I lost 2.25Cr trading, salary to EMIs; how can I escape?

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