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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2025

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
Ravi Question by Ravi on Jun 05, 2025Hindi
Money

Hi Mr Hemant, thanks for your time and my question is regarding my properties and planning for it. I have 3 properties in Pune. Property no 1 is commercial having value around Rs 1.5 Cr and giving me rental of Rs 70k per month. Property 2 is a flat and having value around Rs 1.5 Cr and giving me rental of Rs 55k. Third property is again flat and having value around Rs 4 Cr and I am staying in this property. There is no loan on property 1 and 2 but there is loan of Rs 1.5 Cr (EMI is Rs 1.5L pm) on property 3 where I am staying. My question is whether I should sell either property 1 or 2 and clear the loan on property 3 OR continue rental on property 1&2 and keep paying EMI on third property? Thanks in advance.

Ans: You are holding three properties. One is self-occupied. Two are rented. Your total loan is Rs. 1.5 Cr. The EMI is Rs. 1.5 lakh per month. Rental income from other two properties is Rs. 1.25 lakh monthly. That is a healthy cash flow. Let us understand your situation step by step and give you a 360-degree assessment.

Family Real Estate Portfolio Overview

Property 1 is commercial.

It is valued around Rs. 1.5 Cr.

It gives you Rs. 70,000 monthly rent.

Property 2 is a residential flat.

It is valued around Rs. 1.5 Cr.

It gives you Rs. 55,000 monthly rent.

Property 3 is where you stay.

It is worth Rs. 4 Cr.

It has a home loan of Rs. 1.5 Cr.

EMI is Rs. 1.5 lakh monthly.

Cash Flow and Liquidity Status

Rental income from Property 1 and 2 is Rs. 1.25 lakh per month.

Home loan EMI on Property 3 is Rs. 1.5 lakh per month.

Net outflow is Rs. 25,000 per month.

No loan on Property 1 and 2.

That reduces overall financial pressure.

The situation is manageable but not ideal.

Key Factors to Evaluate

Before making a decision, we must analyse:

Liquidity

Risk

Taxation

Growth

Opportunity cost

Long-term comfort

Option 1: Sell Property 1 or 2 to Clear the Loan

Let us evaluate this.

Advantages of Loan Closure

Monthly EMI burden of Rs. 1.5 lakh goes away.

You feel financially relaxed.

No pressure of interest payment.

Loan-free home ownership feels peaceful.

No risk of default or bank stress.

Disadvantages of Selling Now

Property 1 gives Rs. 70,000 rent.

Property 2 gives Rs. 55,000 rent.

Combined rent is Rs. 1.25 lakh monthly.

This income may increase over time.

If you sell now, that income stops.

You lose asset appreciation potential.

If reinvested wrongly, wealth may reduce.

Option 2: Continue Holding All Three and Keep Paying EMI

Let us see this path now.

Advantages of Holding Properties

Rent from Property 1 and 2 supports EMI.

Your net monthly outflow is just Rs. 25,000.

Home value may rise further.

You retain three high-value assets.

Diversification across two asset types.

Risks in This Route

Home loan interest eats into returns.

You bear maintenance, tax, and tenant risk.

No tax benefit if loan is on self-occupied property and deduction limit crossed.

Rental yields may stagnate.

Real estate is illiquid.

Sale may not happen at ideal price when needed.

Important: Real Estate Is Not a Liquid or Efficient Investment

You cannot sell part of the property.

You cannot access money quickly.

It carries high stamp duty and tax cost.

Repairs and upkeep add hidden cost.

It is not passive.

Asset value appreciation is not guaranteed.

Hence, you must not look at real estate as primary investment.

Should You Sell and Repay Loan?

This depends on your life goals. Let’s break this down:

Sell If:

Your cash flow is tight every month.

You are approaching retirement soon.

Your risk appetite is reducing.

You don’t want liability burden anymore.

You are ready to shift surplus to other investments.

Hold If:

Your income is stable and growing.

You don’t need lump sum cash immediately.

You have other investments already in place.

You are comfortable managing properties.

You are planning to pass them to heirs.

Suggested 360-Degree Path Forward

Instead of choosing one side completely, consider this middle path:

Sell one property – preferably Property 1 (commercial).

Clear part or full home loan.

Keep Property 2 for passive rental income.

That way, your EMI pressure reduces.

You also stay invested in rental income.

Invest part of proceeds in equity mutual funds.

Build liquidity and diversification.

This is a balanced approach.
It creates mix of rental income, debt freedom, and investment growth.

Avoid Real Estate as Core Retirement Asset

It is illiquid.

No monthly drawdown flexibility.

No emergency support.

Cannot meet lifestyle funding in retirement.

So, even if you keep one property, don’t rely on real estate only.
Invest in long-term mutual funds through regular plans.
Work with a Certified Financial Planner and MFD for long-term guidance.

Avoid Index Funds for Retirement Purpose

Index funds don’t adjust for market downsides.

They follow market passively.

No manager filters bad-performing stocks.

In bear markets, losses are sharp.

For retirement, you need capital protection and steady growth.

Actively managed mutual funds offer better risk-managed approach.

Fund manager acts as a cushion in falling market.

Don’t Use Direct Mutual Funds Without Guidance

Direct plans may look cheaper.

But they don’t give personal advice.

No rebalancing.

No retirement drawdown planning.

No behavioural support in volatile times.

Regular funds through Certified Financial Planner ensure proper structure.

They add value beyond cost.

If You Have LIC or Investment-Insurance Mix Policies

If any of your assets include:

LIC endowment

ULIPs

Traditional plans

Then review those now.
Their returns are usually 4% to 5%.
That’s not enough for long-term wealth creation.
Surrender them if lock-in is over.
Invest proceeds in equity mutual funds for better returns.

Retirement Planning Should Be Separate

Repaying home loan is one goal.

Building retirement corpus is different.

Don’t mix both.

Create a retirement corpus through mutual funds.

Keep rental income only as bonus income.

Don’t rely fully on real estate in retirement.

MF Capital Gains Tax Rules

Equity mutual funds LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG taxed at 20%.

Plan your withdrawals carefully.

Debt fund capital gains are taxed as per slab.

Retirement portfolio must be tax efficient.

Keep These Points in Mind

Maintain emergency fund.

Keep home insurance and medical insurance active.

Don’t keep all wealth in real estate.

Don’t make emotional decisions with property.

Think practically, not sentimentally.

Always look at returns, liquidity, and tax impact.

Finally

You can either:

Sell one property and clear loan
Or

Keep all and manage EMI through rental

But do not keep all eggs in one basket.
Real estate is not efficient for long-term wealth.
Free up capital, reduce debt, and invest smartly.
Use mutual funds for long-term goals.
Avoid index and direct funds.
Get expert help through Certified Financial Planner.
Think with long-term lens.
That brings peace and freedom.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
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  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 16, 2024Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, i have got three properties (Property 1,Flat, value around 1.5 Cr. no loan. Property 2,Office, value around 2 Cr, no loan. Property 3,Flat, Value around 4 Crs, loan 1.5 Crs). I am staying currently in property 1 and planning to shift to property 3. Rental expected from property 1 and 2 is 50k and 80k respectively. So question is should i continue the loan on property 3 or should I clear that loan by selling either of property 1 or 2.Thanks in advance.
Ans: Understanding Your Current Scenario
You own three properties with no loans on two of them:

Property 1 (Flat): Valued at Rs 1.5 crore.
Property 2 (Office): Valued at Rs 2 crore.
Property 3 (Flat): Valued at Rs 4 crore, with a Rs 1.5 crore loan.
You are planning to shift from Property 1 to Property 3. You also expect rental income of Rs 50,000 from Property 1 and Rs 80,000 from Property 2.

Loan Repayment or Continuing EMI: Factors to Consider
Here are some key aspects you need to evaluate before deciding to sell or continue the loan:

1. Interest on the Loan
The first question is: What is the interest rate on your home loan for Property 3? If the interest rate is high, clearing the loan might make sense.
If your loan interest rate is below 8%, the loan cost is relatively low. You could consider continuing the loan and using your surplus for better investments that generate higher returns.
2. Rental Income Stability
You are getting a rental income of Rs 1.3 lakh from Property 1 and 2 combined. This is a steady income stream that can support your monthly EMIs or other expenses.
If you sell one of these properties, you will lose this stable rental income. Consider how this will affect your long-term cash flow.
3. Opportunity Cost of Selling the Properties
Selling Property 1 or 2 will give you liquidity to clear the loan on Property 3. However, this would result in the loss of rental income of Rs 50,000 or Rs 80,000.
Think about the potential appreciation of these properties. If you expect significant future value increase, holding onto them may be wise.
4. Capital Gains Tax Consideration
If you sell either property, you will need to pay capital gains tax. The tax implications can reduce the actual amount you get from the sale.
Before making a decision, calculate the tax you will need to pay on selling the property, especially if the property has appreciated significantly.
5. Emotional Factor and Usage
Consider how emotionally attached you are to these properties. Would selling a property you’ve lived in or used for a long time affect your decision?
Also, think about how you may want to use these properties in the future. If Property 2 is an office, will it have future business use?
Benefits of Keeping the Loan
Keeping the loan on Property 3 can be a smart option if:

The interest rate on the loan is low.
You can comfortably pay the EMIs from your rental income or other sources.
You want to hold onto your properties for long-term capital appreciation.
Benefits of Clearing the Loan
Clearing the loan by selling Property 1 or 2 might make sense if:

The interest rate on the loan is high and you want to avoid paying interest over a long period.
You prefer a debt-free lifestyle and don’t want the burden of monthly EMIs.
You can sell the property without significant tax losses or future appreciation concerns.
Analyzing Each Option
Option 1: Continue the Loan on Property 3
You keep both Property 1 and 2 and continue earning Rs 1.3 lakh in rental income.
Use this rental income to cover a portion of the EMI on Property 3.
Over time, property prices are likely to appreciate, giving you more equity on these assets.
This option is ideal if you have a low-interest loan and prefer to hold onto your assets.
Option 2: Sell Property 1 or 2 to Clear the Loan
You become debt-free by selling either Property 1 or 2.
However, you lose the rental income from the property you sell.
You might face capital gains tax, which will reduce the actual liquidity you get.
This option works if you want to eliminate your loan burden and don’t mind sacrificing rental income.
Rental Yield vs Loan Interest
Another point to evaluate is the rental yield.

If the rental yield (rental income as a percentage of property value) is higher than your loan interest rate, it may be more profitable to continue with the loan. If it is lower, you may want to consider clearing the loan.

For example, if your rental yield is 3% and your loan interest rate is 8%, the loan costs are higher. In this case, clearing the loan might be a better option.

Tax Deduction on Loan Interest
Don't forget that home loan interest payments qualify for tax deductions under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act. If you fall in a high tax bracket, you might get significant tax relief by continuing the loan. This could make the loan cheaper overall.

Finally
Making this decision requires balancing your long-term financial goals and current financial comfort. It’s not just about clearing the loan but about ensuring that your assets and cash flows are optimized for the future.

If your loan interest rate is low and you can comfortably pay the EMI, consider keeping the loan. The rental income you have is steady, and property values are likely to appreciate.

If the loan interest rate is high or the EMI feels burdensome, you might want to clear the loan by selling one of your properties. But do keep in mind the tax implications and the long-term benefits of retaining your properties.

I recommend speaking to a Certified Financial Planner to analyze this further, as personal financial situations can vary greatly.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 30, 2025

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Money
I have a purchased a 2 BHK house in Ulwe Navi Mumbai which is under construction & may get possession by Dec2026. For this home loan is 74 lacs & emi is 66K per month. I also have another 1 bhk in same area which is loan free, so my question is what should be my approach for future? Should I sell my 1 BHK (the value could be 50 lacs), once I get the possession of new house to repay the loan on new house OR I should continue to pay EMI give this old 1BHK on rent (Rent could be 12K/month) by this way I can also save capital tax gain, please suggest. The property rates are going to be on higher side in future in this area since this is the area where Atal setu & Airport is being constructed, please advise. Thanks.
Ans: Understanding Your Current Situation
You own two properties in Ulwe, Navi Mumbai.

1 BHK: Loan-free, market value Rs. 50 lakhs, potential rent Rs. 12K/month.

2 BHK (Under Construction): Home loan of Rs. 74 lakhs, EMI Rs. 66K/month, possession by Dec 2026.

You believe property rates will rise due to infrastructure projects like Atal Setu & Airport.

Key Factors to Consider
1. Loan Burden & Interest Cost
Your EMI of Rs. 66K/month is a significant financial commitment.

Over 20-25 years, total interest paid can exceed Rs. 70-90 lakhs.

Selling your 1 BHK and prepaying part of the 2 BHK loan can reduce this burden.

2. Rental Income vs Loan Cost
Rental income: Rs. 12K/month (Rs. 1.44 lakhs per year).

EMI: Rs. 66K/month (Rs. 7.92 lakhs per year).

Your rental yield is just 2.8% annually, while the home loan interest is around 8-9%.

Keeping the 1 BHK does not provide strong financial benefits.

3. Capital Gains Tax on Selling 1 BHK
If sold after holding for more than 2 years, you qualify for long-term capital gains tax (LTCG).

LTCG tax is 20% with indexation benefit.

Reinvesting in your 2 BHK loan is NOT eligible for capital gains tax exemption.

To save LTCG tax, you can invest in capital gain bonds (under Section 54EC).

4. Future Property Value Appreciation
Future appreciation is uncertain. While infrastructure development helps, property cycles do not guarantee constant growth.

Navi Mumbai’s market is already seeing a high supply of properties. Short-term gains may not be significant.

Holding an extra property is only beneficial if the price rise is higher than loan interest + maintenance costs.

What Should Be Your Approach?
Option 1: Sell 1 BHK and Reduce Loan (Recommended)
Sell the 1 BHK after possession of the 2 BHK (to avoid uncertainty in under-construction delays).

Use Rs. 50 lakhs to partially prepay the 2 BHK loan.

Loan burden reduces significantly, EMI can reduce by nearly Rs. 35K-40K per month.

Invest the remaining capital gain in tax-saving bonds to avoid tax.

Option 2: Retain 1 BHK & Continue Paying EMI
Keep 1 BHK for rental income (Rs. 12K/month).

Continue paying full EMI of Rs. 66K/month.

Property value may or may not rise as expected.

Low rental yield & high EMI stress make this a weaker option.

Final Insights
Financially, selling the 1 BHK and reducing the loan is better.

Lower EMI = More financial flexibility for future investments.

Holding both properties only makes sense if appreciation is very strong.

If selling, plan capital gains tax exemption wisely.

Real estate is not the best long-term investment compared to equity & mutual funds.

Reducing home loan burden improves cash flow & future financial security.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 07, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 07, 2025Hindi
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"I own a property in a prime location in Bangalore, within a gated society, and it is within walking distance from an IT SEZ. This property generates a rental income of Rs 50k per month. I also have another property near a SEZ in another metro city, which is also in a gated society and provides a good rental income. I intend to keep this property for my daughter. Currently, I am planning to construct a house in my home capital city for my own stay, along with three additional flats for rental income. I have sufficient funds for the construction. I do not have any loans and, apart from the construction expenses, I have additional investments worth more than 1 crore in mutual funds, stocks, fixed deposits, and provident funds. Given my financial situation, would it be wise to sell the property in Bangalore and earn interest or should I continue earning rental income and the future prospect. Thank you
Ans: Your financial position is strong. You have multiple income sources and no loans. You are also constructing a new house with rental units.

The key question is whether selling the Bangalore property is a better financial decision. Let’s analyze from different angles.

1. Financial Stability and Liquidity
You already have a steady rental income from multiple properties.

Your investments are diversified across mutual funds, stocks, fixed deposits, and provident funds.

You have sufficient funds for the new construction.

There is no immediate need to sell for liquidity.

Keeping the property may provide stable, passive income for years.

2. Rental Income vs. Alternative Investments
Rental Yield Analysis
Your Bangalore property generates Rs 50,000 per month, or Rs 6 lakh per year.

If the property value is Rs 2 crore, the rental yield is 3% per year.

Rental yield in prime locations is typically between 2% to 4%.

Comparing with Interest or Market Investments
If you sell the property for Rs 2 crore and invest in fixed-income options, you may earn:

Fixed Deposits: Around 7% per year (Rs 14 lakh per year).

Debt Mutual Funds: 6% to 8% per year (Rs 12-16 lakh per year).

If you invest in mutual funds or stocks, potential returns can be 10% to 12% per year (Rs 20-24 lakh per year).

These returns are higher than the current rental yield of 3%.

Selling and investing can generate better cash flow than rental income.

3. Capital Appreciation Potential
Bangalore's real estate market has shown strong appreciation over the years.

Prime locations near IT hubs tend to see price growth.

If property prices rise faster than market investments, holding it may be better.

If growth is slow, selling and reinvesting in financial assets makes more sense.

Research the expected appreciation for the next 5-10 years.

4. Tax Implications of Selling
Capital Gains Tax
If you sell, you will incur long-term capital gains tax.

The tax is 20% on gains after indexation.

You can reduce tax by reinvesting in another property under Section 54.

If not reinvested, your net proceeds will reduce due to tax.

5. Diversification and Risk Management
You already have multiple real estate assets.

Real estate is illiquid and requires maintenance.

Selling and reinvesting in liquid assets increases flexibility.

If rental demand declines, income may be affected.

If you want to reduce real estate exposure, selling is a good option.

6. Future Rental Demand and Market Trends
Bangalore’s IT sector drives rental demand.

If IT jobs continue to grow, rental demand will stay strong.

Remote work trends may affect demand in the long term.

Check vacancy rates and rent growth trends before deciding.

7. Personal Preferences and Lifestyle
If managing rental properties is a hassle, selling may be better.

If you prefer stable and passive income, keeping the property is fine.

If you plan to use the property in the future, holding makes sense.

If you prefer liquidity and financial flexibility, selling is better.

Final Insights
Your financial position allows flexibility in decision-making.

If capital appreciation is strong, holding the property is beneficial.

If rental growth is slow, selling and reinvesting in financial assets may be better.

Consider tax implications and reinvestment options before selling.

If you prefer liquidity and higher returns, selling is a good option.

If you want stable rental income, keeping the property is fine.

A Certified Financial Planner can help with tax-efficient investment planning.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 05, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 03, 2025
Money
Hi, I am 42 and earning in hand 1.5 laks pm. I hv 3 properties and out of these 2 are on loan for which am paying emi. Details below 1st home in bengaluru - mkt price 1.2 cr, rental income 22 k pm. No loan out, 2nd home in chennai h self occupied - mkt price 63 lakhs - emi 38 k for 240 months 3rd property in the form of residential plot in chennai - mkt price 60 lakhs - emi 33 k for 220 months I want to settle in chennai, so pl advice of i should sell my Bengaluru property and pay off one loan. I want to retire by 55 and build a corpus of 3 cr by then. Pl advise
Ans: You are 42 years old with in-hand income of Rs. 1.5 lakhs.

You own three real estate assets, two of them on loan.

Your plan is to retire at age 55 and create Rs. 3 crore corpus.

Bengaluru flat has no loan. Market value is Rs. 1.2 crore. Rent is Rs. 22,000.

Chennai self-occupied flat is worth Rs. 63 lakhs. EMI is Rs. 38,000 for 240 months.

Residential plot in Chennai is worth Rs. 60 lakhs. EMI is Rs. 33,000 for 220 months.

Total EMI is Rs. 71,000 per month.

Your cashflow is under pressure because of EMIs and low rent yield.

Rent Yield Is Too Low
You are getting Rs. 22,000 rent from a Rs. 1.2 crore property.

That is around 2.2% annual yield on value.

Maintenance, tax, and repairs will reduce net income further.

Real estate yields in India are mostly low. So they don’t beat inflation.

Such a low-yield asset is not ideal when you carry two big loans.

With Rs. 1.2 crore value, this can be better utilized elsewhere.

Bengaluru Property: Time to Exit?
You don’t want to live in Bengaluru.

You plan to settle in Chennai.

There is no emotional attachment to this asset now.

Exit from a city where you don’t plan to live or retire is sensible.

Better to have fewer, well-utilised assets than more underperforming ones.

Pay Off Loan with Bengaluru Sale Proceeds
You can sell the Bengaluru flat and clear one or both loans.

Clearing the Rs. 38,000 EMI for 240 months will free up cash flow.

Or clear the Rs. 33,000 EMI for the plot.

Loan interest outgo is very high over long duration.

Early loan closure reduces interest burden and improves liquidity.

Better liquidity means you can start proper retirement investments.

Tax Considerations on Property Sale
You will pay long-term capital gains tax if holding is more than 2 years.

But you can reinvest gains in another property to save tax.

You can also invest in certain tax-saving bonds to avoid tax.

Please consult your CA to plan this part properly.

Avoid Holding Too Many Properties
You already have three properties. You want to keep only Chennai home.

That is perfect if you wish to settle down there.

Too much real estate can block your money.

They don’t give enough cash flow or flexibility.

Managing and selling later also becomes difficult.

Don’t Invest in More Properties
You already have enough exposure in physical assets.

More real estate will lock capital with poor liquidity.

Don’t invest in plots or flats anymore.

Instead, build your retirement corpus in financial assets.

Start with Retirement Planning
You are left with 13 years to retire at 55.

In 13 years, you must create Rs. 3 crore retirement fund.

You need consistent and increasing investment monthly.

Create a dedicated retirement plan through proper goal mapping.

Follow A Proper Retirement Planning Framework
Step 1: Define retirement lifestyle and expenses.

Step 2: Consider inflation-adjusted monthly need after 13 years.

Step 3: Create a retirement corpus matching that need.

Step 4: Allocate money monthly to a diversified financial portfolio.

Step 5: Review once every year with clear documentation.

Mutual Funds Are Best Long-Term Vehicles
You must start or increase SIPs in diversified mutual funds.

Choose a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap schemes.

SIPs bring discipline and average out market risk.

Mutual funds are managed by professionals. They are transparent.

Unlike real estate, they are easy to liquidate when needed.

Avoid Index Funds
Index funds follow the index passively. They don’t adapt to market changes.

They invest in overvalued stocks too. No active stock selection.

They underperform in volatile or falling markets.

Actively managed funds beat index over long term.

They are better for your retirement and goal-based planning.

Avoid Direct Mutual Fund Investing
Direct plans don’t come with handholding or reviews.

Investors miss opportunities because of poor scheme selection.

Many people invest randomly without asset allocation.

Regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner are better.

You get goal linking, reviews, and portfolio rebalancing.

Mistakes avoided early lead to better wealth over long run.

How To Structure Monthly Flow Now
In-hand salary is Rs. 1.5 lakh.

EMI is Rs. 71,000.

Balance is Rs. 79,000.

Household and lifestyle expense could be Rs. 40,000.

That leaves Rs. 39,000 to invest monthly.

Start SIP of Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 30,000 in mutual funds.

Use balance for yearly expenses and emergencies.

Emergency Fund Is Essential
Create emergency fund of 6 months of expenses plus EMIs.

In your case, around Rs. 6 lakhs to Rs. 8 lakhs.

Keep this in a liquid mutual fund or sweep FD.

Emergency fund avoids panic during income loss or medical shock.

Buy Pure Term Insurance If Not Done Yet
Check if you have term insurance of minimum Rs. 1 crore.

Don’t mix insurance and investment.

Don’t buy ULIPs or investment policies.

Buy pure term plan only.

Avoid LIC Investment Policies
If you have any traditional or investment LIC policies, review them.

These policies give poor returns of around 4% to 5% per year.

They don’t beat inflation.

They are not suitable for retirement planning.

If your policies are more than 3 years old, you can surrender.

Reinvest the maturity or surrender amount in mutual funds.

Tax Planning Should Be Integrated
PPF is good for tax saving and stability.

ELSS mutual funds are better for long-term and tax saving.

Avoid locking too much in fixed-return products.

Create tax plan every year with investment goals in mind.

Track Capital Gains from Mutual Funds
New tax rules apply from FY 2024-25.

Equity funds LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

STCG on equity is taxed at 20%.

Debt fund gains are added to income slab.

You need to plan redemptions with this in mind.

Work with a Certified Financial Planner
Managing debt, retirement, and investments is complex.

A Certified Financial Planner helps in goal mapping.

They ensure you invest correctly based on time horizon.

They help you avoid big mistakes.

Work with one who is experienced and unbiased.

Finally
Sell the Bengaluru flat. Repay one or both loans.

Create emergency fund before doing fresh investments.

Start monthly SIPs in diversified mutual funds.

Avoid index and direct mutual fund investments.

Avoid more real estate. Focus only on financial instruments.

Review and rebalance your plan every year.

Goal-based investing is the key to a peaceful retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

..Read more

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 07, 2025

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Hello, I’m a student who recently joined the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. I’m aiming for a strong academic foundation and a clear career path. Could you please guide me on the following: How good is this course for research careers or higher studies (IISc, IITs, abroad)? What are the placement prospects after Integrated M.Sc Physics at Amrita? Does the program help in preparing for alternate options like UPSC, CDS/AFCAT, or technical roles? What skills (coding, research projects, certifications) should I start early to make the most of this degree?
Ans: Sree, Program Overview and Academic Foundation: Congratulations on joining the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita University. This five-year integrated program represents a rigorous pathway designed to equip you with advanced theoretical and experimental physics knowledge combined with cutting-edge scientific computing skills. The curriculum uniquely integrates a minor in Scientific Computing, which adds substantial computational capability to your profile—a critical advantage in today's research and professional landscape. The program incorporates comprehensive coursework spanning classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, advanced laboratory work, and specialized topics in materials physics, optoelectronics, and computational methods, positioning you excellently for both research and professional careers.
Research Career Prospects: IISc, IITs, and Beyond: For research-oriented careers, the Integrated M.Sc Physics program at Amrita provides an exceptional foundation. Amrita's curriculum specifically aligns with GATE and UGC-NET examination syllabi, and the institution emphasizes early research engagement. The faculty at Amrita actively publish research in Scopus-indexed journals, with over 60 publications in international venues within the past five years, exposing you to active research environments.
To pursue research at premier institutions like IISc, you would typically follow the PhD pathway. IISc accepts M.Sc graduates through their Integrated PhD programs, and with your Amrita M.Sc, you're eligible to apply. You'll need to qualify the relevant entrance examinations, and your integrated program's emphasis on research fundamentals provides strong preparation. The final year of your Integrated M.Sc is intentionally structured to be nearly free of classroom commitments, enabling engagement with research projects at institutes like IISc, IITs, and National Labs. According to Amrita's data, over 80% of M.Sc Physics students secured internship offers from reputed institutions during academic year 2019-20, directly facilitating research career transitions.
Placement and Direct Employment Opportunities: Amrita University boasts a comprehensive placement ecosystem with strong corporate and government sector connections. According to NIRF placement data for the Amrita Integrated M.Sc program (5-year), the median salary in 2023-24 stood at ?7.2 LPA with approximately 57% placement rate. However, these figures reflect general placement trends; physics graduates often secure higher packages in specialized technical roles. Many graduates join software companies like Infosys (with early offers), Google, and PayPal, where their strong analytical and computational skills command competitive compensation packages ranging from ?8-15 LPA for entry-level positions.
The Department of Corporate and Industrial Relations at Amrita provides intensive three-semester life skills training covering linguistic competence, data interpretation, group discussions, and interview techniques. This structured placement support significantly enhances your employability in both government and private sectors.
Government Sector Opportunities: UPSC, BARC, DRDO, and ISRO: Your M.Sc Physics degree opens multiple avenues for prestigious government employment. UPSC Geophysicist examinations explicitly list M.Sc Physics or Applied Physics as qualifying degrees, enabling you to compete for Group A positions in the Geological Survey of India and Central Ground Water Board. The age limit for geophysicist positions is 32 years (with relaxation for reserved categories), and the exam comprises preliminary, main, and interview stages.
BARC (Bhabha Atomic Research Centre) actively recruits M.Sc Physics graduates as Scientific Officers and Research Fellows. Recruitment occurs through the BARC Online Test or GATE scores, with positions in nuclear science, radiation protection, and atomic research. BARC Summer Internship programs are available, offering ?5,000-?10,000 monthly stipends with opportunity for future scientist recruitment.
DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization) recruits M.Sc Physics graduates through CEPTAM examinations or GATE scores for roles involving defense technology, weapon systems, and laser physics research. ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) regularly advertises scientist/engineer positions through competitive recruitment for candidates with strong physics backgrounds, offering opportunities in satellite technology and space science applications.
Other significant employers include the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recruiting as scientific officers, and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited), offering stable government service with competitive compensation packages exceeding ?8-12 LPA for scientists.
Alternate Career Pathways: UPSC, CDS, and AFCAT: UPSC Civil Services (IFS - Indian Forest Service): M.Sc Physics graduates qualify for UPSC Civil Services examinations, with the forest service offering opportunities for science-based administrative roles with potential to reach senior government positions.
CDS/AFCAT (Armed Forces): While AFCAT meteorology branches specifically require "B.Sc with Maths & Physics with 60% minimum marks," the technical branches (Aeronautical Engineering and Ground Duty Technical roles) require graduation/integrated postgraduation in Engineering/Technology. An M.Sc Physics integrates well with technical qualifications, though you would need engineering background for direct officer entry. However, you remain eligible for specialized technical interviews if applying through alternate defence channels.
UGC-NET Examination: This pathway leads to Assistant Professor positions in central universities and colleges across India. NET-qualified candidates receive scholarships of ?31,000/month for 2-year JRF positions with PhD pursuit, transitioning to Assistant Professor salaries of ?41,000/month in government institutions. This route provides long-term academic career security with research opportunities.
Private Sector Technical Roles
M.Sc Physics graduates are increasingly valued in data science, software engineering, and technical consulting. Companies actively recruit physics graduates for software development, where strong problem-solving and logical reasoning translate to competitive packages of ?10-20 LPA. Specialized domains including quantum computing development, financial modeling, and scientific computing offer premium compensation. Your minor in Scientific Computing makes you particularly attractive to technology companies requiring computational expertise.
International Opportunities and Higher Studies Abroad
An M.Sc from Amrita facilitates admission to PhD programs at international institutions. German universities offer tuition-free or low-fee MSc Physics programs (2 years) with scholarships like DAAD providing €850+ monthly stipends. US universities accept M.Sc graduates directly for PhD positions with full funding (tuition coverage + stipend). These pathways require GRE scores and strong Statement of Purpose articulating research interests. Research collaboration opportunities exist with Max Planck Institute (Germany) and CalTech Summer Research Program (USA), both welcoming Indian M.Sc students.
Essential Skills and Certifications to Develop Immediately: Programming Languages: Start learning Python immediately—it's universally used in research and industry. Dedicate 2-3 hours weekly to data analysis, scientific computing libraries (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas), and machine learning fundamentals. MATLAB is equally critical for physics applications, particularly numerical simulations and data visualization. Aim to complete MATLAB certification courses within your first year.
Research Tools: Learn Git/version control, LaTeX for scientific documentation, and data analysis frameworks. These skills are indispensable for publishing research papers and collaborating on projects.
Certifications Worth Pursuing: (1) MATLAB Certification (DIYguru or MathWorks official courses) (2) Python for Data Science (complete certificate programs from platforms like Coursera) (3) Machine Learning Fundamentals (for expanding technical versatility) & (4) Scientific Communication and Technical Writing (develop through departmental workshops)
Strategic Internship Planning: Leverage Amrita's research connections systematically. In your third year, apply to BARC Summer Internship, IISER Internships, TIFR Summer Fellowships, and IIT Internship programs (like IIT Kanpur SURGE). These expose you to frontier research while establishing connections for future PhD or scientist recruitment. Target 2-3 research internships across different specializations to develop versatility.

TO SUM UP, Your Integrated M.Sc Physics degree from Amrita positions you exceptionally well for competitive research careers at IISc/IITs, prestigious government scientist roles at BARC/DRDO/ISRO, and international PhD opportunities. The program's scientific computing emphasis differentiates you in the job market. Immediate priorities: (1) Master Python and MATLAB within the first two years; (2) Engage in research projects starting year 2-3; (3) Target internships at premiere research institutions; (4) Prepare GATE while completing your degree for maximum flexibility in recruitment; (5) Consider UGC-NET for long-term academic stability. Your career trajectory will ultimately depend on developing strong research fundamentals, demonstrating consistent excellence in specialization areas, and strategically selecting internship and research opportunities. The rigorous Amrita program combined with disciplined skill development positions you for exceptional career success across multiple sectors. Choose the most suitable option for you out of the various options available mentioned above. All the BEST for Your Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

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