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Sanjeev

Sanjeev Govila  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on Mar 28, 2024

Colonel Sanjeev Govila (retd) is the founder of Hum Fauji Initiatives, a financial planning company dedicated to the armed forces personnel and their families.
He has over 12 years of experience in financial planning and is a SEBI certified registered investment advisor; he is also accredited with AMFI and IRDA.... more
Sumeet Question by Sumeet on Mar 14, 2024Hindi
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I was running a bussiness from last seven year with my brother we had dispute and due to financial crisis i was unable to pay my credit card bill and loan amount. Due to this from last 2 years i am unable to file IT return and this year its the 3rd, what should i do

Ans: If you're facing legal issues related to your business dispute, it may be helpful to consult with a lawyer who specializes in business or financial law. They can provide guidance on your rights and options.
Prioritize your debts based on factors such as interest rates and consequences of non-payment. Focus on paying off high-interest debts first while making minimum payments on others.

It is important to file your tax returns. Failing to file can result in penalties and interest charges. It is advisable to seek guidance from an income tax professional who can provide you a personal solution.
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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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1267 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 21, 2023

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Dear Khevna Shah I am in the business of my father's after his death with my uncle for the last 15 years and so and when my father died my age was 22 and I was a simple, shy and fear boy and was happy and i am doing the accounts job and i was not taking my salary on monthly basis or yearly basis means i want to say that i take 200 or 500 or sometimes 10000 to 20000 as per my requirement and sometimes i have to give it to my mom for her personal expenses. After two and half years, i was having problems with my uncle due to professional reasons and i was talking to him at that time and discussing all the problems and business related issues facing by me and he was listening but not responding to my problems during these years and after passing of two and half years i tried my best for talks, discussion but i was not getting any response from his end and after that period i stopped myself for any talks, discussion and sharing with him and I was prepared to left him and go elsewhere and do something new or do a job or start a new business on my own as we were are living in joint family and still we are in joint. Mam i did not left him and he provided me a new business and I became the proprietor of that new business and i didnot have any idea of that new business and when i engaged in that business i came to know that this business is all runs on liabilities for around three months to six months and depends on how you capture the market with low competitive rates and that time was new and i was not having any distributorship also and the business went on losses and i have beared losses for almost lakhs and lakhs of rupees. So, I closed the shop and again started doing account job in my father's business with my uncle as all the decisions related to business was taken by my uncle and same problem which i was facing in my early stage was repeated and the days were passing as it was passing previously. Now when corona came in the world, we were all lockdown in our homes and in that time we were all of our family members lockdown in our home. In that period we were all fighting with the corona that when will corona go and when we will go outside again and when will our normal life will start we were talking about our works of home should be divided. In that period all the works were divided and when lockdown was over and we were slowly slowly coming back to normal. Our joint family divided and now we are separate but our business is not separate and i am getting the salary fixed after our separation. Now the problem is that the salary fixed is not upto the mark and i am facing financial crisis at my end and our relation are so so and i am facing heated conversation with my wife related to money problems as i have to give her the money for household activities, personal expenses, my child school fees, admission fees and other activities related to school and i am very much exhausted with all the daily dose. So, therefore what will be my steps to go forward regarding the issues with my uncle and the problems which i am facing right now and have a peaceful time.
Ans: Dear Ashish,
Time and again you have been waiting for things to change in your favour. Your first sign was when your uncle's resistance at doing or thinking anything good for you.
Good nature of yours to trust him and still keep at it, but I guess now being in your 30s, should tell you that you need to make your life yourself and on your own terms.
Don't hang around thinking that the tides will change for you; instead change things the way you want by breaking free. Now. how you want to do it; is something that you need to discuss with your wife and decide. You have been far too dependent on this dream world that your uncle is going to make things happen and will be kind to you.
Be kind to yourself and now ask yourself:
- how can I revive my financial position on my own?
- what support do I need and from whom to achieve this?
- how can I keep myself motivated every day as I change things for the better?

The time has also come to have a clear chat with the person controlling the business. It gets messy when the family is divided and the business is still joint. Money troubles are never going to have clarity ever in this type of an arrangement. So, take matter into your own hands without fearing the outcome and think of only how you can have a better and peaceful life. The answer will be crystal clear to you.

All the best!

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6965 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 23, 2024

Money
I took a flat last year and at that time my business was running nicely but soon i ran into losses and forcefully i closed my busines and from april 2024 i have no work and very less capital,i have to pay emi and my kids school fees and other expenses which is amounting to 1lakh every month idk how should i come out of this
Ans: You’re facing a challenging situation right now, with no income, high monthly expenses, and financial commitments like EMI and your children’s education. Let’s break down possible steps you can take to regain control of your finances.

Prioritize Your Expenses
EMI and Essential Bills: Your home loan EMI and your children's school fees are non-negotiable expenses. These should be your top priority.

Other Monthly Expenses: Review your household spending. Identify any discretionary expenses that can be cut down. Reducing non-essential spending temporarily can free up some money for necessary payments.

Family Support: If possible, consider seeking short-term financial support from family members. This can help you bridge the gap during this critical period.

Utilize Your Existing Assets
1. Liquidate a Portion of Your Fixed Deposits
You have Rs. 1.5 crore in fixed deposits. This is a significant sum. You could consider breaking a portion of these FDs to meet your immediate needs. While breaking an FD may result in a loss of interest, it will provide the liquidity needed to manage your expenses.

Action Step: Break only the amount you need for 6 months to a year of expenses. This will give you breathing space and reduce financial stress while you find new sources of income.
2. Leverage Your Mutual Fund Investments
You have Rs. 40 lakhs in mutual funds. You might consider redeeming a portion of this to create a cash buffer.

Action Step: Withdraw from the mutual funds that have performed well and where you can incur the least loss due to market conditions. Ensure you leave some investments intact for long-term growth.
3. Emergency Loan Against Investments
Instead of redeeming your mutual funds or fixed deposits, you can explore taking a loan against them. Many banks offer loans against mutual funds or fixed deposits at reasonable interest rates.

Action Step: Taking a loan against your investments will allow you to get liquidity without selling your assets. This can help manage the cash crunch without disturbing long-term savings.
Plan for Income Generation
1. Temporary or Freelance Work
While you may be facing difficulty with your business, consider temporary or freelance work that matches your skillset. Look into short-term projects or consultancy opportunities that can provide you with an immediate source of income.

Action Step: Update your network and look for opportunities that match your expertise, even if they are not as lucrative as your business used to be. A steady income will help you meet your EMI and household expenses.
2. Rent Out Part of Your Flat
If your flat is large or you have extra space, consider renting out a part of it. This can provide a steady stream of income.

Action Step: Explore if there is a demand for rental housing in your area. This could help generate monthly cash flow without you needing to sell any assets.
EMI Restructuring
1. Negotiate with Your Bank
Given your current financial hardship, you can approach your bank for EMI restructuring or loan moratorium. Many banks offer relief in terms of reducing the EMI amount or extending the loan tenure for customers facing financial difficulties.

Action Step: Speak to your bank about your situation. Ask for a moratorium on EMI payments for a few months or request a temporary reduction in EMI amounts.
2. Consider Refinancing Your Home Loan
Another option is to explore home loan refinancing. Refinancing could reduce your EMI burden by securing a lower interest rate.

Action Step: Contact your bank or other financial institutions to explore whether you can refinance the loan at a lower rate.
Education Fee Management
1. Request for School Fee Payment Flexibility
If paying the school fees in one go is challenging, approach your children’s school and explain your situation. Many schools are open to payment plans where fees can be paid in installments.

Action Step: Talk to the school administration about the possibility of extending fee payments or reducing the amount temporarily based on your financial situation.
Focus on Emotional Well-being
This period can be emotionally draining, especially with the pressure of meeting financial obligations. It’s important to stay positive and seek support from family and friends during this tough time. Sometimes sharing the burden with trusted people can help you think more clearly.

Final Insights
You have several options to manage this financial crunch:

Use existing assets: Liquidate or borrow against your fixed deposits and mutual funds.

Look for income: Explore temporary work or renting out part of your property for additional income.

Reduce EMI burden: Negotiate with your bank for EMI relief, and consider refinancing your home loan.

Communicate with the school: Request flexibility in fee payments.

Stay focused and take it step by step. With the right approach, you will be able to manage these challenges and regain financial stability.

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

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6965 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

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Sir, i am working as lecturer having 25000/- salary, due to family circumstances i have 30lk credit. All jewell loans, i could not able to handle. Even i sale my jewellery, i will be having 5 to 6 lk only. Any suggestion to reduce my credits.
Ans: It takes courage to address such situations, and it’s great that you’re taking proactive steps to improve your finances. Here’s a 360-degree approach to help you effectively reduce your debts while managing your monthly income of Rs 25,000.

 

Assessing Your Debt Situation
Current Debt Amount: You have Rs 30 lakhs in debt primarily due to loans taken against jewelry. If selling your jewelry will provide only Rs 5-6 lakhs, then other measures are necessary to bridge the remaining gap.

Debt Sources and Interest Rates: Understanding the interest rates on each loan will help prioritize payments. Jewelry loans often carry lower interest than unsecured loans or credit card debt. However, their high value makes them significant.

 

Setting Financial Priorities
Essential Expenses: Calculate your essential monthly expenses (household, transport, utilities). This will clarify how much is left for debt repayment each month.

Debt Repayment Priority: Prioritize high-interest debts first. Any loan with a high interest rate should be addressed as soon as possible to reduce interest accumulation.

 

Exploring Repayment Options
Partial Repayment by Selling Jewelry: Selling your jewelry may not clear all debt but will help reduce a portion. Use the Rs 5-6 lakhs strategically by paying off high-interest loans first.

Consider Loan Consolidation: If possible, consolidate your loans into one with a lower interest rate. For instance, banks or cooperative societies sometimes offer personal loans at a lower rate, which can help ease monthly payments.

Restructuring Existing Loans: Contact your lenders to discuss loan restructuring options. Many banks provide relief by extending loan tenures or reducing EMI amounts for individuals in genuine financial distress.

 

Managing Monthly Cash Flow
Setting a Strict Budget: Allocate a strict budget for necessities. Consider frugal practices to reduce monthly costs temporarily, which can free up additional funds for debt payments.

Allocating a Debt Repayment Fund: Set aside a specific portion of your income every month, no matter how small, strictly for debt repayment. This will build consistency in reducing your debt.

Avoiding New Debts: Avoid taking additional loans or using credit until your current debt is more manageable.

 

Additional Income Opportunities
Tutoring or Freelance Work: As a lecturer, you could consider online tutoring or offering coaching for students after hours. Even Rs 5,000-10,000 in additional income monthly can significantly help.

Skill-Based Part-Time Work: If time permits, you could explore other opportunities aligned with your teaching expertise, such as writing educational content, creating online courses, or conducting paid webinars.

 

Support Systems and Resources
Family Support: Since family circumstances have impacted your debt, consider discussing any temporary financial support options with family members to ease immediate pressure.

Seeking Financial Counseling: Consider consulting with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who can give detailed advice tailored to your unique situation, including restructuring or debt management plans. A CFP will provide a professional outlook on maximizing your income and managing debt within a structured plan.

 

Reducing Emotional and Financial Stress
Avoid Impulse Financial Decisions: It’s easy to make financial decisions under stress that may lead to more debt. Focus on following a structured plan.

Self-Care: Financial challenges can be overwhelming, affecting mental and physical health. Maintain a balanced routine, and stay positive.

 

Final Insights
Addressing debt takes time and disciplined planning. By following these steps, you can gradually reduce your financial burden. The approach of combining structured repayments with minimal expenses and possible additional income can put you back on a more stable financial footing.

 
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6965 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 04, 2024Hindi
Money
Sir, I purchased a residential plot in 2018. Paying 6 monthly installment.Total amount paid with interest was 43,00000/- forty three lack. I have no residential house at present. Now the present price of that is 95,00000/- . Now I want to sell that and investing Rs 40,00000/- for residential house and balance in commercial land. please advise me.
Ans: You’ve achieved excellent appreciation on your plot investment, which is highly commendable. You now aim to sell this property and use part of the funds for a residential house while considering the rest for commercial land. Let’s analyse this plan from a Certified Financial Planner’s perspective. Here’s a 360-degree assessment to help you make a well-informed decision.

Capital Gains and Tax Implications
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG): As you bought the plot in 2018 and are selling it now, the capital gains qualify as long-term. Given the increased value, you may incur LTCG tax on the profit.

Exemptions: When reinvesting in a residential property, you can potentially claim exemption under Section 54F of the Income Tax Act. This exemption applies if the capital gain amount is reinvested in a residential house within a specified timeframe. Consulting with a tax advisor could optimize your tax efficiency here.

Analyzing Residential House Purchase
Primary Residence Investment: Using Rs 40 lakh for a residential house is a wise move, as it gives you a self-owned home, fulfilling a fundamental need. Without a current home, owning a residence enhances your long-term security and reduces rent expenses.

Long-Term Value: Owning a home can offer lifestyle stability, tax benefits, and asset value over time. However, as residential properties are typically less liquid and may have lower returns than other assets, it’s best to consider it a personal asset rather than an investment.

Considerations for Commercial Land Investment
Investing in commercial land may seem attractive due to potentially higher rental yields and appreciation rates. However, let’s evaluate it against alternative investment avenues.

Risk and Return: Commercial properties generally offer higher returns than residential properties but come with higher risks. Rental income from commercial spaces can be inconsistent based on economic conditions and tenant demand. It’s essential to assess if you’re comfortable with this risk.

Liquidity Concerns: Real estate, especially commercial property, is less liquid. Selling a commercial property may take time, and in down markets, you may not realize your expected price.

Maintenance and Management: Commercial properties often require more active management, legal clearances, and compliance checks. Unless you’re prepared for these responsibilities, this investment could become complex.

Exploring Alternative Investments for Growth
To maximize growth, diversifying your remaining funds into financial instruments can be beneficial. Here are a few alternatives:

1. Mutual Funds
Actively Managed Funds: Actively managed mutual funds, overseen by professional fund managers, have the potential for higher returns than index funds. Unlike passive index funds, active funds aim to outperform benchmarks, making them appealing for growth-focused investors.

Regular vs. Direct Funds: Regular funds come with guidance from a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) and a Certified Financial Planner, who can provide personalized advice. The convenience of a CFP-guided approach often outweighs the slightly higher fees compared to direct funds. Direct funds, while fee-saving, lack advisory benefits and can lead to suboptimal choices if not expertly managed.

2. Fixed Income Instruments
Corporate Bonds or Government Securities: These can provide steady income and safety for conservative investors. Interest rates vary based on the issuer and tenure, and they offer fixed returns over time.

Fixed Deposits (FDs): Bank FDs or other fixed-income options offer stability and liquidity. Though the return rates are modest, they add a stable component to your portfolio.

Debt Mutual Funds: For a moderate-risk approach, debt funds are ideal. Debt mutual funds invest in bonds and government securities, offering stability and potentially higher returns than FDs. Remember, debt funds are taxed as per your income slab.

3. Gold as a Hedge
Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs): Investing a small portion in SGBs diversifies your portfolio, providing a hedge against inflation. SGBs offer interest income and avoid the hassle of physical storage, making them an efficient gold investment.

Gold Mutual Funds and ETFs: Alternatively, gold mutual funds or ETFs provide liquidity and flexibility, though they may have slightly lower returns than physical gold or SGBs.

Evaluating Your Financial Goals and Needs
Based on your current objective, here’s a tailored roadmap to help meet your requirements:

Primary Residence Ownership: Prioritise the Rs 40 lakh towards a residential home purchase, fulfilling your immediate housing needs.

Enhanced Diversification: For the remaining funds, diversify between mutual funds, fixed-income products, and gold. This combination offers growth, stability, and inflation protection.

Balanced Liquidity and Growth: Consider liquid investments like mutual funds and FDs for accessible funds. These can support liquidity while generating returns.

Key Takeaways for a Secure Future
Avoid Concentration in Real Estate: Since you already hold residential and commercial property, too much allocation to real estate could limit liquidity and growth opportunities. Financial assets offer more flexibility.

Tax Optimization: By consulting a tax advisor, you can strategically reinvest and claim exemptions, optimizing your tax outgo while achieving your financial goals.

Active Monitoring and Review: Regularly review your portfolio, especially in mutual funds, with the assistance of a Certified Financial Planner. This ensures alignment with your goals and adapts to market changes.

Final Insights
Selling your plot offers a unique opportunity to balance asset allocation between real estate and financial assets. By investing in a residential property for personal use and diversifying into financial assets, you achieve both stability and growth potential.

Your disciplined approach to financial planning is commendable. With a balanced strategy, you can maximise both security and growth for a prosperous future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |6965 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 05, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 05, 2024Hindi
Money
Dear Mr. Ramalingam Kalirajan, I am 51 years old, single with no dependent. currently I own a portfolio of INR 1.3 Cr in which 40 L is in MF and 10L in Bond and 10L in Gold. 50L in direct Shares and another 20L in Insurance (Ulip). apart from this I have a Flat which is worth of 60L. my Monthly expenses is around 40K, currently I am planning to retire, kindly let me know whether with this investment can I retire keeping life expectancy of 70-80 years. kindly advice.
Ans: It’s commendable that you’ve accumulated a substantial portfolio and are considering retirement thoughtfully. Let's evaluate each asset class within your portfolio to assess your retirement readiness.

Monthly Income Needs and Existing Assets

You mentioned monthly expenses of Rs 40,000.
Over a 20-30 year retirement period, inflation may gradually increase this amount. A sustainable withdrawal strategy will help address this.
Given a life expectancy of 70-80 years, a monthly income from investments is essential to meet your needs without depleting your corpus.
Mutual Funds

Your mutual fund corpus of Rs 40 lakh could play a key role in providing regular income.

Actively managed funds, unlike index funds, allow expert fund managers to navigate market conditions. They aim for growth even in uncertain markets.
These funds can also be diversified across equity and debt categories to maintain balance. Equity funds can support growth, while debt funds can offer stability and liquidity.
Suggested Action

Retain and build your mutual fund corpus. Regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) offer guidance, minimizing risk while aiming for returns.
Setting up a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) can provide monthly income in a tax-efficient manner. SWP helps maintain principal while generating steady cash flow.
Direct Share Investments

With Rs 50 lakh in direct shares, your exposure to the equity market is significant.

Direct shares can be volatile and may not always align with the cash flow needs of retirement.
However, with proper management, shares may serve as a growth engine in your portfolio.
Suggested Action

Gradually shift part of your direct shares to diversified equity mutual funds. They provide professional management, spreading risk across sectors and companies.
Review the remaining stocks for potential dividends. Dividend-yielding stocks can complement your monthly cash flow needs.
Bond Investments

Your Rs 10 lakh in bonds offers stability but limited growth. Bonds are more effective as a balance to higher-growth assets like equities.

Bonds have fixed interest, but they may not keep up with inflation. Over time, they could lose purchasing power.
Suggested Action

Retain some bonds for safety but consider partially reallocating to debt mutual funds. Debt funds offer liquidity and potentially better post-tax returns than traditional bonds.
Maintain a mix of short and medium-term debt funds. These provide safety while possibly enhancing returns over traditional fixed-income instruments.
Gold Holdings

Gold can serve as a hedge in times of market volatility, and your Rs 10 lakh in gold contributes to a diversified portfolio.

However, gold alone may not generate regular income. It is more useful for capital preservation.
Suggested Action

Keep your gold as a long-term hedge but avoid expanding your holdings in gold.
For income generation, focus on growth-oriented assets like equity or hybrid funds, which combine equity and debt in a balanced manner.
Insurance (ULIP)

Your Rs 20 lakh in a Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP) provides both insurance and investment. However, ULIPs can come with high charges and may not yield optimal returns.

Suggested Action

It is advisable to consider surrendering or partially exiting the ULIP.
Reinvest the proceeds into mutual funds, which offer greater flexibility, transparency, and cost-efficiency. A term insurance policy can cover any remaining insurance needs.
Real Estate

You own a flat valued at Rs 60 lakh, which can provide security or rental income if required. However, real estate as an asset is typically illiquid, and immediate access to funds can be challenging.

Suggested Action

If rental income isn’t feasible, consider whether this asset aligns with your retirement goals. Selling the property can free up funds for more liquid investments.
Alternatively, keep it as a fallback option but prioritize liquid and income-generating investments for cash flow needs.
Creating a Sustainable Income Stream

To cover Rs 40,000 monthly expenses, an ideal approach is to create a mix of income sources from your portfolio:

A Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from equity and hybrid mutual funds could provide monthly income while maintaining the principal.
Dividends from shares, if selected well, can further support your cash flow.
For liquidity, a portion in debt mutual funds or bonds can cover emergencies.
Optimizing Tax Efficiency

Long-term capital gains (LTCG) on equity mutual funds above Rs 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%, and short-term gains at 20%.
Debt funds, on the other hand, are taxed per your income tax slab.
Setting up withdrawals strategically can help minimize tax impact and extend the life of your corpus.
Maintaining Emergency Funds

Since you are planning for a lengthy retirement, set aside a portion of liquid assets as an emergency reserve. This could be a mix of cash, liquid mutual funds, and short-term debt funds.

A sufficient emergency fund provides a buffer without disrupting your main investment portfolio.
It ensures that you won’t need to liquidate assets in unfavorable market conditions.
Healthcare Planning

Without dependents, healthcare planning is crucial to address any unforeseen medical expenses. Consider a robust health insurance policy to minimize out-of-pocket costs.

If you already have health insurance, evaluate the coverage for adequacy.
Top-up plans can provide extra protection without a large increase in premiums.
Finally

Your retirement plan appears well-structured with diversified investments, yet a few refinements could ensure financial security. By consolidating your portfolio for income generation and stability, you can enjoy a comfortable and financially independent retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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