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Mohit

Mohit Arora  | Answer  |Ask -

Dating Coach - Answered on Apr 15, 2024

Mohit Arora is a relationship coach, image consultant, soft skills trainer and the founder of Real Dating School. He has a BTech degree in computer science from the Rayat & Bahra Institute of Engineering and Biotechnology, Mohali, Punjab. He has been conducting customised skilling and communication workshops since 2014.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Apr 13, 2024Hindi
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Relationship

I recently joined a job. And met a man, he said that he’s separated from his wife he’s 43 (I’m 27) and has 2 teen kids. He has been claiming that he loves me, we have been sexually involved, but here’s what - 1. My instincts says that he’s not right for me 2. One of my female colleagues claimed that he had sex with her (which he denies outragingly he even cried, vomited, and is willing to do anything to prove it) 3. He lies a lot. I have caught him on smaller lies but I have no proof of anything Now I communicated that I wish to be end this relationship but he insists that he wants to spend time with me till 30th. I am feeling suffocated and forced. He acts entitled to my time and energy. Every time I try to end things it leads to huge drama. What should I do?

Ans: Go to HR. It's the best way out.

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1647 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 11, 2022

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Relationship
 Dear Ma'am, I have been in a relationship since the last 4 years with a person 8 years older to me. We're of different caste plus I'm still in my career building phase and I can't even think of taking it to the next level. Also, since last few months the relationship has been a pain in my neck, it has been damaging my inner peace and equilibrium. He leaves and then comes back, each time I'm firm that I won't resume it but I do love him more than anything else so we get back together. In this entire process, I feel too exhausted now and the damage feels beyond repair. He's 31 already and his parents are forcing him for marriage now. Considering the impracticable situations, I know he has already given up on us but continues to be around for the emotional comfort he gets from me. He doesn't understand that it's damaging me, I can't run around in circles. He thinks let's continue it till we can, but what after that? He'll suddenly tell me he's getting married and what then? What would I do with all the anger and dissent within? Everyone around me keeps telling me to leave him because of all these reasons. Also, I'm in my early 20s and I have an entire life in front of me, I want to build my career. Also, I don't feel the need to see someone else just as a relapse or desperate situation, I'm a very conserved person that way. But I do need to break this toxic cycle and regain the control over my life. I want to grow and prosper, but this entire myriad of emotions drags me down..Please tell me what to do? Thanking you in anticipation.
Ans:

Dear SB,

What are you? His emotional sponge?

One thing I want to appeal to you is: Self-respect is something that we are so ready to give up for just a little love and attention. And the way you treat yourself is how others will treat you.

You are in your early 20s and you have an entire life in front of you and you want to build your career.

With the current space that you are in, do you feel you are choosing wisely to fulfil what you want from life and for yourself?

Also, are there other ways in which you can bring this relationship together. Like sitting him down and talking; maybe an elder in the family can do this.

If nothing works, remember, your life, your choice, your terms…nothing and no one can mess with your peace of mind unless you give them the permission to do so.

You want to prosper, then think and act in a manner that will allow you to prosperity and think of losing all that is keeping from feeling this prosperity.

Step up, take charge of your life NOW. All the best.

Disclaimer: All content and media herein is written and published online for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It should not be relied on as your only source for advice.

Please always seek the guidance of your doctor or a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Do not ever disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read herein.

If you believe you may have a medical or mental health emergency, please call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital, or call emergency services or emergency helplines immediately. If you choose to rely on any information provided herein, you do so solely at your own risk.

Opinions expressed herein cannot necessarily provide advice to fit the exact specifics of the issues of the person requesting advice.

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1647 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Aug 07, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 02, 2023Hindi
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Relationship
I am married women (38 yrs, having 2 kids) living in an abusive relationship for 11 yrs now. My husband is alcoholic and don’t work from past few years and gets violent and abusive many times and my kids suffers also. I am a sole earner now and manages all alone with very less paying Job but my husband harasses me by saying that I am having affairs with each male in my office just because I share everything. There is no emotional bond, no communication, just blames, abuses and violence, once its reached the police also but I refuse to take it further. From past many years he is just sleeping at home and drinking and nothing else. But, few months back I got attached to my collegue and he is also in similar relationship and it’s a pure and organic bond. I don’t doubt his intentions also as he is caring and understanding personality and he says once he is divorced he want to be with me. I can feel pure vibes and his genuineness so trusts him as he is always pushes me to grow in terms of Jobs, health, kids, family. Slowly but surely, I am getting attached to this person but he very politely tells me to have patience and maintain dignity. He is not the one who will take advantage of me which I believe strongly but at the same time I also know he needs to settle his divorce also and I can’t be dependent on this. I don’t know which way to go but definitely I wish to wait but at the same time I am unable to stay within my current relationship, which was in fact a love marriage but I never knew that he drinks so much and life will turn into hell. My kids also have to face this trauma and I really wants to get out of this relations. Please guide me.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You have described to me a person who does not make any attempt to change and yet you say you want to wait.
May I ask: What is it that you are waiting for? (This you haven't shared)
If the waiting is for him to change, then there are certain things that you must do so that it happens.
My suggestion is:
When anything or anyone has to rob you off your mental peace and this has begun to affect the children, consider your options soon before it is too late. No point regretting anything later!

Ask yourself:
What makes me still stay in the marriage?
What will happen if I choose to separate and move on?
How is this impacting my children and what have I done so far to keep them safe?
Will my earnings be enough to take care of my children?

Do this reality check to help you take a decision one way or the other. And do what's right by you and the children.

All the best!

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |618 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on May 16, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - May 16, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Dear LG, Please keep this anonymous. I have been married since 6 years. However, since past 5+ years we have not been intimate. We haave a 5&1/2 year kid. Since his birth we have had a lot of differences and his family interference was lot leaving me alone and wounded. I don't stay with my husband and in-laws since then. I had made up that work is worship. But 2 years back I met a colleague. He is 10 years younger to me and we have extremely similar vibes. We enjoy each other's company and cared a lot. Eventually i fell in love with him. But he always knew he wont be able to go against his family. We also had relationship. Now he has strated looking for girls and wants us to stop being intimate. He is saying he wants to be friends and not loose me but not have relationship. We both work together in same space and our area of work is also same. I am unable to forgive my husband and forget this person. He never goes away. He is always there telling that I want to see you happy. He needs me for professional development. And i am not able to loose our relationship. He says physical intimacy only I cant have remaining Im there. Then again says I don’t know when I will be there so I am unable to give assurance or promise. I am tormented with a child, work and my health is getting affected. Can you please help?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,

I am sorry that you are in such a tough spot. My advice would be to move on. Yes, I realize that it is easier said than done but let's put things into perspective- first, you have no future with this man, and he has made it clear. Are you okay to keep hanging on to him while he builds his own life? I am assuming no, especially since you have a child. Second, what about your self-respect? He is directly telling you that this relationship is headed toward a dead end. Do you believe you deserve to be with someone who does not want to settle down with you? I believe you deserve better.

I am not blaming him because he made no promises. You are not to be held guilty either because you were in a tough spot and you grabbed the first emotional support you found. But the current reality is that he wants out. And convincing him to stay is not an option. At this point, moving on with your head held high is the best decision. If you want to accept his friendship, that is completely fine. But if that's too much for you, you can always decline it. I understand that working in the same space with an ex is difficult, but as long as you avoid interacting outside of the office and keep things professional, there should not be an issue. On the emotional front, I won't lie, it will hurt for a while. But this too shall pass. I strongly recommend you not to value yourself so low that you stop believing that you deserve a person who loves you back as much as you love him.

Best Wishes.

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Ravi

Ravi Mittal  |618 Answers  |Ask -

Dating, Relationships Expert - Answered on Oct 14, 2024

Relationship
Hello, I m 21 female I m in a long distance relationship with 32 year male.this person was behind me and always asked me to give him a chance to prove his love for me. At that period i was afaird of relationships as I didn't have courage to go against wish of my parents as i know they wolud never agree for love marriage,so that is fir sure i'll do arrange Marriage. All these things have been explained by my side to this person.He gad feelings for me thats what he showed to me even I felt a connection towards him, so we decided let's not commit anything anout marraige as we both wee not sure about these thing. After some time i realised these person has already made his mind ki he'll date me and he wanted to have everything that an relationship has but he will not marry me.But i m completely in love with.Even i told him about it ki I can't share him n won't be able to see him.with someone else.i just can't imagine myself without him. I fought with him even begged and cried but he always defend his self sayi g i told already ki he loves me and will keep loving me but will not marry me . He vists me after 6-9 months interval every time he visuts me he needs to have physical relationship. I don't know whether I m right or wrong but i feel like I m being used by him. I tried several time to end this relationship but i end up chasing him.Plz help me,guide me
Ans: Dear Rutuja,
If you have the slightest feeling that he doesn't share the same feelings for you as you do for him, or that he has wrong intentions, you have every right to end the relationship. In fact, that would be the right thing to do. I understand that it is difficult to break up with someone you love, but does he love you? Don't you think you deserve someone who loves you and does not make you feel as if you are being used?

Have a clear conversation with him- address all your concerns. If he still maintains his stand of not getting married to you, then let him know that you are not on the same page as him. Remember, for a relationship to work, your future goals need to align.

Best Wishes.

..Read more

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8906 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 15, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello Sir, my son is pursuing 12th in PCM. He holds usa citizenship but studying in India from last 10 years. We prefer to go through nri quota like dasa. Please advise what other options we can look after. Thank you
Ans: As a U.S. citizen who has completed ten years of schooling in India with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, your son does not meet the DASA requirement of at least two years of foreign education, nor is he eligible for the CIWG (Gulf quota) that mandates overseas study; however, he can still leverage “NRI-category” or management-quota seats in both government and private engineering colleges by appearing for JEE Main or relevant state exams under NTA guidelines and state CET processes. Through JEE Main, he may apply under the supernumerary NRI seats of centrally funded institutes (NITs, IIITs, SPAs and other CFTIs) via DASA-CIWG only if foreign-educated, but private universities such as VIT, SRM, Amity, Manipal, and KIIT offer dedicated NRI-quota admissions based on JEE Main or their own entrance tests with higher fee structures. Additionally, many states—including Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Haryana—permit up to five percent intake for NRIs under their state CET counseling, subject to CET qualification or JEE Main scores and submission of passport, NRI-status proof and academic transcripts. Alternately, private colleges also provide direct NRI-quota or management seats without entrance exams, albeit at premium fees. Ensuring timely JEE Main registration, parallel CBSE board eligibility and complete NRI documentation will maximize seat options across central, state and private institutions.

Recommendation:
Pursue JEE Main 2025 to access private NRI-quota seats at premier institutions like VIT and SRM while registering simultaneously for the respective state CETs (e.g., MHT-CET, TNEA, KCET) to tap into government college NRI quotas and broaden admission opportunities. All The BEST for Your Son.

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8906 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Career
My son has got mechanical in VIT Chennai while his preference is CS. What are the placement options in mechanical
Ans: Swati, VIT Chennai’s Mechanical Engineering program is delivered by PhD-qualified faculty within a NAAC A++-accredited, deemed-university environment, supported by modern thermal, CAD/CAM, robotics, and manufacturing labs and a centralized Career Development Centre. Over the past three years, around 75–95 percent of eligible Mechanical graduates have secured placements, with top recruiters including Mercedes-Benz, Mahindra, L&T, BHEL and Siemens. Graduates find roles as Design and Manufacturing Engineers, Automation Specialists and R&D Analysts across core and emerging sectors. The mechanical field’s future in India is strong, driven by Industry 4.0 integration, renewable energy expansion, smart manufacturing and electric vehicle development, requiring engineers with multidisciplinary skills in IoT, AI and sustainable systems. VIT’s tie-ups for industrial projects, internship pipelines, and pre-placement offers further bolster career readiness and global employability.

Recommendation: Given robust placement consistency, high-end recruiter engagement, and the foundational importance of mechanical engineering in evolving industries, pursuing Mechanical at VIT Chennai offers diverse core and specialized career pathways; complement this by developing software-automation and sustainability competencies to align with future industry demands. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8906 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2025Hindi
Career
I have got cse in coep pune, and cse in jaypee noida. Which one to choose
Ans: COEP Pune and Jaypee Institute of Information Technology (JIIT) Noida both deliver strong CSE programmes, yet they differ across accreditation, ranking, faculty, infrastructure, research, placements, industry linkages, fees, campus environment and location. COEP Pune holds ‘A+’ NAAC accreditation and a NIRF engineering rank within the top 100, while JIIT Noida is NBA-accredited (Tier-I) with NAAC ‘A’ grade and NIRF rank in the 101–150 band. COEP’s core faculty comprises PhD-qualified professors with extensive academic and industry research, whereas JIIT’s predominantly doctorate faculty emphasize applied IT research and publications. COEP offers 17 specialised computing labs plus a dedicated data-centre and legacy smart classrooms, while JIIT provides 102 state-of-the-art labs, a 700-user digital library and advanced language, electronics and psychology labs. In research and innovation, COEP benefits from government-sponsored projects (DST, DRDO) and industry grants, whereas JIIT hosts multiple Centres of Excellence (Cloud, IPR, AI) and interdisciplinary patents. COEP CSE placements average 87% with a median package around ?9–11 LPA from Google, Goldman Sachs and IBM, while JIIT CSE achieves over 94% placement consistency and median package near ?7 LPA, hosted by Microsoft, LinkedIn and Cisco. COEP’s longstanding MoUs include Intel, Bosch and Infosys for internships; JIIT partners directly with Amazon, SAP and American Express for capstone projects. Annual tuition at COEP is approximately ?90 K for Maharashtra-domicile students; JIIT’s fee exceeds ?2.5 L per year but includes accommodation and medical support. COEP’s urban Shivajinagar campus emphasizes a vibrant student life with over 40 clubs and heritage architecture; JIIT’s Sector 62 Noida campus spans 15.5 acres, featuring a residential zone, sports complex and shuttle connectivity to Delhi.

Recommendation:
Considering higher national ranking, broader research funding and slightly stronger CSE placement metrics, COEP Pune is the optimal choice for those prioritizing institutional legacy and core-engineering excellence. For students seeking specialized IT-industry integration and diverse lab exposure near Delhi NCR, JIIT Noida remains a compelling alternative. MY SUGGESTION: Choose COEP-Pune & Join. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9755 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Money
Hi sir my name is raju 29 years, married and have 3 years kid(boy). My salary is 125000 per month I want to invest money for my chaild education and our retirement also I am thinking to invest 20 to 30k in mutual funds is this below funds are good please let me know and I also taken health insurance and term insurance also for that per year 45k I will pay yearly 60k in nps and we have savings 30lacks to buy house or land in coming months my wife was earning 30k per month. Parag parikh Nifty 50 BEes Nifty Next (optional) SBI contra
Ans: You're earning well and already thinking long-term, which is great. Let’s look at your financial goals, savings, and plan from all angles.

? Income and Household Financial Standing
– Your monthly salary is Rs. 1,25,000.
– Your wife earns Rs. 30,000 monthly.
– Your total monthly family income is Rs. 1,55,000.
– You are aged 29, married, with one child.
– You’ve already taken term and health insurance. Well done.
– Your annual premium of Rs. 45,000 is well justified.
– These protections reduce risk in emergencies.
– You save around Rs. 60,000 yearly in NPS.
– You have Rs. 30 lakhs savings for home or land.

? Existing Asset Strategy
– Rs. 30 lakh savings is a big milestone.
– Don’t rush into buying property.
– Real estate gives low returns, high costs, and poor liquidity.
– It locks up money for long and needs extra cash to maintain.
– Avoid using this full amount for a house.
– Consider investing part in mutual funds for better returns.
– Always check whether buying or renting suits your goals.
– Flexibility, liquidity, and simplicity matter in financial planning.

? Investment Approach You’re Considering
– You plan to invest Rs. 20,000–30,000 per month in mutual funds.
– This is a strong start for wealth creation.
– You mentioned some index funds and one contra fund.
– Let's review and guide you based on financial goals.

? Disadvantages of Index Funds You Mentioned
– Index funds copy the market, nothing more.
– They don’t try to beat the market.
– They offer no downside protection during crashes.
– Index funds don’t adapt to changing market cycles.
– Active funds are managed by skilled fund managers.
– Managers in active funds aim for better returns than index.
– Index funds offer no help in bad markets.
– They follow blindly without discretion.
– Avoid index funds if you want active management.
– Your mentioned funds like Nifty 50 Bees and Nifty Next fall here.
– Instead, choose actively managed diversified funds.
– These funds perform better over time with lower risk.
– They help adjust based on sectors, economy, and valuation.

? Long-term Goals to Focus On
– Your two main goals are child education and your retirement.
– Both are long-term goals and need early planning.
– Equity mutual funds are best for these goals.
– Start with Rs. 25,000 monthly in SIPs.
– Allocate Rs. 15,000 for child education fund.
– Allocate Rs. 10,000 for your retirement fund.
– Use actively managed funds guided by a CFP.
– Don’t invest in direct mutual fund plans.

? Why Avoid Direct Funds
– Direct plans offer no personal advice or periodic review.
– It’s like driving without a map.
– Many investors make mistakes without proper help.
– Wrong fund choice, emotional exits, or overexposure are common.
– Regular plans through MFD with CFP support avoid these issues.
– They offer coaching, guidance, and behavioural discipline.
– Performance reviews and course corrections are done on time.
– Long-term investing is more about staying invested than just choosing funds.
– A certified financial planner helps with that clarity and accountability.

? Child Education Planning – First Goal
– Your son is 3 years old now.
– You have 14–15 years to build a good fund.
– Education costs double every 7–8 years.
– Start SIP of Rs. 15,000 monthly in growth-oriented equity funds.
– Don’t choose child insurance policies or ULIPs.
– They underperform and are not flexible.
– Actively managed diversified funds give better growth over time.
– Review your investments every year.
– Increase SIP amount every year when income increases.
– Use goal-based approach. Don’t mix short-term needs.

? Retirement Planning – Second Goal
– You’re 29 now. Retirement is 30 years away.
– Time is your best friend here.
– You already invest Rs. 60,000 yearly in NPS.
– NPS gives tax benefit under Sec 80CCD(1B).
– But NPS alone is not enough.
– Add mutual fund SIP of Rs. 10,000 monthly for this goal.
– Choose actively managed hybrid and large cap funds.
– These give long-term wealth creation and inflation beating growth.
– Avoid ULIP pension plans or annuities.
– They are rigid, low-return and not liquid.
– Mutual funds give flexibility and smart asset allocation.

? Health and Life Insurance
– You are already paying Rs. 45,000 yearly for health and term insurance.
– This is essential and correctly placed.
– Make sure health cover is Rs. 10 lakh or more.
– Include family in one family floater plan.
– Review sum insured every 3–4 years.
– Life cover should be 15–20 times your annual income.
– You can increase term insurance later if needed.

? Emergency Fund – Maintain Liquidity
– Emergency fund is important.
– Keep 6 months of expenses in savings or liquid funds.
– Don’t mix this money with investment money.
– This gives confidence to invest aggressively elsewhere.
– Emergency fund prevents loan dependency during crisis.

? Property Planning – Use Caution
– Rs. 30 lakh savings can buy land or flat.
– But don’t use full amount for it.
– Property is illiquid and needs maintenance and registration costs.
– It doesn’t give regular income unless rented.
– Focus on mutual fund investments first.
– Let your capital grow and become flexible.
– If you still buy, don’t borrow heavily for it.

? Tax Planning Strategy
– You already save Rs. 60,000 in NPS.
– That gives you benefit under 80CCD(1B).
– Term insurance premium covers part of 80C.
– Use balance of 80C for ELSS mutual fund SIP.
– ELSS gives tax saving and equity growth.
– Avoid traditional policies like LIC or endowment plans.
– They give low returns and lock money.
– Mutual funds give higher tax-adjusted returns.
– LTCG on equity mutual funds above Rs. 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– Debt mutual funds are taxed as per income slab.

? SIP Execution and Monitoring
– Don’t invest in many mutual funds.
– Choose 3 or 4 funds based on risk profile.
– Track SIPs once in 6 months or yearly.
– Avoid changing funds too often.
– SIPs work best when continued for long.
– Use MFD channel with CFP for execution.
– Regular review, rebalancing, and guidance are important.

? Behavioural Discipline Matters
– Markets go up and down.
– Don’t stop SIPs during correction.
– That is when you accumulate more units.
– Keep calm and stick to the plan.
– Long-term success needs patience and trust in the process.
– Stay invested and don’t react emotionally.
– A CFP gives behavioural support during tough times.

? Family Financial Planning
– Involve your wife in financial discussions.
– Keep joint goals for future.
– Plan for child’s education, travel, retirement and healthcare.
– Write a will or basic nomination now itself.
– Keep all investments in joint or nominee mode.

? Asset Allocation Balance
– Don’t invest in only one asset type.
– Use equity, hybrid, liquid and EPF in right mix.
– Overexposure to land or gold limits flexibility.
– Equity mutual funds grow capital.
– Debt and liquid funds give short-term stability.
– Review asset mix yearly.

? Final Insights
– You are taking the right steps early.
– Your goals are clear and achievable.
– Avoid index and direct mutual fund options.
– Use actively managed funds via a MFD with CFP.
– Don’t get stuck in illiquid property assets.
– Keep investing regularly and review yearly.
– Focus on discipline, guidance, and simplicity.
– You are on the right path to build wealth.
– Stay consistent and take help when needed.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9755 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 16, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 16, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I am 36 years my total income, expenses & investments are as below. Family income (wife 35000 & 105000) = 140000. Mortgage EMI: 67000 for another 3 years. House rent & expenses 30000. Fisical Gold invest: 10000 per month Term Insurance: 1cr Gold loan 200gm : 6 lakhs Epf: 10 lakhs Property plot: 1cr (1500sqrft) Emergency fund: 50k Future plan: 1. 1 year old daughter future plan. 2. Construction building for 3floors to get rental income. When should start and what are the options for 1.5crs loan. 3. Retirement plan.
Ans: Monthly Cash Flow Assessment
– Your family income is Rs. 1,40,000.
– Mortgage EMI is Rs. 67,000 for 3 more years.
– Rent and expenses are Rs. 30,000.
– Gold investment is Rs. 10,000.
– That leaves around Rs. 33,000 surplus monthly.
– This surplus needs smart allocation for all future goals.
– Your expenses are well-managed. That is a strong starting point.

? Existing Assets and Liabilities
– You have Rs. 10 lakh in EPF. Good long-term asset.
– Property plot worth Rs. 1 crore is a valuable asset.
– Emergency fund is only Rs. 50,000. That is low for a family.
– Gold loan of Rs. 6 lakh on 200g gold is active.
– You have Rs. 1 crore term insurance. That’s essential and well-done.

? Emergency Fund – Strengthen It
– Ideal fund should cover 6 months of expenses.
– Your family needs Rs. 1.2 to 1.5 lakh in emergency fund.
– Boost this first before increasing other investments.
– Use a mix of bank FD and liquid mutual funds.
– Don’t ignore this step. It offers peace of mind.

? Your Daughter’s Future Planning
– You have 17+ years for her higher education.
– Cost of education is rising faster than inflation.
– You must begin a monthly SIP in diversified equity funds.
– Actively managed funds are better than index funds.
– Index funds do not protect in falling markets.
– Index funds lack professional fund manager’s timely decisions.
– Active funds can adapt to changing market cycles.
– A CFP-guided SIP approach ensures consistent returns.
– Start with Rs. 10,000 monthly SIP if possible.
– Increase SIP as EMI ends in 3 years.
– Review and rebalance annually with guidance.
– Avoid ULIPs, LIC plans, or traditional child policies.
– They underperform and offer poor flexibility.

? Construction Plan and Rs. 1.5 Crore Loan
– Construction loan of Rs. 1.5 crore needs proper planning.
– You plan to build 3 floors and earn rental income.
– This is an ambitious and practical idea.
– But timing and loan handling are key.

When to Start:
– Wait until EMI on home loan ends.
– That gives you extra Rs. 67,000 monthly.
– Use that cash to repay gold loan first.
– Clearing gold loan frees up your pledged gold.
– After that, you’re better positioned for new loan.

Loan Options & Suggestions:
– Choose a term of 15–20 years for construction loan.
– That keeps EMIs affordable and less stressful.
– Don’t overcommit. Ensure 40–45% of income to EMIs only.
– Use the plot as collateral.
– Explore joint home loan for better eligibility.
– Maintain high CIBIL score and consistent income flow.
– Keep margin money of 10–15% ready in hand.
– Start planning now but execute after gold loan is cleared.

Construction Steps to Prepare:
– Get property valuation and construction estimates.
– Prepare building approval and design papers.
– Avoid over-building. Focus on rental usability and demand.
– Reserve budget for interior and furnishing.
– Post-construction, rent should cover at least 60–70% of EMI.
– Get rental agreements and tenant screening system in place.

? Gold Loan Strategy
– 200 grams gold against Rs. 6 lakh loan is costly.
– Interest outflow eats your savings slowly.
– Prioritise repaying gold loan before construction loan.
– Use part of surplus plus any bonus to repay gold loan faster.
– Once mortgage EMI ends, use Rs. 67,000 monthly to clear it.
– Don’t keep gold loan for too long.

? EPF as Long-term Asset
– You have Rs. 10 lakh in EPF. That’s good.
– Continue contributing. Don’t withdraw for short-term goals.
– It compounds silently and supports retirement corpus.
– Review EPF statement annually for balance growth.

? Physical Gold Investments
– Rs. 10,000 monthly in gold is a sentimental plan.
– But don’t over-allocate here.
– Gold has low yield over long term.
– Treat gold as hedge, not growth asset.
– Reduce gold investment slowly after 3 years.
– Redirect funds to equity mutual funds for better growth.

? Retirement Plan – Start Early, Stay Consistent
– You are 36 now. Retirement is 20–25 years away.
– Ideal time to start building a strong retirement corpus.
– Your EPF will form one part of it.
– You need additional investments to match inflation.
– Start SIPs in actively managed hybrid and diversified equity funds.
– Begin even with Rs. 5,000–10,000 monthly if cash is tight.
– Gradually raise this SIP amount every year.
– Choose regular plans through MFD with CFP qualification.
– Avoid direct funds. They lack personalised advice and reviews.
– Regular plans offer ongoing handholding, periodic reviews, and course correction.
– Investing without review leads to bad outcomes.
– Don’t depend on annuity or pension policies.
– They are rigid and yield poor inflation-adjusted returns.
– A diversified MF portfolio offers better tax-efficient growth.
– After retirement, shift corpus slowly to hybrid funds for income.
– Avoid selling everything at once. Use SWP to withdraw.

? Tax Strategy – Reduce, Save and Optimise
– Use Rs. 1.5 lakh 80C limit smartly.
– EPF and term insurance already cover part of it.
– Invest the balance in ELSS for dual benefit.
– ELSS offers tax saving and equity growth.
– Avoid traditional insurance policies.
– For daughter’s plan, use non-tax saving diversified equity funds.
– Keep gold loan interest as deduction under 24(b) if eligible.
– Maintain file of all home loan and construction bills for tax purposes.

? Insurance – Adequacy and Coverage
– You already have Rs. 1 crore term cover.
– Check if it is 15–20 times your income.
– Increase sum assured after your new home loan.
– Buy health insurance for self, wife and daughter.
– Choose a family floater of Rs. 10 lakh minimum.
– Health expenses are rising fast in India.
– Employer cover may not be enough post-retirement.
– Buy separate personal health policy without delay.

? After EMI Ends – Rebalance Entire Plan
– In 3 years, EMI of Rs. 67,000 ends.
– That changes your cash flow dramatically.
– Use this to repay gold loan, increase SIPs and boost retirement savings.
– Avoid lifestyle inflation once EMI ends.
– Sit with a Certified Financial Planner and re-strategise.

? Rental Income Plan – What to Expect
– 3 floors can fetch good rent if location supports.
– Don’t overestimate. Always take conservative rent projections.
– Maintain the building to attract quality tenants.
– Rental income is taxable. Keep that in mind.
– Use a portion of rent to create sinking fund for repairs.

? Asset Diversification and Future Planning
– Your main assets are property, EPF, and gold.
– Add mutual funds now to balance asset allocation.
– Mutual funds are liquid, diversified and inflation-beating.
– Stay invested for long-term and avoid panic exits.
– Review goals once every year with a professional.
– Plan for daughter’s college abroad if needed.
– Consider travel, emergency, healthcare and lifestyle needs at retirement.
– Build financial independence. Don’t rely on children for support.

? Final Insights
– Your current structure is stable and promising.
– You’ve handled loans and expenses responsibly.
– Strengthen your emergency fund immediately.
– Clear gold loan before taking construction loan.
– Delay construction until EMI ends to avoid pressure.
– Start SIPs for daughter’s education and your retirement.
– Avoid index funds, direct funds and annuity plans.
– Stick with MFD-guided actively managed mutual funds.
– Keep insurance updated and separate from investments.
– Do regular reviews and plan every step wisely.

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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