unless absolutely safe to do so
Keep track of reducing principal after each prepayment
Try to close personal loan in 2.5–3.5 years
Don’t aim for faster closure unless income improves
Maintain balance between mental peace and financial burden
7. Income Growth Is the Real Solution
You mentioned you're looking for better job
That is very important now
Focus areas:
Upgrade skills in your domain
Take short-term certifications (affordable ones)
Build resume, network actively, use LinkedIn
Join online webinars and hiring platforms
Explore weekend freelancing if skilled in writing, editing, etc.
Even a 20–30% jump in salary will make things easy
Don't delay this – start today
Once income increases:
Increase prepayments
Start fresh SIPs of Rs 1,000–2,000
Build investment portfolio slowly again
8. Don't Consider Index Funds or Direct Plans Later
Once you start investing again, avoid index funds
They don’t protect in down markets
No human judgment in allocation
They fall fully with the market
Actively managed mutual funds are better
They give better returns through strategy
They handle volatility more smartly
Also, avoid direct plans in future
They look cheaper but have major issues:
No expert support or advice
No goal mapping
No exit strategy
No emotional guidance during market fall
Use regular plans via Certified Financial Planner and MFD
They give structure, planning, review, and support
9. Think Mental Health Also
You may feel regret and pressure
That’s natural – you are human
Speak to someone if stress builds up
Stay positive and take one step at a time
Do not compare with others
You are already on the right path
Keep your partner in the loop
Work as a team – not alone
Finally
You made some mistakes, but you are already correcting them
You have income, support, and a small cushion
Avoid new debt and focus on repaying current loan
Stop credit card use and luxury expenses
Upgrade skills and change job as soon as possible
Rebuild investments once loan is handled
Avoid index and direct mutual funds later
Invest via CFP and stay consistent
This phase will pass
Take control with small daily steps
Your future can still be very bright
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment