18-Year-Old Torn Between Dreams and Early Marriage Pressure: What Should I Do?

Ans: It’s great to hear that you’re staying active with walking and Hindu pushups! For dietary adjustments focus on meals that include a balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Choose foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains, legumes, and non-starchy vegetables. Be mindful of portion sizes, especially with carbohydrates. Smaller, more frequent meals can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Opt for snacks like nuts, seeds, and Greek yogurt, which can help keep blood sugar levels steady. Include protein-rich foods like legumes, tofu, low-fat dairy products, eggs, lean meat, etc. Strengthening exercises will help in gaining muscle mass and remain well hydrated throughout the day.

Ans: I understand that managing diabetes through diet can be challenging, but there are several strategies that might help you lower your fasting blood sugar levels. Include non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, which are low in carbohydrates and high in fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels. Opt for whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats which have a lower glycemic index and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Include protein rich sources like eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, and legumes. Include healthy fats present in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil which can help improve insulin sensitivity. Adopt a regular exercise regimen and focus on fat loss. Remain well hydrated.

Ans: No, MSc (Environmental Science) and MTech (Environmental Engineering) are generally not considered equivalent for Assistant Professor jobs, especially in the environmental engineering domain.
MSc (Environmental Science): Typically, this degree qualifies candidates for Assistant Professor positions in Environmental Science or related subjects at universities or colleges. However, it may not be considered equivalent to MTech (Environmental Engineering) for faculty positions in engineering departments or technical institutions like IITs, NITs, or engineering colleges.
MTech (Environmental Engineering): This degree is specifically focused on the technical and engineering aspects of the environment, qualifying candidates for faculty positions in environmental engineering or civil engineering departments, where an engineering degree is required.

Ans: I recommend that you postpone your retirement till accumulation of additional corpus of 1.5+1=2.5 Cr+

This incremental 1.5 Cr with existing 2.5 Cr adding upto 4 Cr can be used to buy an annuity.

Assuming 6% annuity rate you can expect a monthly payout of 2 L(pre-tax).

After deducting monthly expenses, the balance can be reinvested in moderately risky funds to protect against inflation/healthcare costs in older age.

1 Cr can be corpus earmarked for future needs.

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

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Happy Investing!!

Ans: Please check if the EPF contribution after deduction is indeed credited to her EPF account especially after superannuation at 58 and reappointment thereafter on adhoc basis.

Date of exit for EPF and EPS may need not be the same.

Ans: I offer you two scenarios:
1. Step up both SIP and lumpsum by 40% every year to reach your target of 1 Cr corpus, 10 years from now.

2. Step up your SIP and lumpsum by 15% every year to reach your target of 1 Cr corpus 15 years from now. (Modest return of 13% assumed)

Your sip break up is:
PPFAS flexicap fund (2 K)
MO Midcap fund (1.5 K)
Axis Small Cap (2.5 K)
ICICI Pru Value Discovery Fund (1 K)

I suggest you to remove ICICI Pru Value Discovery Fund from your portfolio and add that 1 K sip into MO midcap fund.

Also I recommend you to migrate to Nippon India Small Cap Fund (2.5 K)

The lumpsum I would suggest you to invest in Quant ELSS tax saver fund and SBI Technology Opportunities Fund

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

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

Happy Investing!!

Ans: Go for BE/BTech Lateral Entry and/or pursue some Certifications in Software/IT online to upgrade your skills. Have a LinkedIn Profile, put job alerts, matching your qualifications, know the job market trends and if the need arises upgrade yourself (or) you can apply for core companies if you wish to. All the BEST for Your Bright Future.

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Ans: Lot of options for online MBA with specialization in Supply Chain such as, SRM, Greatlakes, Jain, Dy Patil, Mysore University, UpGrad, IIM-Indore, Manavrachna, Symbiosis etc. Please check the accreditation/AICTE approval of these online programs individually and then join. All the BEST for Your Bright Future.

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Ans: Manish Sir, Your son can pursue MCA in AI with Galgotia University, Chandigarh University, LPU, Christ University, Jaipur National University etc. All the BEST for Your Son's Bright Future.

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