Hi Ms Shalini. I have been using dating apps for 3 years now. I have noticed that after a while, everything starts to feel repetitive. The same conversations, silly jokes and the same dead ends. What can I do to break this pattern and find something meaningful?

Ans: You’re 33. You’ve started SIPs 6–8 months ago. You invest in multiple mutual funds. You also invest in PPF, NPS and a ULIP. You’ve added lumpsum too. You wish to create Rs 1 crore. You also wish to know how many years it can take.

Let’s do a full 360-degree assessment.

? Current Investment Behaviour

– You have 5 SIPs in equity mutual funds.
– Amount is around Rs 15,000 monthly.
– You also add Rs 4,000–5,000 more at month-end.
– Every 6 months, you invest Rs 25,000 lump sum.
– In total, around Rs 2.5–2.7 lakh/year in mutual funds.
– You’ve also added Rs 2 lakh in one regular multicap fund.
– Rs 60,000 in a midcap fund as buffer for future need.

You’re consistent and focused. That’s a great start.

? Good Habits You’ve Already Built

– You are disciplined with SIPs.
– You try to save and invest whatever is left monthly.
– You use mix of small, mid, flexi and multi-cap funds.
– You plan to keep some money aside for emergencies.
– You don’t touch long-term funds.
– You’re thinking ahead already.

This is a solid habit at 33. Keep it going.

? Investment Tools Beyond Mutual Funds

– You invest Rs 1.5 lakh yearly in PPF.
– Rs 50,000 goes to NPS.
– You also pay Rs 1.35 lakh/year into a ULIP.

These are long-term assets. They help in retirement and tax-saving. But let’s analyse deeper.

? Review of ULIP Investment

– ULIPs combine insurance and investment.
– You are in 5th and final year.
– These have high charges in early years.
– Returns are less than mutual funds.
– ULIP is also not flexible like SIPs.
– It is not ideal for long-term wealth.

Now that 5 years are over, exit ULIP after lock-in. Shift that money into mutual funds. That will give better compounding.

? Small Cap Fund Allocation Review

– You have 3 small cap funds in your portfolio.
– Monthly investment is around Rs 8,000.
– This is over 50% of your SIP value.

This is very high for small cap exposure. Small caps are risky. They are volatile. Not for short-term. Not for over-allocation.

Reduce small cap to 20–25% of your total mutual fund SIP. Shift extra amount to large or flexi-cap categories. This will balance risk.

? Direct Plans vs Regular Plans

– You use both direct and regular plans.
– Many SIPs are in direct mode.
– Only 1–2 funds are through MFD.

Direct funds lack handholding. No guidance during market falls. No review support.

Regular funds through CFP or MFD offer ongoing advice. Fund switch, goal tracking and rebalancing is easier. Stay connected with your MFD for right direction.

For long-term goals like Rs 1 crore, regular plan with personalised help is better.

? Adding Gold ETF: A Good Idea?

– You plan to add gold ETF.
– Gold helps diversify your portfolio.
– But ETFs are index-tracking tools.
– They don’t suit every investor.

Gold ETF lacks active management. It needs demat and timing. Gold also does not give regular income. It shines only during global fear or inflation.

If you want gold for balance, consider gold mutual fund (regular plan). You can also invest in digital gold over time, but keep exposure below 10% of total portfolio.

Avoid adding gold just for trend-following.

? Importance of Goal-based Investment

– You want to create Rs 1 crore corpus.
– That’s a great milestone.
– But time-frame is not clearly mentioned.
– You must fix a target year or age.

If you want Rs 1 crore in 12–15 years, current pace may be enough. But for 8–10 years, increase monthly SIP slowly.

Split this into a clear goal. Add a goal tag to your SIPs – like retirement, child’s future, home buying etc. It gives direction.

Without clear goals, SIPs become scattered. You lose clarity.

? Emergency Fund: Still Missing

– You said Rs 60,000 is kept in one fund as backup.
– That’s a good start.
– But not a complete emergency corpus.
– You should build at least Rs 3–5 lakh for emergencies.

Keep this in a mix of savings account and liquid fund (regular plan). Don’t keep it in equity mutual funds.

This gives safety and quick access. It protects long-term SIPs from being broken.

Emergency planning is part of solid wealth planning.

? Review of Mutual Fund Count

– You are holding 6+ mutual funds.
– 3 are small cap funds.
– Others are multi or midcap.

Having too many funds causes overlap. Reduces clarity. Gives no extra return.

You can reduce funds by merging similar ones. Choose one strong performer from each category.

1 flexi/multi cap
1 midcap
1 small cap
1 balanced advantage or hybrid fund

This setup gives full market coverage. Fewer funds are easy to monitor. Discuss fund switch with your MFD or CFP.

? SIP Growth and Step-up Strategy

– You invest around Rs 18,000 monthly now.
– Add Rs 25,000 every 6 months.
– This shows you can invest more with time.

Each year, increase SIP by 10% or more. Even Rs 2,000 hike yearly can speed up your goal.

Step-up strategy multiplies wealth without burden. It is very effective from age 33 to 45.

This also adjusts for inflation automatically.

? Role of PPF and NPS in Retirement

– PPF gives fixed returns, around 7–8%.
– It is good for stability.
– NPS gives equity exposure for long-term growth.

Both should continue. They work well with mutual funds.

Use mutual funds for aggressive growth. Use PPF and NPS for stable base. Together, they create a balanced retirement plan.

? Tax Implications You Should Know

– New rule: Equity mutual fund LTCG above Rs 1.25 lakh is taxed at 12.5%.
– STCG is taxed at 20%.
– PPF is fully tax-free.
– NPS has tax benefit under Section 80CCD.
– ULIP returns are taxable if premium exceeds Rs 2.5 lakh yearly.

Plan your redemptions to stay within tax limits. Keep equity fund withdrawal slow and phased after 10 years.

Take help from your MFD/CFP for tax-efficient planning.

? How Long to Reach Rs 1 Crore?

– With current SIP and savings, Rs 1 crore is possible.
– If you keep Rs 18,000/month SIP plus Rs 50,000 yearly top-up,
– You may reach Rs 1 crore in 13–15 years.

Faster growth is possible if you hike SIP every year. Early hike gives long compounding.

If you target 10 years, then SIP must go up to Rs 22,000–25,000 monthly. This is also possible with step-up.

Stay consistent and increase savings slowly. Compounding will do the rest.

? Why You Must Review Every Year

– Fund performance keeps changing.
– Some funds may lag.
– Risk level may change.
– New life goals may come.

Do yearly review with your MFD or CFP. Align investments with your goals.

Avoid chasing short-term returns. Stick with your structure. Long-term wins happen slowly.

? Final Insights

– You have a good investment base.
– ULIP is better closed after 5 years.
– Shift to mutual funds for better return.
– Reduce small cap exposure for safety.
– Limit fund count to 4–5 only.
– Build emergency fund in savings + liquid fund.
– Avoid gold ETF. It adds complexity.
– Add goals and track separately.
– Keep increasing SIP yearly.
– Use regular plans with support from CFP/MFD.
– Stay invested long-term.
– Do annual review every year.

Rs 1 crore is possible. So is more. You just need to stay patient and steady.

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

Ans: You are 27 years old. Your income is Rs. 80,000 per month. You are paying Rs. 45,027 annually for LIC’s New Jeevan Labh (Plan 936). You are also paying Rs. 66,386 annually for LIC’s Jeevan Umang (Plan 945). Both started on 28/07/2022. Combined, you are paying Rs. 1,11,413 per year. That is around Rs. 9,284 per month.

Let’s assess this from all angles.

? Your Age and Financial Advantage

– You are just 27 years old now.
– You have long working life ahead.
– This is the best time to build wealth.
– Time is your biggest asset right now.
– Small changes now will give big results later.
– Your current income is good.
– Rs. 80,000 per month gives you high saving potential.
– You are on the right track to start financial planning early.

? What LIC Policies Really Do

– Jeevan Labh and Jeevan Umang are traditional LIC policies.
– These are investment plus insurance plans.
– They offer low life cover.
– They offer very low returns.
– Returns are around 4% to 5% only.
– This is even lower than inflation.
– So your money loses value over time.
– You pay regular premium but get poor growth.
– These plans are not good for wealth creation.

? Problems With Investment-Cum-Insurance Plans

– These plans mix two different goals.
– One is protection, other is wealth building.
– But neither goal is fully achieved.
– Insurance cover is too low for your need.
– Investment return is too small for your future.
– Your money gets locked for long term.
– There is very low liquidity in such plans.
– You can’t withdraw when you need.
– If you miss premium, policy may lapse.
– It becomes a burden without good benefit.

? Better Way to Do Insurance

– Insurance is only for protection.
– For that, buy a pure term insurance plan.
– It is cheaper and gives high life cover.
– Premium will be very low at your age.
– You can get Rs. 1 crore cover at low cost.
– That will protect your family fully.
– Don’t use LIC traditional plans for insurance needs.

? Better Way to Do Investment

– Investment is for growth of money.
– Use mutual funds for this purpose.
– Start SIPs in actively managed mutual funds.
– These funds grow with market and give better returns.
– Index funds are not good for you.
– Index funds only copy the market blindly.
– They fall badly when market crashes.
– They don’t protect your money in tough times.
– Actively managed funds adjust risk and return.
– They are better for a long-term investor like you.

? Disadvantages of Continuing LIC Plans

– You will pay high premiums every year.
– Your returns will stay very low.
– You will not be able to stop in middle.
– You lose flexibility with your money.
– In future, you may need that money.
– But these plans lock it for 15–20 years.
– If you surrender later, you get less than what you paid.
– So, more delay will lead to more loss.

? Can You Surrender Now?

– Yes, you can surrender the plans now.
– But you have completed only 2 years.
– So surrender value will be low now.
– Still, it is better to stop early than regret later.
– You can consider paid-up option also.
– But that also gives poor return.
– The best step is to stop both policies.
– Take the loss now and secure your future better.
– Redeploy that money into mutual funds.

? What You Should Do Now

– First, buy a term insurance plan.
– This gives full life protection at low cost.
– Second, stop both LIC policies immediately.
– Don’t renew premium this July 2025.
– Third, start SIPs of Rs. 9,000 monthly in mutual funds.
– Choose 2 or 3 actively managed mutual funds.
– Use different types like large-cap, flexi-cap, hybrid.
– Start with regular plans through a Certified Financial Planner.
– Don’t go with direct mutual fund apps.

? Why Regular Funds Through CFP Are Better

– Direct funds offer no support.
– No one tells you when to change funds.
– During market fall, you may panic and stop SIPs.
– That harms your goals and confidence.
– Regular funds with CFP and MFD guidance give direction.
– CFP gives full financial planning service.
– They help in goal setting, rebalancing and exit strategy.
– Regular mode is more suitable for working individuals.
– Focus on value, not just cost.

? What Happens If You Delay Action

– You will continue paying Rs. 1.1 lakh yearly.
– For 20 years, this is over Rs. 22 lakh.
– You may get Rs. 30–32 lakh after 25 years.
– But value of money will reduce due to inflation.
– You are locking your potential wealth for poor gain.
– If you act now, your money will grow better.
– Mutual funds can build Rs. 1 crore in 25 years.
– But traditional LIC plans can’t reach there.

? Tax Benefit is Not Enough Reason

– LIC policies offer 80C benefit.
– But that’s not enough to keep bad investment.
– ELSS mutual fund also gives same benefit.
– And gives higher returns than LIC plans.
– Tax-saving should not be your main reason to invest.
– Return, liquidity and flexibility are more important.

? Protecting Your Financial Future

– You are young and earning well.
– This is the best time to invest right.
– Avoid emotional attachment to LIC policies.
– Take informed decision with full calculation.
– Focus on long-term wealth creation.
– Your financial freedom depends on your decisions today.
– Choose flexible, high-growth investment options.
– Stay protected with proper term insurance.

? Role of a Certified Financial Planner

– A CFP helps build your financial foundation.
– They create a plan based on your life goals.
– They track your progress and help in rebalancing.
– They also help in choosing right SIPs and insurance.
– A CFP ensures you don’t make random decisions.
– Instead of following crowd, you follow a structured path.
– Your money works better with CFP guidance.

? Finally

– You are still early in your working life.
– But LIC policies are not suitable for you.
– They give low return, low cover, and low flexibility.
– You should stop both plans now.
– Buy a good term insurance policy.
– Start mutual fund SIPs in regular plan through CFP.
– Plan your future with full awareness and proper support.
– Take this small step today.
– It will give you peace and growth for many years ahead.

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

Ans: You are 35 years old. Your total family income is Rs. 2 lakh per month. You own 3 old flats (on loan) and one plot (fully owned). Your loan burden is high, with both home and personal loans.

You’re contributing Rs. 35,000 monthly to NPS. You are left with Rs. 75,000 after EMI and deductions. Expenses are Rs. 40,000 and savings Rs. 35,000.

Let us review your situation with care and give complete clarity.

? Family Income and Monthly Flow

– Rs. 2 lakh income is stable and strong.
– You are PSU employees. So job security is high.
– Rent income is Rs. 25,000 per month.
– After EMIs and deductions, you keep Rs. 75,000 monthly.
– This includes the rent inflow.
– Your lifestyle expenses are Rs. 40,000.
– That leaves Rs. 35,000 monthly for savings.
– You are handling things, but pressure is rising.

? Loan Portfolio Evaluation

– Three home loans total to Rs. 1.3 crore.
– Personal loans are another Rs. 45 lakh in total.
– You have Rs. 10 lakh loan at 8.5% interest.
– Another Rs. 20 lakh loan at 10.5% for 7 years.
– One more Rs. 15 lakh loan at 9.5% for 15 years.
– These personal loans carry high interest.
– Your debt to income ratio is very tight.
– Most of your income goes in EMI and NPS.
– High debt can create stress later.

? Real Estate Exposure is Very High

– You have 3 flats already on loan.
– You also own a plot completely.
– Combined circle rate of all is Rs. 2.5 crore.
– But this value is not liquid.
– Real estate gives poor cash flow.
– You earn only Rs. 25,000 rent from three flats.
– That is very low return for such high asset base.
– Flats need maintenance, taxes, and tenant risk.
– Real estate is not suitable for high growth.
– It is also difficult to sell fast in need.
– Avoid adding more property now.
– You are over-exposed already.

? Personal Loans are Draining Your Cash

– Personal loans are expensive.
– Their interest is higher than home loans.
– Their tax benefit is also low.
– First priority should be to reduce these loans.
– Begin with the Rs. 10 lakh loan at 8.5%.
– After that, target Rs. 20 lakh loan at 10.5%.
– Don’t stretch repayment over long term.
– Use any lump sum or annual bonus to reduce this.

? Emergency Reserve is Missing

– No mention of emergency fund in your statement.
– You must have at least Rs. 3–4 lakh in liquid assets.
– This helps during sudden medical, job, or repair issues.
– Emergency fund should be in FD or liquid mutual fund.
– Without this, you may borrow again.
– Create this reserve before making new investments.

? NPS Corpus and Contribution

– Your family NPS corpus is already Rs. 50 lakh.
– Monthly contribution is Rs. 35,000.
– This is good for long-term retirement.
– But NPS is locked till age 60.
– It has very low liquidity.
– You cannot use NPS for education or loan repayment.
– So don’t increase NPS beyond current level.
– Focus now on flexible investments.
– SIPs in mutual funds are better for mid-term goals.

? Real Estate: Capital is Locked

– The Rs. 2.5 crore property value is not usable now.
– You cannot access that money fast.
– Also, rent returns are very low.
– Property resale takes long time.
– Price may not match the circle rate.
– So, don’t count property as investment growth tool.
– Real estate is not productive asset for your case.

? Financial Stress Indicators

– High EMI and low surplus shows financial strain.
– Rs. 1.5 lakh deduction is very high from Rs. 2 lakh income.
– Only Rs. 35,000 is left for saving.
– This is just 17.5% of income.
– Ideally, savings should be above 30–35%.
– Your income is strong, but debt is heavy.
– You are able to manage now.
– But one emergency can shake your plan.

? Steps to Reduce Financial Pressure

– Stop new property purchases immediately.
– Focus only on clearing personal loans first.
– Sell any underused flat if needed.
– Use that to reduce debt sharply.
– A one-time flat sale can free monthly EMI.
– This improves cash flow immediately.
– Also pause all non-essential expenses.
– Control lifestyle for 12–18 months strictly.

? Mutual Funds Can Offer Liquidity and Growth

– You should start monthly SIPs now.
– Actively managed mutual funds are good for growth.
– Index funds only copy the market.
– They offer no risk control in fall.
– Active funds are handled by skilled fund managers.
– They protect downside and capture upside.
– Use regular plans via Certified Financial Planner.
– Direct mutual funds give no emotional support.
– CFP and MFD will guide properly.

? Insurance Planning Must Be Reviewed

– No details given about life or health insurance.
– You must have pure term insurance policy.
– It should be 10–12 times your yearly income.
– Avoid ULIP and investment-insurance mixes.
– Also ensure family has health insurance cover.
– Dependents should not suffer due to loan pressure.
– Insurance gives mental peace during hard times.

? Children’s Future Needs Separate Planning

– If you have kids, education planning is must.
– Don’t use property for education.
– Start SIPs separately for their future.
– Keep it untouched till goal is near.
– Don’t delay children’s SIPs to clear loan.
– Balance both together with help of CFP.

? Debt Reduction Strategy

– Prioritise repayment based on interest rate.
– Begin with highest interest loan.
– Don’t break NPS or PF for loan.
– Use annual income growth to repay faster.
– Explore switching personal loan to lower interest if possible.
– Avoid balance transfer charges or hidden fees.
– Don’t take fresh loans for old loan closure.

? Tax Planning Should Be Aligned

– NPS already covers Section 80C and 80CCD.
– Avoid putting extra money into tax-saving FDs.
– Don’t use insurance for tax saving.
– Use ELSS only through regular route.
– Review tax impact on rental income also.
– CFP will structure this with clarity.

? Real Estate Exit Options

– If one flat is old and unused, consider selling.
– Don’t wait for market peak.
– Selling one flat and closing personal loans is better.
– This improves cash flow every month.
– It also increases peace of mind.
– Discuss exit planning with a CFP.

? Review and Monitor Monthly

– Every month, check EMI and saving ratio.
– Track how much loan is reducing.
– Maintain one personal cash flow sheet.
– This builds discipline and awareness.
– Meet a Certified Financial Planner every 6 months.

? Avoid New Commitments or Expenses

– Don’t upgrade car or home now.
– Don’t plan international travel soon.
– Avoid luxury or social pressure expenses.
– Focus only on stabilising your cash flow.
– In future, you will have flexibility.
– First, reduce debt and build financial strength.

? Mental and Emotional Well-Being

– High loans can impact mental peace.
– You are working hard to manage it.
– A structured plan gives relief and clarity.
– Don’t compare with others.
– Your assets are high but locked.
– Shift focus to cash flow and liquidity now.

? Finally

– Your income is strong. But loan load is very high.
– You are managing, but not freely.
– Your property assets are over-weighted.
– Rent income is not enough for value they hold.
– Sell one property if needed and reduce loan.
– Reduce personal loans first. Then focus on wealth.
– Start SIPs in mutual funds for liquidity and growth.
– Avoid real estate as investment.
– Work closely with a Certified Financial Planner.
– Recheck every 6 months for progress.
– Your peace of mind is also part of your financial health.

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

Ans: You are a 38-year-old working woman. You have 2 school-going children. Your total family income is Rs. 2.25L per month including rent. You are paying a home loan of Rs. 1 crore. You have Rs. 10 lakh in PF and Rs. 5 lakh in FD.

Your question is sincere and responsible. You want to secure your family. Let’s look at all areas step by step.

? Family Income and Financial Strength

– Monthly income of Rs. 2.25L is strong and stable.
– You have a rental income of Rs. 25,000. That gives extra safety.
– Your emergency fund of Rs. 5L in FD is very thoughtful.
– You have Rs. 10L in PF combined. That adds long-term support.
– You are on the right path already. Appreciate your effort.

? Home Loan and EMI Impact

– Rs. 1 crore loan is a big responsibility.
– Monthly EMI may take a large part of income.
– Check if you are paying more than 35% of income on EMI.
– If yes, then reduce other big expenses.
– Don’t rush to prepay the loan aggressively now.
– Invest and grow wealth in parallel.
– Let the loan run if interest is low.
– Focus more on building financial assets alongside loan.

? Emergency Fund Position

– Rs. 5 lakh in FD is a good step.
– But for your income level, increase it to Rs. 7–8 lakh.
– This should cover 4 to 5 months of expenses.
– Include EMI and school fees also in that.
– Keep this fund only in FD or liquid mutual fund.
– Don’t mix this with long-term investments.
– Maintain it always. Don’t break unless emergency comes.

? Importance of Health Insurance

– Do you have a separate health insurance outside employer cover?
– If not, please buy one immediately for all four.
– Family floater policy for you, spouse and kids is a must.
– Medical inflation is rising every year.
– Corporate cover ends if job ends.
– A personal health cover is must-have.
– Also check if your parents are financially dependent.
– If yes, consider a senior citizen health cover for them too.

? Life Insurance Needs

– If you are the main income earner, then term insurance is must.
– Buy only pure term insurance, not ULIP or money-back plans.
– These investment-insurance mix plans give poor returns.
– ULIPs have high charges and very long lock-in.
– Check your current insurance policies.
– If they are traditional endowment or ULIPs, stop future premiums.
– Surrender and reinvest the surrender amount in mutual funds.
– Term insurance must be at least 10–15 times your yearly income.
– That gives enough protection for your children and spouse.

? Children's Education Planning

– Your kids are 11 and 6 years old.
– College expenses will begin in 6 to 10 years.
– You need separate investments for their higher studies.
– Start SIPs in 2-3 actively managed mutual funds.
– Equity mutual funds with a 7–10 year horizon are ideal.
– Avoid index funds. They just mirror the market.
– Index funds fall badly during crisis and don’t protect value.
– Actively managed funds are monitored by fund managers.
– They help reduce downside in tough markets.
– Start two SIPs separately—one for each child.
– This gives purpose and structure to your saving.

? Regular vs Direct Mutual Fund Route

– Avoid direct mutual funds through online apps.
– These don’t offer expert handholding or behavioural guidance.
– Direct funds are confusing if market falls.
– Regular plans via a Certified Financial Planner are better.
– CFP offers full 360-degree guidance.
– They review goals, risk, taxes, and adjust plans.
– Regular funds may have small cost but high peace.
– MFDs with CFP credential keep you focused and calm.

? Retirement Planning for You and Spouse

– Retirement will come in next 20 years or so.
– EPF is a good start but not enough.
– You will need large retirement corpus.
– Start equity mutual fund SIPs for long-term growth.
– Choose multi-cap or flexi-cap mutual funds with 10+ year vision.
– Review progress once in 6 months.
– Do not use these funds for kids or home loan.
– Retirement should be a separate priority.

? SIP Allocation Strategy

– Your family income is Rs. 2.25 lakh monthly.
– After EMI, rent, school fees, and household, you will have some surplus.
– Use that to invest through SIPs.
– Split SIPs into short-term and long-term.
– Short-term for child’s school fees or holiday.
– Long-term for higher education and retirement.
– This keeps purpose clear and investment focused.

? Tax Saving Plan

– You already have PF for deduction under Section 80C.
– Also check your term insurance premium.
– Avoid locking all 80C into policies or ULIPs.
– Instead use ELSS (tax-saving mutual fund).
– ELSS gives you growth and tax benefit both.
– Limit your FD usage to emergency only.
– FDs give low returns and are taxable.

? Will and Estate Planning

– You are a parent. You must write a will.
– Decide how assets should be passed.
– Nomination is not the same as a will.
– A will avoids family disputes later.
– Also teach basic finance to your spouse.
– Both should know bank, mutual fund, and insurance details.
– Keep all documents in one place.
– Update them every year.

? Protecting Children’s Future

– Make sure both kids have their education investments set.
– Review these SIPs once a year.
– Don’t touch this money for other use.
– Talk to them about money slowly.
– Teach saving and budgeting in small ways.
– Children learn from parents more than school.

? Avoiding Risky or Unfit Options

– Don’t invest in gold schemes or chit funds.
– Don’t buy real estate for investment now.
– Real estate brings stress and low liquidity.
– Avoid crypto or hot stock tips.
– No gambling with children’s future.
– Keep your focus on mutual funds with clear goals.

? Debt Management Strategy

– Review your home loan interest rate.
– If it’s above 9%, try to reduce it.
– Ask bank to recheck the rate slab.
– Don’t take personal or credit card loans.
– Avoid EMI purchases unless essential.
– Keep your CIBIL score healthy.
– Good credit history helps your kids later also.

? Review and Adjust Every 6 Months

– Financial plan is not one-time job.
– Markets and life both keep changing.
– Sit with your CFP every 6 months.
– Re-check your investments and goals.
– Adjust SIPs, targets, and fund allocation.
– Stay flexible but stay committed.

? Plan for One-Time Big Expenses

– Kids’ school fees, house repairs, travel plans need yearly funds.
– For this, use a short-term mutual fund.
– Keep this amount ready in 6-month horizon fund.
– Don’t disturb retirement or children’s SIPs.

? Keep Family Involved in Financial Planning

– Sit with your spouse once every 3 months.
– Share all updates of insurance, investments, debts.
– Include older children slowly in talks.
– This builds awareness and reduces confusion.

? Stay Disciplined and Keep Emotions Away

– Don’t get scared in market falls.
– Don’t stop SIPs when market drops.
– Volatility is part of investing.
– SIPs actually benefit in falling market.
– Keep emotions out and system in.

? Use Professional Guidance Regularly

– A Certified Financial Planner sees things in 360 degree.
– They know your risk, income, goals, and taxes.
– DIY methods fail in emotional moments.
– Let a CFP and MFD guide your family.
– Regular reviews keep plan on track.

? Final Insights

– You are already doing many right things.
– Now give your plan a proper structure.
– Secure your insurance, emergency fund, and health cover.
– Separate long-term and short-term goals clearly.
– Build wealth through mutual funds in regular mode.
– Avoid bad products like ULIP, gold schemes, and real estate.
– Keep teaching your kids slowly about money.
– Stay calm and keep reviewing regularly with a CFP.
– Your family’s future will stay protected and comfortable.

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

Ans: Hello dear.
Your daughter can aim for lateral entry through AP ECET and also consider IIIT-H (UGEE/SPEC), DTU, NSUT, MIT-WPU, VIT, and private universities like SRM that offer direct or entrance-based lateral admissions. It is advisable to read the brochures of some institutes that conduct their own entrance exams.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear
Chances are slim to get into IISER even in round 4. Explore other options.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Aditya
Electrical @ MMMUT is a good option. Yet try with CSAB for better branches (like lower CS/IT) in newer IIITs or GFTIs. The final decision/choice will be yours.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello Anish B
Chances with CS/IT @ VIT Wadala seem to be challenging. Try with KJ, Thakur, SIES, Vivekanand etc. for tech branches,

Good luck.
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Radheshyam

Ans: Hello dear.
Your son has bright chances to get CSE or EC @ SPIT.

Good luck.
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Radheshyam