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Anu Krishna  |1328 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 25, 2024

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
Lokesh Question by Lokesh on Apr 25, 2024Hindi
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Relationship

Thanks a lot for your reply Mam. As you rightly said forgiving and rebuilding trust is not so easy . Even then if my friend chooses that , what is the probability that such a thing will not happen again as it has happened twice. Is it worthy of taking such a risk or is it better for him to move on with divorce proceedings and a find a better person . Pl advise

Ans: Dear Anonymous,
You are most welcome.
The only way to get over the fear of swimming is to actually start learning to swim. Similarly, your friend will have to take the decision of wanting to TRUST the process again. No one can make that decision for him.
He can either view it as a RISK or a another SHOT at a beautiful life. How he approaches it will define how is he is going to step in and live the decision he makes and that will in turn either not be in his favor or can be. Depends on the approach...
Just because something unpleasant has happened once does not mean that it will happen again right? That fear can keep a person away from living a beautiful life. So, whether he chooses to reconnect with his wife OR think of a new partner, either way the approach has to be free from fears and more out of giving himself and the relationship a chance to flourish.

All the best!

You may like to see similar questions and answers below

Anu

Anu Krishna  |1328 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Apr 23, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Apr 16, 2024Hindi
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Relationship
Hello Anu Mam, I have a very close friend who s been married for 10 years and with 2 kids one 8 yr old daughter and a one year old son. His wife whom he loved and trusted so much has cheated on him with one of her friend for almost 3 years which he came to know about recently. He could not digest that ..He thought of divorcing her but thinking about his children's future he changed his mind and told her to end all communication with her affair partner .She too agreed . My friend didn't tell about this to anyone except me including her parents whom he respects a lot and hence didn't want to hurt them ...But after 3 months he came to know that his wife is still in contact with her friend using another phone without his knowledge and her affair also has not stopped . This time he said he couldn't tolerate and told this to her parents and told them that he would be filing for divorce. Her parents are begging him not to do so and telling him to give one last chance as they would mend her this time . He told them that even after giving her a chance to mend herself she has cheated him and broken his trust . He says he cannot live with her without trust . So he has decided to move on but his wife and her mother are telling they will have no other choice but to commit suicide if he doesn't forgive his wife. My friend says he is also worried about his children's future without their mother ...At the same time he says he cannot imagine living with his wife again as before after being cheated on twice...He is asking me to advise. I am totally confused . Kindly advice the pros and cons of 1)forgiving her once again and living in a trustless marriage 2)moving on and finding someone more trustworthy . 3) If he decides to marry another person how will this impact his children . Kindly help me to advise my friend suitably ..
Ans: Dear Anonymous,
1) Forgiving is never easy BUT if that's an option, then your friend and his wife will have to put it a lot of work in rebuilding the trust that is lost...which means a lot of putting things in the past and starting fresh, Will your friend be able to do this? This also will mean NOT bringing up what hurt the marriage and to focus on what can rebuild the marriage. Possible?
2) For a new relationship to blossom, one must first find closure from the previous one. Can your friend be able to do this?
3) The new person and the children will need a lot of time bonding with another. Also, your friend's ex-wife (if they divorce) will have her set of insecurities and objections if the new person and the children get closer. Will your friend be willing to take on these challenges?
It's wonderful that your friend has a great sense of support from you; so you can act as his sounding board to bring him back to reality and lead him to practical ways of dealing with it.

All the best!

..Read more

Kanchan

Kanchan Rai  |407 Answers  |Ask -

Relationships Expert, Mind Coach - Answered on Jun 19, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jun 19, 2024Hindi
Relationship
Dear Kanchan Mam, I have a very close friend who s been married for 10 years and with 2 kids one 8 yr old daughter and a one year old son. His wife whom he loved and trusted so much has cheated on him with one of her friend for almost 3 years which he came to know about recently. He could not digest that ..He thought of divorcing her but thinking about his children's future he changed his mind and told her to end all communication with her affair partner .She too agreed . My friend didn't tell about this to anyone except me including her parents whom he respects a lot and hence didn't want to hurt them ...But after 3 months he came to know that his wife is still in contact with her friend using another phone without his knowledge and her affair also has not stopped . This time he said he couldn't tolerate and told this to her parents and told them that he would be filing for divorce. Her parents are begging him not to do so and telling him to give one last chance as they would mend her this time . He told them that even after giving her a chance to mend herself she has cheated him and broken his trust . He says he cannot live with her without trust . So he has decided to move on but his wife is telling she will have no other choice but to commit suicide if he doesn't forgive her and has even threatened to commit suicide along with his children. She has attempted a couple of times too . My friend is in depression . He says he is also worried about his children's future without their mother ...At the same time he says he cannot imagine living with his wife again as before after being cheated on twice...He is asking me to advise. I am totally confused . Kindly advice the pros and cons of 1)forgiving her once again and living in a trustless marriage 2)moving on and finding someone more trustworthy . 3) If he decides to marry another person how will this impact his children . He s not interested in continuing with his wife but only for kids sake and because of his wife's and her mother's pressure he says he is not able to initiate divorce proceedings...Kindly help me to advise my friend suitably...
Ans: I understand how incredibly difficult this situation must be for your friend, and it's clear that he's grappling with some profound and painful decisions. Let's explore the potential paths he might take, keeping in mind the need for empathy and understanding for everyone involved.

If your friend chooses to stay and forgive his wife again, it might provide immediate stability for the children. They would continue to have both parents in their daily lives, which can offer a sense of security and normalcy. However, it's essential to acknowledge the immense challenge of living in a relationship where trust has been deeply broken.

Trust is fundamental to any healthy relationship, and without it, he might find himself constantly anxious and emotionally strained. This ongoing tension could create a stressful environment for both him and his children. If there's any hope for this path, it would require significant commitment to rebuilding trust and possibly professional counseling to navigate the healing process.

Deciding to move on and possibly seek a new, trustworthy relationship could ultimately lead to a happier and healthier future for your friend. This path respects his emotional needs and acknowledges that rebuilding trust with his current partner may not be feasible. Moving on offers a chance to start anew and find fulfillment in a relationship built on mutual respect and honesty.

However, divorce is a major life transition that will significantly affect the children. They'll need time and support to adapt to the changes in their family dynamics. This process can be emotionally and legally challenging, but it might be necessary for your friend to find peace and stability. His wife's threats are deeply concerning and must be taken seriously. Ensuring everyone’s safety is paramount, and professional help may be needed to manage these threats.

Introducing a new partner into his children’s lives is a delicate process. Initially, they might feel confused or insecure about the changes. However, with careful handling and sensitivity, a new, loving relationship can eventually provide them with a positive and nurturing environment. It can show them that it’s possible to overcome difficult circumstances and find happiness and stability again.

Encouraging your friend to seek professional counseling can provide a safe space for him to process his emotions and support his children through these transitions.

Consulting a lawyer will help him understand his rights and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect his and his children's safety, especially given his wife's threats.

Leaning on trusted friends and family can offer much-needed emotional support and practical advice. This is a time for him to draw on his community for strength and guidance.

Your friend's priority should be the well-being of his children and his own emotional health. Whether he chooses to stay and work on rebuilding the marriage or decides to move on, it’s crucial that he feels supported and safe in his decision. He doesn’t have to face this alone, and with empathy, professional help, and the support of loved ones, he can navigate this challenging time and find a path forward that leads to peace and happiness.

Being there for him as a compassionate friend during this time is invaluable. Your support and understanding can make a significant difference as he navigates these difficult choices.

..Read more

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Pushpa

Pushpa R  |31 Answers  |Ask -

Yoga, Mindfulness Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 2024

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7116 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 2024

Money
Mr Advait Arora, I am 36 Years Old and just got introduced to MF. I have started RD 80K/Month , FD 7.5Lcs, 32.5K/Month MF (SBI Magnum Mid Cap Direct Plan Growth 5k, Tata Small Cap Fund Direct growth 10 K, SBI PSU Direct Plan Growth 5K,Aditya Birla Sun Life PSU Equity Fund Direct growth 5 K,Quant Small cap Fund Direct Plan Growth 5k & Quant Mid Cap Fund Direct growth 2.5k. Additionaly have started LIC INdex Plan 30K/Month for 20 years, 2.5 Lcs / year HDFC ULIP Click to invest 10 years plan and 10 K/Month on Max life Saving an Ulip Plan Again for 5 years invest and 20 years plan . I wanted to target 10 Crores in 15 Years. Please let me know if am on the right track or is there some changes to be made .All this are started in year 2024. I am an NRE working in Middile east Thanks in advance Deepu
Ans: Your commitment to financial discipline and long-term goals is praiseworthy. However, your portfolio requires optimisation to ensure you reach your Rs 10 crore target in 15 years. Here's a detailed assessment and strategic recommendations.

Evaluating Your Current Portfolio
Recurring Deposit (RD): Rs 80,000/Month
Recurring deposits are low-risk but offer limited returns.
The post-tax return is unlikely to match inflation.
Fixed Deposit (FD): Rs 7.5 Lakh
Fixed deposits are safe but have similar challenges as RDs.
Long-term wealth creation is difficult with these instruments.
Mutual Funds (MF): Rs 32,500/Month
Investments in small-cap and mid-cap funds indicate a high-risk appetite.
However, all your investments are in direct funds.
Disadvantages of Direct Funds:

Direct funds require active monitoring and market knowledge.
Any wrong decision can lead to lower returns.
Benefits of Regular Funds via CFP:

Professional guidance ensures better fund selection.
Regular reviews and rebalancing optimise performance.
LIC Index Plan: Rs 30,000/Month for 20 Years
Index-based plans offer limited growth due to market-cap weighting.
Returns may not beat inflation consistently.
HDFC ULIP Click to Invest: Rs 2.5 Lakh/Year for 10 Years
ULIPs combine insurance and investment, leading to suboptimal growth.
High charges during the initial years impact returns.
Max Life Saving ULIP: Rs 10,000/Month for 5 Years, 20-Year Plan
Long lock-in and high charges are similar drawbacks as the above ULIP.
Insurance cover may not suffice for your financial needs.
Optimising Your Portfolio for Growth
1. Mutual Fund Investments
Shift from direct plans to regular funds through a Certified Financial Planner.
Diversify across equity, hybrid, and debt categories for better stability.
2. Recurring Deposit and Fixed Deposit
Gradually move RD and FD funds into debt and equity mutual funds.
Debt funds offer tax efficiency and better post-tax returns.
3. LIC Index Plan and ULIPs
Surrender these policies after consulting with your Certified Financial Planner.
Reinvest proceeds into mutual funds for higher long-term returns.
4. Adequate Term Insurance
Buy a pure term insurance plan for financial protection.
Ensure the sum assured is at least 10-15 times your annual income.
Building a Rs 10 Crore Corpus in 15 Years
Step 1: Monthly SIP Investments
Increase monthly SIPs gradually to match your cash flow.
Allocate more funds to equity-oriented mutual funds for growth.
Step 2: Balanced Portfolio Allocation
Maintain 60% in equity, 30% in debt, and 10% in other instruments.
Equity funds drive growth, while debt funds provide stability.
Step 3: Monitor and Rebalance
Regularly review your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner.
Rebalance yearly to maintain the desired asset allocation.
Tax Efficiency
1. Mutual Fund Taxation
Equity funds have LTCG taxed at 12.5% above Rs 1.25 lakh.
Plan withdrawals to minimise tax liability.
2. Debt Fund Taxation
Gains are taxed as per your income slab.
Use systematic withdrawals for efficient tax management.
Final Insights
You have a strong savings habit and a clear financial goal. However, some adjustments are necessary to optimise your portfolio. Surrender low-yield plans like ULIPs and LIC and reinvest in growth-oriented mutual funds. Shift from direct funds to regular funds with professional guidance.

With disciplined investing, proper diversification, and consistent reviews, achieving Rs 10 crore in 15 years is possible. Stay focused and work closely with a Certified Financial Planner.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7116 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 24, 2024Hindi
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Money
I have retired at 55, funds available 1.7 cross, monthly expenses 1.5 lacs per month. 1.00 dr required after 5 years for daughters marriage. PLease advise additional corpus required.
Ans: You have retired at 55 with Rs. 1.7 crores corpus. Your monthly expenses are Rs. 1.5 lakhs. Additionally, Rs. 1 crore is needed in five years for your daughter's marriage. Let us determine the adequacy of your current corpus and the additional amount required for long-term financial stability.

Financial Observations
Monthly Expenses

Your current monthly expenses are Rs. 1.5 lakhs.
This translates to Rs. 18 lakhs annually.
Marriage Fund Requirement

Rs. 1 crore is required in five years.
Allocating a portion of the corpus now can ensure it grows to Rs. 1 crore.
Corpus Sustainability

The existing corpus of Rs. 1.7 crores is insufficient to sustain Rs. 1.5 lakhs monthly.
The gap between income and expenses will drain the corpus quickly.
Inflation Impact

Inflation will increase your expenses over the next 20–30 years.
Adequate planning is essential to preserve purchasing power.
Recommendations to Address the Corpus Gap
Marriage Fund Planning

Invest Rs. 70-75 lakhs in debt mutual funds or fixed-income instruments.
These options can grow steadily to Rs. 1 crore in five years.
Monthly Expense Management

Create a systematic withdrawal plan from the remaining corpus.
Focus on balanced or hybrid funds to sustain monthly cash flow.
Estimate Additional Corpus Required

Considering inflation and long-term expenses, an additional Rs. 4-5 crores is needed.
Start building this corpus through systematic investments.
Invest Additional Corpus for Growth

Invest new funds in equity-heavy portfolios for higher returns.
Diversify into large-cap, flexi-cap, and balanced funds.
Portfolio Allocation Strategy
Debt Allocation for Stability

Allocate 40–50% of the corpus to debt instruments.
Focus on short-term debt funds or fixed-income securities.
Equity Allocation for Growth

Invest 50–60% of the corpus in equity mutual funds.
Choose actively managed funds with consistent long-term performance.
Hybrid Funds for Balanced Growth

Allocate a portion to balanced advantage funds.
These provide stability and reduce volatility.
Emergency Fund

Maintain six months’ expenses in a liquid fund.
This ensures liquidity for emergencies.
ESOP or Stock Diversification

Avoid high concentration in single-company ESOPs.
Diversify into broader markets or mutual funds.
Tax Planning for Withdrawals
Minimise LTCG Tax on Mutual Funds

Long-term capital gains over Rs. 1.25 lakh are taxed at 12.5%.
Time withdrawals to reduce taxable gains.
STCG Tax Consideration

Short-term capital gains are taxed at 20%.
Avoid premature redemptions to save on taxes.
Debt Fund Taxation

Debt fund gains are taxed as per your income tax slab.
Plan redemptions strategically to reduce tax outgo.
Steps to Build the Additional Corpus
Increase Investment Allocation

Contribute Rs. 1.5–2 lakhs monthly to new investments.
Use systematic investment plans for disciplined investing.
Focus on Long-Term Equity Growth

Allocate a significant portion to equity for compounding growth.
Include international equity for diversification.
Review and Adjust Portfolio Regularly

Conduct half-yearly reviews to align with goals.
Rebalance the portfolio to manage risks.
Seek Professional Guidance

Work with a Certified Financial Planner to create a tailored plan.
Regular monitoring ensures you stay on track.
Final Insights
Your current corpus and monthly expenses require careful management. An additional Rs. 4-5 crores is necessary to ensure long-term financial stability. Focus on strategic investments and tax-efficient withdrawals. Plan proactively for the marriage fund and sustain your lifestyle comfortably.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP
Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

Pushpa

Pushpa R  |31 Answers  |Ask -

Yoga, Mindfulness Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 2024

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |7116 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 25, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 24, 2024Hindi
Money
I am 66 years old and retired in 2019 with a retirement settlement corpus of 70 lakhs. I also inherited 50lakhs. I own a flat in MP valued at 1.4 cr. This is mortgaged as collateral for my daughter's international education to the tune of 32 lakhs. I also own a flat in mumbai worth 2.4 crores and another small real estate investment worth 25 lakhs. Due to improper investments and no income for last five years and also the fact that I have been living in MP while my wife with two adult kids was living in mumbai, we have consumed most of the corpus on living and managing two homes and now have only about 40 lacs in savings.. We dont have any other loans. My one child is 25 yrs and is abroad and other is 29 and earning good income.. My wife has to take care of her 85 yr old mother who has willed my wife her flat located in another city which is worth 1.2 crore and has about 50 lacs in FDs... Please advise on what is the best way ahead to secure our future and most important, generate a monthly income of 1 lac. I understand I have to consolidate my properties but unsure how to take the right decision.. Your advise will be valuable.
Ans: At 66 years of age, your primary focus should be to generate a steady income. Your current financial position, including properties and savings, offers opportunities for consolidation. Here is a detailed plan to secure your financial future and achieve a monthly income of Rs 1 lakh.

Understanding Your Current Position
Savings: Rs 40 lakh
Properties:
Flat in MP (Rs 1.4 crore, mortgaged for Rs 32 lakh)
Flat in Mumbai (Rs 2.4 crore)
Smaller real estate investment (Rs 25 lakh)
Family Dependency:
Wife with an 85-year-old mother requiring care
Two adult children (one earning, one studying abroad)
This diverse portfolio requires strategic consolidation for optimal returns.

Assessing Financial Needs
Target Monthly Income: Rs 1 lakh
Expenses: Consolidate family living to reduce redundant expenses.
Liquidity: Immediate access to funds for unforeseen needs.
Strategic Property Consolidation
1. Flat in MP
Sell the MP flat for Rs 1.4 crore.
Use Rs 32 lakh to close the loan taken for your daughter’s education.
The remaining Rs 1.08 crore becomes liquid for investments.
2. Flat in Mumbai
Retain this flat for family residence.
Consolidate living expenses by shifting your family from MP to Mumbai.
3. Small Real Estate Investment
Sell this property for Rs 25 lakh.
Add proceeds to your investment pool for income generation.
4. Future Inheritance
Your wife's future inheritance (Rs 1.2 crore flat and Rs 50 lakh FDs) adds security.
Avoid depending on this for immediate financial decisions.
Building a Monthly Income Stream
1. Immediate Investments
Allocate Rs 1.4 crore (from property sales) to a mix of instruments for income and growth:

Debt Mutual Funds: Invest Rs 1 crore in dynamic bond funds or monthly income plans.

These funds offer stable returns.
Withdraw systematically for monthly income.
Equity-Oriented Hybrid Funds: Invest Rs 40 lakh.

These funds balance growth with moderate risk.
Provide capital appreciation to beat inflation.
2. Emergency Fund
Keep Rs 10 lakh in liquid funds.
Ensure immediate access for unforeseen medical or family needs.
3. Insurance
Ensure adequate health insurance for yourself and your wife.
This reduces financial stress during medical emergencies.
Reducing Expenses
1. Family Consolidation
Move your wife and mother-in-law to Mumbai.
This reduces duplicate household expenses.
2. Simplify Lifestyle
Evaluate discretionary expenses and minimise unnecessary outflows.
Generating Rs 1 Lakh Monthly Income
Use the systematic withdrawal plan (SWP) from mutual funds.
Withdraw Rs 75,000 monthly from debt funds.
Use dividends or growth from equity hybrid funds for the remaining Rs 25,000.
This method ensures steady income without depleting the corpus.
Tax Efficiency
Mutual Fund Withdrawals
Debt Funds: Gains taxed as per your slab rate. Plan withdrawals carefully.
Equity Hybrid Funds: Gains above Rs 1.25 lakh annually taxed at 12.5%.
Strategies to Minimise Tax
Spread withdrawals across multiple financial years.
Utilise exemptions and deductions for senior citizens.
Role of a Certified Financial Planner
Regularly review the portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner.
Adjust investments based on market performance and financial needs.
Plan tax-efficient withdrawals and rebalancing.
Final Insights
Consolidating your properties and strategically investing the proceeds will ensure a secure retirement. A mix of debt and equity funds can generate Rs 1 lakh monthly. Simplify your living arrangement to save costs and reduce stress.

Consistent reviews and disciplined financial decisions will keep you on track. Focus on maintaining liquidity and protecting your wealth for a comfortable future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP

Chief Financial Planner

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

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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