Sir, request your kind advice and guidance on this please. My age is 46 years and I am expecting corpus of Rs 1 Cr in 10 years.

I have read your unbiased views on various queries from MF investment enthusiasts. Your feedback has been very impressive and really helps people like us. My heartfelt gratitude and thanks for the same.

Sir, I have following mutual fund SIPs and I would seek your guidance on whether these are OK, or any course correction required.

LUMP SUMP INVESTMENTS split as below.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Focused Equity Fund - Gr in March 2022 value Rs 62434. Current value is Rs 59218

Axis Growth Opportunities Fund - Gr in March 2022 value Rs 62122. Current value is Rs 57015

Edelweiss Arbitrage Fund - Gr in April 2021 value Rs 45567. Current value is Rs 47660

L&T Arbitrage Opportunities Fund - Gr in July 2021 value Rs 65730. Current value is Rs 69077

Nippon India Arbitrage Fund - Gr in July 2021 value Rs 49595. Current value is Rs 51859

SIP: Total monthly SIP of Rs 25000, split as below:

Axis Bluechip Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2500

Axis Focused 25 Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2000

Canara Robeco Flexi Cap Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2000

Edelweiss Mid Cap Fund - Regular Gr, monthly investment Rs 5000

Invesco India Contra Fund - Gr monthly investment Rs 2000

Kotak Emerging Equity Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2000

Kotak Flexicap Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2500

L&T Midcap Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 5000

SBI Flexicap Fund - Gr, monthly investment Rs 2000

Total portfolio amount as on date is Rs 14 lakh.

Ans: You have built a solid base. You are debt-free. That itself is a strong advantage. Let’s now carefully analyse your current position and map a 360-degree plan for retirement, child’s education, and a peaceful post-retirement life.

We’ll focus on six key areas: income planning, retirement corpus building, child education, insurance, asset allocation, and actionable steps.

Let us begin the journey.

?

Your Present Financial Base – Strong and Balanced

Monthly income is Rs. 3 lakhs after tax. It is a strong cash flow.

?

Your wife was earning Rs. 90,000. Her resignation may reduce savings temporarily.

?

You are 100% debt-free. You cleared your home loan. This gives you more monthly surplus.

?

You have Rs. 13.4 lakhs invested in mutual funds. SIP of Rs. 1.8 lakh is planned. This is aggressive and progressive.

?

PPF contributions are happening monthly. That builds long-term safe capital.

?

EPF corpus is Rs. 35 lakhs. A good long-term safety net.

?

Term insurance of Rs. 2 crore is in place. Very essential.

?

LIC Jeevan Saral has 4 years left. Yearly premium is Rs. 24,000. Maturity expected is Rs. 8 lakh.

?

Physical gold worth Rs. 80 lakhs is preserved for future family value.

?

This is a stable and carefully managed financial environment.

?

Retirement at Age 50 – What Should Be Your Target Corpus?

You are now 35. You plan to retire in 15 years.

?

Assume life expectancy of 85. That means 35 years post-retirement.

?

Monthly expenses after retirement could be Rs. 1 lakh in today’s cost.

?

Adjusted for inflation, your future monthly need will be much higher.

?

You need a corpus that can beat inflation, support lifestyle, and handle medical costs.

?

Your target corpus should be Rs. 6 to 7 crores at minimum. Aiming for Rs. 8 crores gives comfort.

?

This target must include your EPF, mutual fund investments, and PPF.

?

Gold, term insurance maturity benefits and LIC maturity can be kept separate.

?

Child Education – Planning for Two Children

You have one 6-year-old child. You plan for a second child.

?

Higher education will be in 12 to 20 years from now.

?

Future cost of good education in India or abroad can be very high.

?

You should aim for Rs. 80 lakhs to Rs. 1 crore per child.

?

That means you must build a separate education corpus of Rs. 1.6 to Rs. 2 crore.

?

This should not come out of your retirement funds.

?

You may use a mix of mutual funds, PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi (if second child is girl).

?

For current child, start a separate SIP of Rs. 20,000–25,000 monthly.

?

For second child, start planning from now with Rs. 15,000 per month.

?

Re-evaluating Existing Mutual Fund Choices

You are investing in index funds and small-cap index funds.

?

Index funds have no flexibility. They only copy the market. No smart decisions possible.

?

They may underperform in sideways or volatile markets.

?

Actively managed funds have experienced fund managers. They can handle risks better.

?

Actively managed funds may beat index funds over long periods.

?

Small-cap index funds are more volatile. They can fall sharply in downturns.

?

You are investing for retirement and education. Stability matters.

?

Please move from index funds to actively managed large-cap and flexi-cap funds.

?

Use multi-cap funds for child’s education goals.

?

Always invest through a Certified Financial Planner and trusted MFD.

?

Avoid direct funds. They do not offer advice or guidance.

?

Regular plans offer human touch, risk monitoring and course correction.

?

Your LIC Jeevan Saral Policy – Should You Continue?

You have completed 14 years. Maturity is in 2029.

?

Premium is Rs. 24,000 annually. Maturity amount will be Rs. 8 lakh.

?

Since only 4 years are left, continue till maturity.

?

Do not surrender now. You already bore 14 years’ low return.

?

Once you receive the amount in 2029, invest that in mutual funds.

?

Insurance Coverage and Risk Management

You have a Rs. 2 crore term cover. You are the only earning member now.

?

Since spouse has resigned, you should increase term cover to Rs. 3 crore.

?

Health insurance for family is very essential.

?

Please take family floater health policy with Rs. 10 lakh coverage.

?

Also take personal accident insurance with income protection.

?

Medical inflation is very high. Plan ahead.

?

PPF and EPF – Role in Long Term Wealth

PPF accounts are only 2 years old. Tenure is 15 years. Keep investing regularly.

?

EPF is growing well. You are contributing Rs. 50,000 monthly.

?

Do not withdraw this unless urgent. This is your fixed income part of retirement.

?

EPF gives stability. It is tax-free on maturity.

?

Keep PPF and EPF for conservative portion of portfolio.

?

Gold – Keep as Family Wealth, Not for Retirement

You have Rs. 80 lakhs in physical gold. That’s a strong backup.

?

Do not plan to sell it. Use only in extreme emergencies.

?

Do not count it towards your retirement or child education goals.

?

It is better to keep gold as generational wealth as you planned.

?

Monthly SIP Plan – Suggested Roadmap

Your SIP target is Rs. 1.8 lakh monthly.

?

Allocate Rs. 1 lakh towards retirement mutual funds (mix of equity and hybrid).

?

Allocate Rs. 35,000 towards child 1 education fund.

?

Allocate Rs. 25,000 towards second child future fund.

?

Keep Rs. 20,000 in flexible liquid mutual fund for emergency.

?

Emergency Fund – You Need a Stronger One

Your monthly expense may be Rs. 1.5 to 2 lakh.

?

Keep at least 6 months of expense in liquid mutual fund.

?

That means Rs. 10 to 12 lakhs in emergency fund.

?

This gives peace of mind when spouse is not earning.

?

Step-by-Step Actions for Next 6 Months

Increase term cover to Rs. 3 crore.

?

Buy family floater health policy and accident insurance.

?

Shift mutual funds from index to actively managed options.

?

Start separate SIPs for child 1 and future child.

?

Build emergency fund with Rs. 10 lakh target.

?

Do not increase lifestyle expenses now. Wife’s income is paused.

?

Avoid any real estate purchase. Focus on corpus creation first.

?

Final Insights

You have clarity, discipline, and vision. These are rare qualities at your age.

?

Early retirement at 50 is realistic for you.

?

But only if you separate retirement and education planning.

?

Keep investing in PPF, EPF, and diversified mutual funds.

?

Do not rely on index funds alone. Take active fund support.

?

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to review yearly progress.

?

Review and adjust every 12 months. Track goals clearly.

?

Spend wisely. Invest with purpose. Track your plan regularly.

?

That is how your peaceful retirement can become a reality.

?

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

Ans: hold it tight, the company is good. if you have a vision to hold for 10yrs then good else exit.

Ans: You are holding a home loan of Rs. 48 lakhs with Tata Capital.
The current rate is 8.85% (floating), and 104 EMIs are remaining.

You also have an offer from a government bank at 8.25% interest.
You are thinking of switching.

Also, you are keen to close the loan early using extra EMI or step-up method.
This is a great sign of financial discipline.

Let us evaluate everything carefully.

First, Review Your Current Home Loan Setup
Tata Capital charges 8.85% floating rate.

They don’t follow RBI repo rate directly.

That means your rate may not reduce quickly when RBI cuts repo rate.
Private NBFCs often link to internal benchmarks.

That gives them more control, less transparency.
This could lead to higher cost over time.

Second, Compare with Government Bank Offer
You are getting 8.25% from a government bank.

Most likely, it is linked to RBI repo rate.

That gives more transparency and faster rate reduction during cuts.
Also, public banks may give better customer support long term.

Lower rate and better structure both are positive.

Third, Cost of Switching Must Be Considered
Switching a home loan is not free.

There may be processing charges, legal, and valuation costs.

Sometimes the cost is Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000.
This cost must be compared to interest saved.

If interest saving is big, switch is worth it.
If not, better to stay.

Fourth, Check the Remaining Loan Tenure
You have 104 EMIs left. That is around 8.5 years.

At this stage, interest portion is still high.

So switching now can still help.
If you were near the end of tenure, switching may not save much.

But you are in mid-to-late phase. It can still be useful.

Fifth, Repayment Strategy – Step-Up or Extra EMI
You want to close early using extra payments.

That’s a very powerful approach.

You can follow two smart strategies:

Step-Up EMI every year when your salary increases

Or pay one extra EMI every year

Even one extra EMI yearly will reduce the total EMIs by 5 to 6.
If you do this consistently, you can close loan at least 1 to 1.5 years early.

If you combine both methods, it becomes very powerful.

Sixth, Benefits of One Extra EMI Every Year
Loan tenure gets shorter.

You save a lot of interest.

Extra EMI reduces principal directly.
So next month’s interest becomes lesser.

This cycle keeps repeating.
So total interest goes down every year.

Seventh, Lump Sum Repayments are Also a Strong Option
Got bonus, incentives, or profits? Don’t spend fully.

Use part of it to repay principal.

Even Rs. 1 lakh lump sum once a year can reduce many EMIs.
You don’t need to wait for end of year.

Whenever cash is available, pay part pre-payment.
It saves interest from that month itself.

Eighth, Plan Your Repayment Calendar
Mark dates in calendar for extra payments.

Plan them with yearly increments or festival bonuses.

This gives clarity and target.
Don’t leave it to random mood or emotion.

Being organised gives confidence and results.

Ninth, Should You Switch Lender or Not?
Let us assess the switch properly:

You should switch if…

New lender is offering repo-linked rate (like EBLR)

Their service is reliable and terms are clear

The cost of switching is below Rs. 25,000

You will continue for at least 5 more years in loan

You can continue with Tata Capital if…

They are ready to match new rate (ask them first)

Your relationship and process is smooth there

Switch cost is high and savings are low

But if Tata is not reducing rate automatically,
and they don’t pass on rate cuts,
you are better off moving to a government bank.

Tenth, What to Watch While Switching
Don’t go for the lowest rate only. Check terms.

Some lenders increase rate quietly over time.

Ensure your new loan is linked to repo rate.
Not internal or fixed benchmark.

Ask for written confirmation.

Eleventh, Use a Certified Financial Planner for Help
A Certified Financial Planner will guide you smartly.

They assess switching cost, benefit, and fit for you.

They also help in calculating step-up EMI plans.
That saves time and gives clarity.

Twelfth, Avoid These Mistakes While Repaying Early
Don’t use emergency fund to prepay home loan.

Don’t break retirement investments to close loan.

Home loan is a long-term debt.
Closing early is good. But not at any cost.

Your future safety is more important than loan closure.

Thirteenth, Tax Benefit Angle
Home loan gives tax deduction under Section 80C and 24(b).

These reduce your tax outgo.

So don’t rush to close loan just for peace of mind.
Balance tax benefits with interest savings.

If your tax benefits are low, prepayment is more attractive.

Fourteenth, How Much Extra EMI You Can Afford
Start with one extra EMI per year.

If you get salary hike, increase EMI voluntarily.

Even 5% increase in EMI yearly helps a lot.
Don’t wait till you “feel rich”. Start small.

Let compounding of interest savings work for you.

Final Insights
You are already thinking in the right direction.
That is your biggest strength.

Tata Capital loan at 8.85% is slightly high.
If a government bank is giving 8.25% with repo-link, it is better.

But check the switching cost.
Also speak to Tata Capital once.

Ask them if they can reduce the rate.
If not, prepare to switch carefully.

Start one extra EMI per year.
Do part prepayment when bonus or gift money comes.

Plan a step-up increase in EMI every year with salary hike.
Keep emergency fund and retirement fund untouched.

You are on the path to a debt-free life.
With this focus, your goal is very much possible.

Get support from a Certified Financial Planner for exact steps.
You don’t have to do it alone.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: You are 29, based in Bangalore, and earning Rs. 1,38,000 monthly.

You are in a tough phase now.
Your total EMI burden is Rs. 1,88,000 per month.

This is more than your salary.
That clearly shows a debt trap.

You are not alone. Many go through this.
But with strong steps, you can come out safely.

Let us now work on a 360-degree plan to regain control.

First, Accept the Reality with Calm
You are in a financial emergency.

This needs urgency, not panic.

You must stop all new borrowings now.

Borrowing more to pay EMIs will only worsen the trap.
A strong decision today helps your future.

Step 1: Prepare a Full Debt List
Write down every single loan and card.

Note principal, EMI, interest rate, and lender.

This includes all personal loans, credit cards, and dues.
Total it and understand where the pressure is coming from.

This gives you clarity and control.

Step 2: Categorise Loans by Urgency
Credit card debt is highest cost.

Personal loans are next priority.

Categorise like this:

High-interest (credit cards)

Medium-interest (personal loans)

Low or zero-interest (if any)

This tells you where to focus repayment first.

Step 3: Stop All EMI Auto-Debits Immediately
If your bank account is auto-debiting EMIs, pause it.

Let essential expenses like food, rent, and transport be safe.

Speak to banks and lenders.
Tell them about your cashflow issue.

Ask for a short break or restructuring.

Step 4: Approach Lenders and Request Settlement or Restructuring
Speak to each lender one by one.

Request EMI reduction, tenure extension, or one-time settlement.

Banks may agree to reduce interest or give grace periods.
If needed, give written letter with your salary slips.

Many banks offer restructuring under RBI guidelines.

This step is critical to stop the stress.

Step 5: Consider Consolidation Loan (Only After Advice)
Sometimes one loan can repay many small loans.

Interest may be lower than credit cards.

But this should be your last option.
And only after consulting a Certified Financial Planner.

Do not jump into it emotionally.

Step 6: Cut Lifestyle Expenses to Bare Minimum
Stop all subscriptions, dining out, gadgets, and shopping.

No vacations, new phones, or unnecessary travel.

Focus only on food, rent, power, and basic needs.
Even Rs. 5,000 saved monthly can go towards debt.

This lifestyle discipline will rebuild your foundation.

Step 7: Create an Emergency Survival Budget
Write your income and essential expenses.

Prioritise food, rent, utilities, transport.

See how much can be kept aside monthly for lenders.
This helps you build a negotiation base with banks.

Step 8: Sell Unused or Idle Assets
Do you have a second bike, gadgets, gold, or land?

Sell and repay part of loans immediately.

Even Rs. 1 lakh lump sum helps bring down credit card dues.
Don’t hold emotional value for things now.

Freedom from debt is worth more than any object.

Step 9: Get Help From Family or Trusted Friends
If your family or close friend can help, speak openly.

Don’t borrow, but ask for a support hand.

Explain the seriousness and give written repayment plan.
Use any help to pay off high-interest debt first.

Step 10: Increase Income Through Side Gigs
Try weekend freelance work or online skills.

Teach, write, design, or take delivery jobs.

Even Rs. 5,000 extra monthly can make a difference.
You are young and have time. Use it well.

Step 11: Stay Away From Credit Cards Completely
Credit cards give false comfort.

They multiply debt silently.

Cut and close them after full settlement.
Till then, avoid even swiping for Rs. 10.

Pay cash for all daily needs.

Step 12: Don’t Use Your Emergency Fund Yet
If you have one, keep it untouched.

Use it only for medical or survival situations.

Try to solve this debt issue with income and discipline.
Later, rebuild emergency savings as a priority.

Step 13: Get a Certified Financial Planner's Help
They can negotiate with banks for you.

They make proper repayment plans.

They guide on which loan to close first.
They also help protect your credit score.

Avoid solving this alone. You deserve expert help.

Step 14: Stay Strong Mentally and Emotionally
Don’t feel shame or guilt.

Health and family come first.

This is a temporary phase. It will pass.
But only if you stay calm and action-driven.

What Not to Do
Don’t take gold loan to pay credit card.

Don’t take payday apps or salary advances.

Don’t give up your job in stress.

These worsen your future. Choose logic, not emotion.

Final Insights
You are 29 and still very young.
But this situation needs action, not delay.

Debt of Rs. 1.88 lakh EMI on Rs. 1.38 lakh salary
is not sustainable.

You must reduce EMI or settle loans soon.

Pause all expenses. Talk to all lenders.
Start a new disciplined financial life.

With 12 to 18 months of focus, you can be free.
Then, you can invest and grow again.

Speak to a Certified Financial Planner today.
It is your first step towards peace.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Hello Warlord.
Yes, you are eligible to get admission in the college with a few conditions, as (1) you clear all subjects in 12th before JoSAA counselling/admission deadlines, (2) you submit the updated marksheet on time.(3) But if you fail to do this, you won't be eligible for NITs or equivalent Govt colleges, but doors will remain open for private colleges.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: Hi Chandra,

Many students show interest in writing the NEET exam primarily to add "Dr." as a prefix to their names. This profession not only offers a prestigious title but also provides financial stability throughout their lives, unlike many other career options. This is a significant reason why students and their parents are choosing medical courses.

If you're considering the prefix "Dr." before your name, you might also want to explore courses in Indian medicine.
The following are courses offered under Indian Medicine:

1. Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
2. Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS)
3. Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS)
4. Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS)
Let us compare the basic differences between MBBS and BAMS so you can decide what you want.

What are the advantages of Ayurveda over Allopathy?

While Allopathy focuses on treating symptoms, Ayurveda aims for holistic treatment. The only drawback is that Ayurvedic treatments may take a bit more time. If you decide to pursue a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), it's essential to learn about the concepts of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha (VPK). Every individual is unique, and understanding their VPK balance is key to providing effective treatment. If you can identify which dosha is predominant in a patient, you can tailor treatments accordingly, leading to greater patient satisfaction.

Given these factors, I suggest that pursuing BAMS could be a good option instead of MBBS.
BEST WISHES

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

Ans: Hi Manoj, the question is not very specific, but you expect a more specific answer.

POOCHO. LIFE CHANGE KARO.

Ans: Hello Dear.
You can sit for improvement for the required number of subjects in the same year of passing. That is, if you passed 12th in 2024, you can sit for improvement for any number of subjects in 2025 and 2026 as well. Yet, it is recommended to discuss with the school administration if there are any changes in the rules and regulations related to improvement. Also, visit the official website of CBSE for the latest details related to improvement. If you passed in 2024, your last valid attempt is 2026, regardless of improvements.
Follow me if you like the reply. Thanks
Radheshyam

Ans: It takes some time to update data in Form 26AS, AIS & TIS. It is advisable to wait for sometime (say 10-15 days) & then proceed to file your ITR.
Most welcome for any further clarifications. Thanks.