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Jinal

Jinal Mehta  | Answer  |Ask -

Financial Planner - Answered on May 20, 2024

Jinal Mehta is a qualified certified financial professional certified by FPSB India. She has 10 years of experience in the field of personal finance.
She is the founder of Beyond Learning Finance, an authorised education provider for the CFP certification programme in India.
In addition, she manages a family office organisation, where she handles investment planning, tax planning, insurance planning and estate planning.
Jinal has a bachelor's degree in management studies. She also has a diploma in in financial management from NMIMS, Mumbai.
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Asked by Anonymous - May 20, 2024Hindi
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I would like to invest 1 lacs per month. Where should I need to invest like mutual funds, stock, comercial property or something else??

Ans: Currently..given the options that you have shortlisted, i suggest to start with mutual funds. Do not exit the funds during market corrections. Stay invested.
Asked on - May 20, 2024 | Not Answered yet
Thank you so much. I'll definitely start investing in mutual funds as suggested. I would really appreciate if you can suggest something else as well if you have in your mind.
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  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 18, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 14, 2024Hindi
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Hello My Age is 23 and currently earning a income of 40000 per month where should I invest pls describe the amount of investment allotment also in different sectors like MF, INSURANCE, ETC. I would like to invest monthly around 20000.
Ans: Congratulations on taking the initiative to invest at a young age! Let's explore a diversified investment strategy tailored to your financial situation and goals.

Assessing Investment Allocation
Mutual Funds (MF):

Allocate a significant portion of your monthly investment towards mutual funds, considering their potential for long-term growth and diversification benefits.
Aim to invest around 60-70% of your monthly investment amount in mutual funds across various categories such as large-cap, mid-cap, and multi-cap funds.
Insurance:

While insurance is essential for financial protection, allocate a smaller portion of your investment towards insurance premiums.
Consider investing around 10-20% of your monthly investment amount in insurance policies such as term insurance for adequate coverage.
Emergency Fund:

Build an emergency fund equivalent to 3-6 months of living expenses to cover unexpected financial needs.
Allocate a portion of your monthly investment towards gradually building your emergency fund until it reaches the desired level.
Other Investments:

Explore other investment avenues such as fixed deposits, recurring deposits, or Public Provident Fund (PPF) for stable returns and tax benefits.
Allocate a small portion of your monthly investment, around 10-20%, towards these conservative investment options to ensure a balanced portfolio.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds Over Index Funds
Actively managed mutual funds offer the expertise of professional fund managers who actively select and manage the fund's investments to outperform the market.
These funds have the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on investment opportunities, potentially yielding higher returns.
Unlike index funds, which passively track a market index, actively managed funds can generate alpha through active portfolio management and security selection.
Considerations for Direct Fund Investment
While direct funds offer lower expense ratios compared to regular funds, they require active involvement in research, monitoring, and portfolio management.
Direct fund investors must possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to select suitable funds and manage their investment portfolio effectively.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) provides access to professional guidance and personalized investment advice, enhancing the overall investment experience.
Conclusion
By following a disciplined investment approach and diversifying across various asset classes, you can build a robust investment portfolio that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance. Remember to review your investments periodically and make adjustments as needed to stay on track towards achieving your objectives.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on May 17, 2024

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Money
Please let me know the best & secured investment of 10 lacs with monthly income plan
Ans: Investing ?10 lakhs to generate a secure and steady monthly income requires a balanced approach that ensures safety while providing reasonable returns. Here are some options to consider:

Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS)
Overview
Eligibility: Individuals aged 60 years and above.
Investment Limit: Up to ?15 lakhs.
Interest Rate: Typically higher than regular fixed deposits.
Tenure: 5 years, extendable by 3 years.
Payout: Quarterly interest payouts.
Benefits
Safety: Backed by the Government of India, ensuring high security.
Regular Income: Provides a steady income every quarter.
Tax Benefits: Eligible for tax deduction under Section 80C.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
Overview
Eligibility: Open to all Indian residents.
Investment Limit: ?4.5 lakhs per individual, ?9 lakhs for joint accounts.
Interest Rate: Fixed, and reviewed quarterly.
Tenure: 5 years.
Payout: Monthly interest payouts.
Benefits
Safety: Government-backed, offering high security.
Regular Income: Monthly interest payouts for consistent cash flow.
Fixed Deposits (FD) in Banks
Overview
Eligibility: Available to all.
Interest Rate: Varies by bank, generally lower than SCSS but higher for senior citizens.
Tenure: Flexible, typically ranges from 1 to 10 years.
Payout: Monthly, quarterly, or annual interest payouts.
Benefits
Safety: Up to ?5 lakhs insured by Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
Flexibility: Choose tenure and interest payout frequency based on needs.
Senior Citizen Benefits: Higher interest rates for senior citizens.
Mutual Funds with Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
Overview
Eligibility: Open to all.
Types of Funds: Debt mutual funds for lower risk.
Payout: Monthly withdrawal as per chosen amount.
Benefits
Flexibility: Choose the amount and frequency of withdrawals.
Tax Efficiency: Better post-tax returns compared to traditional savings options.
Potential Growth: Debt funds offer higher returns compared to fixed deposits.
Combining Investments for Optimal Security and Returns
To maximize security and ensure a steady monthly income, consider diversifying your ?10 lakhs across different instruments. Here's a suggested allocation:

Senior Citizens' Savings Scheme (SCSS)
Investment: ?4 lakhs.
Monthly Income: Approximately ?2,800.
Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS)
Investment: ?4.5 lakhs.
Monthly Income: Approximately ?3,150.
Bank Fixed Deposit (FD)
Investment: ?1.5 lakhs.
Monthly Income: Approximately ?900 (assuming a 7.2% annual interest rate for senior citizens).
Conclusion
This diversified approach ensures a secure investment with a steady monthly income. The combination of SCSS, POMIS, and FD provides a blend of safety, regular income, and tax benefits. Adjust the allocation based on your specific needs and preferences.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 25, 2024

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Hi I have 15 lacs and need to invest which will give me steady monthly income
Ans: You have Rs. 15 lakh and seek steady monthly income. Let’s explore the best options for your needs.

Benefits of Systematic Withdrawal Plans (SWPs)
Regular Income: SWPs provide steady cash flow.
Capital Protection: Keeps your principal relatively safe.
Tax Efficiency: Better tax benefits compared to fixed deposits.
Advantages of Actively Managed Funds in SWPs
Expert Management: Funds managed by professionals.
Better Returns: Potential for higher returns compared to index funds.
Flexibility: Adjust investments based on market conditions.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds
No Guidance: Lack of professional advice.
Higher Risk: More risk due to lack of management.
Complexity: Requires significant time and knowledge.
Benefits of Investing Through MFD with CFP Credential
Expert Advice: Helps in making informed decisions.
Regular Monitoring: Keeps investments on track.
Customized Portfolio: Tailored to your goals and risk profile.
Investment Strategy for Steady Monthly Income
Step 1: Allocate Funds to a Balanced Portfolio
Equity Funds: For growth potential.
Debt Funds: For stability and lower risk.
Hybrid Funds: Combine equity and debt for balanced growth.
Step 2: Set Up Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)
SWP Mechanism: Withdraw a fixed amount monthly.
Start with Small Amount: Ensure sustainability of the corpus.
Step 3: Regular Monitoring and Adjustments
Quarterly Review: Check fund performance.
Rebalance Annually: Adjust the portfolio to maintain balance.
Step 4: Tax Efficiency
Long-Term Capital Gains: Lower tax rate compared to short-term.
Tax-Free Withdrawals: Certain portions of withdrawals can be tax-free.
Estimated Monthly Income
Assuming a conservative return of 8%, you can withdraw a fixed monthly amount while keeping your principal relatively intact. This could provide a stable income stream while also potentially growing your investment.

Health and Emergency Fund
Maintain a Buffer
Emergency Fund: Keep at least 6 months of expenses.
Health Coverage: Ensure adequate insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses.
Final Insights
To achieve steady monthly income:

Invest Rs. 15 lakh in a balanced portfolio.
Use a Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) for regular income.
Seek professional advice for customized planning.
Monitor and adjust your investments regularly.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Milind

Milind Vadjikar  | Answer  |Ask -

Insurance, Stocks, MF, PF Expert - Answered on Oct 02, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 01, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am in my late 20s and want to invest 1 lakh per month. Can you guide me where to invest it? I am looking at diversifying the investment in different asset classes such as equity mutual fund, debt etc. Also, should I invest on international equity mutual funds?
Ans: Hello;

I hope you have adequate term life insurance and healthcare insurance to begin with as protection.

I recommend the following allocation for your investible funds for regular monthly contributions(1 L per month):

1. flexicap type fund(PPFAS flexicap fund G): This fund also has exposure to international equity over and above investments in Indian stocks: 25%

2. Large cap type mutual fund(Kotak bluechip fund G): 10%

3. Large and Midcap type Fund (Mirae Asset Large and Midcap fund G): 25%

4. Small cap type fund(Nippon India Small cap fund): 10%

5. PPF: 12.5% (To be considered as investment in Debt asset class).

6. Multi asset allocation type fund(ICICI Pru Multi asset allocation fund G): 17.5%
This fund has allocation to gold, debt and equity and alters allocation to each asset class based on market dynamics.

PPF is a GOI social security scheme with 15 year tenure and partial withdrawal allowable after 6th year. It's an E-E-E type of scheme.

The funds are recommended for 10+ year horizon however yearly review and changes if required should be done.

Happy Investing!!

You may follow us on X at @mars_invest for updates.

*Investments in mutual funds are subject to market risks. Please read all scheme related documents carefully before investing.

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Nayagam P

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Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

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Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...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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