Dear ma’am, I really appreciate you helping the community getting mentally healthy.
I feel very complicated and sleepless. Please help.
I am 45, male. My whole life, as I remember, I have been taken advantage of -- by friends, parents, siblings.
I am sensitive, I have anger but I cannot talk back or stand up for myself and try to adjust, move on, simmer within, not to talk back to elders (or anybody).
If I talk back I get so much guilt, and maybe so continue to be taken advantage of.
I have had many soft abuse/humiliation/pressure episodes with friends/family that are stuck and stuck; but those don't happen since I am grown-up, plus people are no more around. I feel I got damaged that way.
But financially since the last 20 years -- relatives, friends, father, siblings have cheated me loaning money with false promises and they don't take care about their loan responsibility and live their sporty life. Here I feel like a beggar the whole time enquiring about getting my own stuck money back, getting false promises, false reasons, hundreds of those conversations, also sometimes making me feel guilty in reverse (what is your money urgency type?) to ask my own money back.
Those people are still around.
The total runs in many lakhs just principal and nominal interest also will run that much. I don't have energy deal those people, negativity, bad values that comes along. So last few years, I just kept mum, on surface smile (internally bad memories). But that is bu**sh**
Six months ago, I decided and started cutting off those people for good. I don't need negativity. I have enough savings. I felt relaxed that I at least mentally I took that hard decision.
But other side, it is so difficult as they are close people, family, friends -- I am bound to see them at family functions, my mom/wife/kids talk with some, they may call them home also etc.
I feel afraid and super angry to even see their face, and even if they hypothetically return money -- I don't feel like accepting it also; let them remain cut off from my life.
Plus I suffer from depression since 15 years (on/off medicines) that mom/kids don't know, wife cannot really empathize.
I just feel too weak.
Did I do the right thing to cut off people and stick to that decision in future? How to face them in life then?

Ans: Hello dear.
Your son is well-equipped to face any future challenges. Congratulations to you and your son on your great success in all the examinations. You can choose either CSE @ BITs or BS-MS @ IISER Pune. I would recommend BS-MS @ IISER from a long-term perspective and staying away from the rat race with CSE. Take your time to consider, as both options are very strong. I also suggest getting a second opinion. Ultimately, the final decision will be yours. Make it wisely.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: You are already investing in multiple mutual funds. Your target corpus is Rs?2?crore in 15 years and Rs?50?lakh in 10 years. You also have a home loan of Rs?8.5?lakh and 2 kids aged 14 and 6.

Let’s assess your situation and restructure it with a 360-degree, goal-oriented, simple language plan.

? Understand Your Monthly SIP Structure
– Flexi Cap: Rs?14,000
– Balanced Advantage: Rs?2,000
– Large & Mid Cap: Rs?6,500
– Mid Cap: Rs?3,000
– Small Cap: Rs?2,500
– Nifty Smallcap 250 Index: Rs?1,000
– Nifty 500 Momentum 50 ETF: Rs?1,000
– Sector Funds (Energy + Business Cycle): Rs?3,000

Total SIP: Rs?33,000 per month. Corpus now is Rs?9?lakh.

? First Issue: Over-diversified Fund Portfolio
– You are in too many funds.
– Some of them are overlapping.
– Index and ETF investments also dilute focus.
– Sector funds and thematic funds are not suitable for goal planning.
– They are risky and not diversified.

Having 7–8 funds increases confusion, not returns.

? Second Issue: You Hold Index and ETF Funds
– Nifty Smallcap 250 Index is unmanaged and volatile.
– It tracks the index without protection.
– ETF (Momentum 50) also depends on short-term trends.
– They work only in rising markets.
– In flat or falling markets, they drop fast.

Actively managed funds are better for long-term goals.
A Certified Financial Planner can guide your allocation.

? Third Issue: Sector and Theme-Based Funds
– Sector funds are risky and cyclical.
– Energy or Business Cycle funds are for advanced investors.
– They are not suitable for education or retirement goals.
– Sectors may underperform for long periods.
– You don't need them for goal-based planning.

Better to exit sector funds and shift to core diversified equity.

? Fourth Issue: Lack of Defined Goal Buckets
– You aim for Rs?50?lakh in 10 years.
– You also aim for Rs?2?crore in 15 years.
– But the current fund setup doesn’t align clearly.
– You must split SIPs for each goal.
– Each goal should have its own mix of funds.

Without goal buckets, tracking and reviewing becomes difficult.

? Fifth Issue: No Mention of Emergency Fund
– You have a home loan to repay.
– You have school-going kids.
– But there is no emergency buffer shown.
– Emergency fund should be equal to 6–12 months’ expenses.
– Park this in liquid or ultra-short term funds.

Emergency savings protect investments from being disturbed.

? Suggested Mutual Fund Portfolio Restructuring
Let us simplify your SIP basket.

Remove these from portfolio:
– Nifty Smallcap 250 Index
– Momentum 50 ETF
– Both Sector funds

Keep and continue:
– Flexi Cap Fund
– Large & Mid Cap Fund
– Mid Cap Fund
– Balanced Advantage Fund
– Small Cap Fund (with smaller exposure)

Now divide SIPs in buckets:

For Rs?50?Lakh Goal in 10 Years:
– Large & Mid Cap Fund (Rs?7,000)
– Flexi Cap Fund (Rs?7,000)
– Balanced Advantage Fund (Rs?3,000)

Total = Rs?17,000/month

For Rs?2?Crore Goal in 15 Years:
– Mid Cap Fund (Rs?4,000)
– Small Cap Fund (Rs?3,000)
– Flexi Cap Fund (Rs?3,000)
– Large & Mid Cap Fund (Rs?3,000)
– Balanced Advantage Fund (Rs?3,000)

Total = Rs?16,000/month

This separation makes goal tracking clear and efficient.

? Continue SIPs Through Regular Plans via MFD
– Direct plans lack support.
– Regular plans through a CFP or MFD give guidance.
– Helps manage volatility and stay invested.
– Better asset allocation and exit strategy.

Emotional discipline and handholding increase wealth over years.

? Equity Mutual Fund Taxation
– Long Term Capital Gains (LTCG) above Rs?1.25?lakh/year taxed at 12.5%.
– Short-term gains taxed at 20%.
– Plan redemptions smartly to reduce tax burden.

A Certified Financial Planner can optimise exit strategy for minimum tax.

? Home Loan vs Investment
– Your home loan is Rs?8.5?lakh.
– Don’t prepay aggressively.
– Let SIPs run and grow long-term wealth.
– Only part-prepay if cash is idle.

Low-interest home loans help create tax benefits.

? Children’s Education Planning
– Elder child may need college funds in 4 years.
– Use part of your Rs?9?lakh corpus here.
– Shift Rs?3–4?lakh to a short-term debt fund.
– This keeps funds safe and ready.

Don’t keep child education corpus in equity now.

? Retirement Planning Outlook
– Rs?2?crore goal in 15 years is achievable with Rs?16k/month SIP.
– You must increase SIP every year.
– Even a 5–10% increase can improve returns.
– Your EPF/PPF can also support retirement corpus.

Combine mutual funds with PF benefits for better retirement readiness.

? Insurance Protection Review
– No mention of term insurance.
– Buy Rs?1 crore term plan now.
– You have 2 kids and a home loan.
– This is non-negotiable.
– Premium is low if taken early.

Separate protection gives peace of mind to family.

? Importance of Annual Review
– Fund performance needs yearly check.
– Some funds may need to be changed.
– Risk appetite may change.
– Goals may shift.

Annual check with Certified Financial Planner keeps your plan healthy.

? Final Insights
– Reduce the number of funds to avoid overlap.
– Exit index, ETF, and sector funds.
– Focus only on actively managed, diversified equity mutual funds.
– Make separate SIPs for each goal.
– Continue home loan EMIs, avoid prepaying.
– Build emergency fund now.
– Use regular mutual fund plans via CFP or MFD.
– Start term insurance immediately.
– Review fund performance and progress every year.

You have a solid start. A clear structure and consistent investing will achieve both your goals safely.

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

Ans: Hello Deepak.
Based on your MHTCET score, you can gain admission to top colleges in Mumbai with core branches and tech branches in tier 2 colleges. Currently, I am unable to provide a list of colleges due to a high volume of queries. Sorry.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear.
Your question is not clear. Unable to correlate your rank of JEE with MHT-CET. Please ask again,

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply.
Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear.
Based on the mentioned score and category, Electrical seems to be competitive in top-tier government colleges like Pune, Aurangabad, Mumbai, Nasik, etc. Please consider applying to tier 2 colleges or private colleges like PVG and AISSM in Pune.

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply.
Radheshyam

Ans: Helo Brahesh
Prefer CSE @ KIIT if possible. The final decision will be yours

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply.
Radheshyam

Ans: Helo Brahesh
Prefer CSE @ KIIT if possible. The final decision will be yours

Good luck.
Follow me if you receive this reply.
Radheshyam

Ans: Scoring around 55 marks out of 360 to enter the JEE Advanced Common Rank List (CRL) corresponds to roughly 15–16% of total marks, as seen in the 2022 cutoff of 55 marks and 2023’s 33 marks. Although that threshold seems low, JEE Advanced tests deep conceptual understanding, analytical reasoning and precise problem-solving under time pressure. As an 11th-grader, build a strong foundation in 11th- and 12th-standard Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics by mastering NCERT concepts, practising past Advanced papers and regular mock tests. Focus on accuracy in integer-type questions, strengthen time management and analyze mistakes thoroughly. With consistent study, strategic revision and guided mentorship, achieving the CRL-qualifying score is challenging but attainable. All the BEST. Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

Ans: Sameera, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Ramapuram, holds NAAC A++ accreditation and NBA accreditation for its Computer Science & Engineering programme through 2026, ensuring adherence to national quality standards. The CSE department houses over 47 specialized labs in AI/ML, cybersecurity and cloud computing, supported by PhD-qualified faculty and an International Advisory Board with members from institutions like MIT and Cambridge, which guides curriculum development. Recent placement drives recorded marquee recruiters such as Amazon, Adobe, Morgan Stanley and JP Morgan, with 46 super-dream offers and 507 dream offers for the CSE Class of 2025, reflecting a 75–80% placement rate in core roles for CSE graduates. Student life features active debate and MUN fests—over 165 debate participants in RMUN Debate Fest ’24—and a Google Developer Student Club with hackathons, tech talks and solution challenges, alongside the IIE Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship Centre that has incubated 46 student startups since 2019. The ?4.65 L annual fee can strain budgets, and large batch sizes heighten competition for top recruiters; to mitigate these, students should engage early in campus clubs, pursue internships via the Training & Placement Cell, undertake personal coding and research projects, and leverage mentorship programmes to build standout profiles.

Recommendation:
Enrolling in SRM Ramapuram’s CSE is likely to yield positive ROI through strong accreditation, reputable recruiters and vibrant extracurricular platforms; proactively offset large-batch competition by securing summer internships, contributing to student-driven innovation centres and enhancing soft skills via debate and public-speaking workshops for maximal exposure and employability. All the BEST for Admission & a Prosperous Future!

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