How Can a 20-Year-Old Intern Save Money and Maximize Returns?

Ans: With an 85 percentile in MHT CET, your son can target admission in several good engineering colleges in Maharashtra offering CSE and related branches. Top government colleges like COEP Pune, VJTI Mumbai, and PICT Pune have very high cutoffs for CSE (above 99 percentile), so admission there for CSE is unlikely at 85 percentile. However, mid-tier reputed private colleges and some government-aided institutes are accessible. Colleges such as PICT Pune, DJ Sanghvi College Mumbai, SPIT Mumbai, Vishwakarma Institute of Technology Pune, and RNS Institute Bangalore offer good CSE/IT programs with cutoffs around 80–90 percentile and have strong placement records (70–90%). Other options include MIT WPU Pune, DY Patil College of Engineering Pune, and Shivaji University COE Kolhapur, which accept students with 70–85 percentile and provide decent placements.

Colleges for ~85 Percentile in MHT CET (CSE/IT Branches)
PICT Pune

DJ Sanghvi College Mumbai

SPIT Mumbai

Vishwakarma Institute of Technology Pune

RNS Institute of Technology Bangalore

MIT WPU Pune

DY Patil College of Engineering Pune

Shivaji University COE Kolhapur

KJ Somaiya Institute of Engineering and IT Mumbai

Fr. Conceicao Rodrigues Institute of Technology Navi Mumbai

Focus on these reputed private and government-aided colleges for CSE/IT at your percentile. While top government colleges may be out of reach, these institutes offer quality education, good infrastructure, and solid placement opportunities. Consider applying early and explore scholarships or fee waivers to manage costs. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Sujata, With a NEET score of 280 (SC category), securing BDS in government colleges is unlikely (2025 expected SC cutoff: 380–420), but private BDS colleges (cutoff: ~220–300) like DY Patil Dental College or Manipal College of Dental Sciences may offer seats. For BSc Nursing, government colleges (SC cutoff: 450–500) are inaccessible, but private institutes (cutoff: ~250–300) like SRM College of Nursing or Amrita College might consider your score. BHMS is more feasible, with private colleges (SC cutoff: ~220–300) such as Bharati Vidyapeeth or Parul University likely accessible. Explore paramedical courses (lab technology, radiography) via state exams or diploma programs (nursing, pharmacy) as backups. Prioritize BHMS in private colleges or BSc Nursing via management quotas, and confirm eligibility for SC reservation benefits and fee waivers. Reappearing for NEET could improve options for government seats. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: Hello mam. Mam, the behaviour you are telling me is not normal. It is over possessiveness. Let him be confident that you are with him only. Explain softly that you also have some needs and you also may have to meet someone or talk to someone. You make him sure that you also love him but you are not over possessive about him. So love should not be a hindrance in personal space. I hope this solves your problem.
Take care!
Regards
Dr Upneet kaur
Follow me on: https://www.instagram.com/dr_upneet

Ans: Fall in Quarterly Revenue and Net Profit (YoY) and Declining profitability. Not a good company to Invest

Ans: NISM is the right place to study. you can find more details here https://www.nism.ac.in/long-term-programs/

Ans: You have shown a disciplined approach. A monthly SIP of Rs. 30,000 is a strong commitment. Your target of Rs. 2 Crore in 15 years is practical. But the way your current portfolio is built needs review. Let's understand your investments with clarity.

Overall Portfolio Structure Review

You are investing in too many schemes at once.

Diversification is good. But over-diversification leads to average returns.

A focused portfolio gives more clarity and better long-term growth.

Some schemes are overlapping in investment style. That reduces uniqueness.

Too many funds make portfolio hard to track and manage.

Over 15 mutual fund schemes is too much for Rs. 30,000 SIP.

You are using both direct and regular plans. That’s not good.

Mixing direct and regular plans reduces overall performance tracking.

Some funds are also in ETF and index format. That needs caution.

Let's now look deeper into specific categories used in the portfolio.

Issue with Direct Plans in the Portfolio

You have direct plans in your portfolio.

Direct plans do not offer guidance or review.

They may seem low cost. But poor choices harm returns.

You may hold the wrong fund for your risk profile.

You may miss timely rebalancing. That hurts performance.

Regular plans through Certified Financial Planner add value.

You get professional fund tracking and goal alignment.

CFP helps you in tax optimisation, withdrawals and fund switch.

A regular plan with CFP is cost-effective over long term.

I strongly suggest to exit direct plans and move to regular ones.

Problems with Index and ETF Funds in Portfolio

You are holding index-based funds and ETF-based funds.

These are passive funds that copy market performance.

They don’t protect you in volatile or falling markets.

They give no strategy during market downturn.

They also don’t adjust based on sector trends.

You miss the benefit of expert fund manager thinking.

Actively managed funds are smarter.

Fund managers choose sectors and stocks actively.

That helps avoid poor performers and focus on leaders.

In long term, actively managed funds give better risk-adjusted returns.

So you should exit index funds and ETF-type schemes.

ELSS and Tax Saving Fund Review

You have more than one ELSS in the portfolio.

ELSS is good for tax saving under 80C.

But you don’t need more than one ELSS fund.

Multiple tax saving funds give no extra tax benefit.

They block your money for 3 years with no added value.

Choose one good ELSS fund under regular plan with CFP guidance.

Rest of the SIP should go to long-term diversified mutual funds.

Sector and Theme Based Fund Exposure

You have sector funds like energy, manufacturing and business cycle.

These funds are risky and volatile.

They do not work well in all phases of market.

These need strong timing and sector knowledge.

Not suitable for long-term goal like Rs. 2 Crore corpus.

Best to exit these sector funds step by step.

Shift SIP into diversified actively managed funds with better stability.

Flexi Cap and Large & Midcap Fund Exposure

You are investing in multiple flexi cap funds.

Flexi cap funds offer dynamic allocation flexibility.

But having too many of them is not useful.

You may have duplication in stock holding.

Choose 1 or 2 flexi cap funds managed under regular plan.

Combine this with 1 large and midcap fund.

It is enough to give core portfolio strength.

Midcap and Smallcap Exposure Review

Your portfolio has midcap and smallcap funds.

These are needed for wealth creation. But must be balanced.

Right now, exposure looks too high in smallcap.

Smallcap returns are volatile and take time to recover.

A Certified Financial Planner can help balance this allocation.

You need higher allocation to largecap and diversified funds.

That gives steady growth and risk protection.

Portfolio Structuring for Target of Rs. 2 Crore

You need average returns between 12% to 14% yearly.

To achieve this, your funds must be of good quality.

Fund consistency matters more than past performance.

You need a focused and goal-linked portfolio now.

Start with 5 to 6 well-managed mutual funds only.

All should be under regular plan with CFP tracking.

These must be reviewed at least once in 6 months.

You must also increase SIP by 10% yearly if possible.

Suggestions to Clean and Optimise Portfolio

Stop SIPs in sector, thematic, and passive funds.

Exit direct plans and move to same funds in regular plan.

Keep only one ELSS fund for tax saving.

Choose 2 flexi cap funds and 1 large & midcap fund.

Add 1 midcap and 1 smallcap fund based on CFP advice.

Keep total fund count under 6 or 7.

All SIPs should be monitored by Certified Financial Planner.

Don't invest in funds based on social media or trends.

Each fund must have a clear purpose in your goal.

Monitor, Review, and Rebalance Periodically

SIP is not a one-time setup.

You must review your funds at least every 6 months.

Market conditions and fund performance change.

Rebalancing helps keep your plan on track.

Stop underperforming funds. Add to good ones.

A Certified Financial Planner tracks this for you.

That ensures your Rs. 2 Crore goal stays achievable.

Other Financial Planning Areas You Must Review

Keep an emergency fund of at least 6 months expenses.

Buy a pure term insurance. Keep sum assured 10 times annual income.

Buy health insurance if not already done.

Avoid investing in ULIPs, traditional policies, or annuities.

Don't mix insurance and investment.

All investment should be under your or family member's name.

Also create a WILL for smoother transfer later.

Nominee details in mutual funds must be updated.

Don’t use bank agents or online portals for advice.

Always prefer Certified Financial Planner for 360-degree solution.

Finally

You are already on the right path.

But your portfolio is scattered and unfocused.

Direct funds, ETF funds and sectoral funds must be reviewed.

Move to quality, actively managed mutual funds in regular plan.

Keep portfolio simple, structured, and professionally monitored.

Track your progress yearly with guidance of Certified Financial Planner.

With right changes, your Rs. 2 Crore goal is achievable in 15 years.

Stay disciplined and follow a well-planned investment approach.

Your future wealth depends on how well you act now.

Focus on quality, guidance and goal tracking, not quantity of funds.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

Ans: Prioritize CSE (AIML) at IGDTU Delhi for its 95–100% placements in AI/ML roles with top recruiters like Google and Adobe, supported by robust research infrastructure and interdisciplinary projects. Next, CSE (DS) at NIET Greater Noida offers 90% placements (Amazon, Microsoft) with a specialized data science curriculum and industry certifications. The Dual Degree (Mechanical + MBA) at IGDTU provides 70–85% placements in core sectors (L&T, Tata Steel) and managerial pathways, leveraging its NAAC A++ accreditation. Lastly, Mechanical Engineering with Automation at IGDTU trails with 50–60% placements in traditional roles, despite strong academic rigor. Opt for CSE specializations for tech dominance or the dual degree for niche leadership roles, balancing institutional reputation and industry alignment. All the BEST for your Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ans: your question is ambiguous.
To be able to sell life insurance products, it is mandatory to have a IRDA licence.

Ans: I truly appreciate your concern in handling your sister’s legacy with care and responsibility.

Handling investments after someone’s death needs clear understanding of rules.

Let’s go step-by-step in a professional and clear way.

You have raised a very important question.

The issue is about whether the nominee or the beneficiary in the WILL gets priority.

This is a common question when dealing with mutual funds, FDs, and bank accounts.

Let us study this matter from a 360-degree angle.

Difference Between Nominee and Beneficiary in a WILL

A nominee is only a caretaker or trustee of the asset.

The nominee holds the asset temporarily on behalf of the legal heirs.

The person mentioned in the WILL is the final beneficiary of the asset.

A nominee can collect the asset. But has no right to keep it.

A WILL has more legal power over a nomination.

As per Indian law, the person named in the WILL becomes the real owner.

So, even if the nomination is in favour of others, the WILL’s instructions will prevail.

Supreme Court and High Courts have confirmed this rule in many cases.

So your wife, as the legal heir through the WILL, becomes the real owner.

The nominee must hand over the asset to your wife.

What Happens to Mutual Funds in ICICI Direct

AMCs allow the nominee to claim mutual fund units first.

The nominee must submit the death certificate and nomination documents.

However, that nominee is only a custodian of the units.

If your wife is named in the WILL, she becomes the rightful owner.

If nominee refuses to transfer, then legal route through succession can be used.

The court will support the WILL beneficiary and not the nominee.

The Certified Financial Planner will help with paperwork and rightful transfer.

What Happens to Fixed Deposits and Bank Accounts

For FDs and savings accounts, bank will allow the nominee to withdraw the amount.

But, again, nominee does not own that money permanently.

As per Indian Succession Act, the money belongs to the legal heir.

Your wife must be given the FD and savings balance as per the WILL.

If nominee does not cooperate, legal action can be taken.

The WILL is a stronger document than the bank nomination.

Legal Process for Claiming the Assets

First step is to get the death certificate from municipal authority.

Then, obtain a legal heir certificate if required by financial institutions.

Submit the WILL along with affidavit and indemnity form.

Some banks or AMCs may ask for probate of the WILL.

Probate is court validation of the WILL. It is common in large cities.

Once probate is done, all assets will be transferred easily to your wife.

Certified Financial Planner can help coordinate these legal and financial steps.

Role of Nominee in Different Asset Classes

Mutual Funds: Nominee is a trustee only. Not final owner.

FDs/Savings Account: Bank allows nominee to receive. But must hand over to legal heir.

Shares/Stocks: Nominee can get shares. But ownership depends on WILL.

LIC/ULIP: Nominee gets money. But if WILL says otherwise, nominee must pass it on.

Always remember, nomination gives temporary holding, not ownership.

If LIC, ULIPs or Insurance-Cum-Investment Policies Are Present

If your sister had any LIC or ULIP policies, please check.

If these are investment-cum-insurance policies, it’s better to surrender.

The money received can be reinvested in mutual funds with better returns.

Insurance is not a good investment option. Separate insurance and investment is better.

Mutual funds provide more flexibility and higher long-term growth.

Why Mutual Funds Are a Better Option Post Inheritance

Mutual funds offer better growth compared to fixed deposits.

FDs give fixed but lower returns. Inflation reduces real value.

Mutual funds can beat inflation and build more wealth.

Choose diversified mutual funds guided by a Certified Financial Planner.

These funds are actively managed by skilled fund managers.

They give better returns than index funds which are passively managed.

Index funds just follow the market. They don’t protect from risks.

Actively managed funds adjust portfolio as per market changes.

That gives better risk-adjusted returns over long term.

Avoid Direct Mutual Funds – Use Regular Plan With Certified Financial Planner

Direct funds look cheaper, but lack professional support.

No guidance is given on fund choice, timing or rebalancing.

You may choose wrong fund or wrong category. That reduces performance.

A Certified Financial Planner gives ongoing monitoring and review.

He helps match your goal and risk profile with suitable funds.

Regular plan cost is slightly higher. But service value is much more.

You also get proper paperwork, tax help, and exit strategy.

This avoids mistakes and saves more money in long term.

How to Secure the Money Inherited

First, consolidate all money into one savings account.

Then, create a financial goal plan.

Short-term funds can be kept in liquid funds or ultra-short term funds.

Long-term money should be put in diversified equity mutual funds.

Avoid NFOs, PMS or fancy schemes. Stick to simple, consistent performers.

Never mix insurance with investment again.

Buy pure term insurance if protection is needed.

Use mutual funds for long-term goals like retirement corpus or emergency fund.

Tax Considerations After Inheriting the Money

In India, inherited money is not taxed in your hands.

However, any gains you earn from investing it will be taxed.

For mutual funds, gains after three years are taxed at 20% with indexation.

For FDs, interest income is added to your total income and taxed.

Proper structuring through Certified Financial Planner can help reduce tax burden.

Use tax harvesting methods to lower capital gain tax legally.

Estate Planning for the Future

After your wife receives the assets, create her WILL.

This avoids future confusion for your family.

Register the WILL with proper witness and signature.

Also update nomination in all new investments.

This helps smooth claim process and saves legal hassle.

A Certified Financial Planner can guide on succession planning and asset transfer.

Think long-term and plan for smooth wealth transfer across generations.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Thinking nominee is final owner. This is not true.

Ignoring the importance of a registered WILL.

Investing in annuities, ULIPs or insurance-linked plans.

Going for direct mutual funds without expert help.

Putting too much in FDs and ignoring mutual funds.

Not taking proper probate where needed.

Not informing relatives about existence of WILL.

Finally

Your wife, as the person named in the WILL, has the legal right to the assets.

Nominees must transfer all the money and investments to her.

Use a Certified Financial Planner to support with documentation and investment planning.

Avoid direct and index funds. Choose actively managed mutual funds in regular plan route.

Keep insurance and investment separate for better financial health.

Create a proper plan for safe and tax-efficient handling of inherited wealth.

Secure the legacy left by your sister with professional care and future-ready structure.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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