Hi Pooja My husband and I were going through a tough time during the lockdown and I got in touch with an old friend. Both of us are married and have a history with each other. We knew each other since we were young. We got involved physically and although we are mature adults, we do long for each other. But there are kids and much as we'd want to be together, we can't afford to take this relationship forward. We have limited our communication but it is getting harder by the day because we do love each other. Is this normal? What do you generally advice someone in a situation like this? How do we deal with this situation better?

Ans: Check the placement report of the college you want to get in and do talk to the students of that college before you take admission. Top MBA colleges in Delhi NCR region are FMS, MDI, IIFT, IIT Delhi, etc.

Ans: There are MBA courses in Energy sector which could be relevant to your field. There are also Management courses on Sustainability Management which not directly but indirectly could be connected to your areas. Before you take up a course do a proper research on the placements after the course.

Ans: Can look at option of doing Executive MBA. Look at eligibility criteria.

Ans: There is no problem in changing you career path if you see opportunity and interest. But do proper research in the field before you take the plunge. It should not happen that once you start your new career you lose interest.

Ans: A lot of students do 2nd Masters degree. You do it to change your career and get into some area that you are interested. To look for relevant job you will have to have patience and keep searching.

Ans: A degree will add value if you do it from top 5 to 10 B schools in India. If you have more than 5 years work experience can try for executive MBA after writing GMAT. Can research on the placement of Executive MBA course to get a better idea.

Ans: You are in IT field which is fast changing. You are a Tester which is not in the forefront of technology. You will anyways move out of your comfort zone at some point of time in the near future. Since you have got and opportunity, take it up. Talk to students studying at IIM Shillong to get a better perspective and also analyse their placements.

Ans: US CMA could help but to a limited extent. Can do executive MBA from any of the top B schools in India or do a 2nd MBA from abroad to pursue a career in foreign country.

Ans: It's understandable to feel confused when considering significant financial decisions like withdrawing and investing a substantial amount of money. Let's weigh the pros and cons of withdrawing your investments and putting the funds into fixed deposits (FDs) for generating monthly income:
Pros of Investing in FDs:
1. Stable Income: FDs provide a fixed interest rate, ensuring a predictable monthly income stream, which can be beneficial for meeting regular expenses.
2. Capital Preservation: Your principal amount invested in FDs is generally considered safe and protected, offering stability and security.
3. Ease of Management: FDs are relatively straightforward investment instruments, requiring minimal monitoring and management.
Cons of Investing in FDs:
1. Limited Returns: FDs typically offer lower returns compared to equity-linked investments like mutual funds, which may not be sufficient to keep pace with inflation over the long term.
2. Lack of Flexibility: Once you invest in FDs for a specific term, withdrawing funds before maturity may attract penalties or lower interest rates, limiting liquidity.
3. Inflation Risk: FD returns may not always keep up with the rising cost of living, potentially eroding the purchasing power of your income over time.
Considerations:
1. Risk Tolerance: Assess your risk tolerance and financial goals to determine if the conservative approach of FDs aligns with your needs. At age 52, preserving capital and generating steady income may be a priority.
2. Diversification: Review your overall investment portfolio and ensure it is well-diversified across asset classes to manage risk effectively. Consider maintaining exposure to growth-oriented investments like mutual funds for long-term wealth creation.
3. Financial Planning: Consult with a Certified Financial Planner to create a comprehensive financial plan tailored to your goals, risk profile, and income needs. They can provide personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions.
In conclusion, while FDs offer stability and regular income, they may not be the most efficient option for long-term wealth accumulation. It's essential to balance safety, liquidity, and returns based on your financial situation and objectives.
Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in