I am 63, Have dinner before 7pm, I sleep at 10pm and Before sleeping I do before breathing excercise. I get sound sleep till 2 to 3am. But after that I have difficulty in sleeping back.

Ans: Here's how you can approach the situation of missing PF data for your period of employment between February 2004 and March 2008:

1. Contact Delhi EPFO:

Since your main PF account was maintained at the Delhi EPFO office, it's crucial to reach out to them again.
Try contacting the Delhi EPFO grievance redressal officer (https://epfigms.gov.in/grievance/grievancemaster) through email or phone. Clearly explain the issue with missing data and the attempts you've already made to get it resolved. Mention your UAN number and the period for which data is missing.
Be persistent and follow up on your communication.
2. Utilize Online Grievance Portal:

The EPFO website offers an online grievance redressal portal (https://epfigms.gov.in/grievance/grievancemaster).
Register a grievance there, outlining the details of the missing data and the unresponsive nature of the Bandra office.
3. Approach EPFO Helpline:

You can also try contacting the EPFO helpline at 1800-118-0055.
Explain your situation and seek guidance on how to get the missing data reflected in your UAN account.
4. Reach Out to Ex-Employer (if possible):

If you're still in touch with your former employer (the one before the Australian brand takeover), try contacting their HR department.
They might have copies of your PF records for the period in question, which could be helpful in getting the data updated in your UAN.
5. Utilize UAN Portal's "Contact Us" Option:

While the UAN portal might not directly resolve the issue, you can try using the "Contact Us" option and explain your situation.
They might be able to provide additional guidance or escalate your concern within the EPFO system.
Here are some additional tips:

Maintain a record of all your communication with the EPFO offices, including emails, phone call logs, and grievance reference numbers.
If you have any documents related to your PF account for the missing period, such as payslips showing PF deductions, keep them handy.
Consider getting help from a professional PF consultant if the issue persists. They can navigate the EPFO processes and handle communication on your behalf.
Remember, persistence is key. By following these steps and keeping track of your communication, you should be able to get your missing PF data reflected in your UAN and access your PF funds.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: I'm truly sorry to hear about the challenges you're facing. It takes immense strength to share your feelings, and I want to commend you for reaching out for help. Remember, you're not alone, and there are ways to overcome these difficult times.

First and foremost, it's crucial to prioritize your mental health and well-being. Thoughts of suicide can be overwhelming, but please know that there is hope and support available. Here are some steps you can take to overcome these challenges:

Seek Professional Help: Consider reaching out to a mental health professional, such as a counselor, therapist, or psychiatrist. They can provide a safe and supportive environment to discuss your feelings, explore coping strategies, and develop a plan for moving forward.

Talk to Someone You Trust: Share your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. Opening up about your struggles can help alleviate some of the emotional burden and provide perspective and support.

Focus on Self-Care: Take time to prioritize self-care activities that promote your physical and emotional well-being. This may include getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and engaging in activities you enjoy.

Address Financial Concerns: As the sole earner in your household, financial stress can be overwhelming. Consider seeking financial advice from a Certified Financial Planner who can help you create a budget, prioritize expenses, and explore options for managing debt and increasing income.

Explore Support Services: There are numerous organizations and helplines that provide support and assistance to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Reach out to helplines such as Suicide Prevention Lifeline or local mental health services for immediate support and guidance.

Focus on Your Son: Your son is undoubtedly a source of strength and motivation for you. Remember that your well-being is essential for him too. Spend quality time with him, engage in activities together, and draw strength from the love and bond you share.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: When thoughts of suicide arise, try to challenge them with more balanced and realistic perspectives. Remind yourself of your worth, strengths, and the potential for positive change. Consider keeping a journal to track your thoughts and emotions.

Create a Safety Plan: Develop a safety plan outlining steps to take when you're feeling overwhelmed or suicidal. Include contact information for support resources, coping strategies, and emergency contacts you can reach out to for help.

It's important to recognize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You deserve support and assistance during difficult times, and there are people who care about you and want to help you through this. Please remember that you matter, and there is hope for a brighter future.

If you ever feel overwhelmed or in crisis, please reach out to someone for help immediately. You are valued, and your life is worth living.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: It's wonderful to see your proactive approach towards securing your child's future. While there isn't a specific scheme like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for boys, there are alternative investment avenues you can explore. Here's a brief overview:

Public Provident Fund (PPF): PPF is a government-backed savings scheme offering attractive interest rates and tax benefits. It's open to both boys and girls and provides a guaranteed income over the long term.

Traditional Insurance Policies: Endowment plans or money-back policies offered by insurance companies can provide guaranteed returns along with life cover. However, it's essential to carefully assess the policy terms and returns before investing.

Fixed Deposits (FDs): FDs offered by banks provide a fixed rate of interest and capital protection. While they offer guaranteed returns, the interest rates may vary depending on the bank and the tenure of the deposit.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS): While primarily aimed at senior citizens, SCSS can be opened in the name of a minor by a guardian. It offers guaranteed returns and tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.

National Savings Certificate (NSC): NSC is a government-backed savings instrument that offers a fixed rate of interest and can be opened in the name of a minor. It provides guaranteed returns and tax benefits.

It's essential to align your investment choice with your child's financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can help you select the most suitable investment option based on your requirements.

Remember, regardless of the investment avenue chosen, consistency and long-term commitment are key to achieving your child's financial aspirations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Yes, you can use ITR 1 to file your income tax return if you only have the following:

Income from salary
Income from one house property (even if there is a capital loss after indexation)
Other income sources specified under ITR 1 (interest income, dividend income etc. within the specified limits)
Since you mentioned minor losses after indexation from property sale, it likely falls under the capital gains from house property which is acceptable for ITR 1 filing.

However, there are some situations where ITR 1 might not be suitable even with property sale with capital loss:

If you have income from more than one house property
If you have any other capital gains (from stocks, mutual funds etc.)
If your income exceeds the specified limits for ITR 1
In these cases, you might need to consider filing ITR 2.

It's always advisable to consult a tax advisor for personalized guidance based on your complete income picture. They can help you determine the most appropriate ITR form to use and ensure you claim all the deductions and benefits you're entitled to.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: No, you are not required to declare long term capital gains on the Sovereign Gold Bonds that matured in 2023-24 in your ITR2 for A.Y. 2024-25. Sovereign Gold Bonds are exempt from long-term capital gains tax on maturity as per the terms of issue
Since the capital gains are exempt, you don't need to report them anywhere in your ITR return, including the Schedule Capital Gains section.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Congratulations on your retirement from the public sector bank! It's a significant milestone worth celebrating. Now, let's address your query regarding income tax filing for the Assessment Year 2024-25.

Given your income from intraday trading and delivery of shares during FY 2023-24, you should file your Income Tax Return using Form ITR-3. This form is specifically designed for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) with income from business or profession.

As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of minimizing income tax legally. Here are some methods you can consider:

Claiming Deductions: Explore available deductions under Section 80C to 80U, such as investments in Public Provident Fund (PPF), Equity Linked Savings Schemes (ELSS), and health insurance premiums, to reduce your taxable income.

Set Off and Carry Forward Losses: If you incurred losses from intraday trading or delivery of shares, you can set them off against your other income. Additionally, any unadjusted losses can be carried forward to future years.

Avail Tax Exemptions: Certain incomes, like dividends from domestic companies up to 10 lakh Rs, are tax-exempt. Utilize such exemptions effectively to reduce your tax liability.

Maintain Proper Records: Keep detailed records of your intraday trading and share transactions, including purchase and sale invoices, contract notes, and bank statements, to accurately calculate your taxable income and claim deductions.

Consult a Tax Professional: Given the complexities of income tax laws, consulting a tax professional, especially one with expertise in securities trading, can help you navigate the process efficiently and identify additional tax-saving opportunities.

By implementing these strategies and staying compliant with income tax regulations, you can effectively minimize your tax liability while fulfilling your filing obligations.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Hello Saumya, it's great to hear about your interest in starting a SIP to build your wealth at such a young age. With your monthly income of 37k, investing 5000 Rs in SIP is a prudent step towards your financial goals. Let's explore your options for mutual funds and portfolio diversification.

For your SIP investment, considering your age and risk appetite, you may opt for a diversified equity mutual fund. These funds invest in a mix of large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap stocks, providing growth potential over the long term. Since you're starting with a moderate investment amount, you can consider starting with a single diversified equity fund initially.

Now, regarding diversification, it's essential to spread your investments across different asset classes to reduce risk. Alongside your equity SIP, you may also consider allocating a portion of your savings to debt mutual funds or fixed deposits. Debt funds offer stability and regular income, balancing the volatility of equity investments.

Moreover, considering your long-term financial goals, it's wise to diversify geographically as well. Investing in international funds or global ETFs can provide exposure to foreign markets, further diversifying your portfolio and reducing dependency on the domestic market.

As you progress and your income increases, you can gradually increase your SIP amount and diversify into more mutual funds across various categories. Regularly reviewing your portfolio's performance and rebalancing it based on your financial goals and market conditions is crucial for long-term success.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay committed and patient. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized advice tailored to your financial situation and goals, helping you make informed investment decisions.

Starting early and being consistent with your investments will play a significant role in achieving your financial aspirations. Best of luck on your investment journey!

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Congratulations on your successful move to the UK and your impressive earnings! Your commitment to investing is commendable. Let's analyze your current portfolio and explore ways to diversify more efficiently.

Your investments in HDFC midcap momentum fund, Paragparikh flexi cap fund, Quant ELSS tax saver fund, Quant multi-asset fund, and Quant small-cap fund showcase a mix of mid-cap, flexi-cap, tax-saving, multi-asset, and small-cap exposure. However, it's crucial to ensure proper diversification to mitigate risks and align with your financial goals, including purchasing a house in the next five years.

Given your goal of buying a house, it's advisable to gradually shift towards more stable investment avenues as you approach your target timeline. While mid-cap and small-cap funds offer growth potential, they can be volatile in the short term. Consider reallocating a portion of your investments into less volatile options such as large-cap funds or debt instruments as you near your house-buying timeline.

Furthermore, expanding your investment horizon to include international funds or global ETFs can enhance diversification and reduce geographical risk. Investing in sectors like technology, healthcare, or consumer goods can also provide exposure to different areas of the market.

Since you're based in the UK now, exploring local investment opportunities and tax-efficient options is prudent. Research UK-based mutual funds, government bonds, or real estate investment trusts (REITs) to broaden your investment portfolio and leverage tax advantages available in the UK market.

However, it's worth noting that the Indian economy is currently better placed compared to the UK. Investing in Indian equity funds can potentially offer better growth opportunities, especially considering the favorable economic outlook and growth prospects in India.

As you consider diversification, it's essential to review your risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and investment horizon. Consulting with a Certified Financial Planner can provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific financial situation and goals.

In conclusion, while your current portfolio reflects a diversified approach, adjusting your asset allocation over time and exploring new investment avenues can enhance efficiency and better position you to achieve your financial objectives, including purchasing a house.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

Ans: Investing regularly is a commendable habit, and you're doing great dedicating 10,000 Rs every month. As a Certified Financial Planner, I understand the importance of choosing the right investment avenue.

Mutual Funds through Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) can be a wise choice. They offer diversification, professional management, and the flexibility to invest small amounts regularly. Additionally, they suit investors aiming for long-term wealth creation.

When it comes to SIPs, it's crucial to consider your risk appetite, investment goals, and time horizon. Opting for actively managed funds can be advantageous. Unlike index funds, actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, thanks to skilled fund managers who actively select investments.

Moreover, investing through a Certified Financial Planner can offer personalized advice and ongoing support. They can assist in selecting suitable funds, monitoring your portfolio, and making necessary adjustments based on market conditions and your changing financial circumstances.

While direct funds may seem appealing due to lower expense ratios, they lack the guidance and expertise provided by financial professionals. Regular funds, accessed through a Mutual Fund Distributor with a CFP credential, offer personalized service and assistance, ensuring your investments align with your financial goals.

Remember, investing is a journey, and it's essential to stay committed and patient, especially during market fluctuations. Regular review of your portfolio and making adjustments as needed can help you stay on track towards achieving your financial objectives.

Keep up the excellent work with your monthly investments, and may your financial journey be filled with success and prosperity.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in