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: 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!

Ans: It is time to first make yourself financially stable and ensure your family's well-being too. To do this, it would be sensible to cut your losses and find ways of getting a stable source of income. With your experience in running a pharmacy and your contacts in that industry, you could consider a job in Pharma sales for example. That would help you retain your network and familiarity with the pharma industry. Later on, once you are well-set, you could reconsider business.

Ans: Unfortunately, many people get caught in the debt trap and there is no easy way out. You should not take any personal or home loans till the business is settled. For now, please settle all our loans or try and get a restructuring of loans done, and start afresh.

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