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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1633 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 04, 2022

Anu Krishna is a mind coach and relationship expert.
The co-founder of Unfear Changemakers LLP, she has received her neuro linguistic programming training from National Federation of NeuroLinguistic Programming, USA, and her energy work specialisation from the Institute for Inner Studies, Manila.
She is an executive member of the Indian Association of Adolescent Health.... more
S Question by S on Jan 04, 2022Hindi
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Relationship

Hi Anu, how are you?
I don’t have a good married life. My wife and I always think differently.
She hates me and living with me.
We don't have a good intimate relationship.
A few years back, she wanted divorce me but stopped due to children and family pressure. She also tried to stay with another person in the past.
She is not satisfied with me.
We’ve completed 13 years and, since the last seven years, life is bad with her.
She is staying with me and the children but not with a happy mind. She is a good devotee but she is not happy. She thinks I spoiled her life.
Need your kind advice.
S

Ans:

Dear S,

She is a good devotee? I can’t quite understand this statement. And she hates you? How?

If what you have mentioned are facts, then isn’t it time for the two of you to evaluate if it’s worth living together?

If you are continuing with the marriage for the sake of the children, then do understand that there are certain ways in which you should behave so that the children do not absorb the stress that the two of you are facing.

If you keep arguing or fighting in front of them, it will affect them emotionally.

It is time that the two of you have a conversation as mature adults and sort this out quickly before it consumes the children. Else, make the sane decision of going your separate ways.

If you can’t do this by yourselves, seek professional help as soon as possible.

Do remember, it takes two people to make a marriage work, so look within yourself as well to see what you can change to smooth things over and work on that.

All the best and a Happy 2022.

 

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Anu

Anu Krishna  |1633 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jul 18, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 07, 2023Hindi
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Relationship
I am a married man from last 20 years. I am unable to understand the psychology of my wife. she always complains me that she doesn't feel any belongingness from my end and keep her on last priority. further, I always take care of my mother, sisters and friends. I always talk to her in a very rude and loud voice. whenever i approach her she starts blaming me and after sometime, I became irritated by her repetitive statements. whenever she approach me to patch up after few moments she said that I am talking loud and non sense. please guide me how to tackle this problem to rejuvenate the relation?
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You yourself have identified that you talk rudely to your wife; so how do you expect her to relate to you.
If you have chosen to 'rejuvenate' the relation, then the way the two of you communicate with each other must be changed.
This is a suggestion for both of you to improve your communication:
1. Listen to the other patiently when they are talking
2. Ask: 'What can I do to make you feel better?'
3. Make sure that there are no accusations/complaints made during the communication
4. Practice compassion when the other person is talking
5. Don't interrupt them in between when they are talking

This is just the beginning and basic guidelines to begin communicating better. As the two of you see the benefits, you can then start to work on the challenges that you face from family. As much as you take care of your side of the family, make sure that you give enough attention to your wife as well and the same goes for her.
The two of you are simply crying out for each other's time and attention. Start with the basic suggestions and slowly take it on from there.

All the best!

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1633 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Aug 03, 2023

Asked by Anonymous - Aug 02, 2023Hindi
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Relationship
Hello Mam, I am 45 year old IT professional, I have good salary and owning 3 flats. My wife is also working and she also having descent salary. I am having family of 4, Me, wife, daughter 11 years and son 8 years old. My problem here is, we are having discussion on only future and not living current life. My wife is think more about money and how to get money quickly as possible for further provisions like kids education, retirement etc. Also, She doesnt want to spend on me especilaly, never got any gift from her. We are not having good physical relation. Many times i have discussed with her and went through doctor for consultantion and medication. But, she doesnt want to take medicines.I feel very bad and my life is similar as earlier. Many times feels like she doesnt love me. My life become mechanic and no joy init. I am just living for my Kids betterment.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
Well no two people in a marriage are the same, are they?
You just have different ideals stemming from different value systems. this can be bridged by actually talking about it, so that either of you might not be on a extreme. If she likes to save, you can moderate her by actually setting a budget for spending on necessities and luxuries.
And she will in turn moderate you, if she finds you spending on things that are unnecessary.
It's about seeing things on the same page but with different glasses and acknowledging that you are both different.
As far as physical intimacy goes, I guess many couples face a slump after children occupying a huge part of their lives and with full-time jobs, it can make one tired more than excited. Set aside time to be alone with one another and practice the art of non-sexual intimacy like holding hands, cuddling, hugging...
Sometimes to jump out of the mechanical life, you need to do something different and exciting to get a different and exciting result. So do what you haven't done before! Get the drift here?

All the best!

..Read more

Dr Ashish

Dr Ashish Sehgal  | Answer  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jan 09, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 30, 2023Hindi
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Relationship
Hi, I am married from last 15 year, having a daughter , my realtion with my wife is very bad, she is like this since start of marriage, our is arrange marriage. She didn't want any kind of responsibility, she always want to go out and if possible do shopping, if I asked not to over spend she thinks not sure what and create scene. She fight with everyone even in office or with her parents, she blames other for all this, never ever think she can be wrong, she is having a feeling if you correct her , she not going to like it, she will say no need to teach me , I know. She even not hving very good relationship with my daughter, she is in class 10th and staying in baording. I am hving 2 flat just like jodi flat adjacant to each other, i am staying in one and she is in another , she hardly let me hv sex, but she talks or chat with stranger whole night, i try to question her but she started fighting, she didn't listen and do what ever she want, if u question she will fight, i really don't know how to handle this situation, I am feeling trapped and she is accusing me for all the mess. We had fight lots of time , we abused each other during fight a lot , but the problem still persist nothing changed in 15 years recently after fight i stop talking with her . Not sure how I should move forward , i talked with my daughter and she also suggesting me leave her for some time she will realize , should i go for divorce or how to move forward.
Ans: I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a difficult time in your marriage.
It's important to remember that ultimately, the decision to stay in or leave a relationship is up to the individual. Here are some things you can do to help you move forward:

1. Seek professional help: Consider seeing a therapist or counselor who can help you work through your feelings and provide guidance on how to move forward.

2. Take care of yourself: Make sure you're taking care of your own physical and emotional needs. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in activities that you enjoy.

3. Set boundaries: If your wife's behavior is causing you distress, it's important to set boundaries. This can include setting limits on spending, or establishing rules around communication.

4. Consider couples therapy: If you're both willing, couples therapy can be a helpful way to work through issues in your marriage and improve communication.

5. Think about your options: If you're considering divorce, it's important to think carefully about your options. Consider speaking with a lawyer who can provide guidance on the legal aspects of divorce.

Remember, every situation is unique, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Take the time to consider your options and make the decision that's best for you and your family.

..Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |615 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 11, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 11, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
I am working in a central psu and my wife works for state govt and both are 48 yrs. We are married for 20 yrs and have 2 sons (20 &16). She is never expressive nor vocal, because of this our marital relationship have not seen even a single day of happiness. Her parents never ever made her realised that problem can be from her side too nor asked me even a single time whats is bothering me. She is over ambitious in her job and neglects everything in the personal life. This negligence started from the day 1 of the married life. She never try to understand the problem and reasons behind and just ignore and move ahead. This makes life miserable and likewise 20 yrs passed.. Its like when sons are moving out of home, I feel very much alone and sometimes feels to runaway from life...She dont show any emotions, giving the reasons that its her nature...She says loves me, but whats that love which is not felt by me for a single day...I wanted a wife not a nurse.. What to do....I lost my hope of life.
Ans: It's clear that communication and understanding between you and your wife have been lacking for quite some time. It's important to remember that marriage is a partnership, and both partners need to be willing to work on the relationship for it to thrive. It's also common for individuals to have different communication styles and emotional expressions, but it's crucial to find common ground and ways to connect despite these differences. Have an open and honest conversation with your wife about how you're feeling. It's important for her to understand the impact her behavior is having on you and your relationship. Establish boundaries around work and personal life to ensure that both of you are making time for each other and your family. Encourage your wife to prioritize your relationship and family time.Take care of yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally. This might involve engaging in activities that bring you joy, spending time with friends and loved ones, and seeking support from a therapist or counselor for yourself. change takes time, and healing a relationship requires effort and commitment from both partners. It's okay to feel discouraged and overwhelmed, but please don't lose hope. There are resources and support available to help you navigate this difficult time. You deserve to live a fulfilling and happy life, and it's never too late to work towards that goal.

..Read more

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1633 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Feb 17, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Feb 11, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hi Anu, I am working in a central psu and my wife works for state govt and both are 48 yrs. We are married for 20 yrs and have 2 sons (20 &16). She is never expressive nor vocal, because of this our marital relationship have not seen even a single day of happiness. Her parents never ever made her realised that problem can be from her side too nor asked me even a single time whats is bothering me. She is over ambitious in her job and neglects everything in the personal life. This negligence started from the day 1 of the married life. She never try to understand the problem and reasons behind and just ignore and move ahead. This makes life miserable and likewise 20 yrs passed.. Its like when sons are moving out of home, I feel very much alone and sometimes feels to runaway from life...She dont show any emotions, giving the reasons that its her nature...She says loves me, but whats that love which is not felt by me for a single day...I wanted a wife not a nurse.. What to do....I lost my hope of life.
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
I am sure there is an issue that you are facing BUT to generalize it as: because of this our marital relationship have not seen even a single day of happiness.
Are you sure that has not been a single day or a single moment of feeling some joy? DO NOT indulge in this kind of belief as it only makes the issue look bigger than what it maybe.
If you feel alone, talk to her and tell her exactly how you feel. It's your marriage as well; do something to stay in it.
If there is a reason for her to be the way that she is, that needs to be addressed. Also, by complaining rather than facing the issue together, you are alienating yourself from the marriage. Give this a fair chance and deal with it in a mature way. Talking about it helps more than complaining; as she will bring her list of complaints and then it just gets into a loop.
- have an honest conversation
- make space for a back and forth conversation
If she refuses to talk, then possibly there is a need for a professional to intervene. She will also need to understand what hurts you and work on it, so that the marriage moves on smoothly. Marriage is a two-way dance.

All the best!

..Read more

Latest Questions
Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9412 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 05, 2025Hindi
Money
Hello Sir, I am 42 year old , have parents, wife and 2 daughter. monthly take home is 2.25 lakh, current savings are- 1- MF - 25lakh 2- PPF- 8 lakh 3- stocks 80k 4- NPS- 1 lakh 5- PF - 24 lakh 6- Sukankya Samridhi - 1 lakh have a house loan of 36lakh, give EMI of 50k per month. I am planning for retirement by 50 years. any suggestion for any fix on current investment. I am single earner in my family, any suggestion on my current investment to make it better.
Ans: You are 42 years old with a solid monthly income of Rs. 2.25 lakh. You are managing family responsibilities for wife, two daughters, and parents. You are also repaying a home loan with Rs. 50,000 EMI monthly. You have already built up a strong savings base, which shows discipline. You plan to retire at 50. That gives you only 8 years. This is an ambitious goal. But with the right approach, it's possible.

Let us now go step by step to assess and improve your current investments. This will be a full-circle view covering risk, returns, liquidity, taxes, and future goals.

Your Current Investment Snapshot
From what you’ve shared, your assets are spread across:

Mutual Funds: Rs. 25 lakh

PPF: Rs. 8 lakh

Stocks: Rs. 80,000

NPS: Rs. 1 lakh

EPF: Rs. 24 lakh

Sukanya Samriddhi: Rs. 1 lakh

House Loan: Rs. 36 lakh (EMI Rs. 50,000 per month)

This is a very good base to start with. There is growth, safety, and diversification. But you also have responsibility as a single earner. Let us now do a 360-degree assessment.

Family Protection First
Since you are the only earner, protection is very important.

Suggestions:

Term insurance should be at least 15 times your yearly income.

In your case, it should be around Rs. 4 crore or more.

Don’t mix investment with insurance.

Avoid ULIPs or traditional endowment plans.

Surrender such policies if already taken. Reinvest in mutual funds.

Health insurance:

Ensure your entire family is covered.

Buy a family floater plan with Rs. 10 lakh cover or more.

Also buy personal accident cover.

Add critical illness policy for long-term protection.

This protection is needed to secure your savings from any health shocks.

Understanding Your Retirement Goal at 50
You have just 8 years left for retirement.

That means:

You have to build a retirement corpus fast.

You need to cover expenses for 30+ years post retirement.

Medical inflation and daily expenses will rise.

Your current retirement assets:

PF + NPS = Rs. 25 lakh

Mutual Funds: Rs. 25 lakh

PPF (part can be used)

Stocks, Sukanya and home equity are not ideal for retirement

Your home is not an investment unless sold. EMI is a cash outflow.

So, retirement corpus must come mainly from mutual funds, EPF, and NPS.

Mutual Fund Investments – Review Needed
You have Rs. 25 lakh in mutual funds.

Suggestions:

Review fund selection carefully.

Are they active funds or index funds?

Don’t go for index funds. They follow the market blindly.

Actively managed funds adjust based on market cycles.

That gives better protection in falling markets.

If you are using direct funds:

It may save cost, but it gives no guidance.

Wrong fund selection will cost more than saved expense.

Always go for regular plans via Mutual Fund Distributor with CFP credential.

You get professional support, handholding, reviews, and behaviour coaching.

This service is valuable, especially near retirement.

Monthly Investment Strategy
After paying Rs. 50,000 EMI, you still have Rs. 1.75 lakh.

Let us plan your monthly surplus wisely.

Suggestions:

Keep Rs. 20,000 for monthly emergency fund top-up.

Allocate Rs. 80,000 into mutual fund SIPs.

Invest another Rs. 25,000 in NPS Tier I for tax saving and retirement.

Use Rs. 30,000 to prepay part of the home loan (optional).

Rest can be kept for family needs and flexible savings.

Your SIP should include:

Large-cap actively managed fund

Flexi-cap fund

Hybrid aggressive fund

Balanced advantage fund

Each fund should match your risk profile and goal duration.

Debt Instruments Review
You have:

EPF – Rs. 24 lakh

PPF – Rs. 8 lakh

Sukanya Samriddhi – Rs. 1 lakh

NPS – Rs. 1 lakh

Analysis:

EPF and PPF are safe, long-term, and tax-free.

They offer low but guaranteed growth.

Don’t invest more into PPF now. Returns are slow.

Instead, increase NPS contribution for tax benefit and retirement.

For daughters:

Sukanya Samriddhi is good. Continue yearly contribution.

Don't go overboard. Fund their education through mutual funds also.

Equity Stocks – Handle with Caution
You hold Rs. 80,000 in direct stocks.

Suggestions:

Keep direct stocks only if you have time and knowledge.

Otherwise, shift funds to equity mutual funds.

Let experts manage stocks through mutual funds.

Don’t depend on stock tips or social media suggestions. Stay focused on long-term wealth building.

Home Loan Strategy
Your outstanding loan is Rs. 36 lakh. EMI is Rs. 50,000.

Suggestions:

Don't rush to close the loan unless you are nearing retirement.

Interest rates are now moderate.

Prepay small amounts yearly if you have excess cash.

But don’t compromise retirement corpus to close the loan early.

It’s better to invest and earn 11-12% than save 8% on loan interest.

Retirement Income Strategy
From age 50, your income will stop. Your savings must generate monthly income.

Suggestions:

Shift mutual fund investments slowly to balanced or hybrid funds.

Use Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) from mutual funds.

Avoid annuities. Returns are poor, and capital is locked.

Keep 3 years’ worth expenses in safe liquid mutual funds.

Don’t rely only on pension. Mix growth and income wisely.

Build a portfolio that can support you till 85-90 years.

Emergency and Liquidity Planning
As single earner, emergency fund is important.

Suggestions:

Keep 6 to 9 months of expenses in liquid mutual funds.

Don’t lock all money in long-term options.

Have a separate account for emergency cash.

Update all nominations. Keep documents handy.

Tax Efficiency Strategy
You are in the highest income tax slab.

Suggestions:

Use Section 80C through EPF, NPS, Sukanya, and ELSS.

Invest in NPS for Section 80CCD(1B) extra benefit.

Use mutual funds wisely to avoid unnecessary taxes.

Sell equity mutual funds after 1 year. LTCG above Rs. 1.25 lakh taxed at 12.5%.

Avoid short-term gains. They are taxed at 20%.

Mutual funds give flexibility. But use them smartly.

Goal-Based Investing for Daughters
Education and marriage are two important goals.

Suggestions:

Open separate SIPs for education and marriage goals.

Use aggressive hybrid or flexi-cap funds for education.

Use multi-cap and balanced funds for marriage.

Shift to debt funds slowly as the goal comes near.

Keep goals separate. Don’t mix them.

Review and Rebalancing
You must not ignore this step.

Suggestions:

Do yearly review with a Certified Financial Planner.

Check if asset allocation is as per goal timeline.

Shift from equity to debt slowly near goal years.

Don’t invest emotionally or by watching the market.

Stick to your plan. Avoid over-trading.

Final Insights
You are in a strong position. Income is good. Investments are spread well.

You have clear goals. You are serious about retirement. That’s a very positive sign.

But you need to act now. Because time is short. You want to retire in 8 years.

Start monthly SIPs in right mix of mutual funds. Use regular plans with CFP-backed distributor support.

Avoid index funds. They are passive. No decision-making during market changes.

Avoid direct plans. No guidance leads to wrong fund selection. That spoils the outcome.

Review your portfolio yearly. Rebalance as needed. Don’t let emotions decide investments.

Keep protection strong. Life and health insurance must be updated.

Separate your goals. One fund, one goal strategy works better.

Keep investing. Stay disciplined. And stay focused on your end goal – peaceful and early retirement.

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

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8039 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 06, 2025Hindi
Career
I got 90.97 ile in mht cet and 81 ile in jee mains can i get into good colleges in cs or AIML ?
Ans: With a 90.97 percentile in MHT CET (approximate closing ranks between 1,500–4,000 for AI/ML and 9,000–12,000 for CSE in Maharashtra) and an 81 percentile in JEE Main (All-India rank ~200 000), these ten institutes offer achievable CS or AI/ML seats, all NBA/NAAC-accredited with PhD-qualified faculty, specialized labs, active placement cells (75–90% branch-wise placements over the last three years), robust industry tie-ups and mandatory internships:
PICT Pune Computer Engineering (1500–1540 rank) offers strong CS fundamentals; PICT AI & DS (1400–1450 rank) provides data-science specialisation; DJ Sanghvi College of Engineering Mumbai AI & ML (1600–1650 rank) focuses on machine-learning labs; VIT Bibwewadi Pune CSE (AI) (2900–2950 rank) integrates robotics and AI modules; Thadomal Shahani Engineering College Mumbai AI & DS (3750–3800 rank) emphasises analytics projects; Pimpri Chinchwad College of Engineering Pune AI & ML (3950–4000 rank) offers cloud-computing internships; Vishwakarma Institute of Technology Bibwewadi Pune CSE (AIML) (3950–4000 rank) blends software engineering and AI; Fr. C. Rodrigues College of Engineering Mumbai AI & DS (2250–2300 rank) has dedicated AI research centres; SPIT Mumbai CSE (12 000–14 000 rank) balances software and hardware domains; and JSPM Narhe Technical Campus Pune CSE (7 500–9 700 rank) features IoT and AI accelerators.

Recommendation:
For the best mix of CS breadth and AI specialisation, recommendation is PICT Pune CSE & AI & DS for its dual-track labs and ~85% placements. As strong alternatives, choose DJ Sanghvi AI & ML, PICT AI & DS, and VIT Bibwewadi CSE (AI) based on your preferred focus. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9412 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 05, 2025Hindi
Money
Sir im paying 65000 emi for a 80 lac home loan. If i pre pay 5lacs this yr. Will it deduct my principal amount or interest. Whats the advantage of prepayment. This is 2nd yr of my loan term of 20 yrs.
Ans: Understanding Home Loan EMI Structure

Every EMI has two parts: interest and principal.

In early years, interest portion is very high.

Principal repayment is low in the beginning.

Over time, interest reduces and principal increases.

Impact of Prepayment in 2nd Year

Prepayment goes directly towards principal.

It does not reduce the interest directly.

But it reduces total interest over the loan period.

After prepayment, your outstanding balance drops.

So future EMIs have lower interest burden.

Benefits of Prepaying Rs. 5 Lakhs Now

Reduces overall loan tenure or EMI outgo.

Saves a lot of future interest payments.

Helps build home equity faster.

Reduces total liability early in the loan cycle.

Option 1: Keep EMI Same, Reduce Tenure

Loan gets closed earlier than 20 years.

Maximum interest saved with this method.

Good if you can manage the same EMI.

Option 2: Reduce EMI, Keep Tenure Same

Monthly burden reduces.

Interest saved is lesser than Option 1.

Useful if you need more cash flow.

Which Option is Better?

Reducing tenure saves more interest.

Recommended if you can continue same EMI.

Better from wealth creation view also.

How Much Interest Can You Save?

You will save lakhs over the long term.

The earlier you prepay, the better the savings.

Interest saved is more in initial years.

Loan Amortisation Works in Reverse

Interest is front-loaded in a home loan.

So early prepayments have bigger impact.

Later prepayments have lesser benefit.

Should You Consider Prepayment Regularly?

Yes, make partial prepayments every year if possible.

Even Rs. 1–2 lakhs annually helps a lot.

It brings down total interest drastically.

How Prepayment Affects Tax Benefits

Interest deduction under Section 24(b) remains Rs. 2 lakhs per year.

Principal deduction under Section 80C is Rs. 1.5 lakhs per year.

Prepayment doesn’t reduce these deductions.

But faster closure means fewer years of tax benefit.

When to Avoid Prepayment?

If you have higher-interest debt, clear that first.

If liquidity is low, build emergency fund first.

Don’t use investments earning higher than home loan rate for prepayment.

Don’t compromise long-term goals like retirement for loan closure.

Consider These Before Prepaying

Keep at least 6–9 months’ expenses as emergency fund.

Don’t withdraw from PF or PPF for this.

Don’t redeem mutual funds with high potential return.

Prioritise financial goals first, then prepay.

Should You Continue or Increase EMI?

If income rises, consider increasing EMI too.

Every EMI hike reduces tenure further.

Combine prepayment with EMI increase for best results.

Long-Term Financial Impact of Prepayment

Reduces liability pressure in later years.

Helps you become debt-free early.

Creates mental peace and financial stability.

Frees up income for other investments later.

Common Misunderstandings About Prepayment

Some think interest gets adjusted directly. That’s incorrect.

Prepayment reduces the principal, not the interest.

But this reduces future interest outflow.

Some think small prepayment doesn’t help. Even small amounts matter.

Best Practices for Home Loan Management

Prepay more in first 5–7 years.

Avoid loan tenure extensions unless critical.

Avoid missing EMIs to protect credit score.

Don’t refinance unless rate benefit is over 0.5%.

Why Prepayment Is Smart in 2nd Year

Your interest share is very high now.

Every rupee paid now saves more than later.

Reduces the overall cost of the loan.

Also brings financial discipline.

Track Your Loan Statements

See how your prepayment reduces principal.

Track updated amortisation schedule.

It will show new tenure or EMI post-payment.

Ask bank to issue revised repayment schedule.

Should You Use Investments for Prepayment?

Avoid using the following:

PPF or EPF (long-term and tax-free).

High-performing mutual funds (higher return potential).

Emergency funds (keep intact for safety).
Use these instead:

Idle cash in savings account.

Low-return FDs (especially if post-tax return is less than loan rate).

Bonuses or windfalls.

Final Insights

Prepayment reduces interest and tenure.

Most useful when done in early years.

Use surplus cash without disturbing goal-based investments.

Choose tenure reduction over EMI reduction for maximum benefit.

Keep monitoring and prepay strategically over the years.

Do not over-leverage your liquidity for home loan closure.

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

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |9412 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 05, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir, My age is 44 , I have two kids(daughters) of 8 and 5 years , I have one health insurance policy , One term insurance policy. Currently getting salary of 45,000/- Pm , Got own house, No loans as of now. I have investment of of 5 lakhs in FD , 5 lakh in PPF , 2 lakh bank balance. I want to plan my retirement daughters education and marriage. wanted to invest in stocks mutual and any other investment which will secure my future.
Ans: Your current situation reflects a solid foundation. At 44, with no loans, steady income, own house, good savings, insurance coverage, and two young daughters, you're ahead of many. You’re thinking ahead – retirement, daughters’ education, and marriage. That’s smart and responsible. Now, let’s look at a detailed, all-round financial strategy from all angles, keeping your goals in mind.

Understanding Your Present Financial Setup
You’re earning Rs. 45,000 per month. That’s your key cash inflow.

You’ve got:

Rs. 5 lakh in Fixed Deposit

Rs. 5 lakh in PPF

Rs. 2 lakh in bank savings

One term insurance policy

One health insurance policy

Own house

No loans

This is a clean and stable starting point. Your financial risks are low. That’s commendable.

But your investments are more in fixed return options. This will not beat long-term inflation. Let us now look at planning your future needs and aligning your money to each.

Priority Goals to Address
You have three clear financial goals:

Retirement

Daughters’ education

Daughters’ marriage

Each needs a different strategy. Let us plan for each goal separately.

Retirement Planning
You are 44 now. You may have around 16 years to plan for retirement.

Challenges:

You will not have salary after retirement.

Medical expenses may increase.

You need money for day-to-day life after 60.

Suggestions:

Avoid keeping too much in FDs. They don’t beat inflation.

PPF is safe, but it grows slowly and has a lock-in.

You need higher returns for long-term goals.

Action Steps:

Start monthly SIPs in actively managed mutual funds.

Keep investing till you reach retirement.

Increase SIPs every year as salary increases.

Combine large-cap, flexi-cap, and balanced advantage fund categories.

Don’t go for index funds. They just copy market. No flexibility.

Actively managed funds adjust during market fall. That gives safety.

Get help from a Mutual Fund Distributor who is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).

Don’t go for direct mutual funds. No one will guide you. Mistakes can be costly.

With regular plans via CFP-MFD, you get full support. Also behavioural coaching.

Stick to funds with strong track record. Don’t change often.

Education Planning for Daughters
Your daughters are 8 and 5. You have 10-15 years before higher education.

Challenges:

Education costs are rising fast.

Inflation is higher in education sector.

You need money lump sum at that time.

Suggestions:

Begin separate mutual fund SIPs for each daughter.

Again, go for actively managed funds.

Avoid mixing insurance and investment.

Do not invest in child plans. They offer poor returns.

Keep FD and PPF for emergencies, not for education.

Action Steps:

You can use balanced advantage funds or multi-cap funds.

Review investments every 12 months.

Use SIPs. Start small. Increase yearly.

Have one goal-based investment for each daughter.

Avoid ULIPs or endowment plans. They are not fit for this goal.

Marriage Planning for Daughters
You may need funds in 15 to 20 years.

Challenges:

Not a fixed date like education. So, flexibility is needed.

Emotionally, you may not want to take risk close to that time.

Suggestions:

Use long-term mutual funds now.

Slowly move to low-risk options as the event gets closer.

Do not use gold schemes or traditional insurance for this.

Action Steps:

Start SIPs in diversified equity funds.

Around 5 years before marriage, shift from equity to hybrid funds.

Final 2 years, move fully to safe instruments like ultra-short funds.

Protecting Your Family
You have a term plan and health insurance. That’s good.

Check the following:

Term insurance must be at least 15 times your yearly income.

Health cover should include entire family, with Rs. 10 lakh coverage.

Add critical illness cover if not already there.

Avoid:

Insurance-cum-investment policies.

LIC traditional plans or ULIPs. Surrender them if you have any.

Reinvest surrender value in mutual funds via SIP.

Emergency Fund and Liquidity
Your Rs. 2 lakh bank balance is a good emergency buffer.

Suggestions:

Keep 6 months' expenses as emergency fund.

Keep this in liquid mutual fund or sweep-in FD.

Don’t invest emergency money in equity.

Tax-Saving Strategy
You already invest in PPF. That gives Section 80C benefit.

Suggestions:

Avoid locking entire 80C in one product.

Invest part in ELSS mutual fund through regular plan with CFP help.

ELSS gives better long-term returns than PPF.

Don’t go overboard with insurance for tax saving.

Rebalancing and Monitoring
Many people ignore this part. But it’s very important.

Suggestions:

Review portfolio once a year.

Rebalance asset allocation as per goal timelines.

If equity markets are too high or too low, make necessary shifts.

This prevents losses and manages risk.

Monthly Budget Discipline
Rs. 45,000 salary is decent, but needs wise handling.

Suggestions:

Track all expenses every month.

Follow 50:30:20 rule. (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% saving)

Slowly increase savings portion.

Don’t take personal loans or credit card loans.

Avoid investing in real estate again. It blocks liquidity.

Asset Allocation Guidance
You must divide money based on risk and goal timing.

Suggested mix:

Emergency Fund: Bank + Liquid fund

Short-Term Needs (

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Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |8039 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Jul 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Jul 06, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello sir, My son scored AIR 7493 in JEE mains, AIR 9900 in JEE Advance, K-CET rank 138, MHT-CET 99.85 percentile, BITSAT 286 marks. Karnataka home state for 12th grade, parents with Maharashtra domicile. He got IIT Patna Mechanical engineering in JoSAA councilling. He may get BITs Goa or Hyderabad ECE. He may get CSE in Karnataka 's and Maharashtra's good private or Govt. engineering colleges. Which branch and college should be preferred for good future academic and professional growth? Please advise.
Ans: IIT Patna’s B.Tech Mechanical Engineering, an NBA- and NAAC-accredited programme, is delivered by PhD-qualified faculty in advanced manufacturing, CAD/CAM and thermofluids labs, integrates mandatory internships and records an 81.5% placement rate for Mechanical students over the past three years. BITS Pilani’s ECE at Goa and Hyderabad campuses, NBA-accredited with state-of-the-art VLSI, communications and IoT labs, sustains an ~81% overall placement consistency, with ECE cohorts typically matching this trend. CSE programmes in top Karnataka and Maharashtra institutes—such as COEP Pune, VJTI Mumbai, PESCE Mandya and DSCE Bengaluru—combine NAAC A+/NBA accreditation, specialized AI/ML and data-science facilities, strong corporate tie-ups and 80–90% branch-wise placement records. Accreditation ensures quality and global recognition; faculty expertise drives rigorous curricula; modern infrastructure (labs, makerspaces) underpins hands-on learning; industry collaborations and internships bolster employability; and consistent placement rates reflect sustained recruiter confidence.

Recommendation: (Order of Preference)
Given your son’s All-India ranks and state quotas, recommendation is IIT Patna (if location is OK for your son) Mechanical for its strong core-engineering training and reliable 81.5% placements. Next, choose BITS Goa/Hyderabad ECE for cutting-edge electronics exposure and ~81% placement consistency. For market-facing computing roles, consider COEP Pune CSE, VJTI Mumbai CSE, and RVCE-Bengaluru CSE in that order, leveraging their 85–90% branch placements and premier labs. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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