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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Jan 02, 2024

Ravi Mittal is an expert on dating and relationships.
He founded QuackQuack, an online dating platform, in 2010 with just two people. Today, it has over 20 million users in India.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jan 02, 2024Hindi
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Relationship

Please answer my question. I know it's long but I am really in a very bad situation. I am a girl. I love a guy and he also loves me but he is in a relationship since 2 years with another girl. We all three know know each other. Actually me and that guy came into contact because of our work and then we also started our business together. He was in a relationship and I was also in a relationship. Then i went through a breakup. At 1st we were very good friend and her girlfriend is also like a friend only but not as close. Me and the guy are very much compatible with each other in every aspect even our career goals are also similar, our caste is also same(in our areas caste matters a lot) and I belive compatibility is a big factor for we having feeling for each other and also proximity because of work. It happens after my breakup, I got the hint that he is having feelings for me which he told me indirectly but i told him that i will never see you from that perspective as i was decided that i am never going to like a guy who is committed and also for other reasons. But later I fell for him and talked to him directly, we both confessed our feeling for each other. We both love each other so much. But later I realised that I confessed assuming that since he can like me even being in relationship it means he don't have feelings for her now so if he will know that I also like him he will breakup with that girl. And he never though this kind of situation will come because he thought I could never like him as I made it clear to him earlier. Now we are stuck in a situation where our work is involved. We both are co-founders of a 3 co-founding member organization and that girl is also doing volunteering with our organization. I also had good relations with her. They both are from different caste but the guy committed her to marry her and now the his girlfriend do not want to breakup with him, she is saying she will do something suicide type if he won't marry her and she has also conveyed the same thing to her family as her family used to be against their relationship because of their caste but now because of the girl's behaviour they are convinced and it is creating a pressure for this guy, he is stuck. I am also stuck because we know that we are perfect for each other but he is scared that if he breakup with her she might do something and if he do not choose me then it will affect our work/career because I feel like if he won't choose me I won't be able to be in contact with him but it will cost our organization. He has requested me that if I don't choose you because of the situation, atleast let's maintain our friendship as you are like my strength and I can't behave like ki I don't know you and also because of our work but i think even if i try i won't be able to fulfill his this request if he won't choose me. Additionally, I am also getting pressure from my family because of my age but I am feeling stuck. I also feel guilty for that girl because i knew they were in relationship but I still have strong feelings for me and he also. Me and that guy is so stuck that it feels like our life will be ruined as everything is at stake from career to family.

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am really sorry to hear about the tricky situation you are in. I understand that it's painful and it almost seems impossible to move on from this guy but trust me, it will be for the best. If he picks you and leaves his now-girlfriend, you'd forever suffer from a guilty conscience and god forbid she actually resorts to self-harm. It is entirely their matter. Let him convince her that their relationship is meaningless because he is already in love with someone else. It's not your part to play. You cannot be the one to ask him to break up or pick you. I know that sucks, but that's the reality of it.

In my opinion, you can create a little distance between the two of you. Let him decide. You or her, or maybe he can just pick himself. But please don't choose him because the blame will later land on you. You take care of yourself and protect your mind. It seems impossible to unlove him but trust me, you deserve someone much more uncomplicated. The moment you realize that you will move on instantly.

Best Wishes!

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 05, 2024
Relationship
It is really difficult to explain what I am going through and my words might not completely bring that out but a piece of advice/perception might be really helpful. I am 30 years old. I have a long term boyfriend(started dating in 2012). He was the world to me till almost 2020. He was my family, my everything. I too meant the world to him. We treated each other like "I am his and he is mine". Such was the commitment and care. We never thought we could even think of marrying some one else. We are in long distance since 2017. Used to meet once in every 2 months sort of. In 2021, I met some one else and started going out with him as we were in the same city just casually believing that nothing serious has to happen between us and that I "obviously" will marry my long term boyfriend undoubtedly. But things drastically changed. I developed strong feelings for this person and met more frequently. I went with the flow despite having immense guilt that things will eventually get very complicated and all the three of us will be hurt. But I never gathered the courage to break ties with this new person as the bonding was very maturely strong between us. Nor I could break ties with my long term boyfriend as he still was "my family" and he was the only one I resorted to whenever I needed someone. The new guy belongs to a caste my family will never agree and because of this I persuaded the marriage talks with my family for my long term boyfriend. My family agreed and my marriage date is scheduled in end of November 2024. But I everyday am in dilemma as to whether should I marry my long term boyfriend as scheduled or should I take a bold step of breaking it and going for the guy I met in 2021. I told my mother about the situation but she said my father will never agree for this new guy's caste and that its too late and I should marry as scheduled. I am not able to take a decision and going with the flow and probably will get married with this dual thought and uncertainty. I have thought a lot about this, about how my life will be with both of them, but its very difficult for me to break things with my long term boyfriend even though I have no romantic feelings for him from the past 3 years. There is 0 intimacy, neither emotional nor physical. But I do care for him. I do want him in my life, whether as a husband or otherwise. I feel the way he takes care of me and thinks about me, no one else will. But the thing is I don't actually "feel" for him anything, nor do I miss him as much, we don't talk the way we used to , there's a detachment. We are in long distance and are in such different fields that we never probably will live closer location wise. There's financial disparity. I earn almost thrice as him but we probably are okay with this. We both are aware of all these problems and are still ready to marry with the "hope" that things will eventually be okay. On the other hand, the guy I met in 2021- he has a good career and location wise, we are in long distance too but way better placed and in near future, his job location might be very flexible. He earns more but has huge family obligations as his family including his two brothers are not very well off. I have probably made peace with it when I thought about considering him for marriage. I love him and we have great emotional intimacy . I feel so calm and happy around him. It's like a festival when he is around me. He too loves me a lot and is ready to take efforts to make our marriage possible given the family and caste differences. I am really very disturbed and unable to decide whether I should break the marriage as if things don't improve after marriage, I will regret it always. Preparations have started slightly and it would be a big step now. Should I just forget about the 2021 guy and marry my long term boyfriend in November hoping that things will fall in place..or.. What should I do! My long term boyfriend has also lost feelings for me but he still cares for me and he says if we work for our relationship, things will be good post marriage
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It sounds like a difficult decision to make. But one simple thing is that you should never commit for a lifetime to a person you do not feel for; that does not mean I am asking you to leave him right away and marry the other guy. That means, you can have an open talk with your long-term BF. Tell him how you feel and let him clarify his feelings too. You can postpone the wedding to sort things out first- and think hard whether both of you want to get married at all.
Leaving one does not equate to choosing another. Choose yourself first; your happiness. You can never be happy in a relationship when you are of two minds. Please don't rush to get married to either of them.

Best Wishes.

..Read more

Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |417 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Oct 08, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Oct 07, 2024Hindi
Listen
Relationship
This is an urgent situation and is really difficult to explain what I am going through and my words might not completely bring that out but a piece of advice/perception might be really helpful. I am 30 years old. I have a long term boyfriend(started dating in 2012). He was the world to me till almost 2020. He was my family, my everything. I too meant the world to him. We treated each other like "I am his and he is mine". Such was the commitment and care. We never thought we could even think of marrying some one else. We are in long distance since 2017. Used to meet once in every 2 months sort of. In 2021, I met some one else and started going out with him as we were in the same city just casually believing that nothing serious has to happen between us and that I "obviously" will marry my long term boyfriend undoubtedly. But things drastically changed. I developed strong feelings for this person and met more frequently. I went with the flow despite having immense guilt that things will eventually get very complicated and all the three of us will be hurt. But I never gathered the courage to break ties with this new person as the bonding was very maturely strong between us. Nor I could break ties with my long term boyfriend as he still was "my family" and he was the only one I resorted to whenever I needed someone. The new guy belongs to a caste my family will never agree and because of this I persuaded the marriage talks with my family for my long term boyfriend. My family agreed and my marriage date is scheduled in end of November 2024. But I everyday am in dilemma as to whether should I marry my long term boyfriend as scheduled or should I take a bold step of breaking it and going for the guy I met in 2021. I told my mother about the situation but she said my father will never agree for this new guy's caste and that its too late and I should marry as scheduled. I am not able to take a decision and going with the flow and probably will get married with this dual thought and uncertainty. I have thought a lot about this, about how my life will be with both of them, but its very difficult for me to break things with my long term boyfriend even though I have no romantic feelings for him from the past 3 years. There is 0 intimacy, neither emotional nor physical. But I do care for him. I do want him in my life, whether as a husband or otherwise. I feel the way he takes care of me and thinks about me, no one else will. But the thing is I don't actually "feel" for him anything, nor do I miss him as much, we don't talk the way we used to , there's a detachment. We are in long distance and are in such different fields that we never probably will live closer location wise. There's financial disparity. I earn almost thrice as him but we probably are okay with this. We both are aware of all these problems and are still ready to marry with the "hope" that things will eventually be okay. On the other hand, the guy I met in 2021- he has a good career and location wise, we are in long distance too but way better placed and in near future, his job location might be very flexible. He earns more but has huge family obligations as his family including his two brothers are not very well off. I have probably made peace with it when I thought about considering him for marriage. I love him and we have great emotional intimacy . I feel so calm and happy around him. It's like a festival when he is around me. He too loves me a lot and is ready to take efforts to make our marriage possible given the family and caste differences. I am really very disturbed and unable to decide whether I should break the marriage as if things don't improve after marriage, I will regret it always. Preparations have started slightly and it would be a big step now. Should I just forget about the 2021 guy and marry my long term boyfriend in November hoping that things will fall in place..or.. What should I do! My long term boyfriend has also lost feelings for me but he still cares for me and he says if we work for our relationship, things will be good post marriage
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
It sounds like a difficult decision to make. But one simple thing is that you should never commit for a lifetime to a person you do not feel for; that does not mean I am asking you to leave him right away and marry the other guy. That means, you can have an open talk with your long-term BF. Tell him how you feel and let him clarify his feelings too. You can postpone the wedding to sort things out first- and think hard whether both of you want to get married at all.
Leaving one does not equate to choosing another. Choose yourself first; your happiness. You can never be happy in a relationship when you are of two minds. Please don't rush to get married to either of them.

Best Wishes.

..Read more

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Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7033 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Hello Sir, I have 40 Lakhs that I want to invest in lumpsum and then around 1 lakh SIP/month.I choose the below MF's to invest considering my risk appetite. [Moderate to high] HDFC Flexicap Direct plan Growth Nippon Multicap Fund Direct Growth Bandhan Small Cap Fund Direct Growth Edelweiss Midcap Direct Plan Growth SBI Contra Direct Plan Growth My Plan for Lumpsum: Invest 20 lakhs distributing it in above 5 funds (4 lakh each) Use another 20 Lakhs, put it in liquid fund and do STP to the above MF Hold for 10 years Plan for SIP of 1 Lakh: Hdfc Flexicap Direct plan Growth- 15K Nippon Multicap Fund Direct Growth- 15K Sbi Contra Direct Plan Growth -15K Quant Active Fund direct growth- 15K Bandhan Small Cap Fund Direct Growth- 20K Edelweiss Midcap Direct Plan Growth- 20K Question: Please help review the above plan for lumpsum and SIP and guide if there is any major flaw in it or need changes.
Ans: Your plan shows thoughtful diversification and allocation across categories. Let’s review the lumpsum, SIP, and fund selection strategies in detail.

Lumpsum Investment Plan
Diversification Across Categories: Your allocation of Rs 20 lakhs among large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and contra funds ensures good diversification.

Strategic Use of STP: Allocating Rs 20 lakhs into a liquid fund and initiating a systematic transfer plan (STP) is a prudent move. It reduces the risk of market volatility and ensures disciplined deployment of funds over time.

Room for Refinement: Ensure you align the STP duration with your risk appetite. A 6-12 month STP works for moderate-to-high risk investors. For a conservative approach, consider extending this to 18 months.

SIP Investment Plan
Balanced SIP Allocations: The monthly SIP of Rs 1 lakh is well-distributed across different fund categories. Allocating more to mid-cap and small-cap funds (20% each) aligns with your moderate-to-high risk profile.

Long-Term Focus: SIPs over 10 years will help you average market fluctuations. This approach aligns well with wealth-building goals.

Scope for Fine-Tuning: Consider reducing overlap in fund strategies. Some of your funds may invest in similar sectors or companies, leading to portfolio redundancy.

Evaluation of Fund Categories
1. Flexi Cap Funds
Flexi cap funds provide exposure to large, mid, and small-cap stocks.
They adjust dynamically based on market opportunities, balancing risk and returns.
2. Multicap Funds
Multicap funds must maintain a minimum of 25% allocation in large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks.
This ensures exposure to various market segments while limiting extreme risks.
3. Mid-Cap and Small-Cap Funds
These funds offer higher growth potential but come with greater volatility.
Ideal for long-term goals, but monitor performance every 1-2 years.
4. Contra Funds
Contra funds follow a contrarian investment strategy, focusing on undervalued stocks.
While offering unique opportunities, they require patience for results.
Key Areas for Improvement
Review Overlap in Portfolio:

Check the overlap between the flexi cap, multi-cap, and contra funds.
Too much overlap might dilute diversification benefits.
Add a Debt Component:

A small debt fund allocation, beyond the liquid fund, can help balance your portfolio.
This acts as a cushion during equity market corrections.
Active Fund Management:

Since you’ve chosen direct funds, ensure regular monitoring.
Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) ensures ongoing guidance and portfolio review.
Tax Implications
Lumpsum and STP Gains:

Any gains from the liquid fund during STP are subject to your income tax slab.
Ensure you plan for tax liabilities while making withdrawals.
Equity Mutual Funds:

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
Short-term capital gains (STCG) are taxed at 20%.
Tax Efficiency with SIPs:

Each SIP instalment has its own holding period. This means gains are taxed individually.
Risk Management
Volatility in Small- and Mid-Cap Funds:

While these categories offer higher returns, they also have greater volatility.
Avoid reallocating funds during market corrections to maximise compounding benefits.
Regular Reviews:

Perform yearly reviews of fund performance and category suitability.
Replace funds that consistently underperform benchmarks over 3-4 years.
Final Insights
Your investment plan is robust, aligning well with your risk appetite and long-term goals. The use of lumpsum and STP is commendable, and the SIP allocations show a focus on disciplined investing.

However, focus on reducing portfolio overlap and adding a debt component for better risk management. Monitor fund performance regularly, and consider engaging a CFP for periodic reviews to ensure your portfolio stays aligned with your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7033 Answers  |Ask -

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

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Money
Me at Age 40 with my monthly income about 3 lacs and my wife about 80K with Sip of her about 30 k with liability of 10K every month and myself with personal loan of 55 lacs have liability of 83k with Sip of 10500 and ppf of 7 lacs till date and postal RD of 13k. How to plan early repayment of loan along with building retriement corpus of 5 Cr along with 2 childrens ,one in 7th grade and other in 2 nd grade.
Ans: Your combined household income is Rs. 3.8 lakh monthly, a commendable financial position. You also have consistent investments and moderate liabilities. The key objectives are:

Early repayment of loans (Personal loan of Rs. 55 lakh).
Building a retirement corpus of Rs. 5 crore.
Securing educational and financial needs for two children.
To achieve these goals, a disciplined and strategic financial plan is essential.

Assessing Current Cash Flow
Your income is Rs. 3.8 lakh monthly, and liabilities total Rs. 93,000 (including your SIPs and PPF).
Fixed commitments take approximately 24% of your income.
The remaining 76% (approx. Rs. 2.87 lakh) is your disposable income.
Key Action:

Allocate 50% of the disposable income for systematic repayment of loans.
Use the remaining for building a robust investment portfolio.
Loan Repayment Strategy
Reduce Personal Loan Burden
Prepay 10–20% of the loan principal annually if no penalty applies.
Channel surplus funds (Rs. 1.43 lakh monthly) into prepayments.
Renegotiate Loan Terms
Approach your lender for lower interest rates.
Consolidate high-interest loans, if feasible, to a lower-cost option.
Minimise EMI Load
Avoid taking on new debt.
Redirect bonuses, incentives, or windfall gains towards your loan principal.
By focusing on early repayment, you can save significant interest and free cash flow sooner.

Strengthening Investments
Balanced Asset Allocation
Your current investments in SIPs, PPF, and postal RD are well-diversified. To enhance growth:

Continue SIPs of Rs. 10,500 but aim to increase SIP amounts yearly.
Invest surplus funds in actively managed mutual funds (growth-oriented).
Maintain PPF as a low-risk debt investment option.
Align with Long-term Goals
For a Rs. 5 crore retirement corpus:

Increase monthly investments as loan liabilities reduce.
Focus on equity mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.
Planning for Children’s Education
Education expenses for two children will rise as they approach higher studies.

Key Recommendations:

Start earmarking separate investments for their education.
Use balanced or hybrid funds to align with education timelines.
Set aside 25–30% of your annual bonus for this purpose.
Emergency Fund Maintenance
Your emergency fund in RD and PPF is adequate for now.

Suggestions:

Maintain 6–12 months’ expenses as a liquid contingency fund.
Use FD or liquid funds to ensure accessibility and stability.
Tax-efficient Investment Planning
With new tax rules, focus on minimising tax liabilities on investments:

Equity mutual funds: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) above Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Diversify into hybrid and debt funds to balance risk and tax efficiency.
Leverage Section 80C for PPF and SIP investments.
Key Financial Habits to Adopt
Review your financial goals and plans annually.
Avoid over-diversification. Too many funds dilute returns.
Automate savings and investments to ensure discipline.
Final Insights
Balancing loan repayment, investments, and education savings is achievable with a structured plan. Focus on systematic investments while steadily reducing your debt. This will free cash flow for long-term goals like retirement and children's education.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7033 Answers  |Ask -

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

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 17, 2024Hindi
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Money
I am in Australia,I am a nominee for a Fixed deposit in state bank of India branch in Chennai. In my deceased grandmother account. The state bank authorities want me to come personally to claim the amount. are there any alternative
Ans: Claiming a fixed deposit as a nominee without visiting India is possible, but it requires specific documentation and procedures. Below are some alternatives you can consider to avoid traveling to Chennai:

1. Approach the Indian Consulate in Australia
Visit the nearest Indian consulate or embassy in Australia.
They can assist with notarizing the required documents, including your identity and nomination proof.
Some consulates offer services like affidavit attestation, which is often required by Indian banks.
2. Authorise a Representative in India
Execute a Power of Attorney (POA) in favour of a trusted person in India.
The POA should be notarized by the Indian consulate in Australia and sent to India.
Your representative can then handle the claim process with the bank on your behalf.
Ensure the POA explicitly states the authority to claim the fixed deposit.
3. Submit Documents by Post or Courier
Confirm with the bank if they allow document submission by post.

Required documents may include:

Claim application form provided by the bank.
Your identity proof (passport and visa copy).
Proof of nomination (usually the fixed deposit receipt mentioning your name as the nominee).
Death certificate of your grandmother (original or attested copy).
Address proof in Australia.
Documents must be notarized by the Indian consulate or an equivalent authority.

4. Online Request or Email Communication
Contact the SBI branch via email or phone to check if they can initiate an online claim process.
Some branches might permit submission of scanned documents initially, followed by couriering notarized copies.
5. Legal Heir Certificate or Succession Certificate (if required)
Although you are a nominee, some banks may require additional documentation, such as a legal heir certificate or succession certificate, especially for large amounts.
If needed, engage a lawyer in India to assist with obtaining these documents and submitting them to the bank.
6. Reach Out to SBI’s NRI Services
SBI offers NRI-specific services. Contact their NRI helpline or NRI customer service team to escalate your request.
Email: contactcentre at sbi.co.in
Toll-Free Numbers (NRI): Available on the SBI website (https://sbi.co.in).
Key Points to Note
Ensure all documents are attested by authorized entities like the Indian consulate.
Keep scanned copies of all communications and receipts for your records.
Stay in contact with the bank manager for regular updates and ensure compliance with their procedures.
If none of these alternatives work, you may need to visit India personally to complete the process.

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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