I have a strange problem at my end.

My wife has a different mood, in the morning she would be fine and all of a sudden without any issue from my end then too her mood gets off and she keeps quite.

When I ask her she replies saying it is nothing. This annoys me a lot. I keep quiet and this goes for 2-3 days. If her mood is ok, she will talk.

I do understand that if I hurt her then her mood goes off; then it's ok. But if I have not done anything then also it happens. What should I do?

We fight over past events.

We are not able to close the issue and come to a solution.

Currently we are not talking to each other for the last 4 months.

I have 2 daughters --aged 14 and 10. i am very much worried about them.

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Ans: Anirvinna, The University Grants Commission (UGC) and other regulatory bodies in India have made significant efforts to ensure that distance education degrees are treated as equivalent to regular degrees. The UGC states that degrees obtained through distance or online education from recognized institutions are equivalent to regular degrees, applicable for both government and private sector jobs. The Distance Education Bureau (DEB) ensures the quality of distance education programs and oversees compliance. Distance education degrees are valid for all government jobs, professional courses, and private sector acceptance. However, some organizations may prioritize candidates with regular degrees for certain roles due to perceptions of classroom rigor or networking opportunities. The UGC has encouraged universities to offer quality online programs, reducing the stigma associated with correspondence education. To enhance career prospects, consider pursuing correspondence programs from well-reputed institutions with strong alumni networks and industry connections. All the BEST for your Prosperous Future.

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Ans: BR, Working as a delivery personnel or a BPO in Russia can be a temporary option for short-term financial needs or gaining experience. Factors to consider include work permit requirements, language proficiency, and cultural adjustment. Delivery jobs in Russia typically offer modest pay, with cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg offering better earnings. BPO/Call Center jobs can be slightly better, depending on the employer and language skills required. The cost of living in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg can be high, and work conditions can be physical and flexible. Career growth opportunities are limited in delivery jobs, while BPO/Call Center jobs offer opportunities for team leader or managerial roles. Risks include safety risks, health concerns, and limited job security.

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Ans: Gokul Sir, Your daughter's education in accounting, economics, commerce, and computer science offers a variety of career-focused courses after her 12th year. Some popular options for your daughter include a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management and Business Studies, a Master of Business Management (BBM) Actuarial Science (B.Sc). Analytics and Economics (BSc or BA) in Economics, Data Science or Statistics, and Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) in IT and Technology are also popular options.

To make a decision, consider her interests, job goals, and preferred subjects. Determine her preferred management, creative, or analytical work, and set long-term career objectives. Consider courses that fit her desire for competitive tests. BCA, Design, or Digital Marketing are suitable if you are good at creativity and a tech-savvy individual.

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Ans: Amritansh, Kerala's state-run Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) is renowned for its outstanding academic standing and reputation for research. The costs at CUSAT are not as high as those at private universities. Recruiters from the data science, analytics, and IT fields work in the institution's specialized placement cell. Although the placement rate for MSc programs is respectable, it might not be as high as at private universities. Due to its advantageous location in Kochi, a developing IT hub, it offers networking opportunities and internships at local businesses. For students on a tight budget, those interested in research, and those looking for a strong foundation and successful career results, CUSAT is a great option. All the BEST for your Prosperous Future.

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Ans: Sakshi, for MSc Data Science, Choose VIT Vellore for industry-oriented careers, DA-IICT Gandhinagar for research/academic careers, and consider location preference based on geographical location and campus culture. All the BEST for your Prosperous Future.

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Ans: Assessment of Current Investments
Mutual Funds

Your portfolio has a good mix of midcap, multicap, small-cap, and sectoral funds.
Diversification across different fund categories is appreciable.
However, the allocation to thematic and sectoral funds like defence, manufacturing, and energy is high.
Sectoral funds can be volatile and risky, especially for near-term goals.
Fixed Deposit (FD)

Rs. 12 lakh in FD provides stability and liquidity.
FDs are suitable for short-term needs but offer limited growth potential.
LIC Policy

The LIC policy provides Rs. 10 lakh, likely covering insurance and investment.
Such policies usually yield lower returns than mutual funds.
Future Financial Goals
Daughter’s Marriage (3–4 years)

Allocate funds with a low-risk profile for this goal.
Avoid high exposure to equity for this purpose.
House Purchase in Chennai

Save in instruments that offer both safety and moderate returns.
Flexibility and liquidity are important for this goal.
Retirement Corpus

Focus on long-term equity investments for growth.
Diversify to balance returns and risk.
Proposed Investment Strategy
Short-Term Goals (Daughter’s Marriage and House Purchase)
Utilise Fixed Deposits Wisely

Allocate a portion of your FD for your daughter’s marriage.
Retain some FD for emergency purposes only.
Invest in Debt Mutual Funds

Choose high-quality short-duration or dynamic bond funds.
Debt funds can provide better post-tax returns than FDs.
Keep the money safe and accessible for short-term use.
Avoid Sectoral and Thematic Funds

Shift sectoral fund investments to safer debt-oriented funds.
Sectoral funds are not suitable for short-term goals.
Medium- to Long-Term Goal (Retirement Planning)
Increase SIP in Diversified Equity Funds

Diversify into flexicap, multicap, or large-cap funds.
These funds balance risk and growth for long-term wealth creation.
Reduce Thematic Fund Allocation

Limit exposure to thematic funds to less than 10% of the portfolio.
Reallocate to well-diversified equity funds.
Invest in Hybrid Funds

Include balanced advantage or hybrid equity funds.
These funds reduce volatility while offering equity-like returns.
Consider Equity-Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS)

Invest in ELSS for tax-saving benefits under Section 80C.
ELSS funds also offer long-term growth.
General Recommendations
Review Insurance Policy

Assess if the LIC policy offers adequate life coverage.
If it is a traditional endowment or ULIP, consider surrendering.
Reallocate proceeds to mutual funds for better returns.
Maintain Emergency Fund

Keep 6–12 months’ expenses in a savings account or liquid funds.
This ensures you have liquidity for unforeseen expenses.
Monitor and Rebalance Portfolio

Review your portfolio quarterly or semi-annually.
Rebalance to maintain alignment with your goals.
Focus on Tax Efficiency

Use tax-efficient instruments like ELSS, debt funds, and retirement-focused funds.
Plan withdrawals strategically to reduce tax impact on capital gains.
Retirement Planning Recommendations
Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

In the future, use SWP from mutual funds for retirement income.
It provides tax efficiency compared to traditional annuities.
Healthcare Planning

Ensure your health insurance coverage is adequate for post-retirement needs.
Increase coverage if necessary to avoid financial strain later.
Invest in Equity for Growth

Continue investing in equities for long-term wealth appreciation.
Equity helps combat inflation effectively over the years.
Final Insights
Your investment portfolio is commendable and diversified. However, some adjustments can improve alignment with your goals. Reduce sectoral exposure and shift towards safer instruments for short-term needs. For retirement, continue SIPs in diversified equity and hybrid funds. Regular monitoring and rebalancing will keep your financial plan on track. With these changes, you can achieve your goals while ensuring a comfortable and self-sufficient retirement.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: Yes, you can use the money received from cancelling the agreement of one flat to repay the loan for the flat where you are residing. This can be a financially prudent decision, especially if the loan carries a high-interest rate. Here’s a detailed analysis to help you decide:

Benefits of Using the Money to Repay Your Loan
Interest Savings

Paying off your home loan early can save significant interest.
The earlier you repay, the more you save on interest due to the reducing balance method.
Debt-Free Living

Being debt-free reduces financial stress.
You free up cash flow that can be allocated to other financial goals.
Guaranteed Returns

Loan repayment offers guaranteed returns equivalent to the interest rate on your loan.
This is often better than the post-tax returns from other investments.
Enhanced Creditworthiness

Paying off a loan improves your credit score.
This is beneficial if you plan to borrow in the future for any purpose.
Factors to Consider Before Repaying the Loan
Prepayment Penalty

Check if your lender imposes a penalty for early repayment.
Most lenders, however, do not charge penalties on floating-rate loans.
Emergency Fund

Ensure you have an adequate emergency fund before using the money to repay the loan.
Ideally, keep 6-12 months of expenses in a savings account or liquid funds.
Opportunity Cost

Compare the potential returns from investing the money against the savings from loan repayment.
If your loan interest rate is lower than potential investment returns, consider investing instead.
Tax Benefits

Home loan interest payments qualify for tax benefits under Section 24(b) of the Income Tax Act.
Principal repayments are eligible under Section 80C.
If you repay the loan, you forgo these benefits, so weigh the impact on your tax planning.
Alternative Approaches
Partial Repayment

Consider making a partial repayment instead of fully paying off the loan.
This reduces the principal while keeping some funds liquid for other opportunities.
Invest for Higher Returns

If your loan interest rate is low, explore investing in mutual funds or other instruments.
Over time, these investments could potentially offer better post-tax returns.
Settle High-Cost Loans First

If you have any other high-interest loans, prioritise repaying those.
Examples include personal loans or credit card debts.
Final Insights
Repaying your home loan with the money from the cancelled flat agreement is a sound decision if your goal is to reduce debt and save on interest. However, consider your overall financial situation, including tax benefits, liquidity needs, and potential investment opportunities. A balanced approach—partly repaying the loan and investing the remaining amount—could offer the best of both worlds. Consulting a Certified Financial Planner can help you tailor the decision to your specific goals and circumstances.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

Ans: GATE score will help you for M
Tech. Best wishes