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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9239 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 05, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
akshay Question by akshay on Jun 05, 2025
Money

Just wanted to add sir due to coming out of debt trap cibil got hit as i settled evry debt. Beacuse of that i am not able to refinance anything. Car is already refinanced. 2 years ago. 16k emi for that. And 14k for my wife emi. Thats the break up of 30k emi

Ans: Thank you for the extra details, Akshay.

Since your CIBIL score is low now, refinancing options are limited.

Focus on improving your credit score by timely payments and no new debts.

Use the next 12–18 months to rebuild credit history.

Avoid new loans or credit card usage that can hurt your score.

Once your score improves, you can explore loan restructuring again.

Meanwhile, keep controlling expenses and building emergency savings.

This disciplined approach will open refinancing possibilities in future.

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

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9239 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 19, 2024

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Hi sir I recently loss my job and I have personal Emi and taken loans from apps. which is aroundly have to pay Emi 35 k in a month and loan apps like Paytm , moneyview daliy calling and threating . I worried and I should not have focussed on anything. Please help from this situation
Ans: Losing a job and facing debt can be overwhelming. It is important to act swiftly to manage your financial situation.

Assess Your Financial Situation
List All Debts:

EMI of Rs. 35,000 per month.
Loans from various apps like Paytm and MoneyView.
Prioritize Debts:

Identify which debts have the highest interest rates.
Focus on these high-interest loans first.
Create a Budget
Calculate Monthly Expenses:

List essential expenses (rent, utilities, groceries).
Identify non-essential expenses you can cut.
Allocate Funds:

Ensure you cover essential expenses first.
Allocate remaining funds towards debt repayment.
Communicate with Lenders
Contact Loan Providers:

Explain your job loss situation.
Request for a temporary reduction or deferment in EMI payments.
Negotiate Repayment Terms:

Ask for extended repayment periods.
Request for lower interest rates if possible.
Seek Professional Help
Certified Financial Planner:

Consult a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice.
They can help you create a debt management plan.
Credit Counseling Services:

Consider reaching out to credit counseling services.
They can negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
Increase Income Sources
Look for Temporary Work:

Consider part-time or freelance work.
Explore gig economy jobs like food delivery or ride-sharing.
Sell Unnecessary Assets:

Sell items you no longer need.
Use the proceeds to pay off debts.
Emergency Measures
Emergency Fund:

If you have an emergency fund, use it to cover essential expenses.
Avoid depleting it completely, keep some funds for unforeseen emergencies.
Friends and Family:

Consider borrowing from trusted friends or family.
Ensure you create a clear repayment plan to avoid misunderstandings.
Legal and Supportive Measures
Understand Your Rights:

Familiarize yourself with the laws regarding debt collection.
Loan apps must follow legal protocols; report any harassment.
Emotional Support:

Seek support from friends, family, or support groups.
Managing stress and mental health is crucial during this time.
Final Insights
Facing job loss and debt can be daunting. Take immediate steps to manage your finances. Prioritize essential expenses and debt repayment. Communicate with lenders and seek professional help. Look for temporary income sources and consider selling unnecessary assets. Protect your mental health and seek support from loved ones. With a strategic approach, you can navigate this difficult period and regain financial stability.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9239 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jun 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 02, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello sir, I have multiple EMIs and I am doing business. I have 5 EMIs, 1st EMI is 16483 rs and remaining 49,000. 2 EMIs, 2nd is 16800, remaining 14,0000. 3rd EMI is 10100, remaining is 14,0000 and 4th EMI is 4500, remaining 87,000, 5th EMI is 8200, remaining amount is 170000. So total EMIs around 56,0000 principal amount remaining and my monthly income is 80k. Still I have 5,86000 to settle and suddenly I got huge loss in my business and now I am jobless and no any other option of income, so please suggest what should I do and how to come out of debt....please suggest it's a request. Am not able to find any way how to get out of this debt.
Ans: I appreciate that you reached out honestly and took responsibility. Let’s work step by step toward financial stability.

Financial Snapshot at Present

You have total EMIs around Rs.?56,000 per month.

Loan principals remaining total Rs.?5.86?lakhs.

You are currently jobless with monthly income zero.

No immediate alternative income source mentioned.

You are in business and may try restarting.

Your situation is tough. But with a clear plan, you can regain control. Let’s analyse and act.

1. Strict Expense Audit

You must begin with clarity on expenses:

List every monthly expense you have.

Include household, personal, and business costs.

Mark essentials vs non?essentials.

Cut all non?essential spending immediately.

Stop subscriptions, leisure, and luxury outflows.

Redirect savings toward EMI obligations only.

This exercise will free up funds to prioritise debt servicing.

2. Emergency Income Exploration

As you are jobless now, urgent action is essential:

Explore part?time work or freelance gigs.

Offer skills online or offline for income.

Try consulting in your earlier business domain.

Join temporary or gig roles to cover EMIs.

Consider small services like tutoring or delivery until stable.

Any income helps you stay afloat and prevents defaults.

3. Talk to Lenders Proactively

Approach banks and financiers quickly:

Explain your business loss and jobless status.

Request EMI moratorium or interim relief.

Ask for loan repayment rescheduling.

Seek interest-only EMI for some months.

Aim to reduce EMI burden to an affordable level.

Lenders may offer restructuring if approached early.

4. Debt Repayment Strategy: Ladder Method

Once you restore some income:

Prioritise smallest loan for full repayment first.

Then move EMI money to the next smallest loan.

Repeat until all small debts are cleared.

This gives psychological momentum and frees up EMI space.

Once smaller loans are cleared, reallocate funds to bigger loans.

This method keeps you motivated and reduces EMI load faster.

5. Asset Monetisation and Liquidation

Consider using existing assets for debt:

Sell non-essential jewellery or things lying idle.

Withdraw small amounts from any savings or liquid funds.

Use funds to prepay smaller EMIs.

Don’t empty deep savings; retain 1–2 months buffer.

This approach shortens debt tenure and interest burden.

6. Avoid High-Cost Borrowings

Now is not the time for risky debt:

Do not take new loans to repay old ones.

Steer clear of credit cards, personal loans at high rates.

Resist tempting small business loans or gold loans.

This prevents falling into a debt spiral.

7. Business Restructuring

If you plan to restart business:

Analyse where losses occurred.

Cut all non?essential business costs.

Focus on small, quick?turnover products.

Build low?cost, high?margin services.

Reinvest profits slowly into growth.

Keep business and personal finances separate.

Your business can support debt repayment if rebuilt wisely.

8. Emergency Fund Re?Establishment

Once you start earning again:

Set aside 1–2 months’ worth of living expenses.

Keep this in liquid form like a savings account.

This buffer prevents future defaults.

Even a small cushion keeps financial stress manageable.

9. Avoid Investment Disruption

Unless necessary, do not break investments now:

Keep long-term mutual funds or debts intact.

Cancelling SIPs may harm long-term wealth creation.

If needed, stop SIPs temporarily but don’t liquidate.

If you have direct plans like ULIPs or endowments,
consult a CFP about surrendering and reinvesting via MFD.

This protects your future financial foundation.

10. Seek Support for Credit Counseling

You don’t have to do this alone:

Look for credit counselling through non-profit agencies.

They may negotiate with lenders on your behalf.

They offer guidance on debt rehabilitation.

A CFP can help you plan and manage cash flow.

Professional assistance often leads to better outcomes.

11. Re?negotiation After Recovery

When income recovers:

Resume previous EMI schedule gradually.

Or consider prepayment to expedite loan clearance.

Check if prepaying requires penalty.

Prioritise smaller loans or higher interest loans first.

Track monthly debt outstanding and revisit budgets.

Regular reviews keep you on the payment track.

12. Rebuild and Protect Going Forward

After debt payoff, build a stronger future:

Reinstate SIPs into diversified mutual funds.

Prefer regular plans under CFP guidance for safety.

Split into equity (for growth) and debt (for stability).

Build emergency fund worth at least 6 months.

Get term and health insurance if not already present.

Track income and expenses monthly for smooth finances.

These steps ensure long-term stability and peace.

13. Long-Term Financial Discipline

To stay on strong footing:

Maintain savings habit even during recovery.

Keep debt within safe limits of future income.

Plan for retirement post-recovery.

Adjust lifestyle to match income growth.

Discipline paves the road to financial freedom.

14. Psychological and Family Support

Debt impact is more than finance:

Be transparent with family about status.

Seek their support for cost-cutting.

Don’t hide or risk relationships.

Talking may ease stress and spark ideas.

Together, you can handle hardship better.

360?Degree Action Plan Summary

Audit all expenses and cut every non?essential cost.

Look immediately for alternative income options.

Talk to lenders for EMI relief or rescheduling.

Use ladder method to repay smaller loans first.

Monetise idle assets to reduce EMI burden.

Avoid taking high-cost new debts.

Rebuild business with low cost and profit focus.

Create a small emergency buffer with regained income.

Retain long-term investments; stop SIPs if needed.

Use credit counselling or CFP guidance.

After recovery, resume EMI schedules or prepayments.

Re?start SIPs in regular mutual funds via CFP.

Secure term and health insurance.

Rebalance finances every quarter.

Stay transparent with your family to ease burdens.

Final Insights

You are facing difficult times, but you still have options and resilience.
Immediate income and lender negotiation are the first steps.
Cutting expenses sharply will save crucial money.
Small asset sales can free funds for EMIs.
Avoid more debts.
Rebuild systematically without losing hope.
Use small income to prove creditors you are serious.
A structured plan will get you out of the crisis.
After crisis, build back savings, investments, and buffers.
You can recover, grow, and succeed again.
This plan gives clarity, purpose, and a way forward.

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

..Read more

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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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