Dear Mr Anil, I read your column with lot of interest. It is really very useful info.

My son and daughter were working in India and contributed for 2 years and 3 years in NPS 1 and 2. My son went to USA for studies and now started working; my daughter too is working in USA after marriage. They both also have PF accounts.

We have so far contributed to all these 3 schemes i.e. NPS1, 2 (aprrox 10K to 20K pa) and 1.5L each to PPF accounts so far. But, there is a doubt now due to their converting into NRI status.

Can they continue contributions to NPS 1, 2 and PPF accounts? They are filing returns so far but with NIL income (there is only a small interest income from their NRO accounts). We cannot even withdraw amount from NPS1.

Look forward to your expert opinion.

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Ans: JEE Link? Please ask your question in detail. Visit NTA Website.

Ans: You have taken the first step by recognising the need to plan. It’s essential to appreciate your intention to secure your financial future. Let’s look at how you can proceed to achieve your short-term and long-term goals.

Your current take-home salary is Rs 53,000, and your EPF contribution is Rs 4,900. However, you lack savings, investments, and an emergency fund. Here's a step-by-step strategy:

Build an Emergency Fund
Set aside funds to cover at least six months' expenses.

Start by saving 10-15% of your salary monthly into a high-interest savings account.

Use Recurring Deposits or Liquid Mutual Funds to maintain this fund for emergencies.

Secure Yourself with Insurance
Health insurance: Maintain your company health policy but add a personal health policy. Choose a policy offering a sum insured of Rs 10-15 lakh.

Term insurance: Buy a term plan covering 10-15 times your annual income. Keep the policy simple and avoid investment-linked insurance.

Budget Your Income
Allocate your income carefully for expenses, savings, and investments.

Use the 50-30-20 rule: 50% for needs, 30% for wants, and 20% for savings and investments.

Avoid unnecessary expenses to increase your saving capacity.

Start Investing Gradually
Short-term goals (1-5 years): Invest in debt funds or recurring deposits. Debt mutual funds are good for stable returns.

Long-term goals (5+ years): Invest in equity mutual funds for higher returns. Choose actively managed funds with consistent performance.

Avoid index funds. Actively managed funds have a better potential for higher returns through professional fund management.

Retirement Planning
Utilise the EPF for retirement. Your current contribution will grow over time with compounding.

Consider investing in diversified equity mutual funds for additional retirement savings.

Corporate NPS: You can explore NPS for its tax-saving benefits. However, don’t rely solely on it for retirement.

Tax-Saving Investments
Use Section 80C to save taxes up to Rs 1.5 lakh.

EPF, PPF, ELSS mutual funds, and life insurance premiums can qualify under this section.

Opt for ELSS funds for tax saving and wealth creation.

Review Existing Expenses
Evaluate and minimise unnecessary expenditures.

Avoid loans for discretionary spending like vacations or gadgets.

Advantages of Using a Certified Financial Planner
A CFP can help you plan holistically and ensure you stick to your goals.

They provide tailored strategies, ensuring proper fund allocation and monitoring.

Invest through a Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP credentials to access professional advice.

Key Steps for Discipline
Automate investments through SIPs in mutual funds.

Track your monthly budget and investment progress regularly.

Avoid direct funds. Regular funds offer professional guidance and fund distributor support.

Tax Implications
For equity mutual funds, LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh attracts 12.5% tax.

STCG on equity funds is taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income slab. Consider these while investing.

Final Insights
You are in the right direction by seeking advice now. Build a solid foundation with savings, insurance, and investments. Take small steps toward financial independence.

Remain consistent with your investments, and review your financial plan annually.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Hi
you have to write the year when you first appeared 12th.

Ans: Hi Shreya
If you are preparing well for JEE MAIN then BITSAT will be easier for you. JEE ADV requires a completely different outlook and approach as it is considered one of the toughest examinations in the world.

In comparison to ADV, the SAT will be very easy for you. But studying undergrad in USA is a very costly affair, if finances are no issue for you then you can go ahead with it.

Recently BITS campuses have started integrated programs with foreign universities wherein you study 2 years in India & 2 years abroad.

Providing a complete road map is not possible here, but I must say that for JEE MAIN sticking to NCERT & PYQs will be very helpful to you.

Ans: Hi Sudhir
don't worry about the placements first. Ask your son to build a good portfolio in engineering. Work on projects in & out, present papers, participate in workshops of coding etc. Even if not many companies visit the campus or lower average package these skills will make him sail through the career. 1st year may be a bit hard for him after placements but with these skills & knowledge, he will shine wherever he goes.

If he clears his dream of NDA or SSB then there is no issue.

All the best.

Ans: Hi Bhima
I must say you have got perseverance & I appreciate your parent's trust in you. You have already appeared multiple times and you are going to appear again in 2025. By the time you will be 25 years old. They say there is no age to learn. But after getting admission you need another 10 years to practice as a qualified specialist. Make sure you take admission in the next session.

If higher cutoff & high fees of private colleges are an issue for you, then try exploring the MBBS abroad option, I can help with that too. Since NEXT is compulsory for Indian & Foreign graduates too it won't make a difference if you study in India or Abroad.

For time forget all the societal pressure and give your 100% and make your parents proud.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I think I have answered your question previously as well. If you are so conflicted about getting intimate, then you should take it as a sign to slow things down. And what do you mean that your ex is provoking you? No one, man or woman, should provoke, manipulate, or force someone into getting physically intimate. It should be your decision and yours alone.
I hope this helps.

Best Wishes.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I understand how conflicted you must be feeling right now, and I am sorry that you are going through this. I wish I could tell you what would be the right thing to do, but it has to be your decision and yours alone. All I can suggest is to take a beat and not rush into deciding anything.

Take everything into consideration-
On the one hand, infidelity is indeed unacceptable in a relationship. But on the other, it was in the initial stage. He might not have been as serious about the relationship as you during those days. Nevertheless, the timing does not make his action justifiable. I suggest you have an open conversation and ask him why he felt the need to do this. Ask him if he did not consider your feelings. What's concerning is that he did not stop after the first time; he went back twice more. I am not judging his choice of location but the fact that he was in a committed relationship puts him in the wrong. Also, blaming it on peer pressure is inexcusable; this isn't something funny or trivial he did because his friends dared him to. Ask him to take accountability and understand that actions have consequences.

Take it one day at a time. Whatever you decide is okay. And if at any point you want to pick yourself over the relationship, I want you to understand that it is completely alright. You will feel like it's a selfish decision, but it isn't. Remember that. Please do what you need to help you heal from this.

Best Wishes.