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Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |656 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on May 07, 2025

Kanchan Rai has 10 years of experience in therapy, nurturing soft skills and leadership coaching. She is the founder of the Let Us Talk Foundation, which offers mindfulness workshops to help people stay emotionally and mentally healthy.
Rai has a degree in leadership development and customer centricity from Harvard Business School, Boston. She is an internationally certified coach from the International Coaching Federation, a global organisation in professional coaching.... more
Asked by Anonymous - May 07, 2025
Relationship

After a fight between a married guy and my husband on pretext of calling me characterless and unhappy in my marriage. That married guy complaint against my hubby in society office that it's my husband who follow, flirts with his wife. But the allegations are false. That married guy was doing all these things or chasing me even after knowing m married. But falsely he shifted the blame on my husband. Society chairman called us to sign a peace treaty which my husband signed bt that guy dint appear to sign. What does he want is still not clear.??? He doesn't wanna end this matter or what ??? He still walks around looking at us but from distance.

Ans: In such cases, it's important for you and your husband to stay emotionally steady and not engage with his tactics. Reacting to him or showing you're disturbed by his behavior may be exactly what he's looking for. If his behavior escalates or continues to make you uncomfortable, you might want to quietly document what happens and consider involving local authorities or legal counsel if it crosses into harassment.

Right now, your focus should be on protecting your peace and your relationship. Keep communication open with your husband and support each other through this, because this kind of external stress can silently damage trust if not handled carefully. The more united you two are, the less space there is for anyone else to create confusion between you.

It’s unclear exactly what this man wants, but based on his pattern, it seems he either wants attention, control, or to destabilize your marriage out of resentment or personal failure. Either way, you don’t need to carry his emotional mess. If you continue to stay calm, ignore him, and document anything serious, you'll be in a stronger position to protect yourselves.

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Dr Ashish

Dr Ashish Sehgal  | Answer  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Dec 21, 2024

Relationship
Hi Dr Ashish., Please keep it as anonymus. I am married from the past 7.7 yrs outside my community. It was an arrange cum love marriage. He was a kind of aurthodox mindset and I agreed to all his terms & conditions without understanding peroperly before marriage. Then after I tried my level best to do as I was agreed to it. For an example not having friendship with the opposite sex etc. His father is a negative person and always doubt on me if I speak to my real & close cousins(Kaka's son). I stopped talking to my friends& cousins for him. This went till a year, then his father beaten me when I back answered him for something, then after we left the house. Since then we are staying separately from his father but he keeps coming to our house in my absense. I had left my job after marriage then after 3 yrs of marriage I again started working, I continued my futher study(LLB). Now his father is getting older, he wants to keep his father with us. By keeping everything a side I agreed. But as the domestic violance was already happened in the past, he is fearful if it happened for 2nd time I may take a legal action which I had not done earlier. Now he is asking me to give divorce and to stay together. He says is the relationship is only with the paper.We won't tell this to the world, it would be confidential between you & me. I want you & need you but I know my fathers nature & your nature. There are possibilities that the same incident may repeat in the future. If we divorce then you won't be able to take a legal action. I want to be anxiety free. I am egoistic, sometimes speaks rudely & trust me I am working on it and I am observng the changes in me as well day by day, still when he provokes me my temprament goes up. Since we married we hadn't a good relationship bcoz he feels I have cheated him because I speak to my male friends, male colleaugues, hand shake etc buy I know it is only professionally. He says you have less introspection, I am literally failed to convince him.Neither I like or go out with my male friends, after office either I go to temple or home. I handle all the household chores with my job. Still he doubts & although he is saying he is liberal but genetically the suspicous mindset comes naturally in his behavior. And also he didn't want to start the family, still I accept it. He never make me the nominee of his savings nor he shares about his future plannings. I always share about future, family, my salary & savings. Just bcoz he is not keeping me as nominee I also have stopped him. After every fight, I stop talking to him for my mental peace, take my space then we sit discuss & conclude. Now my mind is saying to move out, but I know after his father there is no one in his life to take care of him. I am disgusted with his mood & mentality. I don't know shall I listen to my heart or mind. Need your guidance.
Ans: Thank you for sharing your story with such honesty. It’s clear that you’ve put immense effort and sacrifice into your marriage, often compromising your own needs to meet the expectations placed upon you. However, the situation you are in is both emotionally complex and mentally exhausting. Let’s carefully explore the dynamics and steps you can take.

Key Themes in Your Situation
Emotional Sacrifices vs. Trust Issues:
You’ve made significant sacrifices—distancing yourself from friends and family, adjusting to a different lifestyle, and even tolerating past mistreatment. Yet, your husband’s lack of trust and persistent suspicion continue to dominate the relationship.

Past Trauma with His Father:
The physical violence and controlling behavior from your father-in-law have left deep scars. Even though you’re willing to let him live with you again, your husband’s unusual request for a confidential divorce signals that he prioritizes his own fear of legal repercussions over building trust and stability with you.

Lack of Reciprocity:
While you share your financial plans and contribute to the household both emotionally and financially, your husband appears to withhold significant parts of his life from you. This lack of mutual transparency creates an imbalance.

Communication and Conflict:
Despite your efforts to manage conflicts through discussions and introspection, the cyclical nature of fights suggests that deeper issues—such as trust, control, and insecurity—remain unresolved.

Your Inner Conflict:
You feel torn between your empathy for his loneliness and your need to protect your mental health and autonomy. This inner struggle is a testament to your strength and compassion but also highlights the toll this relationship has taken on you.

Questions to Reflect On
What Do You Want from This Relationship?
Is this marriage providing you with emotional security, mutual respect, and a sense of partnership? Or is it mainly a source of stress and self-doubt?

Is the Current Dynamic Sustainable?
Considering the repeated conflicts, unresolved trust issues, and the request for a confidential divorce, ask yourself whether continuing in this relationship aligns with your personal growth and mental well-being.

What Do You Value Most?
Do you prioritize staying in this marriage to support your husband and his father, or do you feel the need to reclaim your independence and peace of mind?

Recommendations
Seek Clarity about the Divorce Proposal:
Have an open and honest conversation with your husband about his request for a divorce while staying together. Ask him:

“What do you believe this arrangement will solve? How do you see it benefiting both of us?”
This can help you understand his perspective and decide if it aligns with your values and goals.
Set Clear Boundaries:
If his father moves in, establish clear rules about behavior and communication. Ensure that your husband fully supports and enforces these boundaries to prevent any repeat of past violence.

Evaluate the Trust Issue:
Trust is the foundation of any relationship. If your husband continues to doubt your professional interactions or friendships despite your transparency, consider whether this suspicion is something you can work through together or if it’s an inherent barrier.

Seek Professional Mediation:
Consider involving a counselor or mediator to help you both communicate more effectively. A neutral third party can help address unresolved issues, including trust, respect, and shared responsibilities.

Prioritize Your Well-Being:
You’ve been handling multiple responsibilities—work, studies, household chores, and emotional compromises. It’s essential to focus on your mental health. Taking time for self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary to make sound decisions.

Plan for Independence:
Whether you choose to stay or leave, ensure you have a solid plan for your financial and emotional independence. Keep your career and savings intact and consider leaning on trusted friends or family for support.

A Gentle Reminder
A relationship is meant to nurture, support, and inspire both partners. If it consistently drains you or leaves you questioning your worth, it’s worth reconsidering its place in your life. Empathy for your husband and his situation is admirable, but it should not come at the cost of your own peace and happiness.

Take time to reflect deeply. Whether you decide to stay and work on this relationship or move forward on your own, the choice should align with your core values and long-term well-being.

If you’d like to discuss further or need help navigating this situation, I am here to guide you.

Warm regards,
Ashish Sehgal

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Love Guru

Love Guru   |217 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert - Answered on Apr 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 27, 2024Hindi
Listen
Relationship
Hi mam plz help me to solve my problem , I was in relation with a guy I met him in office , and he is good boy because he helped me alot in my tasks , slowly I got attracted to him , and the attraction turns into liking ... I did not refused what he says I have to do it ..that time I was engaged ...and he wants me to meet him privately and refused that sir I am engaged I can't do this ..but he threatens if you will not come i will tell to your fiance and it will affect to your marriage ..I am agreeing what he says and he forced me to do this ..now I am married and my husband is abroad ..now he threating and harrassing me for s*x ...he says he will tell your husband ..I am in so much of stress plz help me mam to get rid of this situation what should I do if he tells my husband ..he will ruin my life and can't involve my parents they are both patient ...he is threating me so much if I tell to police they will involve my parents as well which I don't want ...I blocked him from all the social media but he kept messaging because I am getting notification from blocked messages ..and he keep threating me
Ans: The first thing you should do is come clean to your husband. Spare him the sordid details and just tell him this ex-boyfriend is trying to stir up trouble for you both. How long do you want to remain so stressed? Tell him and end the matter once and for all. I hope he has the good sense to accept your past. And then ignore this idiot, period. Once your husband knows, his game is up. With your husband’s support you may even consider filing a police complaint to teach him a lesson.

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1771 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 17, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 16, 2025
Relationship
Dear Anu, Am Shilpa,36 years old.Got married to a friend in 2015.It was a love come arranged.Initially married life was going smooth.I was working before marriage and due to marriage and relocation , discontinued the job. After marriage i started new job even though my husband was against it.Some misunderstanding started between us slowly and most of the adjustments were done by me to avoid fights.After 2 years we were blessed with a baby boy and i had to reluctantly and was also forced to quit job to take care of our kid.And i agreed and things went smoothly again for 3 more years.I got busy with my motherhood. I felt my husband was happy and was changing for the happy family. But i was wrong, he had a physical relationship with his ex college friend. They used to have sex in hotels. They even had sex chats and used to share nude pictures . This broke my heart completely and was disturbed mentally. I wanted to enquire my husband with all the proofs in my hand.without the proof he would prove me mentally retarded women. Initially he asaulted and abused me for blaming on him.But when he knew abt the proofs, he accepted and apologised for his mistake and begged me not to take divorce only for the sake of our son.Even i dropped the idea of divorce thinking the future of our son.Later few months he acted as if he changed himself completely but he always had disrespect on me and my parents. I even suffered domestic violence once which shattered me into pieces. Even then he apologised me and forced me to drop the idea of divorce. I again started to adjust and compromise with my life only because of my kid and his good future as all elders advice. This adjustments continued for few more months.But once i saw his ex girlfriend calls and daughter pics in his mobile, i was again mentally disturbed and after thinking many times, i made up my mind and left him without explanning him . I packed all my luggage and came to my parents with my kid. Now i got a job in which i opted work from home so that i can concentrate on my kid and support myself financially. Am trying to move on but my true love towards him is making it difficult. Please advice me on this Anu mam. The step which i took is right ? After seperation he is harassing me to visit son and kidnapped him 2 times. I really don't want to share my son with him.Please advice what should I do.
Ans: Dear Shilpa,
You have done what you needed to in order to protect your child and your sanity. Your husband could never get over his affair and he possibly won't. He maybe never even tried...

I firmly suggest you go to the cops so that he does not try to take the child away...Also, have you thought about a legal separation? That will offer you and your child enough protection and it will stop his harassment. This is not an easy decision to make BUT what choice is he leaving you with? Kidnapping the child? If by kidnapping you mean that he takes away the child without informing you, please watch out and contact a lawyer. A BIG BIG RED FLAG...Act soon...

All the best!
Anu Krishna
Mind Coach|NLP Trainer|Author
Drop in: www.unfear.io
Reach me: Facebook: anukrish07/ AND LinkedIn: anukrishna-joyofserving/

..Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |656 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on May 23, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2025
Relationship
Ma'am The guy who had a fight with my husband over a text asking him why he stare became a matter of dispute between my husband and that married neighbourhood guy. He thinks m the one flirting with him Over msgs. He still crosses and pass very closely with my husband while going for an evening walk. He is not troubling me and my daughter anymore. He is just busy with my husband now. He would always walk across us. I don't know what else he wants . Do u think my husband should talk with him or wr just have to ignore him. ???
Ans: whether your husband should confront him or ignore him, it depends on what the goal is. If your husband is calm and emotionally steady enough to have a neutral, non-confrontational conversation just to clear the air and draw a respectful boundary, that can be effective. But if there’s any chance the talk would escalate into another argument, it’s better not to feed into the tension. A calm discussion works only when both sides are open to resolution. Otherwise, it can do more harm than good.

Ignoring him, on the other hand, might feel unsatisfying in the short term but often proves to be the most mature and self-protective path in the long run. Some people thrive on reaction. When they don’t get one, they eventually stop trying.

The deeper work here is about your family’s emotional boundaries. Keep your focus on your husband, your daughter, and your home’s peace. Don’t let someone else’s unresolved emotions hijack your daily life. If this man isn't actively threatening or interfering anymore, let silence and indifference be your strength. Let your husband know that you trust his judgment but also encourage him to respond from a place of calm—not pride or anger.

Sometimes, the most powerful message you can send to people like this is that they no longer hold any space in your mind, heart, or life. Peace is more powerful than confrontation.

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11072 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 10, 2026Hindi
Money
I am 53 years old. We have family of 4 me, my wife and two sons 22 and 13 yrs old. I am having a flat to live in. At present have almost 38 lac investement in Mtal fnd and 7 lac in FD and SIP of 35000 pm. I wan to create corps for my retirement at age of 70 of having a monthly income of 1.50 lac. please advise investment.
Ans: You have already started investing and doing SIP regularly. That is a very good habit. At age 53, you still have time, but planning should now become more focused and disciplined.

» Understanding Your Goal

– Target: Rs 1.5 lakh monthly income at age 70
– Time available: around 17 years
– Current investments:

Rs 38 lakh in mutual funds

Rs 7 lakh in FD

Rs 35,000 monthly SIP

This is a good base. But your goal is big, so you need structured growth.

» Reality Check on Requirement

– Rs 1.5 lakh today will not be same after 17 years
– Due to inflation, it may feel like Rs 60,000–70,000 today

So:
– You are not over-aiming
– Your goal is realistic and necessary

» Investment Strategy Going Forward

You should follow a growth + safety approach

Your monthly Rs 35,000 SIP can be structured like this:

– Rs 20,000 → Equity mutual funds (large, flexi, mid mix)
– Rs 7,500 → Hybrid / multi-asset funds
– Rs 5,000 → Debt funds (stability)
– Rs 2,500 → Gold

This gives:
– Growth to beat inflation
– Balance to reduce risk

» What to Do with Existing Rs 38 Lakh

– Review fund quality (very important)
– If some funds are underperforming → gradually switch
– Keep majority in equity-oriented funds

Do not keep too many funds.
– 4 to 6 good funds are enough

» Role of Your FD (Rs 7 Lakh)

– Keep it as emergency fund
– Do not invest fully into equity

This gives safety for family needs.

» Step-Up SIP – Very Important

– Increase SIP every year by 5–10%

Example:
– Today Rs 35,000
– Next year Rs 38,000–40,000

This single step can make a big difference in final corpus.

» Risk Control as You Age

– Till age 60: focus more on growth (equity heavy)
– After 60: slowly shift to safer assets

This will:
– Protect your accumulated wealth
– Reduce market shocks

» Income Planning at Retirement

At age 70:

– Do not withdraw full amount at once
– Use Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

– Keep 2–3 years expenses in safe instruments
– Rest in mutual funds for growth

This will give:
– Regular income
– Tax efficiency
– Long life of corpus

» One Important Gap

– Check if you have adequate health insurance
– Do not depend only on savings for medical needs

Medical cost can disturb your entire plan.

» Finally

Your situation is good, but success depends on 3 actions:

– Stay disciplined with SIP
– Increase investment every year
– Keep right asset allocation

If you follow this properly:
– Your target of Rs 1.5 lakh monthly income is achievable
– More importantly, you will have financial independence and peace

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11072 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2026

Money
This is w.r.t your article "The 5-Step Action Plan To Your First Rs 1 Crore", It is absolutely true. I would like to know that for returns of 13% on SIP, how does one recognise such Funds? And one should continue to invest in the same Fund throughout the period of 20 years OR An intermediate reshuffling/change of investment in Funds is required? Please guide
Ans: You have asked a very practical and important question. Your thinking is correct. Many investors chase “13% returns”, but very few understand how to select and stay invested in the right funds.

Let me guide you clearly.

» Understanding the 13% Return Expectation

13% is not a guaranteed return. It is a long-term expectation from equity investing.

This comes from staying invested across market cycles, not from selecting a “perfect fund”.

Even a good fund will not give 13% every year. It may give:

20% in one year

5% in another year

Over 15–20 years, it averages out.

So the focus should be:

Consistency and discipline

Not short-term performance chasing

» How To Recognise Good Funds
Instead of looking for “highest return”, look for quality and consistency.

Key things to check:

Performance consistency

Fund should perform reasonably well across 3, 5, 7, 10 years

Avoid funds that suddenly jump in ranking

Downside protection

In market falls, the fund should fall less than peers

This shows strong risk management

Fund manager experience

Long track record matters

Stability in fund management is important

Portfolio quality

Invests in strong businesses

Not too much risky or unknown stocks

Fund size

Not too small (risk), not too large (slow movement)

The idea is simple:

Choose funds that are steady performers, not “top performers of last year”.

» Role of Actively Managed Funds

Actively managed funds aim to beat the market, not just follow it

They adjust portfolio based on market conditions

They try to protect downside and capture upside

This is important because:

Markets are not always efficient

Good fund managers can add value over long term

So selecting the right actively managed funds improves your chance of reaching that 13% zone.

» Should You Stay in Same Fund for 20 Years?
This is where many investors make mistakes.

You should not keep changing funds frequently

But you should also not blindly hold for 20 years

Right approach:

Stay invested as long as fund is performing well

Review once every year

Continue the fund if:

It is consistent with its category

No major negative change in strategy or manager

Consider change if:

Underperformance for 2–3 years continuously

Fund manager exits and performance drops

Risk taken becomes too high

» When To Reshuffle Funds
Reshuffling should be controlled and purposeful, not emotional.

You may rebalance or change when:

Your asset allocation changes (example: too much equity exposure)

One fund becomes too large in your portfolio

Better options available consistently over time

Your goal timeline is approaching (shift gradually to safer assets)

Avoid:

Changing funds based on 1-year returns

Following market noise or social media

» Portfolio Approach Instead of Single Fund
Do not depend on one fund for 20 years.

Better approach:

Build a small basket of funds

Large cap oriented

Flexi-cap or multi-cap

Mid-cap exposure (limited)

This gives:

Diversification

Better risk balance

More stable returns

» Discipline Matters More Than Fund Selection
This is the biggest truth.

SIP continuity is more important than fund switching

Staying invested during market falls creates wealth

Increasing SIP amount over time boosts returns

Even an average fund + strong discipline
can beat
best fund + poor discipline

» Tax Awareness While Switching

If you switch funds, taxation applies

LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%

Frequent changes reduce your compounding

So always think before switching.

» Finally
Your goal of achieving around 13% is realistic if you:

Select consistent, quality funds

Stay invested for long term

Avoid unnecessary changes

Increase SIP regularly

The winning formula is simple:

Good funds + patience + discipline + periodic review

Stay steady. Wealth gets built slowly, but very strongly.

If you need support in selecting the right funds or structuring your investments in a simple and effective way, you can reach out to me through my website mentioned below. I will be happy to guide you with a clear and practical approach suited to your goals.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11072 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 25, 2026Hindi
Money
I will attain 58 age on April 2028, I have left the job took retirement on 30th September 2025. Have contributed towards NPS. My total contribution is 37 Lakhs can i withdraw 100% NPS corpus ? If not 60% can i withdraw on attaining 58 years of age, and how much will be the approx. pension on annuity of balance 40% please advice
Ans: You have built a good retirement corpus through NPS. Your timing of exit and planning ahead is very important here. Let me clarify this clearly for you.

» Can You Withdraw 100% NPS Corpus

– Full withdrawal (100%) is allowed only if total corpus is up to Rs 5 lakh
– In your case, corpus is around Rs 37 lakh

So:
– You cannot withdraw 100%
– You must follow partial withdrawal + annuity rule

» How Much You Can Withdraw at Age 58

Since you exited before 60:

– You can withdraw only 20% lump sum now
– Balance 80% must be used to buy annuity (pension)

But you have one important option:

– You can defer withdrawal till age 60

If you wait till 60:
– You can withdraw 60% lump sum (tax-free)
– Only 40% goes into annuity

This is a very important decision point.

» Should You Wait Till Age 60

– You are already financially stable
– You have other assets and income sources

So:
– It is better to wait till age 60
– This will give you higher lump sum and lower compulsory annuity

» Expected Pension from 40% Annuity

Let’s understand in simple terms:

– Your corpus: Rs 37 lakh
– 40% for annuity: around Rs 14–15 lakh

Current annuity rates in market are roughly:
– Around 6% to 7% per year

So expected pension:
– Around Rs 85,000 to Rs 1,05,000 per year
– That means roughly Rs 7,000 to Rs 9,000 per month

Important reality:
– Pension is fixed
– No increase with inflation
– Taxable as per your slab

» Practical Concern with Pension

– Low return compared to mutual funds
– No liquidity
– No growth
– Income does not increase over time

So it gives safety, but not growth.

» Smart Strategy Around This

– Defer NPS exit till 60 to reduce annuity portion
– Take 60% lump sum and manage it yourself
– Use mutual funds SWP for better income and flexibility
– Treat annuity portion as “base income”, not main income

» Tax Understanding

– 60% lump sum: fully tax-free
– Pension income: fully taxable

So, planning withdrawals smartly can reduce tax burden.

» Finally

You cannot take 100% from NPS at your current corpus level.

Best approach for you:
– Wait till 60
– Take 60% lump sum
– Accept 40% annuity as compulsory
– Use your other investments to create better income

This way:
– You keep control of majority wealth
– You reduce low-return locked money
– You maintain flexibility in retirement

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11072 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2026

Money
if I am annual income only from SWP IS RS. 12 LAKHS, what wouldd be my tax liabiity?
Ans: Good question. Many investors assume SWP is fully taxable like salary. But actually, only the gain portion is taxed. This works in your favour.

Let me explain clearly.

» How SWP is Taxed

– SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) is treated as redemption of mutual fund units
– Each withdrawal has 2 parts:

Your invested capital (not taxed)

Capital gain (only this is taxed)

So, Rs 12 lakh withdrawal ≠ Rs 12 lakh taxable income

» If SWP is from Equity Mutual Funds

– Long-term capital gains (after 1 year):

Gains up to Rs 1.25 lakh → No tax

Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh → taxed at 12.5%

– Short-term (within 1 year):

Taxed at 20%

Practical insight:
– In most SWP cases, especially old investments, a large part is capital, so tax is quite low

» If SWP is from Debt Mutual Funds

– No long-term benefit now
– Entire gain taxed as per your income tax slab

So:
– If you fall in 20% or 30% slab, tax will be higher

» Realistic Tax Scenario (Important Insight)

Even if you withdraw Rs 12 lakh per year:

– Actual taxable gain may be only Rs 3–5 lakh (depends on returns and cost)
– From equity funds:

First Rs 1.25 lakh gain is tax-free

Remaining taxed at 12.5%

So effective tax may be very low compared to salary income

» Smart Structuring to Reduce Tax

– Use equity-oriented mutual funds for SWP
– Start SWP only after 1 year of investment
– Stagger investments so each withdrawal qualifies for long-term taxation
– Combine with senior citizen basic exemption limit (post retirement)

» One More Practical Angle

After retirement:

– If your total taxable income is within basic exemption limit, tax may be NIL
– Even if above, SWP remains more tax-efficient than interest income

» Finally

Rs 12 lakh SWP sounds like full income, but tax is only on gains, not total withdrawal.

With proper structuring:
– Your effective tax can be very minimal
– Much lower than FD or rental income taxation

If planned well, SWP can give:
– Regular income
– Tax efficiency
– Capital longevity

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11072 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Mar 06, 2026Hindi
Money
Why is UTI Flexi cap still underperforming? Should I take a call of taking the money out or will it bounce back? please suggest
Ans: Good that you are questioning performance instead of reacting emotionally. This is where most investors go wrong. Your thinking is correct, but decision should be based on reason, not recent return.

» What is Happening with UTI Flexi Cap

– The fund has been underperforming benchmark and peers in recent years
– Example: around 4% return vs benchmark ~14% in one period

This is not a small gap, so your concern is valid.

» Core Reason for Underperformance

The issue is not poor stock picking, but investment style.

– Fund follows quality-growth approach
– Invests in strong companies with stable earnings
– Avoids cyclical and “cheap” stocks

But market reality:

– Last 3–4 years → value, cyclicals, metals, PSU, etc. did very well
– Quality stocks underperformed

So:
– Fund style ≠ Market trend

This mismatch caused underperformance

» Important Insight – This is a Cycle

– Market keeps changing leadership
– Sometimes quality wins
– Sometimes value wins

Fund manager is not changing style just to chase returns

This is actually a positive sign of discipline.

» Long-Term Track Record

– Over long periods, fund has delivered reasonable returns
– Even 5-year returns have been competitive earlier

But consistency has been average:
– Beats benchmark only about ~50% of the time

So:
– Not a top performer
– Not a worst fund also

» Will It Bounce Back?

Very important question.

Yes, it can bounce back IF:

– Market shifts back to quality stocks
– Earnings-led companies regain leadership

Fund house itself believes:
– “Quality will outperform over long term”

But timing is uncertain.

» Should You Exit or Continue

Do NOT take decision based only on recent 1–3 year performance.

Use this framework:

Continue IF:
– You have 5+ year horizon
– You believe in quality style
– Fund is only part of your portfolio

Exit or Reduce IF:
– Fund has underperformed for 5–7 years consistently
– You already have better flexi cap options
– Allocation is high in this fund

» Practical Strategy for You

– Do not redeem fully in one go
– Stop fresh SIP (if you have better funds)
– Gradually switch to stronger performing flexi cap funds
– Keep some allocation to diversify style

This avoids regret.

» One Hidden Risk You Should Note

– New fund managers added recently
– AUM is also slightly reducing

This shows:
– Transition phase in fund

So monitoring is important.

» Finally

UTI Flexi Cap is not a “bad fund”, but it is a slow-moving, style-driven fund.

– Underperformance is due to market cycle, not collapse
– Bounce back is possible, but not guaranteed
– Blind patience is also not correct

Best approach:
– Reduce dependence, not panic exit
– Keep portfolio diversified across different fund styles

This way you protect both return and peace of mind.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11072 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2026

Money
Age - 24 Profession- Small Business Owner Retirement age - 60 Assets - house, business, agricultural land, gold and equity. I have recently started investing in NPS as a part of my retirement planning. Current Scheme Choice - Life Cycle 75 - High (15E / 55 Y) Funds spread out as 75% Equity, 10% Corporate Debt and 15% Government Debt Current value of holding Rs. 141,515.56 I'm investing Rs. 7500/- on a monthly basis with a step up of 10% every year Find manager throughout is ICICI Prudential I have a substantial holding in Equity of about 2.5 Cr and other active investments like PPF and APY as well. I want to ask, is there any better setting, asset allocation or scheme choice or fund manager that I can choose so that NPS becomes a serious contributor in my financial retirement. I wish to rely on this instrument for my retirement so that it generates 50k-100k at my retirement (in today's terms) Can you suggest how much more I should invest (keeping in mind tax benefits) Or any other permutation for this Scheme? Thanks
Ans: You have done a very strong job already. At age 24, having multiple assets, disciplined investing, and starting NPS early is a big advantage. Your intent to make NPS a serious retirement pillar is very good thinking.

Let me review this in a clear and practical way.

» Your Current Position – Strong Foundation

You already have high equity exposure (around Rs. 2.5 Cr). This is a major growth engine.

You are investing in NPS with step-up. That shows discipline.

You also have PPF and APY, which give stability and diversification.

Real assets like land, house, and gold add further balance.

This is a well-diversified base. NPS does not need to do “everything” for you. It should complement your overall portfolio.

» Review of Current NPS Allocation

Life Cycle 75 (Aggressive) is suitable for your age. Good choice.

75% equity is fine, but you already have very high equity outside NPS.

So here is the key insight:

Your total portfolio equity exposure is already very high.

NPS can be used as a stabiliser instead of only a growth tool.

You can consider:

Slightly reducing equity allocation inside NPS (for example moderate lifecycle instead of aggressive)

Or continue aggressive, but increase debt exposure outside

Both ways work. The decision depends on your risk comfort during market falls.

» Fund Manager Aspect

Your current fund manager is a strong and stable option.

In NPS, fund manager differences are not very large like mutual funds.

So:

No urgent need to change fund manager

Focus more on asset allocation than manager switching

» How Much Corpus is Needed for Your Goal
You want Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month (today’s value).

Important understanding:

This requires a large retirement corpus

Inflation will increase this need significantly by age 60

So NPS alone cannot do this fully. It should be one pillar among:

Equity investments

NPS

PPF

Business income / exit value

» Contribution Strategy – What You Should Do
Your current:

Rs. 7,500 per month

10% yearly step-up

This is good, but if you want NPS to become a serious contributor, you should enhance it.

You can consider:

Increase monthly contribution gradually towards Rs. 15,000–25,000 over time

Continue 10% step-up (very important)

Add lump sum contributions during good income years

» Tax Efficiency – Use Full Benefit
NPS gives strong tax benefits. You should fully utilise them.

Section 80CCD(1B): Additional Rs. 50,000 deduction

This is over and above 80C

So action point:

Ensure minimum Rs. 50,000 yearly contribution just for tax benefit

Above that, invest based on retirement goal

» Role of NPS in Your Overall Portfolio
Right now, your equity portfolio is already powerful.

So NPS role can be:

Long-term disciplined retirement bucket

Tax-efficient compounding

Partial stability due to debt allocation

Do not depend only on NPS for retirement income.
It should support, not replace, your equity wealth.

» Risk Management Insight
Because you have:

Business income

High equity exposure

You must plan for:

Market downturns

Business slowdown

So keeping some stability inside NPS (via debt allocation) is actually a smart move.

» What Can Improve Your Plan Further

Increase NPS contribution gradually

Review total portfolio asset allocation, not just NPS

Avoid over-concentration in equity across all investments

Keep rebalancing once a year

» Finally
You are on a very strong path. The biggest strength is your early start and discipline.

To make NPS a meaningful contributor:

Increase contribution over time

Use it as a balanced retirement bucket

Do not over-expose it to equity since you already have high equity outside

If you stay consistent, your overall portfolio—not just NPS—can comfortably support your retirement income goal.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11072 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2026

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 18, 2026Hindi
Money
Dear Sir, I am regular reader of your analysis. My question is that how we can beat inflation on our investment now a days. Neither share market. MF, or any asset class giving 12% constant return. Suppose, if I have 50000 surplus fund every month from feb 26 onwards then where we divide 50k fund to invest in various place to get at least 10 percent return on an average for next 5 years, thanks for your support as always to your readers
Ans: You are thinking in the right direction. Accepting that “12% constant return is not practical” itself is a very mature step. The goal now is not to chase return, but to design a system which can deliver around 9–10% on average with controlled risk.

Let me guide you clearly.

» Reality Check on Returns

– No asset class gives fixed 10–12% every year
– Equity gives good returns, but in cycles
– Debt gives stability, but lower returns
– Gold protects in uncertainty

So:
– Combination of assets is the only way to beat inflation

» Your Monthly Surplus Strategy (Rs 50,000)

You should not put full Rs 50,000 in one place. Divide it smartly.

Suggested structure:

– Rs 25,000 → Equity Mutual Funds (core growth)
– Rs 10,000 → Hybrid / Multi-asset funds (balance + stability)
– Rs 10,000 → Short-term debt / dynamic debt (stability + liquidity)
– Rs 5,000 → Gold (hedge + diversification)

This gives you:
– Growth + safety + balance

» Why This Allocation Works

– Equity portion (50%) drives returns
– Hybrid reduces volatility
– Debt gives stability and rebalancing power
– Gold protects in uncertain markets

Together:
– You can aim for 9–10% average over 5 years, not every year

» Important Behaviour Rule

– Do SIP every month without fail
– Do not stop when market falls
– In fact, increase SIP during corrections if possible

This is where most investors fail.

» Role of Actively Managed Funds

– Markets are not easy now
– Sector rotation, volatility, global factors are high

Actively managed funds help because:
– Fund manager adjusts allocation
– Can move between sectors
– Can protect downside better

This increases probability of achieving your 10% target.

» Rebalancing – Hidden Power

Every year:

– If equity grows fast → shift some to debt
– If market falls → shift some from debt to equity

This simple step:
– Controls risk
– Improves long-term return

» Time Horizon Understanding

– 5 years is a moderate horizon
– Equity can be volatile in short term

So:
– Do not expect straight-line returns
– Some years may be 5%, some 15%

Average matters, not yearly return

» Tax Efficiency Advantage

– Equity mutual funds:

Gains up to Rs 1.25 lakh → tax-free

Above that → 12.5%

– Debt funds: taxed as per slab

So equity-heavy allocation helps in post-tax return also

» One More Practical Insight

Instead of asking:
“Will I get 10% every year?”

Better question:
“Is my portfolio designed to beat inflation over time?”

Your plan above answers this correctly.

» Finally

You cannot control market returns. But you can control:
– Asset allocation
– Discipline
– Rebalancing

With your Rs 50,000 monthly investment:
– A balanced allocation like above can reasonably target 9–10% average
– More importantly, it will protect your capital and grow it steadily

This is how inflation is beaten in real life.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |11072 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Mar 17, 2026

Money
I am 53 years old & have one daughter (passed MBBS & taking preparation for PG), Son (appeared in class 10 Board exam & my wife (Mostly housewife). I work in Private Limited Company wherein will superannuate in next 5 years. I have one flat in NCR which is rented out, live in an owned flat in Surat and very recently purchased a land (2000 sqr. ft.) & for that taken a loan of 35 Lacs. I have PF accumulation approx. 90 Lacs, NPS approx. 47 lacs , PPF approx. 40 lacs. I have Mutual fund holding of approx. 50 Lacs (20% in Debt, 80% is distributed in Large cap, small cap, mid cap, multi-asset) and stock holding approx. 50 lacs. I have gold bonds of about 15 Lacs. I do not have any Fixed deposit . I have 1.0 Cr. Term deposit , which will be live till my 67 years of age. Have 15 Lacs. LIC Jeevan Shanti deferred plan till I attain 60 years . I also have 2 Ulips against which I pay premium of yearly 1 lac each and have another 5 years to pay. I have no medical insurance apart from one from my office side which is so far adequate. Advise what I shall further do to protect myself going forward.
Ans: You have built a very strong financial base. Your discipline is clearly visible. At 53, with multiple assets, good diversification and family responsibilities in place, you are already in a safe zone. Now the focus should shift from “building wealth” to “protecting and stabilising wealth”.

Let me guide you step by step.

» Overall Position Assessment

– You have a well-diversified portfolio: PF, NPS, PPF, Mutual Funds, Stocks, Gold
– You have real assets (flats + land) giving rental and security
– You have long-term income visibility through term deposit and deferred income plan
– You have taken a recent loan, which needs careful handling

This is a strong structure. But there are 3 key risks:
– Health risk (no personal mediclaim)
– Income risk (retirement in 5 years)
– Liability risk (Rs 35 lakh loan)

» Health Protection – Most Important Gap

– You are fully dependent on company insurance today
– After retirement, this cover will stop
– At age 58, getting a fresh policy becomes difficult and costly

What you should do:
– Immediately take a personal family floater health insurance
– Minimum cover: Rs 15–25 lakh
– Also take a top-up or super top-up plan

Why this is critical:
– One hospitalisation can disturb your retirement corpus
– Your “No pill, No ill” lifestyle is excellent, but medical inflation is high

This is your biggest action point.

» Loan Management Strategy

– You have taken Rs 35 lakh loan for land recently
– You are 5 years away from retirement

What to do:
– Aim to close this loan before retirement
– Use part of surplus or rebalance from equity gradually
– Do not carry this liability into retirement

Reason:
– Post-retirement income reduces
– Loan EMI creates pressure

» Investment Structure – Fine Tuning

You already have good allocation. Just refine:

– PF + PPF + NPS = Strong safety base
– Mutual Funds + Stocks = Growth engine
– Gold = Hedge
– Term deposit = Stability

Now do this:

– Gradually reduce direct stock exposure over next 3–5 years
– Move that into well-managed mutual funds
– Increase debt allocation slowly as retirement nears

Goal:
– Reduce volatility
– Protect capital

» ULIP Policies – Review and Exit Strategy

You have 2 ULIPs with Rs 1 lakh premium each and 5 years left.

– ULIPs mix insurance and investment, which reduces efficiency
– Charges and structure are not investor-friendly in long term

Suggested approach:
– Evaluate surrender value after lock-in
– If financially viable, exit and redirect into mutual funds

This will:
– Improve transparency
– Give better flexibility
– Enhance long-term returns

» Income Planning for Retirement

You already have:
– Rental income
– Term deposit maturing till age 67
– Deferred income plan starting at 60

Now strengthen this:

– Build a clear monthly income plan
– Align expenses with predictable income sources
– Keep 2–3 years of expenses in safe instruments

This gives:
– Peace of mind
– No need to sell investments in market downturn

» Emergency & Liquidity Planning

– You do not have fixed deposits (except long-term deposit)

What to do:
– Keep Rs 10–15 lakh in liquid or ultra-short instruments
– This is separate from investments

Purpose:
– Medical emergency
– Family needs
– Avoid disturbing long-term assets

» Children Goals Planning

– Daughter (medical PG): high expense phase
– Son (Class 10): future education cost

Plan:
– Keep dedicated allocation for both goals
– Do not mix retirement money with children’s goals

Priority rule:
– Retirement first, then children support

» Asset Consolidation & Simplification

– You have many instruments
– Over time, complexity increases risk

What to do:
– Gradually simplify portfolio
– Reduce scattered holdings
– Keep track of nominations and documentation

» Finally

You are not in a risky position. You are in a “transition phase”.

Your priorities now should be:
– Secure health with personal insurance
– Close liabilities before retirement
– Reduce risk in investments gradually
– Create stable income streams
– Simplify and organise wealth

If you act on these, your retirement life can be peaceful, independent and financially strong.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramalingamcfp/

...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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