Dear Mayank,
I am a BCom graduate with 25+ years of experience in accounts and finance.
My designation is manager, accounts and finance.
I have worked for reputed companies like Karvy Consultants, Ramky, VLCC Healthcare and others.
On March 20, 2020, a few days before the lockdown, I was asked to resign from my job and my salary was paid on the same day.
Since then, I have been applying for jobs continuously.
I am not adamant about my designation. I am trying for all jobs that relate to my experiences. I have been searching through newspapers, Naukri.com, Monster and various social media but it has been a case of ‘Apply and apply but no reply’.
Fortunately, both my kids are working from home in IT companies but being the senior responsible caretaker, I am sitting idle without a job in hand.
Can you advise/suggest and help me to solve this problem.
Regards
Nagaraju U E

Ans: To build a substantial corpus by age 55, you'll need a combination of disciplined saving, investing, and potentially exploring higher-return avenues:

Increase Savings: Try to increase your SIP contributions as your income grows. Aim to save and invest at least 20-30% of your income.
Diversify Investments: Apart from FDs and SIPs, diversify into equity mutual funds, PPF, or NPS for potentially higher returns. Consider adding a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and diversified equity funds.

Side Income: Explore freelance work, consultancy, or any passion that can generate additional income.
Review and Rebalance: Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to align with your goals and market conditions.
Seek guidance from a financial advisor to create a personalized plan and monitor progress towards your goal.

Ans: To calculate your capital gain, you'll first need to determine the cost of acquisition and the cost of improvement.

Cost of Acquisition:
The property was bought in 1994 for 2 lakh.

Cost of Improvement:
You spent around 10 lakh on interiors and renovation.

Indexed Cost of Acquisition:
To adjust for inflation, calculate the indexed cost of acquisition using the Cost Inflation Index (CII) for the year of purchase and the year of sale.

Capital Gain = Selling Price - (Indexed Cost of Acquisition + Cost of Improvement)

Once you subtract the indexed cost of acquisition and the cost of improvement from the selling price, you'll get your capital gain. Consult a tax advisor for accurate calculations and implications.

Ans: To reach your goal of Rs. 1 crore by age 30, you'll need a disciplined approach to investing and potentially higher returns. Consider increasing your SIP amount as your income grows. Diversify your portfolio across different asset classes, including equity, debt, and possibly international funds for better growth prospects and risk management. Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio to ensure it aligns with your goal and risk tolerance. Additionally, consider other avenues like side hustles or freelance projects to boost your income, which can accelerate your investment growth towards the target amount. Start early and stay consistent with your investment strategy.

Ans: Your SIP choices seem well-diversified across small-cap, flexi-cap, mid-cap, and large & mid-cap categories, which is good for spreading risk. However, ensure that your small-cap exposure aligns with your risk tolerance as they can be volatile.

For the remaining 7k to 11k, consider low-risk options like debt funds or a balanced fund that combines equity and debt. Debt funds can provide stability and lower volatility compared to equity funds. A balanced approach helps in achieving both growth and stability. Ensure you have an emergency fund set aside before investing in riskier assets to cover unforeseen expenses. Regularly review your portfolio to maintain alignment with your financial goals.

Ans: You have a diversified portfolio covering various categories like ELSS, bluechip, multicap, small cap, and sector-specific funds. To rebalance, assess your asset allocation to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance and investment goals. Consider adjusting allocations if any fund exceeds its target percentage by a significant margin.

For future investments of Rs. 20,000 p.m., focus on areas where your portfolio is underrepresented or where you see potential growth. Maintain a balance between large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap funds to spread risk. Consider adding international or sectoral funds for further diversification. Regularly review and adjust your portfolio to stay aligned with your financial goals.

Ans: Hey there,

Navigating setbacks in life is like sailing through stormy seas - challenging, but certainly not impossible. While it's natural to feel disheartened after experiencing setbacks in exams like UPSC and NEET-UG, remember that every storm eventually passes, leaving behind valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Here are some compass points to help you navigate through this rough patch and reignite your motivation:

1. Embrace Failure as a Stepping Stone: Failure is not the end of the road; it's merely a detour on the journey to success. Instead of dwelling on your past attempts, view them as stepping stones towards your ultimate goal. Reflect on what went wrong, identify areas for improvement, and use these insights to chart a new course forward.

2. Reframe Your Perspective: It's easy to succumb to self-doubt and negative thoughts, but remember that setbacks are temporary setbacks, not reflections of your worth or capabilities. Reframe your perspective by focusing on your strengths, achievements, and the progress you've made thus far. You're not defined by your failures; you're defined by how you rise from them.

3. Set Realistic Goals: Break down your ultimate goal into smaller, manageable milestones. Set realistic and achievable targets that allow you to track your progress and celebrate small victories along the way. By focusing on incremental progress, you'll build momentum and regain confidence in your abilities.

4. Seek Support and Guidance: You're not alone in this journey. Lean on your support system - whether it's your family, friends, mentors, or counselors - for guidance and encouragement. Sharing your struggles with others can provide valuable perspectives, insights, and emotional support to help you navigate through tough times.

5. Explore Alternative Paths: Remember that success doesn't have a one-size-fits-all formula. If your previous attempts didn't yield the desired results, consider exploring alternative career paths or educational opportunities that align with your interests and strengths. Keep an open mind and be willing to adapt and pivot as needed.

6. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during this challenging time. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend facing similar circumstances. Practice self-care activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul, whether it's pursuing hobbies, exercising, or practicing mindfulness.

7. Stay Persistent and Resilient: Remember that success often requires perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Stay committed to your goals, and don't let temporary setbacks derail your long-term aspirations. Keep moving forward with determination and unwavering belief in your ability to overcome challenges.

In the words of Winston Churchill, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." So, muster up your courage, dust yourself off, and embark on this journey with renewed vigor and optimism. Your brightest days are yet to come!

Wishing you strength, resilience, and boundless success on your path ahead!

Ans: Thank you for getting in touch with me on Rediff Gurus. Networking on LinkedIn can be a valuable tool for expanding your professional connections, exploring new career opportunities, and staying updated on industry trends. Start by ensuring that your LinkedIn profile is complete, up-to-date, and professional. Use a clear profile picture, write a compelling headline, and craft a summary that highlights your skills, experiences, and career goals. Include relevant keywords and skills to improve your visibility in search results. Begin by connecting with colleagues, classmates, mentors, and professionals you know personally. Personalize your connection requests with a brief message explaining why you'd like to connect. Engage with their content by liking, commenting, and sharing posts to stay on their radar. Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry, interests, or career goals. Participate in group discussions, share insights, and connect with fellow group members who share similar interests or expertise. Engaging in group conversations can help you build relationships with professionals outside your immediate network.

Regarding taking a break from your job, the ideal amount of savings to hold depends on your individual financial situation, expenses, and risk tolerance. As a general guideline, financial advisors often recommend having at least 3 to 6 months' worth of living expenses saved as an emergency fund. Best of luck! Feel free to contact me on Rediff Gurus if you need further assistance or help.

Ans: Thank you for getting in touch with me on Rediff Gurus. It's understandable to feel frustrated and low after dedicating over two decades to your job, especially when you're contemplating resigning but feel constrained due to financial obligations like housing and gold loans. I would recommend that you to take some time to assess your current situation and explore all your options. Consider the reasons behind your frustration and dissatisfaction with your job. Are there specific aspects of your role or workplace environment that are contributing to your feelings of discontent? Understanding the root causes can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

If you ultimately decide to resign from your current job, develop a plan for transitioning to a new phase of your career or life. Update your resume, network with professionals in your industry, and explore job opportunities that align with your skills, experience, and interests in banking, finance, consulting, and related fields. 

Finally, prioritize self-care and well-being as you navigate this challenging period. Take time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as hobbies, exercise, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing personal interests. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance and attending to your emotional and mental health are essential for resilience during times of change and uncertainty.

Remember that you're not alone in facing these challenges, and there are resources and support systems available to help you navigate this transition. Take things one step at a time, be patient with yourself, and trust that you have the resilience and strength to overcome obstacles and find fulfillment in your career and life. Best of luck! Feel free to contact me on Rediff Gurus if you need further assistance or help.

Ans: Thank you for getting in touch with me on Rediff Gurus. Deciding between pursuing an M.Sc. in food technology or applying for the RRB NTPC exam requires careful consideration of your career goals, personal circumstances, and long-term aspirations. I would suggest you set your priorities right. You should start looking for job prospects and career opportunities for food technology graduates in both academia and industry. There is a good demand for food technology professionals with advanced degrees in food technology; hence, evaluate whether pursuing a PhD or gaining work experience through government employment aligns better with your career goals. If your priority is to pursue a career in research, academia, or specialized roles in the food technology industry, pursuing an MSc and eventually a PhD may be the preferred path. On the other hand, if job stability, financial security, and government employment are your priorities, then exploring opportunities through the RRB NTPC exam may be more suitable today. By carefully evaluating your options and aligning your priorities with your goals and aspirations, you can make a decision that sets you on the path towards a fulfilling and rewarding career in food technology.