Sir, I have home loan of 1 cr, personal loan of 15 lakhs and debts of 15 lakhs the home loan and PL emi' s are 1.40 lakhs monthly expenses is 20k and debt interest is 40k and my monthly income is 1.80 lakhs really worried how to get off the debt trap.
Ans: It takes courage to face it openly. You have already taken the first right step by asking for help. Let’s now move step-by-step to bring you out of this debt trap.
Snapshot of Your Current Situation
Home Loan Outstanding: Rs. 1 crore
Personal Loan Outstanding: Rs. 15 lakhs
Other High-Interest Debts: Rs. 15 lakhs
Total EMI (Home + Personal Loans): Rs. 1.40 lakhs/month
Monthly Interest on Other Debts: Rs. 40,000/month
Monthly Household Expenses: Rs. 20,000
Total Monthly Outgo: Rs. 2 lakhs
Monthly Income: Rs. 1.80 lakhs
Shortfall Every Month: Rs. 20,000
You are in a negative cash flow zone. This is financially stressful and emotionally draining. But with clarity and structure, you can fix this.
Step 1: Emotion-Free Analysis of Debt Components
Let us classify your debts by priority:
Home Loan
Lower interest.
Long tenure.
Also gives tax benefits.
Should not be the first priority to repay.
Personal Loan
High EMI and higher interest.
Usually fixed tenure.
Needs attention, but not first priority.
Other Debts (Rs. 15 lakhs with Rs. 40,000 monthly interest)
These seem to be private borrowings or credit card dues.
Interest seems to be 30% to 36% yearly.
These are most dangerous. Focus on these first.
Step 2: Immediate Goals for Stabilising Finances
Stop further borrowing immediately.
No credit card usage. Cut all EMIs except essentials.
Maintain one family bank account. Consolidate cashflows.
Talk to family. Involve spouse in every money talk.
Step 3: Cut Non-Essential Expenses
Your monthly expenses are Rs. 20,000. Try reducing them further:
Use public transport or carpool.
No new gadgets, clothes, or home appliances.
Pause leisure subscriptions and weekend outings.
Buy groceries in bulk. Use loyalty discounts.
Bring down monthly expenses to Rs. 15,000 or lower. Every rupee saved here will help kill debt.
Step 4: Restructure High-Cost Debts First
Talk to Informal Lenders or Friends
Can you ask for 3–6 months break from interest?
Can you repay in lump-sum after clearing other loans?
Try to convert them into zero-interest EMIs, if possible.
Explore Loan Restructuring or Consolidation
Go to your bank.
Ask if they offer loan against property (LAP).
You already have a home loan. If there’s value, try to raise LAP to repay high-interest debts.
LAP interest is around 10%–12%, much lower than 30%–36%.
Personal Loan Top-Up Option
Talk to your personal loan bank.
Ask if top-up is possible with longer tenure.
Use top-up to repay high-cost informal debts.
Goal is to replace 30%-36% interest with 10%-12%.
Step 5: Create a Realistic Monthly Cash Flow Strategy
You are falling short by Rs. 20,000 every month.
How to fix this:
Reduce monthly expenses from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 15,000
Negotiate pause on Rs. 40,000 informal interest
Pause/extend personal loan tenure if bank agrees
Add side income if possible
Ideas to generate extra income:
Weekend tuition or online freelancing
Spouse contribution, if applicable
Renting part of home, if extra space
Selling unused items: bike, gadgets, furniture
Every additional Rs. 5,000 earned or saved will reduce your stress.
Step 6: Create a 2-Year Debt Clearance Blueprint
Target 1: Clear Rs. 15 lakhs informal debt in 12 to 15 months.
Target 2: Stretch personal loan tenure to lower EMI.
Target 3: Continue home loan as-is, without early closure.
Create a chart with the following:
Amount owed
Monthly payment
Proposed revised payment
Target month to close
Keep this chart visible in your home. Update monthly.
Step 7: Avoid These Common Traps
Don’t fall for instant debt consolidation apps
Don’t withdraw PF or PPF to repay loans
Don’t take loans from chit funds or unregulated lenders
Don’t mix emotional guilt while repaying friend/family loans
Don’t buy new insurance-cum-investment policies now
Step 8: Don’t Invest Until Debts Are Cleared
Many people keep SIPs and loans together.
Avoid that now.
Pause all SIPs for now.
Focus only on debt elimination.
Investing with 12% returns makes no sense when you are paying 30% interest.
Later, you can resume SIPs with strong foundation.
Step 9: Protect Your Family
Even while in debt, keep these protections:
Health insurance for all family members
Term insurance with sum assured at least 15 times annual income
Keep all insurance policies pure. No investment-linked ones
This will ensure family is not affected in any unfortunate event.
Step 10: Create a Simple Financial Diary
Write income, EMI, interest paid, and expenses daily
Track every rupee
This will build money awareness
Awareness creates responsibility
Responsibility leads to progress
Use a notebook or free app.
Update this every evening for 10 minutes.
Step 11: After 18–24 Months – Start Fresh Investments
Once your debts are under control:
Restart SIPs slowly
Prefer actively managed mutual funds
Avoid direct funds
Invest through a Certified Financial Planner or Mutual Fund Distributor
Direct funds may seem to save commission. But without guidance, mistakes are costlier. Regular plans give expert hand-holding.
Avoid index funds. They just copy markets. No downside protection. No human expertise. Active funds adjust to market risks better.
Step 12: Build Emergency Fund Once Debt-Free
After you are stable:
Build Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakhs emergency fund
Park it in liquid mutual funds or bank RD
Use only for real emergencies
This will keep you out of debt in the future.
Step 13: Educate Yourself on Financial Discipline
Read one good finance book every 3 months
Watch simple YouTube channels for personal finance
Avoid friends who push costly loans or chit schemes
Talk about money only with responsible people
Use money only to grow life, not to impress others
Finally
Your situation is difficult, but not permanent.
You are earning Rs. 1.80 lakhs monthly. That is your strength.
Just that debts have overtaken your income.
With planning, restructuring, and discipline, you can win.
Create a 2-year action calendar.
Stick to it. Update progress each month.
After 2 years, you will be free and proud.
Don’t walk alone. Involve your family.
And if required, work with a Certified Financial Planner.
They can build a structured step-by-step plan for you.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment